Enslaved by the Others by Jess Haines
Series: H&W Investigations #6
Published by Zebra
Published on: July 1, 2014
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 353
Format: eBook
Source: Author
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Vampires, werewolves, magi and worse-the Others have joined the mortal world, and there's no turning back now...
As a New York P.I. and Other specialist, Shiarra Waynest has been in plenty of trouble before. But waking up in a windowless room the prisoner of a vampire slave trader is a shock for anyone. Shia has her wits, her bravado, and a couple of used staples, so maybe she can take on a mansion full of serious evil.
But although she's desperate to escape, Shia needs some answers too. Her friends are in danger. There are betrayers and spies among them. And even if she can figure out what's going on and somehow get a message out, she's still a captive of the worst kind...
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This installment was TAKEN BY THE OTHERS 2.0 with the same overall premise, but without the secondary plot threads to lessen how messed up this series’ lead antagonist really is in addition to a few other differences as the title suggests. In this novel the distinction between a ‘good’ and ‘bad’ vampire became glaringly evident as the story took on a ‘better the devil you know’ vibe. The six book long arc came to a close which left me feeling like this might be the last of Shiarra Waynest’s shenanigans; it’s been nine months since this title was released, and nothing new has been announced.
The H&W INVESTIGATIONS universe has primarily revolved around blood suckers, and werewolves; however ENSLAVED BY THE OTHERS brings a couple of new supes to the field, and I still haven’t managed to figure out what one of them was based Jess Haines’ clues. I’m hoping that there will in fact be a seventh installment because I NEEDS TO KNOW what’s up with Iana! The second Other we hooked up with was Soo-Jin Kumiho, a Kitsune demon fox with 9 tails, so after that little diddy, plus all of the hints with regards to the former’s true nature, I’m thinking she’s something pretty spectacular.
Just when I thought the darkest novel in this series was behind me, I crack this baby open only to discover that this author’s previous horrors don’t even begin to scratch the surface. The blurb mentions a slave trader, so that gives you a good indication of the level of depravity you can expect from this story. We learn how the vampire named Mouse became mute after she was immortal, needless to say that it takes a special kind of monster to mutilate a being that can heal almost anything. And, that’s merely one example of many. Yeah, this book’s fucked up.
Royce’s character was shelved once again which was a downer because I really wanted him to go mano e mano against Shia’s jailer instead of pulling his minions’ puppet strings from a distance. We did get Arthur and Sara though which was a minor consolation. The ending satisfied in an it’s about time kind of way; I was happy that Waynest accepted what Alec had to do without protest, and finally acknowledged that her boy toy has been on her side since their first meeting. I’d be ok if this series concluded here, although there’s definitely still room for it to expand.
ENSLAVED BY THE OTHERS wasn’t pretty, but in the end Shia got get man.
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Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
I really need to pick up this series one day. It looks really good.
Melanie recently posted…Review: Wolf’s Capture by Eve Langlais
I chatted with the author a bit on Twitter, and she said that she’s gonna start working on book 7 soon-ish.
I have the first book in this series on my TBR – I had no idea it was so dark! I’m glad to hear this book wrapped the storyline up, I hate it when authors go MIA without at least giving the reader some closure.
Celine recently posted…Review: The One by Kiera Cass
Two out of the six installments are quite dark, and one of them was infuriating, so… expect to be both disturbed and enraged. LOL!
I really need to read this series..I know if I look in some boxes somewhere I have the first book..lol. 🙂
It’s like digging for buried treasure. 😉
Gah! Another UF series that’s been on my wish list forever. I need to start reading these, though I’m a bit worried about the dark and twisted labels for this one. I have a hard time reading torture scenes, so I’m glad you gave us a warning. Great review.
E.J. Stevens recently posted…Paranormal Road Trip: Destination Rapid City with Elizabeth Bear + Giveaway
The torture aspects weren’t that bad; I’ve read worse. But yeah, this book definitely wasn’t all rainbows & unicorns.
I’m not sure I can handle this book at the moment Carmel! I’m in a light, happy, fluffy kind of place, and I’m thinking a sadistic slave trader is not going to bring the warm fuzzies. *shudders* I’ve got my fingers crossed you get another book that gives you some details on Iana even if you were satisfied where things were left overall!
No need to ruin your happy place just yet, Jenny. This series isn’t going anywhere.
This series wasn’t on my radar at all but I am pretty interested now since I’ve been in the mood for dark and twisted book lately (it’s a phase!) LOL! great review Carmel! Glad you were satisfied with how everything ended in this series.
Lily recently posted…Becoming Rain (Burying Water #2):Review
I go through phases too, although dark & twisted’s not usually one of them. The writing flows really well, you’ll fly through these!
I’ve read some of the books in this series, need to get back to it!
aurian recently posted…Nancy Warren – Bad Boys Down Under – Read for #LLC2015
Cool! That’s a start. 🙂
I had no idea this series was such a dark one. As odd as it sounds, I think I might like that about it. I am concerned though that you had no idea this might be the series ender but it sounds like you are okay with it being the end if so, which I am guessing means not too much was left undone.
Great review!
kindlemom1 recently posted…Blog Tour Book Review: One of the Guys by Lisa Aldin
The main story arc was resolved, but a few little threads were left open, so I’d be good either way.
Hmm… I have been tempted to try this series, but now I am hesitating. Dark series aren’t my fav so I am end up skipping it. Thanks for the heads up.
Heidi recently posted…Review: The Last Time We Say Goodbye by Cynthia Hand
It’s good to be forewarned; some aspects shouldn’t be surprises.
