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Seraph Black #4
A Portrait of Pain
“I had to understand that grief would be a constant in my life, and that it would be different every time it returned to me: the same face hidden beneath a brand new hat. I needed to say goodbye to this chapter of my life, to the grief that had clawed at me, to the threat that had stalked me through the shadows …”
Seraph Black’s entire world has changed. There are no more secrets in her life, but knowledge comes at a price. Memories take their toll. Reality demands a due.
The silent shadow of her past has stepped into the light and revealed himself. He has lost everything, and the only thing left for him to do is to make sure that she loses everything as well.
Survival is a complicated game, but her pairs are determined to become experts at it before they run out of time. If only they knew about the brand of pain in her portraits that was never there before, because something is seriously wrong.
Her visions are changing.
People are dying.
The world is turning on its head once again.
Warning: As the characters in this series are maturing, so is the content. Not suitable for persons younger than 17 years.
Seraph Black’s entire world has changed. There are no more secrets in her life, but knowledge comes at a price. Memories take their toll. Reality demands a due.
The silent shadow of her past has stepped into the light and revealed himself. He has lost everything, and the only thing left for him to do is to make sure that she loses everything as well.
Survival is a complicated game, but her pairs are determined to become experts at it before they run out of time. If only they knew about the brand of pain in her portraits that was never there before, because something is seriously wrong.
Her visions are changing.
People are dying.
The world is turning on its head once again.
Warning: As the characters in this series are maturing, so is the content. Not suitable for persons younger than 17 years.
Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2017
About the author
Jane Washington
31 books3,766 followersJane is a Wall-Street Journal bestselling author who spends all her time writing books and then telling people not to read them.
Find her here: https://linktr.ee/janewashingtonbooks
Find her here: https://linktr.ee/janewashingtonbooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 384 reviews
July 11, 2018
”It’ll be painful for a while.” His free hand gripped the headrest, his face drawing closer.
“But all the pain will be worth it in the end.”
Thank you, Silas, for putting that sentiment out there, because ^^^that^^^ is how I feel about the Seraph Black series.
I hated book 1. Book 2 was an improvement, but nevertheless a struggle to get through. Book 3 was, in one word, D E P R E S S I N G.
But book 4 made me remember why I’ve stuck with this series, and why so many of my friends stan Jane Washington.
My biggest concern with earlier installments was the unhealthy nature of Seraph’s relationship with her pairs. The secret keeping, the violence, the negligence, the aggressive over-protectiveness… it all struck a wrong chord with me.
Portrait of Pain is the first book in which I felt comfortable with the relationship dynamics and with the boys’ treatment of Seraph. A big reason for this change is that Seraph herself has changed, and learned to demand healthier things from her pairs. She’s no longer meekly accepting their tantrums and mistreatment. More than ever before, Seraph calls the shots in book 4 and makes her pairs listen. It’s amazing how much these five have grown, from distrusting and hurting each other nonstop to communicating and loving each other unconditionally.
For just a moment, I felt a spark of deep appreciation for my pairs. They were so strong, so fierce and protective… but they never stopped me. Never held me back. They believed in my strength, and they trusted me completely.Now there’s a relationship I can finally support.
My other big source of frustration with the series was the many instances of the "The Plot Demands It" trope littering the story. None of the explanations for dramatic points felt valid or satisfying.
For example, why didn’t Silas or Milo keep so much relevant information from Seraph? Because of some BS plot point to do with their dad. Convenient that he had just the right power to create the maximum amount of tension between the MCs! Why was Seraph constantly trying to touch her pairs? Because she was “straining” and that’s just something Atmas do, accept it. Why couldn’t Seraph just give in to the bond? Because she didn’t want to upset the resident psycho, a plot point that just disappears later on. Why did Noah and Cabe spend a whole book being assholes to Seraph? Because one dude shows up with a magic amnesia-inducing ability and isn’t brought up again. Basically, because plot, plot, PLOT, PLOT, PLOT. We as readers are just supposed to sit back and accept that everything in the Zev world is set up specifically to cause melodrama in Seraph’s love life. I’M NOT BUYING IT. All the long, drawn out conflicts felt so fabricated and forced.
Anyway… this pet peeve of mine wasn’t so bad in Portrait of Pain. There was less drama overall, so less contrived off-hand explanations. The plot was more focused on handling immediate conflicts, like stopping Danny and overcoming the last emotional hurdles between Seraph and her pairs. No more plot curveballs, thank god. And we get more insight into the world and history of the Zev society, which helps make the whole story more believable.
Miro, darling Miro, really shines in this book. I never saw his appeal in earlier books; emotional constipation isn’t my definition of sexy. But Seraph finally gets under his skin and forces him out of his shell, which means us readers finally get to see what makes Miro tick. Underneath all the angst, he’s a sweet daddy who just wants to take care of his family and keep them all safe.
There are still little things that bothered me about book 4. I still don’t give two shits about the side characters, all of whom have little to no character arcs and cease to exist when Seraph isn’t paying attention to them. And I found some parts of the ending to be extremely anticlimactic.
But in the big areas, the parts that count, Portrait of Pain was a huge improvement on earlier installments. This one saved the series for me. I wouldn’t touch book 1 with a ten foot pole – but I would take book 4 out for dinner, and maybe cuddle with it after. All in all, I’m glad I stuck with Jane Washington to see her authoring skill progress with the series.
I was beginning to feel as though my whole world was made up of beautiful things that had been born out of pain.
February 19, 2024
✅ Reverse-Harem
✅ Pace and action
✅ Plot / Intrigue
✅ Characters
✅ Powers / World-building
✅ Romance / Sexual tension
🆗 Not much smut for a RH series ☹️
4.5 stars
Even though it was a reread, I flew through this series. As I said in my reviews for the previous books, there are some plot holes, but this series also has an addictive quality to it, and it is quite entertaining!! 💙 💜 🖤
I’ve never read a reverse harem series with so little smut! But it was great anyway, which kind of blows my mind because slow-burn and sexual tension going on for four books would have been enough to annoy me normally, but while I would have enjoyed more smutty moments a great deal, I don’t mind that there is very little smut in this series. The tension and the interactions are well written and developed, and the plot is intricate enough that I was fully invested in Seraph and her pairs’ adventure (even though this series feels like a big tease now that I’m done and my thirst for smut is still not satiated).
I know that Silas is most readers’ favorite (at least from what I read in the reviews), and I get it. He’s a tortured and dark soul trying to be worthy of his Atma, and he has this whole “I’m willing to kill anyone who annoys you” vibe, but I’ve always had a weak spot for Miro and I am SO GLAD that he finally figured out how he was feeling and he and Seraph were able to explore their romantic feelings for each other in this book.
Seeing Miro and Silas finally behaving like true brothers felt so wholesome 🥰 It was nice to see them interact more and be more like what you would expect when it comes to twin brothers. Their teasing was so cute… I’m telling you, I can’t get enough of them and I enjoyed those little moments SO MUCH!
There are also more interactions between the four guys, and it feels more friendly and family-like than their interactions in the previous books. With the bonds now completed and strong, they are starting to think and act as one big unit instead of two pairs with the same goal. It also helps that Silas decided to play nice and not beat up Cabe, Noah, or Miro whenever they touch Seraph.
Poison and Clarin are amazingly funny, as always, and we can always count on them to defuse any situation with inappropriate jokes and questionable humor. They were not as present in this book since it was more focused on Seraph and her pairs trying to stop her evil twin, but I was glad for every moment they were there. Their inclusion of Tariq in their gang was also super sweet, and it was time for Tariq to be more present in the series. He was like a pretty accessory from book 1 through book 3, so it was nice to see him actually be useful and have an impact of the plot.
This is not the RH that I was expecting, there is not a lot of smut, but there is a lot of sexual tension, action, twists, and funny moments, and I definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a quick-read, addictive series with kick-ass powers, a good main character, and sexy men.
Charcoal Tears ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Watercolour Smile ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lead Heart ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
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✅ Pace and action
✅ Plot / Intrigue
✅ Characters
✅ Powers / World-building
✅ Romance / Sexual tension
🆗 Not much smut for a RH series ☹️
4.5 stars
Even though it was a reread, I flew through this series. As I said in my reviews for the previous books, there are some plot holes, but this series also has an addictive quality to it, and it is quite entertaining!! 💙 💜 🖤
“You’re getting a tattoo.” Noah laughed from the front seat. “You said you wanted a permanent insurance policy, remember?”
“Uh …” I felt like I was losing brain cells by the second. “Did I agree to this at some point?”
“We offered to get you a ring,” Cabe stated casually. “You said that was a bad idea, so this is our compromise.”
“You offered to marry me,” I pointed out. “And when you realised that I couldn’t legally marry four people, you decided that I’d marry you all in order, filing for divorce every other year just to keep the cycle going.”
