January 07 2022
<b>4.5 Stars</b><br /><br />Enjoyed this even more than the first book. A fast paced plot full of Myths and Folklore and awesome characters. A few from Nate Temple series made an appearance too and that made it even more fun to read. There's a mystery about Quinn's abilities and I can't wait to find what or who she really is.
July 30 2019
It's a real shame my high school guidance counselors never let me know black magic arms dealing was a possibility. Now I'm rethinking some life choices...
February 19 2019
<strong>The adventures of Quinn Mc kenna, what a trip !</strong><br /><br />I have never encountered anything like this to my knowledge. I liked the second novel in the series probably just a little more than the first. It's really difficult to put a definite label on what type of novel this even is realistically as it draws from so many different sources from myths and legends of the ancient Greeks, to characters ranging from literary classics,comic books, fairy tales,even the Bible. The cast of characters used in creating this novel is as long as your arm. So I could absolutely see the benefit of reading the previous novel's leading to this one. I really cannot say I am a big fan of Greek Mythology, but the vampires, nephilm, werewolves, grigori,ifrits, demons,and even an ex- Shepard priest,and other assorted strange characters were enough to keep me interested and entertained. Some of the names used for characters was quite resourceful and inventive to say the least. I am sure Ernest Hemingway would be quite pleased to know that he had been promoted to being Death one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse in the book of revelation, and Alucard former master vampire of New Orleans and speaks with a Cajun accent and whose name reversed spells Dracula,which was used in a horror film entitled Son of Dracula starring Lon Channey Jr. Also there is the fact that he is a Daywalker borrowed from comic book and movie character portrayed by Wesley Smiles called Blade. The second novel as two major ongoing catastrophes to contend with by our heroine Quinn Mc Kenna those being the acquisition of the seed which just happens to be the Tree of Knowledge from the Gardenp of Eden and it even talks. Ahhh! How cute! ,and the other problem being to rescue Tanya's sister Terry from the clutches of Magnus the Master Vampire of New York City. Of course everything is resolved by the end of the novel ensuring the safety of the world by convincing Johnny Appleseed to retract his offer of his giving the seed to Darrel, the Nephilim this preventing the Apocalypse. Hooray ! Hooray!on to the third novel in the continuing series for further adventures. I recommend reading this novel as it will definitely keep you entertain ed which is the main object behind this type of fiction. Right ?
April 23 2019
Immediately after completing Whiskey Ginger, I knew I needed to continue along with Quinn on her journey. The 2nd installment of The Phantom Queen Diaries does not disappoint. Cameron and Shayne have worked their magic yet again. This book slowly starts introducing more characters from the Temple and Feathers and Fire series to help keep Quinn relevant in terms of how the 3 different aspects of the Templeverse all tie together while still letting Quinn drive rather than these known characters showing up and driving Quinn's actions just to further the agenda of Nate or Callie.<br /><br />One of my favorite aspects of the Templeverse is that characters from the other books can show up in a different series and those events aren't just regurgitated across the whole spectrum. Obviously if there is something from an even that needs to be mentioned for the story to make sense Cameron and Shayne will do that, but we get original content rather than 1 event retold through the eyes of 3 different characters.<br /><br />Quinn is not to be outdone by anyone, and this universe has introduced us to some truly legendary characters, and Cosmopolitan takes the journey to NYC where we meet some new legends as well as get to learn a little more about what exactly it is that makes Quinn a freak.<br /><br />While the first book in the series was good, this one is even better. It seems like the writing has become more comfortable allowing it to flow smoother and faster, as well as improving the reader's vision of the characters and how certain scenes play out.<br />
June 19 2018
You just can’t ever get enough of these books! The first page starts out leaving the reader tense and fearful over the vivid description of a vicious troll apparently about to attack – and we quickly find out that the awesome description, raising goosebumps all over our bodies, is merely telling us of a poker game in progress! By then, I’m on the edge of my seat with anxiety and sinking to a puddle on the floor! Gotta love it, you will never be bored! <br /><br />Continuing on, Quinn MacKenna, a black-magic arms dealer from Boston, is having a tough time of things since her accidental “dealings” with Nate. Now Othello wants her to retrieve a magical artifact being brokered in New York, and even called a friend to get her Chancery hearing date delayed so it wouldn’t interfere. And Quinn will soon find that whatever she is after, she is not the only one after it -- and the competition plays really, really rough. <br /><br />The huge cast of characters we meet is amazing and unforgettable. Many of them already feel like old friends. The story line is perfect and the action non-stop. With the books quickly releasing, don’t let yourself get behind on this series! (I suspect if you try to read too many of these books at once to catch up, something like a magical overdose may occur with unpredictable results, or at least uncontrollable laughter!) <br />
June 19 2018
This is a tough review to write. This book is so very full of new characters, old friends, adventure in New York trying to acquire a mysterious seed that is being auctioned there, and her usual hijinx that gets her into all kinds of trouble. And it all ties into Nate since he's the one who actually wanted the seed acquired and has Othello ask Quinn to get it. She even ends up with problems with the master vamp, Magnus, and needs Alucard to come help her.<br /><br />The story gets a little confusing as it tends to be a little bit busy and involved, but that doesn't stop me from loving it. Cameron is absorbing Shayne's quirky sense of humor and fun which shows quite a bit making it a little difficult to tell who we're reading; Cameron or Shayne. But either way, who cares? The story was fun, even though it took so many turns I got dizzy at times. All in all it was so busy there was no putting it down until I was done. I will say the ending was a bit anticlimactic, which kind of surprised me. <br /><br />So, on to the next! Can't wait to see what Quinn gets herself into this time! Good work guys! <br /><br />While I received this as an ARC book, not only am I reviewing this with my own opinions and of my own volition, I also bought it so I have the released copy in my library!
