"Haunted" is the fifth installment in the Women of the World novel series, and this time, the narrative is told from the perspective of Eve Levine. You may recall Eve as Savannah's half-demon/witch mother who met her untimely demise before the events of the second book in the series, "Stolen." In this captivating story, Eve is summoned by the Fates to repay a favor by tracking down the Nix, a malevolent demon that invades human bodies, forces them to commit heinous atrocities, and feeds on the resulting chaos.

Given that Eve is now a ghost and游荡 in the afterlife, it's understandable why I was initially extremely hesitant to read this book. How could one possibly empathize with a ghost? However, Armstrong masterfully manages to pull it off, and "Haunted" turns out to be a highly entertaining, fast-paced adventure filled with thrilling action and fascinating characters. There's even a steamy romance brewing between Eve and her long-time sorcerer love interest and Savannah's father, Kristof (who, incidentally, is also deceased). The mythology presented in this book is entirely new, encompassing elements such as angels, demons, various hell dimensions, and necromancers. While I can't claim that this is my favorite Kelley world (I have a particular penchant for her werewolf and vampire mythologies), mainly because the rules and boundaries here seem somewhat hazy, I do appreciate Armstrong's vivid imagination, and some of her concepts about the afterlife are truly ingenious.

In conclusion, here's a word of advice: if you're solely a fan of Kelley's werewolf stories (which are my personal favorites as well), you can easily skip this installment since nothing significant regarding Clay and Elena occurs here. However, if you're a "completist" who insists on reading the entire series, don't be deterred. This book is not as bad as it might initially appear. In fact, in my opinion, "Haunted" is even better than Armstrong's witch-related stories.

It's not that there was any one specific thing wrong with this book.

I just couldn't connect with Eve. I'm pretty sure it's my own biases.

I love Elena. She is my favorite character in this series, and I just can't bring myself to like someone else.

It took everything I had to read Paige's books, and I actually LIKED her. But I can't say the same for Eve.

I only made it about 85 pages before I gave up. I found myself losing interest and not really caring what happened to her.

However, I'm going to pick this one up again at a later date and give it another chance. Ms. Armstrong is a great writer, and this book is no exception.

I'm sure that if I can get past my initial biases, I will be able to enjoy this book as much as I have enjoyed the others in the series.

It's me, not her. I just need to give it some time and an open mind.

**Haunted: A Review**

Haunted earns 3 stars. Eve Levine, a half-demon/half-witch, lived a reckless life. Now dead, not much has changed. When the Fates ask for a favor, she agrees to hunt an evil spirit causing chaos in the living world. But it's not as simple as it seems. Eve must use all her resources to outwit the tricky Nix.

The world-building is good, as always, and the plot is entertaining. However, Eve isn't a likable heroine, and her romance with Kristoff is lackluster. The mystery in this installment is one of the more engaging in the series. The Nix is a powerful adversary, and the details about historical crimes add depth to the story. Another plus is the updates on secondary characters. Paige, Lucas, and Savannah are becoming a family, and Jaime's crush on Jeremy is endearing.

The main problem with the book is that readers have to suspend their disbelief and accept that Eve and Kristoff, who have had ethical issues, are now a heroic duo fighting evil. While Kristoff redeems himself to some extent by sacrificing himself to save his daughter, the same can't be said for Eve, and it's hard to care about her fate.

Laural Merlington's narration isn't my favorite, but I've gotten used to it. Overall, it's not my favorite book in the series, but it's still worth reading.

We have reached book five in the Women of the Otherworld series, and Armstrong has now centered her attention on Eve Levine, the half-demon black witch who terrifies everyone, even after her death.

Of course, the afterlife didn't quite meet Eve's expectations, but it's not so bad. She can watch over her daughter Savannah, albeit unable to take any action. However, the Fates assign her a task: capture the demi-demon Nix who is causing chaos in the human world. Angels have already attempted and failed to capture the Nix, but then again, angels never play dirty.

I confess, I wasn't overly enthusiastic about starting this book, mainly because I wasn't that interested in Eve. She's mentioned briefly, and her existence has influenced how Savannah is treated, but she's dead, right? How exciting could her story be? Well, I should have known better than to doubt Kelley Armstrong because I adored this book. It was an exciting and engaging read that once again added a new layer to the world Armstrong is constructing.