I’ve never read a reverse harem series with so little smut! But it was great anyway, which kind of blows my mind because slow-burn and sexual tension going on for four books would have been enough to annoy me normally, but while I would have enjoyed more smutty moments a great deal, I don’t mind that there is very little smut in this series. The tension and the interactions are well written and developed, and the plot is intricate enough that I was fully invested in Seraph and her pairs’ adventure (even though this series feels like a big tease now that I’m done and my thirst for smut is still not satiated).
As soon as I closed my eyes, I felt a touch against my lower lip. His hand had shifted up, his thumb dragging across the sensitive skin of my mouth. I kept my eyes closed, enjoying the curious touch. He parted my lips briefly, the pad of this thumb pressing against my teeth. He slid closer, his breath mingling with mine.
“Do you know how hard it is not to take you right now?” he whispered, his finger dragging up to the corner of my mouth and then tracing up the slope of my cheekbone.
I know that Silas is most readers’ favorite (at least from what I read in the reviews), and I get it. He’s a tortured and dark soul trying to be worthy of his Atma, and he has this whole “I’m willing to kill anyone who annoys you” vibe, but I’ve always had a weak spot for Miro and I am SO GLAD that he finally figured out how he was feeling and he and Seraph were able to explore their romantic feelings for each other in this book.
That was our relationship: unspoken gratitude and small gestures that spoke big words. It was the relationship of brothers.
“Nerds?” Miro smirked, sinking further into his seat and pushing the back down so that he was almost vertical, laying one of his arms over his eyes. “You say that like you’re not one of them.”
“I know how to use a HK416. That puts me two rungs above a nerd.”
“No, you’re right.” He sounded amused, his arm shifting so that one of his eyes was bared, peering out at me. “That makes you a nerd with a gun.”
I rolled my eyes, turning the lights on when we reached the base of Le Chateau. “A nerd with a gun is a thirteen-year-old on a video game shouting headshot, headshot, headshot!”
“I’ve heard you shout that before.” Miro was chuckling now, lowering his arm back over his eye.
“Doesn’t count if it’s real life. If I kick a person in the head and say headshot, it’s considered cool.”
“Or illegal.”
“It’s barely illegal. It’s just a little kick to the head.”
“If the little kick to the head lands them in hospital, it’s voluntary manslaughter, and that happens to be illegal.”
“You’re heavier than you were two weeks ago,” he whispered. “Been eating your feelings again, Si?”
Seeing Miro and Silas finally behaving like true brothers felt so wholesome 🥰 It was nice to see them interact more and be more like what you would expect when it comes to twin brothers. Their teasing was so cute… I’m telling you, I can’t get enough of them and I enjoyed those little moments SO MUCH!
“Hey!” Noah called out from above, the tone of his voice sharp. “Are we at the grabbing and kissing stage already?”
Silas blinked, breaking the spell, and his smile reappeared. That was the reaction he had wanted, apparently. I turned, seeing Cabe and Noah hanging out the window.
“Did you forget to wear your garlic necklace again today, little devil?” Cabe called out, a small smile twisting his lips.
“Are you a vampire now?” I asked Silas, casting him a sideways glance.
“Apparently.” He stuffed his hands into his pockets, rocking back on his heels.
“It’s a demotion, I think. You used to be King of the Underworld. Now you’re just a vampire. You’re losing street cred.”
There are also more interactions between the four guys, and it feels more friendly and family-like than their interactions in the previous books. With the bonds now completed and strong, they are starting to think and act as one big unit instead of two pairs with the same goal. It also helps that Silas decided to play nice and not beat up Cabe, Noah, or Miro whenever they touch Seraph.
I recognised Poison’s car parked behind Cabe’s along the side of the road, and a moment later she appeared, Clarin and Tariq in tow. I grinned, more than a little relieved. The tension was getting a little too thick when I was alone with the guys. “Have no fear,” Poison quipped, catching the expression on my face. “The back-up harem is here. Plus your fake brother, but he’s just tagging along.” Somewhere behind me, Silas groaned.
“That took a while.” Clarin was twisted in his seat, searching us with a look. “You two weren’t sneaking off for alone time without the others, were you?”
Poison started up the car, a snort sounding from her seat as she began to turn around. Silas was on his phone again, ignoring everyone else.
“No.” I focused my attention on the window. I needed this line of questioning to end; the sooner the better.
“Because I’m not cool with that,” Clarin continued. “I’m team Noah and Cabe.”
Silas looked up from his phone, fixing Clarin with a murderous look.
“Just kidding.” Clarin visibly paled, turning back around to face the front. “Poison, distract the Dark Lord with music please.”
“The age gap,” Clarin clarified. I couldn’t actually see his face, but I could hear the smirk in his voice. “Between you and Seph, I mean. What is it? Ten years? Twenty years?”
Poison must have turned the radio off completely, because the car was suddenly silent.
“Seven,” I quickly supplied, afraid that Silas would actually cripple Clarin in some way if he kept asking questions.
“Twenty-seven?” Clarin fake-gasped.
“That’s what she said,” Poison confirmed.
“Can I hurt them?” Silas asked.
Poison and Clarin are amazingly funny, as always, and we can always count on them to defuse any situation with inappropriate jokes and questionable humor. They were not as present in this book since it was more focused on Seraph and her pairs trying to stop her evil twin, but I was glad for every moment they were there. Their inclusion of Tariq in their gang was also super sweet, and it was time for Tariq to be more present in the series. He was like a pretty accessory from book 1 through book 3, so it was nice to see him actually be useful and have an impact of the plot.
This is not the RH that I was expecting, there is not a lot of smut, but there is a lot of sexual tension, action, twists, and funny moments, and I definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a quick-read, addictive series with kick-ass powers, a good main character, and sexy men.
Charcoal Tears ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Watercolour Smile ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lead Heart ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
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March 27, 2017
Holy fucking shit.
Be prepared my friends..... I am about to rant.... About how much I freaking loved this book.
The Basics:
Genre: Paranormal Reverse-Harem.
Series/standalone: Series Book #4
Stars: 5 oh my freaking God stars.
Would I recommend this book: Hell yes. Start with book one Charcoal Tears, and while you're at it pick up everything else Jane Washington writes, it's all gold.
Would I read again: Um, already trying to figure out when I have some spare time to re-read the whole series, so yes.
The slightly less basic stuff, also known as Chesca will go on and on about how much she adores the fuck out of all these characters.
Okay so I'm gonna start with Silas 'cause, errm, it's Silas. That's answer enough okay. If you would hurry up and read the books, you'd know. I loved loved loooooooved. Silas in this one. He's my favourite. Which I know is unnecessary in a RH book. But damn, it's freaking Silas. I loved every scene he was in, I loved his chapters from his POV. Like he's just the right amount of psychotic. Dude puts the hot in psychotic.
Silas: "Keep saying it, angel. It definitely isn't going to teach me any lessons."
Next is Miro... 'Cause over the past 2 books he's grown on me and managed to slip into second place. & Holy hot damn, he sure as hell cemented it in, in this book.
Miro: "She loved you first," he admitted. "You know that."
Followed by Cabe & Noah, who are also awesome, and now tied again in third. (Noah is out of the dog house ladies and gentleman.) They definitely bring a more playful side to the dynamic and are hilarious.
Cabe: "Don't float away like that; stay here, stay present, stay sane."
Noah: "I'm glad you stole us,"
Okay I should probably mention the main character, Seraph Black Who is fab. Loves fiercely & is basically just awesome. (Plus she has cool Atma powers.) We get to see her and her powers develop more in this book.
POISON AND CLARIN APPRECIATION SECTION.
Poison is awesome. Okay, Cupcake?
&& Clarin.... Well he's fabulously hilarious.
Poison, talking about Clarin: "Every week he's addicted to something new. One week it's tattoos, the next it's Matt Damon, and now it's coffee. We're so lucky he hasn't tried cocaine. I mean really lucky."
I love everyone else too.... but this reviews getting a little long now......
The verdict:
I loved it. Sooo, read the damn book.
Be prepared my friends..... I am about to rant.... About how much I freaking loved this book.
The Basics:
Genre: Paranormal Reverse-Harem.
Series/standalone: Series Book #4
Stars: 5 oh my freaking God stars.
Would I recommend this book: Hell yes. Start with book one Charcoal Tears, and while you're at it pick up everything else Jane Washington writes, it's all gold.
Would I read again: Um, already trying to figure out when I have some spare time to re-read the whole series, so yes.
The slightly less basic stuff, also known as Chesca will go on and on about how much she adores the fuck out of all these characters.
Okay so I'm gonna start with Silas 'cause, errm, it's Silas. That's answer enough okay. If you would hurry up and read the books, you'd know. I loved loved loooooooved. Silas in this one. He's my favourite. Which I know is unnecessary in a RH book. But damn, it's freaking Silas. I loved every scene he was in, I loved his chapters from his POV. Like he's just the right amount of psychotic. Dude puts the hot in psychotic.
Silas: "Keep saying it, angel. It definitely isn't going to teach me any lessons."
