Shattered Circle (Persephone Alcmedi #6) by Linda Robertson

I love it when an author, over the course of several books, is able to build a world that envelops me completely.  Multiple plot threads are moved along at the same time, all while remaining separate and distinct.  In Shattered Circle, the latest installment in the Circle series by Linda Robertson, the problems are many, the characters are busy, and the action is non-stop.

I will try to avoid spoilers—it’s pretty hard though!  Johnny is dealing with a revelation that rocked his world at the end of the last book.  He is trying to negotiate his way as the Dom Lupp, while still keeping his musical connections.  His misunderstandings with Persephone have not been resolved, and they are apart for much of the book, though he does play a pivotal role in the end.

Menessos is dealing with vampire politics, as he is forced to cede his position to Goliath.  In addition, he has to contend with the three sisters of the shabbubitum, who are out for vengeance on Persephone.  (At the end of the last book, she battled with the dominant of the three sisters and injured her.)  In addition, the sisters find out that Beverly, Persephone’s ward, has fey powers and they kidnap her.

Persephone is contending with all of the supernatural politics and the forces that want to destroy her.  The creature that she calls “Creepy” (from the end of the last book) appears and sucks her into her meditative world.  Unmasking his identity and determining his motives are the theme of most of the end of the book (along with rescuing Beverly).

Ultimately, this book worked for me—and didn’t.  Some of the plot threads are better written than others.  Persephone and Johnny seem to be the most fleshed out characters to me, and I never have understood the appeal of Menessos.  All of his political posturing just bores me.

I cannot say that I loved this book, but I did like it and it moved the story forward.  It really feels as though a major storm might be on the way in the next book or so.  The problem with the alternating points of view (that plagued the last book) has been resolved.

I always warn in the reviews for these books that you HAVE to start at Book 1, and I will repeat the warning here.  Robertson does give the back-story in each book, but I am pretty sure that I would find this book incomprehensible without knowing each character’s history.  If you are a fan of urban fantasy, where the focus is most definitely on action, you will probably enjoy the entire Circle series.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  Regina