I had no idea what to anticipate from Eve. She has a fearsome reputation as a black witch, so I was concerned I wouldn't like her. That wasn't the case, though. She was simply more edgy and ruthless, willing to get her hands dirty to accomplish the task. Definitely a different kind of character and witch compared to Paige, but by the end of the book, I really liked Eve. We also get to meet Kristof Nast, Eve's former lover and Savannah's father. The name should sound familiar as he's the one who died at the end of Dime Store Magic. Eve and Kristof are now reunited in death, which added a touch of romance to this story. It also allowed us to see a different side of Kristof. Although he may be a Cabal sorcerer, like Eve, he's not all bad.

I also relished their pursuit of the Nix, the malevolent demi-demon causing so much havoc. It made for an exciting and action-packed story as Eve tracks her down and attempts to find a way to stop her. Armstrong is truly excellent at crafting an interesting plot that hooks you in. I was glued to the page, eagerly awaiting what would happen next.

This was a great book. Both of the main characters had all the characteristics of an evil villain, but it was reversed, and they ended up as the heroes of the story. It was a brilliant concept. Once again, I'm left eager to begin the next book in the series and discover what Armstrong has in store for me next.

Haunted is the fifth installment in Kelley Armstrong's remarkable Women of the Otherworld series. To be entirely frank, though, it's my least preferred book in the series so far. It was more of a three-point-five-star read, and my inclination towards the overall series is what led me to round up.

The initial two books in the series centered around a werewolf, the third and fourth books delved into the witching world, and this fifth book takes us even deeper into the afterlife that was introduced in book four. I sense that this book does a great deal to introduce elements that will come into play in the subsequent books of the series. However, as an individual read, it doesn't reach the same level as the previous books.

For me, I found this one to be a much slower-paced read. It took quite some time before anything truly significant occurred. There was an abundance of information being presented, but not a whole lot was actually happening. Granted, the storyline was interesting; nevertheless, it didn't feel as if it was progressing all that much.

Moreover, I discovered that the characters in this book were much more difficult to connect with compared to those in the previous books. Towards the conclusion of the book, I began to enjoy them more, but it was nowhere near the same extent as I had enjoyed those in the prior books. They weren't quite as captivating, the romance didn't have much of an impact on me, and as a whole, they were merely a means to tell the story rather than being characters in whom I would find myself invested.

I'm extremely intrigued to see what the next book has in store - as I mentioned, this one seems to have provided us with several things that will be crucial in the future - but I would not classify this as a favorite in the series.

In the fifth installment of the highly successful “Women of the Otherworld” series, a new narrator takes the stage. Armstrong, who is known for her creativity and never repeating the same approach, initially presented us with a Werewolf as the narrator in the first two books, “Bitten” and ”Stolen.“ Then, she shifted the focus to a Witch in “Dime Store Magic” and “Industrial Magic.“ Now, in “Haunted,” the spotlight changes once more, and we are introduced to Eve Levine: a former witch and supernatural powerhouse who is now a ghost.

Eve Levine first emerged in “Industrial Magic,“ but now we have the opportunity to get to know her better, up close and personal. As a deceased witch, Eve still wields a significant amount of power. With a part-demon, part-human heritage, there are few things that can rattle her; however, the inability to communicate with her daughter, Savannah, is a constant source of pain. Not being able to be with her daughter on the mortal plane, to hold and comfort her, serves as a reminder of the life she now leads.

Nevertheless, she is able to check in on her daughter from time to time. Eve's world is turned upside down when she is summoned by the Fates. They demand that she repay a favor she owes them; previously, the Fates helped save Paige and Lucas, Savannah's guardians, from death. Now, they require Eve's assistance in catching the Nix, a demi-demon who inhabits the bodies of those on the verge of committing murder. The Nix provides that extra push to help them carry out the act. Where there is murder, there is chaos, which is what the Nix thrives on. The Nix escaped her afterlife hell after centuries of confinement and is now loose in the world, ready to kill again.

Eve agrees to help, as she is not one to break a promise. However, things prove to be more challenging than she could have anticipated. She does receive some help on her quest in the form of an angel. Together, they must track down the Nix before she strikes again. Eve's world will never be the same.

For the Nix is aware that someone is on her trail and will target everyone and everything that Eve holds dear! Each book in the series can be read independently, but there are connections that link the novels together.

While you might think that the change of narrator from one book to another could be difficult to follow, it is far from being jarring. In fact, this is what keeps the series so fresh and engaging. We are introduced to different characters in each book, only to have them resurface with their own stories.

Paige Winterbourne, for instance, first appeared in “Stolen” and later made an appearance in “Dime Store Magic.“ The change in narrator allows us to explore the minds of other characters and gives us a better understanding of the vastness of the Otherworld. Each novel offers a unique perspective on the Otherworld, seen through different eyes.