Next is Miro... 'Cause over the past 2 books he's grown on me and managed to slip into second place. & Holy hot damn, he sure as hell cemented it in, in this book.
Miro: "She loved you first," he admitted. "You know that."
Followed by Cabe & Noah, who are also awesome, and now tied again in third. (Noah is out of the dog house ladies and gentleman.) They definitely bring a more playful side to the dynamic and are hilarious.
Cabe: "Don't float away like that; stay here, stay present, stay sane."
Noah: "I'm glad you stole us,"
Okay I should probably mention the main character, Seraph Black Who is fab. Loves fiercely & is basically just awesome. (Plus she has cool Atma powers.) We get to see her and her powers develop more in this book.
POISON AND CLARIN APPRECIATION SECTION.
Poison is awesome. Okay, Cupcake?
&& Clarin.... Well he's fabulously hilarious.
Poison, talking about Clarin: "Every week he's addicted to something new. One week it's tattoos, the next it's Matt Damon, and now it's coffee. We're so lucky he hasn't tried cocaine. I mean really lucky."
I love everyone else too.... but this reviews getting a little long now......
The verdict:
I loved it. Sooo, read the damn book.
March 27, 2017
This is a beatific end to an amazing series and I'm only sorry that it's over. I fell in love with these characters long ago, and it was so hard to say goodbye; but APoP does it in the most perfect way possible. If I had three wishes, they'd all be for Jane to write a spin-off series for Poison and Clarin. Or Jayden. Or Tariq. No, wait, I'd wish for it to be scientifically possible to make myself Jane's pair. Both of them. I'd literally clone myself, and then we could sit together and read her books. At the same time. But the other two wishes, definitely the first thing.
APoP picks up not long after where Lead Heart leaves off, so you don't miss out on any Crazy Stalker action. He's still as crazy and obsessed with Seraph as ever, and he's been making friends. Seraph and her pairs are still figuring things out, but Miro wasn't wrong at the end of LH when he said everything was about to change. Hoo-boy are things a-changing! Not to say that this book drifts out of YA waters, but it definitely toes the line--in the best way, ever.
If you want a good litmus test for how much I enjoyed this book, I read it in one, eight-hour long sitting. Slept for maybe six hours. Woke up and started reading it again. I don't do that often, but when I do, it's usually a book by Jane Washington.
APoP picks up not long after where Lead Heart leaves off, so you don't miss out on any Crazy Stalker action. He's still as crazy and obsessed with Seraph as ever, and he's been making friends. Seraph and her pairs are still figuring things out, but Miro wasn't wrong at the end of LH when he said everything was about to change. Hoo-boy are things a-changing! Not to say that this book drifts out of YA waters, but it definitely toes the line--in the best way, ever.
If you want a good litmus test for how much I enjoyed this book, I read it in one, eight-hour long sitting. Slept for maybe six hours. Woke up and started reading it again. I don't do that often, but when I do, it's usually a book by Jane Washington.
August 1, 2021
So it took 4 books for some romantic action to finally happen. In the last chapter. Near the very last page. So, yes, I am very annoyed that it took this long for her "bonds" to act on this and even then since it was so late in the game we don't truly know that the deed has been committed. For all I know, she is still a virgin but for my sake - I'm going to say that they all finally took her cherry (or something).
Other than that, the villain probably shouldn't have been such a shock but I honestly never saw them being this creepy creep. After the first chapter from their point of view, it all made sense and then I was completely grossed out. I don't think I will ever be able to move on from that chapter or see that person any other way. Yuck.
In the end, I'm annoyed and I need a new book or series to make me happy again.
Other than that, the villain probably shouldn't have been such a shock but I honestly never saw them being this creepy creep. After the first chapter from their point of view, it all made sense and then I was completely grossed out. I don't think I will ever be able to move on from that chapter or see that person any other way. Yuck.
In the end, I'm annoyed and I need a new book or series to make me happy again.
November 20, 2017
This is for the whole series.
~~~~MacHalo Buddy Read~~~~
So, I've got a bit of a book hangover.
I didn't expect to get so caught up. I couldn't put it down. I get this may not be for everyone. Reverse harem can be overwhelming for some, but it works for me here. Somehow, Jane Washington pulled it off and made it seem totally normal and natural (and so swoon worthy). Although, I do have a favorite... ;)
The mystery/adventure was good as well. Although, the way it ended could've been more... yes. That's it. It could have been MORE. The story and world overall though was good, interesting, and fast-paced. I would like to see more of the Zevgheri world.
I really enjoyed this series so much. I love when you decide to read something you think will be light and fun, that can be squeezed in and hold you over until something meatier comes along, but then it knocks you on your ass. Yeah, that's awesome. Blindsided and now hungover. What will I do? Sigh.
~~~~MacHalo Buddy Read~~~~
So, I've got a bit of a book hangover.
I didn't expect to get so caught up. I couldn't put it down. I get this may not be for everyone. Reverse harem can be overwhelming for some, but it works for me here. Somehow, Jane Washington pulled it off and made it seem totally normal and natural (and so swoon worthy). Although, I do have a favorite... ;)
The mystery/adventure was good as well. Although, the way it ended could've been more... yes. That's it. It could have been MORE. The story and world overall though was good, interesting, and fast-paced. I would like to see more of the Zevgheri world.
I really enjoyed this series so much. I love when you decide to read something you think will be light and fun, that can be squeezed in and hold you over until something meatier comes along, but then it knocks you on your ass. Yeah, that's awesome. Blindsided and now hungover. What will I do? Sigh.
Want to read
July 10, 2016Whaaat? NO. There's a fourth one?
Im feeling very conflicted right now. 60% of me = 'Yes! Yes! Omg, big-huge-YES! More Seraph Black! *fangirl*' But another part, the 40%-dark-and-angsty-and-impatient-and-hopeless-at-waiting-for-good-things part = 'Nooo. I thought I only had to wait a little more for the end?!"
Jane, I know you're going to make me cry a lot more in two books instead of one.
I'm going to die from anxiety by the time this one comes out.
I really need to finish the second book before I continue to freak myself the fuck out.
(Give it to me straight, Jane. How many are going to be in this series? I could've sworn it was a trilogy, but that'd probably be my unsteady blood pressure making empty promises.)
Im feeling very conflicted right now. 60% of me = 'Yes! Yes! Omg, big-huge-YES! More Seraph Black! *fangirl*' But another part, the 40%-dark-and-angsty-and-impatient-and-hopeless-at-waiting-for-good-things part = 'Nooo. I thought I only had to wait a little more for the end?!"
Jane, I know you're going to make me cry a lot more in two books instead of one.
I'm going to die from anxiety by the time this one comes out.
I really need to finish the second book before I continue to freak myself the fuck out.
(Give it to me straight, Jane. How many are going to be in this series? I could've sworn it was a trilogy, but that'd probably be my unsteady blood pressure making empty promises.)
May 13, 2017
Okay imma be honest. I didn't love this book as much as the others, mostly because I was hoping for Seraph to end up with one guy (Silas, obvs) because I guess it didn't really get through to me that it's a reverse harem book. (Or maybe I was in denial.) I guess in a way they did end up together , but still. I wanted to see more scenes with her and Silas but instead Jane decided to include a plot and other characters, minimizing my Silas time. Hmph.
(My opinion of the book probably shouldn't revolve around my love for Silas, but I mean....it's Silas. So it kind of does. Sue me.)
But anyway, it was nice to see how everything came out to play. I mean Seraph for onehad no problem getting naked in front of Silas has gained a whole lot of confidence and she's so much more badass than she was in the first book. This Seraph gets shit done, even if it means sacrificing herself for someone else. She no longer just sits back and blindly trusts people and it's about damn time for that!
So anyway, I like how the story evolved and we got a little more of the history of the Atma powers. To be completely honest though, I did find the end to be kind of anti-climactic.
And I wish there was more interaction between Seraph and people who weren't her pairs. Because while we know Seph loves Poison and Clarin and Tariq, they barely interact. And that kind of sucks cuz I love Poison especially and would've loved to see more of her. And speaking of, I love her and Charles together even though they weren't actually together. I swear I'm rooting for them soo hard.
I was so sure one of the major characters were going to get killed off or something but I'm actually so relieved because I ended up loving nearly every character.
Also can we talk about Silas? Like seriously this time because he was just so damn perfect in this book. "Team Silas", "Twice Over", ... hot damn, I love him. I love how he can put 15 guys in the hospital and not think anything of it, like it's normal to be that badass. I guess for him it is tho. Hehe. Ugh. I have so much more I wanna say but let me not before I fall further in love with this fictional character.
And it was nice that the book alternated in POVs to see what the others were thinking (although I did find the different POVs to be similar in voice.)
So my final opinion? I'm still bitter that Silas wasn't present 97% of the time I honestly loved it. I love Jane Washington and all her books and I will continue reading every book she will ever write until I die. Because I'm loyal like that.