June 19 2018
Already back into the breach, Silvers and O'Connell continue their tireless war on the world's coffee and hard liquor supplies with this second entry into the Phantom Queens, wherein protagonist Quinn MacKenna is still reeling from book one but already being dragged along into the next mess on the horizon. <br /><br />The pacing is still strapped to a rocket, albeit this one has a few engine sputters here and there that allow for moments of development and introspection on Quinn's part as she clings to said rocket from one event to the next with more passengers being piled on at every pit stop. More than a few returning faces from the greater established Templeverse all drop in for this one as the climax sets into motion, and their arrivals are peppered with what read as subtle nods for new readers and bright, flashing neon Vegas style road-signs for those already acquainted with said characters from their original books. <br /><br />That said however, none of them steal the show away from Quinn at all, and rather just hammering her into an already expansive roster, the differing tones and style by O'Connell help instead shape them all around Quinn and her own story narrative rather well. <br /><br />As usual, I look forward to seeing what the next installment brings.
June 19 2018
Quinn Mackenna is back. This time she is asked by Othello of Grimm Tech to travel to New York to retrieve another magical object with the potential to bring about the destruction of civilization as we know it.<br /><br />While she’s there, Quinn has been asked to check on the missing sister of a girl from the <i>dojo</i> where she does her martial arts training.<br /><br />The search for the missing girl proves to be almost more dangerous than the quest to retrieve the magical object. In the process of accomplishing her twin objectives, Quinn encounters a couple of the Muses, a large pack of vampires, entire hosts of Angels and Demons, and Johnny Appleseed. Many old friends (or maybe not) from the other series in the Templeverse show up to help (or hinder) her with her projects – especially Alucard the Daywalker vampire and Roland the former Shepherd who is now also a vampire, who help to manage the New York vampires.<br /><br />Quinn manages to handle everything with her usual pithy comments and her magic deadening field. And in the process, she manages to acquire not one but two new boyfriends and a houseplant.<br />
May 15 2021
<strong>Another MUST read</strong><br /><br />I chose 5 stars because that is all there is, this is easily an 9 star book in 10 star series. The humor, love & dedication to family/friends in this & all Templeverse books just floors me every time. I love that the female characters are all strong, independent and yet supportive of each other (without being super sappy). Each book I read I'm convinced that a different character is my favorite (Quinn for her resilience & snark, Callie for loyalty & caring, Othello for her intelligence & all around awesomeness, Gunner because of his protectiveness, Ashley because she turns an alpha wolf into a lap dog {hehehe}). <br />Cosmopolitan gives another view of things, a different perspective on occurrences & people from previous books. Being able to see different sides of people (characters) I love is such a joy & surprise . It is truly an amazing book. Please I implore you start the series, read the books so I can conversate with more people about them & hopefully together we can get Netflix to make the whole Templeverse streaming reality! Worse case scenario you end up expanding your mind & potentially making friends and enjoying a great book.
June 27 2018
<br />If you like Angels and Demons and, wait, who’s is that guy???<br />In the 2nd installment of the Phantom Queen series, We find Quinn trying to help Othello out and even the scales from her last theft by agreeing to obtain an artifact GrimmTech wants. But this is no ordinary merchandise, right? I mean it can’t be—why else would Heaven and Hell both be scrambling to get possession of it? Quinn’s quest leads her to places she couldn’t dream up and introduces her to more Templeverse favorites at those famous Fight Nights Dorian Gray is so fond of. If she can make it out of there, she still has to convince the artifact’s broker to deal with her The catch? It MUST be given voluntarily by its legendary keeper, none other than—well you gotta read the book to get that juicy tidbit! Anywho, Quinn has to convince the keeper that she is the best option—only one problem, it’s already been promised, and as she finds out the hard way, Angels and Demons play for keepsies! Grab your copy and dive in to the chaos!!!