“Haunted” is, without a doubt, the best book in the series so far. My plot summary only touched on the tip of the iceberg of the fantastic and amazing events that unfold within its pages. It is a supernatural adventure, a ghostly love story, and a thrilling page-turner that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

“Haunted” is an outstanding addition to the “Women of the Otherworld” series, presenting us with a world that we can scarcely imagine and one that we will never want to leave.

Haunted – Kelley Armstrong

Oh Wow. I have a profound love for this series. It strikes the perfect balance between mystery and action, and I'm truly enamored with the way the series progresses, introducing different characters along the way. In this fifth installment, like the others, it's written in the first person, but this time we get an in-depth look into the life of the infamous half-demon/half-witch Eve Levine.

Ever since I learned about Eve, I've always regarded her as an incredibly badass woman. I'm overjoyed that we finally get to hear her perspective. Eve has now become my favorite character in this series. She couldn't care less about what others think, but when it comes to those she loves, she'll stop at nothing. Of course, she's dead, which shouldn't really be a spoiler because if you've read the first four books in the series, you should already know this. If not, shame on you! Do your research and start from the beginning because this ongoing series is not one to be missed. An interesting fact about Eve is that she's left-handed.

This novel is masterfully crafted. I couldn't even begin to fathom creating a novel about a ghost in the afterlife, but Kelley Armstrong does it with ease. From the very start, the introduction to the story hooks you, leaving you craving more, with just the right amount of mystery in this fantastical and mystical world of Eve Levine. The plot is explained clearly and comprehensively, making it easy to understand. Sometimes with fantasy novels, I can easily get lost, as my mind focuses on trying to place the characters and remember the ways of the world rather than the plot. However, Kelley Armstrong explains everything so well. The chapters are paced evenly, and the suspense builds steadily throughout, without giving away too much too soon.

You're lured into a dark, very sinister storyline that's filled with bloodshed. I usually hesitate when it comes to stories about ghosts. Call me stupid, but I don't want to have nightmares, especially since I tend to get so immersed in storylines. However, this book is packed with smart humor and wit that sets it apart from a typical horror story. Kelley Armstrong also weaves a famous real-life murder into the story, which is a stroke of genius and fits perfectly, like the last puzzle piece in a jigsaw. As always, there are brilliant fight scenes that play out beautifully in my mind, just like something from an episode of Buffy.

Overall, I'm giving this book 4 stars. I liked it a great deal, but I didn't love it enough to give it 5 stars. But then again, this is coming from someone who has just finished Outlander.

I love Eve. While I don't have the same deep connection with her as I do with Paige, I can relate to her in one aspect. I don't always view the "nice" or "good" way of doing something as the most logical solution.

Eve is dead. As you would be aware if you have read the previous books. If you haven't, then STOP READING THIS AND MOVE ON TO THE FIRST BOOK AND WORK YOUR WAY BACK. There is a valid reason why this is the fifth book in the series.

Anyway, Eve is completely OBSESSED with protecting her daughter Savannah. This is a normal maternal instinct. The only problem is that Savannah is alive and has no perception of her mother. She doesn't see, hear, feel, or smell her mother at all and isn't even aware that someone might be watching her at the most inappropriate moments.

The Fates are calling in their favor from the last book, and Eve may or may not be happy about this. THE NIX is a major issue. This "Nix" is practically a type of demon that thrives on chaos. She encourages people to commit heinous acts like killing, raping, and torturing, which they wouldn't normally do, and then leaves them to get caught, thus creating more chaos.

For example, take Lizzie Borden.

She is on the loose, and it is Eve's responsibility to stop her before she traps Eve in a hell dimension, discovers what would make Eve stop, finds her way into the real world to cause havoc, or engages in other normal evil things.

I truly love Kelley Armstrong's writing style. Each main character she creates has a unique voice of their own. Eve is WONDERFUL, and the story she embodies is equally captivating. I am intrigued by the afterlife that Armstrong has constructed and would love to explore it further. I understand that some people might say, "UGH SHE ISN'T ELENA I HATE THIS BOOK," but seriously, if all 13 of these books were about Elena, the stories would likely be rather dull. I LOVE ELENA, PAIGE, and EVE for their individual qualities and strengths. And I also appreciate that they are interconnected.

But I am also excited that Elena will be making a comeback in the next book.

How is it that by the fifth book in Kelly Armstrong's Women of the Otherworld series, I find myself in love with her world building, yet still not fully connected to her characters? Armstrong's remarkable ability lies in creating such in-depth and believable paranormal worlds, in this case, an afterlife.