Also why is this the last book, I've been telling myself that this was a five book series so now I feel like I've been cheated.
Not really.
Kind of.
I just really want more Silas-- I mean another book. ;)
But all good things must come to an end, I suppose.
(My opinion of the book probably shouldn't revolve around my love for Silas, but I mean....it's Silas. So it kind of does. Sue me.)
But anyway, it was nice to see how everything came out to play. I mean Seraph for one
So anyway, I like how the story evolved and we got a little more of the history of the Atma powers. To be completely honest though, I did find the end to be kind of anti-climactic.
And I wish there was more interaction between Seraph and people who weren't her pairs. Because while we know Seph loves Poison and Clarin and Tariq, they barely interact. And that kind of sucks cuz I love Poison especially and would've loved to see more of her. And speaking of, I love her and Charles together even though they weren't actually together. I swear I'm rooting for them soo hard.
I was so sure one of the major characters were going to get killed off or something but I'm actually so relieved because I ended up loving nearly every character.
Also can we talk about Silas? Like seriously this time because he was just so damn perfect in this book. "Team Silas", "Twice Over", ... hot damn, I love him. I love how he can put 15 guys in the hospital and not think anything of it, like it's normal to be that badass. I guess for him it is tho. Hehe. Ugh. I have so much more I wanna say but let me not before I fall further in love with this fictional character.
And it was nice that the book alternated in POVs to see what the others were thinking (although I did find the different POVs to be similar in voice.)
So my final opinion?
Also why is this the last book, I've been telling myself that this was a five book series so now I feel like I've been cheated.
Not really.
Kind of.
I just really want more Silas-- I mean another book. ;)
But all good things must come to an end, I suppose.
March 27, 2017
OK, so I really don't know where to start with this one!
It was amazing, fabulous, sensational. I'll stop there before Jane starts getting ideas above her station and thinks she's a good writer!!
The final book in this series was everything I wanted it to be. It cleared up all those little niggling doubts we had about Seraph and her guys and it was all tied up in a nice, neat little rainbow coloured bow.
Miro was just *sigh* adorable and so freaking hot in this one (he was always my favourite though). And as for Cabe and Noah. Phew! *fans self*.
Poison and Clarin were there usual snarky selves, I love them both and should have been her third pair, in my opinion, that would have been hilarious. Can you write that in Jane?
It left me feeling good, no slump, which is always a bonus! I would recommend to any of you who love a good RH book. It's marked as a YA/NA book and is slightly more detailed than the previous books in the series but not overly so.
A definite must read for those who are looking for a complete series. One that I will definitely be re-reading again and again.
Good show, Jane x
It was amazing, fabulous, sensational. I'll stop there before Jane starts getting ideas above her station and thinks she's a good writer!!
The final book in this series was everything I wanted it to be. It cleared up all those little niggling doubts we had about Seraph and her guys and it was all tied up in a nice, neat little rainbow coloured bow.
Miro was just *sigh* adorable and so freaking hot in this one (he was always my favourite though). And as for Cabe and Noah. Phew! *fans self*.
Poison and Clarin were there usual snarky selves, I love them both and should have been her third pair, in my opinion, that would have been hilarious. Can you write that in Jane?
It left me feeling good, no slump, which is always a bonus! I would recommend to any of you who love a good RH book. It's marked as a YA/NA book and is slightly more detailed than the previous books in the series but not overly so.
A definite must read for those who are looking for a complete series. One that I will definitely be re-reading again and again.
Good show, Jane x
October 29, 2017
I liked the first book ok (rated it 2.5) and I think I could have liked the additional books better if it weren’t for the behavior of the Heros.
I spent books 2,3, and part of 4 hating the guys....there was way to much OW drama (a huge NO in RH IMO), the treatment of the heroine by the Heros was horrible - it’s seriously started to give ME a complex, and the doormattiness of the heroine was sickening.
The older two repeatedly told the heroine they didn’t want her - even after bonding with her, the younger two were having sex with OW up until the weekend before they met her even though they KNEW WHO SHE WAS FOR A YEAR PRIOR!!! OW we’re constantly thrown in the heroines face with little to no remorse from the Heros. The final straw though was how the heroine just let it all go. She was hurt by the OW, she was hurt by them stating they didn’t want her but were stuck with her ( exact words from book 3 - “I didnt want her. I don’t want her but she’s mine”), and she was hurt when they completely disregarded her.
So, overall this series wasn’t a win and I can’t say I would recommend it 😕
I spent books 2,3, and part of 4 hating the guys....there was way to much OW drama (a huge NO in RH IMO), the treatment of the heroine by the Heros was horrible - it’s seriously started to give ME a complex, and the doormattiness of the heroine was sickening.
The older two repeatedly told the heroine they didn’t want her - even after bonding with her, the younger two were having sex with OW up until the weekend before they met her even though they KNEW WHO SHE WAS FOR A YEAR PRIOR!!! OW we’re constantly thrown in the heroines face with little to no remorse from the Heros. The final straw though was how the heroine just let it all go. She was hurt by the OW, she was hurt by them stating they didn’t want her but were stuck with her ( exact words from book 3 - “I didnt want her. I don’t want her but she’s mine”), and she was hurt when they completely disregarded her.
So, overall this series wasn’t a win and I can’t say I would recommend it 😕
April 9, 2020
2.5 stars
This is going to be the review of the complete serie.
I have mix feeling with this one! The story is Okish, but the reverse harem is not my cup, she end up with a fuck schedule was that it?!?!!
Also the fact that Seraph is a teen doesn't help, (she starts the book with 17 and at the ends of the book almost 2 years later she's still 17(!!!!)
All the guy are nice, Silas being my favorite.
I figure out that Danny was the messenger right away.
The ending was my biggest no-no! It felt rush with Danny dying by him self.
This is going to be the review of the complete serie.
I have mix feeling with this one! The story is Okish, but the reverse harem is not my cup, she end up with a fuck schedule was that it?!?!!
Also the fact that Seraph is a teen doesn't help, (she starts the book with 17 and at the ends of the book almost 2 years later she's still 17(!!!!)
All the guy are nice, Silas being my favorite.
I figure out that Danny was the messenger right away.
The ending was my biggest no-no! It felt rush with Danny dying by him self.
April 3, 2017
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT...
Its all done
I want more.. please Jane..
I beg you!! I want some sexy angsty times with all the Hs and one h..
It was so good, I LOVED their chemistry. The end was too beautiful.
The plot in the beginning was a little slow but it got really good! The author wrapped everything in a nice little bow at the end, the ending was everything.. all those sexy times that we were salivating for!
I just want more with our lovely MC's and more mature chemistry scenes. I will sell you my soul if that's what you need Jane.
Its all done
I want more.. please Jane..
I beg you!! I want some sexy angsty times with all the Hs and one h..
It was so good, I LOVED their chemistry. The end was too beautiful.
The plot in the beginning was a little slow but it got really good! The author wrapped everything in a nice little bow at the end, the ending was everything.. all those sexy times that we were salivating for!
Want to read
October 16, 2016AAAAAAH i really need this book... im so in love with the story, that im not sure i can handle the wait haha
pleeeeeeease dont break them apart, all five of them, and being realistic (and not a totally harem fan girl haha), it would totally screw up that they love her so much but in the end she end up chosing only one of them...
dear author, pleeeeeease hear the prayer of a really big fan of your work haha
keep the hard work, im rooting for you!!!
pleeeeeeease dont break them apart, all five of them, and being realistic (and not a totally harem fan girl haha), it would totally screw up that they love her so much but in the end she end up chosing only one of them...
dear author, pleeeeeease hear the prayer of a really big fan of your work haha
keep the hard work, im rooting for you!!!
May 9, 2018
So not ready for this to be over, i love Sereph, Silas, Miro, Cabe, Noah, Posion, Clarin & Tariq. I need more of them all 😢😢. You could see Jane getting better as a writer, the first two books were average and i think i pre judged them due to my goodreads friends not loving them but the last two were totally addictive. Im actually super upset there isnt going to be another one.
March 26, 2017
First off, let's just say that this book blew my freakin' mind. Sweet baby unicorns, Jane, you've done it again. That said, let's move on...
The basics...
Genre: YA/NA (kind of on the line, 17+ audience recommended), paranormal, reverse harem
Series: Final book (book four) in the Seraph Black series
Who should read it: You. No seriously, if you're here reading this review, read the book. [[I mean start at the beginning though, as this is book four.]]
The rest...
I honestly don't even know what to say, you guys. The book was amazeballs. The characters really evolved and grew in this book, especially Silas, Miro and Seraph. The book was written from multiple view points, which can either go really well, or can bomb in a huge way. This time, I really enjoyed getting glimpses into the guys' minds - it really gave me more of a sense of who they are, and what they are thinking. Especially Miro. Oh, Miro. I loved him before this book, but now I love him 1000 times more! There were times in this book where I just wanted to pat the dude on the back.
