Author: Lila Bowen
Series: The Shadow #2
Age: Young Adult
Genres: Western, Paranormal
Publication Date: October 11, 2016
Publisher: Orbit
Source: Review copy provided
Purchase: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Play Store | iBooks
Synopsis:
Monsters, magic and the supernatural combine in this sequel to Wake of Vultures, in which a young woman must defeat the evil hiding beneath the surface.
Nettie Lonesome made a leap -- not knowing what she'd become. But now the destiny of the Shadow is calling.
A powerful alchemist is leaving a trail of dead across the prairie. And the Shadow must face the ultimate challenge: side with her friends and the badge on her chest or take off alone on the dangerous mission pulling her inexorably toward the fight of her life.
When it comes to monsters and men, the world isn't black and white. What good are two wings and a gun when your enemy can command a conspiracy of ravens?
Conspiracy of Ravens continues the exciting journey begun in Wake of Vultures as Nettie Lonesome discovers that she, and the world, are more than what they seem.
My Rating:
Quote(s) I Like:
"What part of I don't know sounded like keep on asking?" - Rhett
"Men had is so easy, pissing wherever they wished. Most of the time, Rhett had come to feel right comfortable as a man among men, but nothing reminded him of the frailty of his body like the horrors that occurred below his damn belt. Any day now, he'd be bleeding again, and the thought made him grind his teeth and wish for a fairer world." - Rhett
"Here's the thing, Rhett. Everything has a cost. You live in a tribe, you pull your weight. You live in a town, you do your job. You live on a farm, you sweat into the soil. You want something, you suffer for it. Living is not free. Life demands sacrifice." - Coyote Dan
My Thoughts:
Holy heck this pretty damn good. A great sequel for sure. The western writing was still about difficult and annoying to read at times. The lingo just bores me, but the overall story was just phenomenal. Paranormal beings, alchemists, humans, magic, sexism, racism...just full of so much that builds this story up.
Nettie is still working hard as a Ranger, but she has finally embraced being the Shadow. She know goes by a new name -- Rhett Hennessy Walker. She is still struggling with her identity and sexuality. She's a black girl wanting to be a man, but she's in love with a boy while having relations with two woman and having a crush on man. Sounds completely insane, however it all adds to her growth. Rhett is bold, daring sarcastic and doesn't take mess from anyone. I totally love that about him. I get confused at times when Rhett doesn't know if he wants to be Nettie or Rhett, but just watching him figure his life out is amazing. I loved that he embraced his ability to shift. I just wish he would open his heart to others and have the patience to learn new things. Nettie aka Rhett is badass. I just still never really know whether to say he or she because he keeps flip flopping.
Coyote Dan is still an awesome guy. I think he has some type of feeling for Nettie, but because she prances around as a boy he stays far away from any kind of emotional connection. The friendship they have is pretty awesome. As for Winifred she is a handful of hot mess. That girl wants to do what she wants, when she wants and doesn't really care for consequences or drama. Sam is amazing
As for the new characters, Earl and Cora, they were pretty interesting. Earl was a major ass in every sense because he was rude, talked to damn much and he literally turned into a donkey. Cora was freaking amazing. I loved her and I hated her because of how she setup Rhett, but in the end it was all apart of the plan which I thought was awesome. She was also a cool ass dragon with powers to heal people. Amazing!
As for the evil man, Trevisan the alchemist, I don't know much about him since not much was revealed, but taking over Meimei like that is ruthless. Killing Grandpa Z was insane. I hope Rhett finds him and kills him again.
That ending was insane! I hope the next books don't get muddy with the romance and sex -- I think it's just too much. The first book was fine because the love interest was mainly Sam, but now with 2 females being involved and Rhett not knowing what he wants it just takes away from the story as a whole. I hope he figures out his life soon. I can't wait for more action as they chase after Trevisan.
Have you read this book?