I haven’t read this series, but I’m adding the first book. Based on your review, it does have substance, which is great. Also I appreciate a plot arc that can span six different books… It’s like running a mini-marathon 🙂 Great review, Carmel!
Ramona recently posted…Zen Monday: Ch-Ch-Changes
I love diving into a series when there are already a decent number of installments out. No waiting!
*throws int he towel* I am NEVER going to catch up on all the books! lol
I’ve been meaning to start this series. I have the first two but – no time!!!!!
Do what I did; one a month, it’s totally manageable.
I miss Shia now…
blodeuedd recently posted…Finn Fancy Necromancy – Randy Henderson
She’ll be back. Haines said so!
And another series that sounds good. I’ll make a note, but I need to wait until I catch up or finish off a few others first. 😉
Sophia Rose recently posted…The Great Pick Up Line with Love and War by Bianca Harrison #TGPUL
I know that feeling all too well.
Oh I need to start this series. I have the first book. I’m glad you are still enjoying it. I now feel so far behind. Even though this is very dark, I want to read it!
Melissa (Books and Things) recently posted…Half the World by Joe Abercrombie
I was far behind in September when I read book 1, but now I’ll all caught up. You can do it!!!
Hmmmm, seems that this series might be a bit too dark for my taste! But I’m glad to hear that at least the ending was good enough to keep you satisfied!
Pili recently posted…Mark This Book Monday: ARC Review of The Winner’s Crime by Marie Rutkoski!!!
There are no happy fun times in this installment, that’s for sure!
One of these days I need to pick up a book from Haines. Those covers are glorious, and sound even better!
She’s a very talented author, you should!
It’s always a good thing, in my book, when a series end leaves you satisfied yet willing to have it continue. 🙂 I’m glad you were happy with how things wrapped up, Carmel. This series is *still* on my tbr. I’ll get to it…this year. Promise! 🙂
Bookworm Brandee recently posted…Interview with Author Michelle Mankin ~ Plus Giveaway
Agreed. Haines started strong, and ended that way too. I’ll be disappointed if she never writes a book 7, but at least I got closure.
This is a series I’ve been meaning to read. I love when the authors get creative with the supes. But sometimes the dark stuff can be hard for me to read. Often it’s worth it though. Someday I’ll get to these!
Candace recently posted…Boost It Tuesday: Authors and Bloggers, Link Up Your Facebook Pages for a Boost!
I can do dark just so long as there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Makes the journey feel all the more rewarding.
Dang, that woman on the cover is kind of scary looking. Sexy, but scary. Rawr! lol. Well, someday I’ll make my way to this book.
Christy recently posted…Gunmetal Magic by Ilona Andrews
I think that’s the point. She IS a vampire hunter after all. 😛
I don’t remember the end of the novel but I confess I don’t think I thought about the end of the series though… I’m glad you had a good time with this new one!
This wasn’t my favourite installment, but I was thankful that we were spared the cliff hanger this time around.
Another series I need to read… I even have first books.
BookaholicCat recently posted…Audiobook Review: Dirty Chick: Adventures of an Unlikely Farmer by Antonia Murphy
And, it’s not Paranormal Romance. 😀
Mutilation, slaves, this book definitely isn’t for the faint hearted! Interesting though as I haven’t heard of it before, the kitsune would be interesting. Great review!
Jeann recently posted…Contemporary YA Reviews #5: The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart & A Small Madness by Diane Touchell
It’s fun figuring out what kind of supes certain characters are; the kitsune was a surprise.
Omg. Sounds SO good!! Yet another series I wanna read and didn’t get to… Do you feel I say this a lot? I feel like I say this WAY too much :((
I confess the idea of this twisted little baby possibly being a last in a series fuels my reading desires all the more. I’m developing a complex with long series I haven’t even gotten to book #1 of… *sniffle sniffle*
Livia recently posted…Q&A with Andrea Speed, Excerpt & Giveaway
It’s a pretty common comment from book bloggers. Six books isn’t too bad length-wise for a series.
Wow, sounds like some hard hitting plot lines! Good to hear she got her man in the end even if wasn’t easy
She got both men, one dead & the other in her bed. Hehe!
Man, Carmel! You keep introducing me to bloodydamn good UF! I haven’t had a UF marathon in a while O.O I like how this one has horror elemetns that would make you want to retch, because honestly, only something can like that can you make you feel, “Wow, this is REALLY fucked-up!” I can’t wait!
Faye M. recently posted…ARC Review: Liars, Inc. by Paula Stokes
Your bloodydamn remark would have went completely over my head a couple of weeks ago, but luckily I’ve since crossed Red Rising off my list.
There are so many paranormal beings in this one, holy crap! I want to read it based on the fox demon alone.
A six book long arc? Did it tidy up well, I always feel like authors find SOME way to create a loophole to add more to a story that has already ended.
Amber Elise recently posted…[Meme]Waiting on Wednesday [#62]
The previous installment was kinda filler-ish, so the author could have probably wrapped things up at book 5.
This sounds dark, gritty and well … dark! Which is something that I just might enjoy. I’m glad it worked out for you and I will cross my fingers that there’s more to come. 🙂
Kim recently posted…Waiting On Wednesday:The Sea King by C.L. Wilson
My fears have been put to rest. Jess Haines confirmed on Twitter that there will be MORE!
Yep, that was my feelings about this book too, Carmel. And you are right, it’s been awhile since we heard anything from Jess Haines 🙁
kara-karina recently posted…Fantasy Romance Review: Chronicles of Warlands series by Elizabeth Vaughan
I didn’t know you were up to date on this series. Nice!