Okay I got a little off track there, so let's just break it down:
Seraph really started to come in to herself, and gain some self awareness and confidence. Let's be honest, guys. She needed to. This chick is BA and it was about time she figured that out.
Silas is a fan favorite, right? Because he's Silas! Duh. Silas really tries in this book, guys. He hardly tries to kill anyone or deface anyone's property at all. Progress, right? He's still Silas deep down, don't get me wrong, but he's trying to learn to share. "'What did you cut into the seat?' Cabe asked, twisting around to look at us. 'Team Silas.'"
Miro ... oh Miro. Have I mentioned yet that he's my favorite? Miro continues to be a steadfast leader, and a great support for Seraph, but their relationship finally starts to move along. And by move along, I mean it moves. Finally!
Noah continues to open up more in this book, and settles pretty seamlessly into the bond with Seraph, although he admittedly still doesn't talk much, he does say some pretty great things. "'I'm glad you stole us,' ... 'I'm glad because .. I might have met you and you wouldn't have been mine, and I know that it would have ended me.' ... 'Do you understand?' I asked. 'I'm happy that you stole us.'"
Okay, all together now...
Cabe is the jokester of the bunch, and I absolutely adore him for that. He can be serious when he needs to be, is pretty awesome at helping the others out pretty much whenever, but his humor is one of his best qualities. I think I laughed out loud at his lines enough during the book to make even my dog think I'm crazy. "'Should we be leaving them alone?' Cabe asked, ... 'He might get her pregnant, and then he'll have to marry her, and then we might have to lock him in a basement or something because he'll be the main boyfriend.'"
Most of the other characters kind of took a back seat in this book. Tariq is still a super loyal brother to Seraph, Poison is still blunt as the day is long, "'Do you want to have sex?' Poison snapped. 'Is that it? Because I'll have sex with you if you just stop trying to be friends with me.'" Clarin is well, Clarin (love that kid), and he-who-shall-not-be-named (no, not Voldemort, the OTHER crazy psychopath stalker), is still Crazy McCrazypants.
As for the plot, there isn't a lot I can tell you without giving you any spoilers - which I won't! [[ Insert magical laughter here]] But, I will tell you that this book wraps up a lot of the unanswered questions from previous books, and has enough action and mystery to keep you turning the pages.
I think that about does it, really. I highly recommend this book, and this whole series. I'm super sad to see it end, but I do think that Jane did justice to the series and to the characters with the ending that she gave them. [[Now excuse me while I go cry in a corner and attempt to say goodbye to this series.]]
The basics...
Genre: YA/NA (kind of on the line, 17+ audience recommended), paranormal, reverse harem
Series: Final book (book four) in the Seraph Black series
Who should read it: You. No seriously, if you're here reading this review, read the book. [[I mean start at the beginning though, as this is book four.]]
The rest...
I honestly don't even know what to say, you guys. The book was amazeballs. The characters really evolved and grew in this book, especially Silas, Miro and Seraph. The book was written from multiple view points, which can either go really well, or can bomb in a huge way. This time, I really enjoyed getting glimpses into the guys' minds - it really gave me more of a sense of who they are, and what they are thinking. Especially Miro. Oh, Miro. I loved him before this book, but now I love him 1000 times more! There were times in this book where I just wanted to pat the dude on the back.
Okay I got a little off track there, so let's just break it down:
Seraph really started to come in to herself, and gain some self awareness and confidence. Let's be honest, guys. She needed to. This chick is BA and it was about time she figured that out.
Silas is a fan favorite, right? Because he's Silas! Duh. Silas really tries in this book, guys. He hardly tries to kill anyone or deface anyone's property at all. Progress, right? He's still Silas deep down, don't get me wrong, but he's trying to learn to share. "'What did you cut into the seat?' Cabe asked, twisting around to look at us. 'Team Silas.'"
Miro ... oh Miro. Have I mentioned yet that he's my favorite? Miro continues to be a steadfast leader, and a great support for Seraph, but their relationship finally starts to move along. And by move along, I mean it moves. Finally!
Noah continues to open up more in this book, and settles pretty seamlessly into the bond with Seraph, although he admittedly still doesn't talk much, he does say some pretty great things. "'I'm glad you stole us,' ... 'I'm glad because .. I might have met you and you wouldn't have been mine, and I know that it would have ended me.' ... 'Do you understand?' I asked. 'I'm happy that you stole us.'"
Okay, all together now...
Cabe is the jokester of the bunch, and I absolutely adore him for that. He can be serious when he needs to be, is pretty awesome at helping the others out pretty much whenever, but his humor is one of his best qualities. I think I laughed out loud at his lines enough during the book to make even my dog think I'm crazy. "'Should we be leaving them alone?' Cabe asked, ... 'He might get her pregnant, and then he'll have to marry her, and then we might have to lock him in a basement or something because he'll be the main boyfriend.'"
Most of the other characters kind of took a back seat in this book. Tariq is still a super loyal brother to Seraph, Poison is still blunt as the day is long, "'Do you want to have sex?' Poison snapped. 'Is that it? Because I'll have sex with you if you just stop trying to be friends with me.'" Clarin is well, Clarin (love that kid), and he-who-shall-not-be-named (no, not Voldemort, the OTHER crazy psychopath stalker), is still Crazy McCrazypants.
As for the plot, there isn't a lot I can tell you without giving you any spoilers - which I won't! [[ Insert magical laughter here]] But, I will tell you that this book wraps up a lot of the unanswered questions from previous books, and has enough action and mystery to keep you turning the pages.
I think that about does it, really. I highly recommend this book, and this whole series. I'm super sad to see it end, but I do think that Jane did justice to the series and to the characters with the ending that she gave them. [[Now excuse me while I go cry in a corner and attempt to say goodbye to this series.]]
May 10, 2019
A Portrait of Pain is a great finale! In fact, there’s not much to say because I just overall liked it so much. It’s the best of the four books in the series because it has the most romance, action, and resolution to offer. Everything is wrapped up, loose ends tied, and we get a great ending where we get left on a happy, hopeful note that all will be well and continue to be well. While I did expect there to be a “final showdown” sort of situation between Seraph and the messenger (since that’s a common theme, I think), I overall still liked the plot projection and feel satisfied with the turn of events.
If you’re wondering, this book does end with a general polyamory situation wherein the five of them exist in a big relationship with romantic ties connecting Seraph to the other four, and there’s also a hint that Noah and Cabe and Seraph might participate in threesomes, so if you were holding out that eventually Seraph would pick just one, this book doesn’t deliver. On the other hand, I like how the author went with the idea of polyamory and made it into a healthy, working situation wherein a group finds a way to coexist sexually/romantically outside of the more traditional two-person unit we’ve come to accept as the default. It was a bold move and I applaud Jane Washington for going to for it! Although I’m normally not one for it, I overall enjoyed this new spin on the romance genre and think it was tastefully done, properly balancing out the positives and negatives of the situation and having the characters work through the bumps and bask in the smooth stretches.
There’s real character development and I like how this book has multiple points of view so we get to better understand the other characters, though it also makes me wish that the other three books had gone with the same format, because it was very engaging to seen into the minds of characters who, from Seraph’s perspective, kept so much hidden and held back. But I do of course understand why the first few weren’t in that perspective, as I said before, since by putting readers in the same boat as Seraph we get the thrill of the reveal and the wonder of what’s going to happen.
The writing is, as always, very nice. And I don’t have anything to really fault. As expected the author waited until Seraph was 18 for there to be any physical intimacy and while I am, again, not 100% at ease with the seven year age gap (the book even kind of pokes at this, it’s weird) I overall felt that the constructs of the relationship and the character’s willingness to wait, be ready, talk about things, etc. made up for that a bit. There is a sex scene or two, but they’re not overtly descript or anything, so I’d say this would be okay for a mature 16+ to read. The author didn’t step too far out of YA territory and while this is closer to NA it’s not 100% there; it kind of has a foot in both, riding that line.
I finished the book in one sitting and overall and satisfied with the series. I definitely recommend to anyone who can handle the polyamory aspect and who enjoys books that are character focused, thrilling, and have a unique supernatural element going on. Definitely worth the $3.99 I spent on the last book (I got the first three for free during a sale in December) though as I mentioned in the last review, the whole series is pretty cheap and it’s also available on Kindle Unlimited for free.
If you’re wondering, this book does end with a general polyamory situation wherein the five of them exist in a big relationship with romantic ties connecting Seraph to the other four, and there’s also a hint that Noah and Cabe and Seraph might participate in threesomes, so if you were holding out that eventually Seraph would pick just one, this book doesn’t deliver. On the other hand, I like how the author went with the idea of polyamory and made it into a healthy, working situation wherein a group finds a way to coexist sexually/romantically outside of the more traditional two-person unit we’ve come to accept as the default. It was a bold move and I applaud Jane Washington for going to for it! Although I’m normally not one for it, I overall enjoyed this new spin on the romance genre and think it was tastefully done, properly balancing out the positives and negatives of the situation and having the characters work through the bumps and bask in the smooth stretches.
There’s real character development and I like how this book has multiple points of view so we get to better understand the other characters, though it also makes me wish that the other three books had gone with the same format, because it was very engaging to seen into the minds of characters who, from Seraph’s perspective, kept so much hidden and held back. But I do of course understand why the first few weren’t in that perspective, as I said before, since by putting readers in the same boat as Seraph we get the thrill of the reveal and the wonder of what’s going to happen.
The writing is, as always, very nice. And I don’t have anything to really fault. As expected the author waited until Seraph was 18 for there to be any physical intimacy and while I am, again, not 100% at ease with the seven year age gap (the book even kind of pokes at this, it’s weird) I overall felt that the constructs of the relationship and the character’s willingness to wait, be ready, talk about things, etc. made up for that a bit. There is a sex scene or two, but they’re not overtly descript or anything, so I’d say this would be okay for a mature 16+ to read. The author didn’t step too far out of YA territory and while this is closer to NA it’s not 100% there; it kind of has a foot in both, riding that line.
I finished the book in one sitting and overall and satisfied with the series. I definitely recommend to anyone who can handle the polyamory aspect and who enjoys books that are character focused, thrilling, and have a unique supernatural element going on. Definitely worth the $3.99 I spent on the last book (I got the first three for free during a sale in December) though as I mentioned in the last review, the whole series is pretty cheap and it’s also available on Kindle Unlimited for free.
May 11, 2017
This series has quickly become one of my favourite series so good such a good flow from book to book an in my opinion completely addictive.
Book 4 has surpassed all of my exception I loved reading every page so so good.
Book 4 has surpassed all of my exception I loved reading every page so so good.
June 16, 2017
what the hell is this garbage...?
The disappointment is real.
The disappointment is real.
April 6, 2017
I received an ARC in exchange for a fair review. This review is spoiler free.
I don't even know where to start. To be honest, I was super nervous when I learned this was going to be the last book in the series. It felt like so many loose ends needing tied up that I had no idea how Jane was going to be able to do that fairly in one book.
I shall apologize to her... because this exceeded my expectations. The loose ends were tied up and the scenes I needed (along with the ones I didn't realize I needed) were all included.
As always, Jane's voice was powerful and eloquent. She seamlessly dragged me back into this world and I was instantly planted right there with the guys and Seph. She also didn't take it easy on us. As her norm she deftly dives right into the meat of it and I was switching between swooning and screaming and barely breathing to the point where my family became concerned.
Her words were beautiful and the world she created was explained more. The answers I craved where given and more was revealed that I didn't even pick up on in the first books. It's hard to get a twist by me, or really, hide anything where I don't have an Inkling of what is going to occur... but not Jane. She was throwing things at me so perfectly that I was ducking in real life.
And the guys. Oh my goodness. We saw so much more of their internal dialogue. So much meaning and depth was given to their past actions and what the future would hold. Jane completely blew me away. I didn't even realize that I craved more of their point of view. But she delivered, giving us exactly what we needed without us asking.
Now don't get scared that it's all action. There was a perfect combination of action, emotion, hysterical moments and steamyness. I haven't laughed out loud reading a book in so long! Jane's wit really shone through here. I read scenes over and over because I was laughing too hard to let go. The steamyness was perfect as well. Not to heavy and definitely not vulgar. Danced along the line of YA and NA wonderfully. It gave us what we craved but didn't just become pure porn.
This was the perfect completion of this series. I couldn't ask for more. It was all satisfied to my expectations and done so expertly that I wished other authors could learn from her on how to end a series.
Well done. *Dreamy sigh*
I don't even know where to start. To be honest, I was super nervous when I learned this was going to be the last book in the series. It felt like so many loose ends needing tied up that I had no idea how Jane was going to be able to do that fairly in one book.
I shall apologize to her... because this exceeded my expectations. The loose ends were tied up and the scenes I needed (along with the ones I didn't realize I needed) were all included.
As always, Jane's voice was powerful and eloquent. She seamlessly dragged me back into this world and I was instantly planted right there with the guys and Seph. She also didn't take it easy on us. As her norm she deftly dives right into the meat of it and I was switching between swooning and screaming and barely breathing to the point where my family became concerned.
Her words were beautiful and the world she created was explained more. The answers I craved where given and more was revealed that I didn't even pick up on in the first books. It's hard to get a twist by me, or really, hide anything where I don't have an Inkling of what is going to occur... but not Jane. She was throwing things at me so perfectly that I was ducking in real life.
And the guys. Oh my goodness. We saw so much more of their internal dialogue. So much meaning and depth was given to their past actions and what the future would hold. Jane completely blew me away. I didn't even realize that I craved more of their point of view. But she delivered, giving us exactly what we needed without us asking.
Now don't get scared that it's all action. There was a perfect combination of action, emotion, hysterical moments and steamyness. I haven't laughed out loud reading a book in so long! Jane's wit really shone through here. I read scenes over and over because I was laughing too hard to let go. The steamyness was perfect as well. Not to heavy and definitely not vulgar. Danced along the line of YA and NA wonderfully. It gave us what we craved but didn't just become pure porn.
This was the perfect completion of this series. I couldn't ask for more. It was all satisfied to my expectations and done so expertly that I wished other authors could learn from her on how to end a series.
Well done. *Dreamy sigh*
March 28, 2017
WHAT THE SHIT!!
Ok Jane...I'm kinda mad at you now. You give us this epically written series then just quit out on us by ending it. This is why I give you four stars. You're supposed to write until your characters are old people with Silas sawing the legs off of Miro's rocking chair and Cabe hiding everyone's dentures. I have suffered the Book Pain Syndrome from having to situate myself for hours on end being sucked into your fantastic f*%king writing and now I've got nothing to show for it.
I hate you for making me love your work. But I kinda love you. But kinda still hate you.
I'm kinda mad that Danny was such a little prick and got an easy death. He can't just will himself to die!! Shit balls needed to suffer.
Otherwise though....I'm content as hell. Got a little hot under the collar a few times in this last one and my husband felt a little put on the back burner when I'd tell him to stop touching me so I could read (he's not your biggest fan right now)
Even though I hate you....I'll never forget this series. So yeah. Four stars. You would've gotten five if Silas had indeed gotten rainbow curtains and there was an insinuated foursome on there (We didn't need details, just like a hint, geez)
Buy this series assholes!
So you can become in love with then obsessed with then a bit manic depressive when she shoots down your dreams by ending it at all. Shame on you Jane. But I Love/Hate you.
Ok Jane...I'm kinda mad at you now. You give us this epically written series then just quit out on us by ending it. This is why I give you four stars. You're supposed to write until your characters are old people with Silas sawing the legs off of Miro's rocking chair and Cabe hiding everyone's dentures. I have suffered the Book Pain Syndrome from having to situate myself for hours on end being sucked into your fantastic f*%king writing and now I've got nothing to show for it.
I hate you for making me love your work. But I kinda love you. But kinda still hate you.
I'm kinda mad that Danny was such a little prick and got an easy death. He can't just will himself to die!! Shit balls needed to suffer.
Otherwise though....I'm content as hell. Got a little hot under the collar a few times in this last one and my husband felt a little put on the back burner when I'd tell him to stop touching me so I could read (he's not your biggest fan right now)
Even though I hate you....I'll never forget this series. So yeah. Four stars. You would've gotten five if Silas had indeed gotten rainbow curtains and there was an insinuated foursome on there (We didn't need details, just like a hint, geez)
Buy this series assholes!
So you can become in love with then obsessed with then a bit manic depressive when she shoots down your dreams by ending it at all. Shame on you Jane. But I Love/Hate you.
January 2, 2018
I loved this! Like I can't even express how much! And now I only want to curl up and cry because it's over. I'm pretty sure someone brainwashed me because I don't get obsessed with YA PNR. I like kick-ass heroines that love blood and gore. And when I read reverse harem books I do it for the smut. And you know what there's no smut here. Just a hot scene here and there but almost no sex. And I'm okay with that because I grew to care for these characters and their world. I wanted to see punished for all the things he did to Seraph. And fr all the deaths he caused with his obsession. I wanted the Klovoda to get their heads out of their asses and actually do their job. But most of all I wanted a HEA for Seraph and her men. And maybe for the humans to get lost. Because you all know that once the human government gets involved things can't end well for those involved. The showdown wasn't as spectacular as I expected but I was really scared for even though the latter didn't really deserve it. What can I tell you, I grew fond of the jerk. He deserves a spin off series. Actually most of Seraph's band of misfits deserve their very own spin offs. Maybe not series but I need to know more and to see how life treated them now that Weston is no longer there to terrorize them.
March 26, 2017
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
My heart hurts. Jane has put me through an emotional wringer and left me as a limp, soulless rag with the biggest, stupidest, soppiest grin you have ever seen splattered across my face.
It's true when they say you know you have read a good book (substitute with bestseller) when you turn the last page and you feel as if you have lost a friend (replace friend with BFF).
She gives you things you didn't even realise you should have asked for; the multiple points of view are genius and gives you behind the scene glimpses into the men and how they feel and react internally (Noah for instance isn't the brick wall he portrays externally). My god, the humour - she had me laughing out loud at parts, I mean, who knew the banter between Miro and Silas would be so damn entertaining.
As for Seph, well Jane throws in curve balls (definitely didn't see one of them coming), sexual tension, character growth and stress before tying everything up in a big, cuddly, cupcake- and rainbow-filled, unicorn-emblazoned bow and effectively destroyed me in the process. That's how she rolls. And that's why we love her.
My heart hurts. Jane has put me through an emotional wringer and left me as a limp, soulless rag with the biggest, stupidest, soppiest grin you have ever seen splattered across my face.
It's true when they say you know you have read a good book (substitute with bestseller) when you turn the last page and you feel as if you have lost a friend (replace friend with BFF).
She gives you things you didn't even realise you should have asked for; the multiple points of view are genius and gives you behind the scene glimpses into the men and how they feel and react internally (Noah for instance isn't the brick wall he portrays externally). My god, the humour - she had me laughing out loud at parts, I mean, who knew the banter between Miro and Silas would be so damn entertaining.
As for Seph, well Jane throws in curve balls (definitely didn't see one of them coming), sexual tension, character growth and stress before tying everything up in a big, cuddly, cupcake- and rainbow-filled, unicorn-emblazoned bow and effectively destroyed me in the process. That's how she rolls. And that's why we love her.
August 25, 2018
5*****,! oh my gosh I'm so fucking sad this is over,!!!
January 3, 2018
Jane Washington is the Queen of RH. The Seraph Black series is brilliant. A Portrait of Pain, the final book of the series, is the ultimate perfection. Honestly, I expected nothing short of excellence having read all of Jane's books, but she exceeded my expectations. I can't recommend this series enough!
This book picks up not long after where Lead Heart leaves off. Seraph's life is still in turmoil. Danny is still on loose and determined to punish Seraph in the most extreme ways possible. There will most likely be Zev and human casualties as Danny has no regard for life; his only focus being his game of revenge and ending Seraph. Her relationships are still unsettled, but the passion is growing. Her pairs, Miro and Silas, Cabe and Noah are all in now, but none of them seem to know how to make a fivesome work. (Oh, to have that problem). Silas has always been my favorite and he's better than ever in this book. He's toned down his psychopathic tendencies, upped his sexiness. Miro also ups his sexiness in this final book. He skyrocketed in my affections from 4th to 2nd. Something about those twins! Cabe and Noah were their delicious, playful selves again. I love the pet names they have for Seraph. Their constant loving on Seraph is the perfect balance to the volatility of the twins. And Seraph herself...she's come such a long way. Her kindness, bravery, her empathy. She's a remarkable character.
Jane has created such an elaborate world with this series. The details lead you to believe that there are Zevs mixed in with human society right now. In this book we get an even more in-depth history of the Zevs. Amazing detail. Her characters are so complex; not only the main characters, but eveyone who plays a key role. Jayden and Danny (both can elicit frustration and sympathy), Tariq, Jack and the Soph's. And who doesn't love her besties, Poison (cupcake) and Clarin (mouse).
The final story is so clever. The constant danger and suspense. It's impossible to figure out Danny's game, because his mind is just too warped. Seraph may not want to play his game, but she's the only hope to stop him. First, she will have to stay alive and hope that the body count around her doesn't grow too high. He's outtricked her at every turn so far. My favorite parts of the book revolve around the private moments with Seraph and one or more of her pairs. The stolen moments of passion or light-heartedness, mixed in with the intensity of the rest of the story make for ideal reading. The book ends with an Epilogue that is one of the most satisfying chapters I have ever read. The only negative comment that I can make is that now it's over. No more Seraph and her pairs, except in my mind. No fears though, Silas will be in my mind for a long time to come!
This book picks up not long after where Lead Heart leaves off. Seraph's life is still in turmoil. Danny is still on loose and determined to punish Seraph in the most extreme ways possible. There will most likely be Zev and human casualties as Danny has no regard for life; his only focus being his game of revenge and ending Seraph. Her relationships are still unsettled, but the passion is growing. Her pairs, Miro and Silas, Cabe and Noah are all in now, but none of them seem to know how to make a fivesome work. (Oh, to have that problem). Silas has always been my favorite and he's better than ever in this book. He's toned down his psychopathic tendencies, upped his sexiness. Miro also ups his sexiness in this final book. He skyrocketed in my affections from 4th to 2nd. Something about those twins! Cabe and Noah were their delicious, playful selves again. I love the pet names they have for Seraph. Their constant loving on Seraph is the perfect balance to the volatility of the twins. And Seraph herself...she's come such a long way. Her kindness, bravery, her empathy. She's a remarkable character.
Jane has created such an elaborate world with this series. The details lead you to believe that there are Zevs mixed in with human society right now. In this book we get an even more in-depth history of the Zevs. Amazing detail. Her characters are so complex; not only the main characters, but eveyone who plays a key role. Jayden and Danny (both can elicit frustration and sympathy), Tariq, Jack and the Soph's. And who doesn't love her besties, Poison (cupcake) and Clarin (mouse).
The final story is so clever. The constant danger and suspense. It's impossible to figure out Danny's game, because his mind is just too warped. Seraph may not want to play his game, but she's the only hope to stop him. First, she will have to stay alive and hope that the body count around her doesn't grow too high. He's outtricked her at every turn so far. My favorite parts of the book revolve around the private moments with Seraph and one or more of her pairs. The stolen moments of passion or light-heartedness, mixed in with the intensity of the rest of the story make for ideal reading. The book ends with an Epilogue that is one of the most satisfying chapters I have ever read. The only negative comment that I can make is that now it's over. No more Seraph and her pairs, except in my mind. No fears though, Silas will be in my mind for a long time to come!
March 27, 2017
So every time I start reading the last book in a series I always fear that I will walk away not satisfied with the ending. I am happy to report that is not the case here, that this book did a great job in concluding the series
This is book four, so if you haven't read the first three books, go do so now. Like immediately. Do not pass go, do not do anything else until you have read them.
APOP has points of view from Seph and all her guys which is departure from the previous books. I loved seeing and things from their view and it gave me an even better insight into who they are. It also did annoy me once or twice when it became clear they were keeping information from Seph, either because they thought they knew what she could handle, which was debatable, or because it was better for them which I found problematic.
All of the open questions in my head were answered. The tension with Miro was resolved. We got to see a changed Silas The humorous dialogue that was present in all the books was even better in this book. The romantic interactions heat level went way up as could be guessed by the author note, but it was tamer then some other books like the most recent Sara J Mass books. The resolution made sense and was in character for everyone involved. I was left feeling happy that I understood how the rest of their lives would be and not begging for more information (which is good cause Jane said this is it).
This is book four, so if you haven't read the first three books, go do so now. Like immediately. Do not pass go, do not do anything else until you have read them.
APOP has points of view from Seph and all her guys which is departure from the previous books. I loved seeing and things from their view and it gave me an even better insight into who they are. It also did annoy me once or twice when it became clear they were keeping information from Seph, either because they thought they knew what she could handle, which was debatable, or because it was better for them which I found problematic.
All of the open questions in my head were answered. The tension with Miro was resolved. We got to see a changed Silas The humorous dialogue that was present in all the books was even better in this book. The romantic interactions heat level went way up as could be guessed by the author note, but it was tamer then some other books like the most recent Sara J Mass books. The resolution made sense and was in character for everyone involved. I was left feeling happy that I understood how the rest of their lives would be and not begging for more information (which is good cause Jane said this is it).
March 29, 2017
Another solid work of art from Jane Washington! What a great conclusion to what has been such a wonderful series!
Ok so I’m not going to spend this whole time gushing over the awesomeness that is Jane Washington. I WILL get to the book, BUT can I just take a moment to address what a FANTASTIC writer Jane Washington is?! Seriously, she’s not just a great author for the RH genre, she’s a great author. Period. The writing is so strong and so engaging it just sucks you right in. That is exactly what happened in the final book of the Seraph Black series, A Portrait of Pain.
Ok, on to the book: So this book pretty much picks up where the third book left off. We’ve got Seraph now bonded with all the guys having to face off against Danny, her evil brother. This book had lots of fast paced action, but lots of character growth as well.
I loved that we got to learn more about the Zevgheri world and see Seraph embrace this world she’s slowly learning more and more about.
It was also nice to see Seraph developing a stronger relationship with each of the guys. Especially Miro!!! Guh, he’s my fav! I mean I love them all, but MIRO = Bae!
I think my only complaint would that it’s over now, and I’m just not ready to leave this world behind yet! Maaaaaybe Poison should get her own book? Or Clarin? Wink wink nudge nudge :D
Ok so I’m not going to spend this whole time gushing over the awesomeness that is Jane Washington. I WILL get to the book, BUT can I just take a moment to address what a FANTASTIC writer Jane Washington is?! Seriously, she’s not just a great author for the RH genre, she’s a great author. Period. The writing is so strong and so engaging it just sucks you right in. That is exactly what happened in the final book of the Seraph Black series, A Portrait of Pain.
Ok, on to the book: So this book pretty much picks up where the third book left off. We’ve got Seraph now bonded with all the guys having to face off against Danny, her evil brother. This book had lots of fast paced action, but lots of character growth as well.
I loved that we got to learn more about the Zevgheri world and see Seraph embrace this world she’s slowly learning more and more about.
It was also nice to see Seraph developing a stronger relationship with each of the guys. Especially Miro!!! Guh, he’s my fav! I mean I love them all, but MIRO = Bae!
I think my only complaint would that it’s over now, and I’m just not ready to leave this world behind yet! Maaaaaybe Poison should get her own book? Or Clarin? Wink wink nudge nudge :D
March 27, 2017
Where to begin with this one. I came across Jane Washington shortly after the first book in the series was released. I devoured the first book and impatiently waited for the second to release. I became enthralled with the characters and had to know everything about them. I'm sad that this book brings about the end of this amazing series but Jane did an OUTSTANDING job closing it out. It was action packed and had me hanging on every word for what would happen next. The way things played out with certain characters was exactly how I wanted it to go. I even teared up a little when **Spoilerish** we finally got rid of someone that we had been trying to get rid of. The way she made that moment play out, priceless. I loved every single thing about this book and couldn't have asked for anything more. Well except maybe Jane will love us enough to maybe spin off and give us more Clarin and Poison b/c come on, they are pretty awesome too.
March 26, 2017
Hmmm ... okayy where to start. Jane it slayed me. Seraph matures so much in this one she grows into herself and becomes so self aware.
Silas learns to share.... that's nice.... he learns a modicum of self control and only wants to maim or kill every second person he meets.... Progress ... did i mention sexy as hell.
Cabe for me didn't change alot for me still a goof but necessary he seems to be able to remove alot of tension from potentially bad situations.
Noah became Noah not an extension of Cabe or the douchebag, things we disliked him for became his saving grace in the end. He grew the most I love Noah ... there i said it.
Miro,
Im in love, seriously if Miro showed up on my doorstep, i might have to boot hubby out... some indefinable quality about Miro.... *dream heatwave backflash shimmers*
okay I'll shutup ... Just read the damn book.
Silas learns to share.... that's nice.... he learns a modicum of self control and only wants to maim or kill every second person he meets.... Progress ... did i mention sexy as hell.
Cabe for me didn't change alot for me still a goof but necessary he seems to be able to remove alot of tension from potentially bad situations.
Noah became Noah not an extension of Cabe or the douchebag, things we disliked him for became his saving grace in the end. He grew the most I love Noah ... there i said it.
Miro,
Im in love, seriously if Miro showed up on my doorstep, i might have to boot hubby out... some indefinable quality about Miro.... *dream heatwave backflash shimmers*
okay I'll shutup ... Just read the damn book.
July 9, 2018
SERAPH BLACK series - This one is definitely more YA, with god-like gifts being bestowed upon mere mortals. It's not really mythology-based, but the Zev society hidden among humans does have its own mythology, if that makes sense. The summaries for these books just do not do them justice. They are a thing unto themselves and it only gets crazier as the series progresses.
Charcoal Tears - So, after trying several reverse harem stories and ultimately being disappointed by each, I wasn't expecting much from this book. Especially since it was considered young adult and I was searching for something more akin to the Alex Lidell series I read last month. But Charcoal Tears was really quite good! The characterization, the plotting, the pace, the lingering questions...all were fantastic and kept me captivated. I wasn't even through with this first book before I was downloading the rest of the series on Kindle Unlimited. Truthfully, I read these books back-to-back-to-back over the course of the weekend, so I can't really differentiate between them at this point, but they're good, really good: humorous while also tackling some really awful truths, well-written, and super-intriguing. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Watercolor Smile - I think I suspected who the Messenger was in the first book, but this book cemented it for me. However, that made the creepy rhymes and cruel deaths no less sinister. The Messenger's efforts did manage to push Seraph and her bondmates closer together, though, and this is how I want to see this type of romance play out: getting to know one another, forming connections, and then moving on to the physical stuff. But it's been pretty tame so far, which I appreciate because YAY the tight-knit closeness of this group but which I also loathe because FOUR BROTHERS. Ahem. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Lead Heart - In this third installment, you could just feel Seph's solace, the sense of betrayal and her inability to trust pretty much anyone. It just leaks off the pages. But you can't blame her, considering everything she's been through. I think Lead Heart is a very apropos title. Big changes in this book, but it's late in the series and I feel like anything I say might be spoilery. Just...if you've made it this far, you've got to read the final book. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
A Portrait of Pain - I am so, SO glad this was a completed series when I stumbled upon it. The only ones I've seemed to enjoy lately are those that are unfinished series and it's driving me crazy. Constant book hangover is no way to live one's life. Anyway...this final book was a big ole box of WTFs. The reveals! The sexy times! The near-constant refrain of how is this even going to work?!? I read it in one sitting, as soon as I finished Lead Heart and though I think the author maybe jumped the shark a bit here in this final book, I still maintain that it was a pretty great series on the whole. I did think it was odd that the author chose to showcase the mates voices in this last book, though. It was the first time you got to read from their perspectives, if I remember correctly, but it felt almost unnecessary at this point. The author did such a great job of introducing each Atma (mate) from the beginning and it felt understood how each would be feeling in the moment, so close were their bonds to Seph. Oh, and also, #TeamMiro. :D (I can't be the only one who likes the responsible leader. It always feels like that guy gets the shaft (ha!) because he's always putting duty above everything else.) 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Charcoal Tears - So, after trying several reverse harem stories and ultimately being disappointed by each, I wasn't expecting much from this book. Especially since it was considered young adult and I was searching for something more akin to the Alex Lidell series I read last month. But Charcoal Tears was really quite good! The characterization, the plotting, the pace, the lingering questions...all were fantastic and kept me captivated. I wasn't even through with this first book before I was downloading the rest of the series on Kindle Unlimited. Truthfully, I read these books back-to-back-to-back over the course of the weekend, so I can't really differentiate between them at this point, but they're good, really good: humorous while also tackling some really awful truths, well-written, and super-intriguing. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Watercolor Smile - I think I suspected who the Messenger was in the first book, but this book cemented it for me. However, that made the creepy rhymes and cruel deaths no less sinister. The Messenger's efforts did manage to push Seraph and her bondmates closer together, though, and this is how I want to see this type of romance play out: getting to know one another, forming connections, and then moving on to the physical stuff. But it's been pretty tame so far, which I appreciate because YAY the tight-knit closeness of this group but which I also loathe because FOUR BROTHERS. Ahem. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Lead Heart - In this third installment, you could just feel Seph's solace, the sense of betrayal and her inability to trust pretty much anyone. It just leaks off the pages. But you can't blame her, considering everything she's been through. I think Lead Heart is a very apropos title. Big changes in this book, but it's late in the series and I feel like anything I say might be spoilery. Just...if you've made it this far, you've got to read the final book. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
A Portrait of Pain - I am so, SO glad this was a completed series when I stumbled upon it. The only ones I've seemed to enjoy lately are those that are unfinished series and it's driving me crazy. Constant book hangover is no way to live one's life. Anyway...this final book was a big ole box of WTFs. The reveals! The sexy times! The near-constant refrain of how is this even going to work?!? I read it in one sitting, as soon as I finished Lead Heart and though I think the author maybe jumped the shark a bit here in this final book, I still maintain that it was a pretty great series on the whole. I did think it was odd that the author chose to showcase the mates voices in this last book, though. It was the first time you got to read from their perspectives, if I remember correctly, but it felt almost unnecessary at this point. The author did such a great job of introducing each Atma (mate) from the beginning and it felt understood how each would be feeling in the moment, so close were their bonds to Seph. Oh, and also, #TeamMiro. :D (I can't be the only one who likes the responsible leader. It always feels like that guy gets the shaft (ha!) because he's always putting duty above everything else.) 🌟🌟🌟🌟
April 28, 2018
Well I'm not going to go into much details about this series...but what I will say is that this book was pretty decent and I did enjoy this very turbulent ride of a storyline...
I also want to applaud and give the author her props for her originality when it came to the storyline somewhat.. the dynamics were same as any other book of this genre but she most definitely put a different kind of spin on things.... So bravo Jane.. Bravo!
Overall rating:
4*~ A Very Good Read
I also want to applaud and give the author her props for her originality when it came to the storyline somewhat.. the dynamics were same as any other book of this genre but she most definitely put a different kind of spin on things.... So bravo Jane.. Bravo!
Overall rating:
4*~ A Very Good Read
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