"Haunted" follows the story of Eve Levine, a half-demon black witch who has been dead for three years. While reading, I never truly got a great sense of her. Yes, she's impulsive, kicks ass, and isn't held back by fear. But so are Paige, Savannah, and Elena. After spending two long books with the goody-two-shoes Paige, I expected Eve to be a breath of fresh air. In a way, she was. However, she didn't come across as someone deserving of the bad reputation she had in life. Kristof Nast, Savannah's father, also makes several ghostly appearances. And like Eve, he isn't really a bad guy. Just a good person at heart who got caught up in the bad Cabals. Hmmm...

Aside from the not-so-bad bad characters, what prevented me from fully enjoying this book was the excessive number of stories intertwined. Eve is on an afterlife bounty hunter quest to find a murderous Nix. Her task takes her to numerous places and settings. She visits Colonial America (to meet Lizzie Borden, no less!), an afterlife pirate island, an island swarming with a poltergeist and his nymphs, a hell dimension, a mental institution, a prison, a haunted (or not?) castle in Scotland, and makes a couple of visits to Paige and Lucas. In addition, the reader is privy to multiple flashbacks of the Nix's most famous murders. I love Armstrong's writing style, but the constant changing of scenery, story, and players left me overwhelmed. Moreover, it was hard to feel a sense of dread or urgency as I was pretty sure everything would be okay in the end. Or was it??? Of course it was!

In conclusion, it was okay. Eve is a million times more likable than Paige, and the world building is as always fantastic. I just wish this book was edited down a bit. At nearly 500 pages, there was too much jumping around without ever eliciting a real emotional response from me. But who am I to complain? I already have the next book in this series checked out from the library ;)

It's been an awfully long time since the last book, and as a result, I remember very little about these characters.

I could really have used some more background information, like what happened before this story began. Why isn't Kristof angry with Eve for what she did with their daughter?

And I truly miss Elena, who was my main motivation for reading this series in the first place.

Still, the writing is good, the characters are believable, and the plot is engaging, especially if you have a penchant for stories about ghosts, witches, and demons. The world-building is also quite good.

However, the story dragged on for far too long. It was way too lengthy. Any sense of suspense was completely killed by the glacially slow pace of the plot development.

I had to really push myself to keep going through the second half of the book, and I even resorted to skimming a little. There was just too much detail and too much internal monologue.

A reduction of 100 or 150 pages would have made this story much snappier. It was really, really long and slightly boring at times.

Have I mentioned that it dragged? Nevertheless, it's still better than a lot of other urban fantasy novels that I've come across.

No one can accuse Kelley Armstrong of taking the easy road.

Imagine a book where the heroine is dead. She has been dead, in fact, for three years. Her love interest is also dead. He passed away at 47 with a paunchy belly and thinning hair. Oh, and they both have a reputation for being evil. That's the short version of Eve Levine and Kristof Nash. But there is so much more to the story than what meets the eye.

Both Eve and Kristof exist in one of many ghostly planes. Kris is eager to rekindle the love affair they had 15 years ago. However, Eve is reluctant and distracted. She can't let go of their daughter Savannah, who is still in the living world. Kris believes she needs something more to focus on in her afterlife, so he's glad when the Fates ask Eve's help in tracking down a ghost-demon that is possessing bodies in the living world and committing murder.

The storyline introduces a new supernatural element: angels. We meet a couple and quickly discover that Eve might be a candidate for ascension herself. The action is quite good here. And I was a bit surprised. After all, how much tension can there be if the heroine is already dead? It's not like the bad guy can kill her again. Yet Armstrong manages to make it work. There are worse things than dying, and Eve takes real risks to complete her mission.

I was also surprised to find that I wasn't really bothered by the fact that Kristof wasn't like Joe Mangianello. (If you don't know who that is, Google him immediately.) It was clear that he and Eve had been engaged in a sexual-tension dance for a while, which makes their relationship fascinating. My only complaint is that when we finally reach the climax, Armstrong fades to black. I felt a bit cheated.

It turned out to be a much better book than I expected, although not the strongest in the Otherworld series. I enjoyed catching up with Paige, Lucas, and Savannah, and getting to know Eve and Kristof. Plus, the ending leaves the door open for their characters to reappear. 4 stars.

I loved Haunted far more than I initially anticipated. And I found myself having an affection for Eve that surpassed my expectations.

I can't recall precisely how long ago it was, nor do I know the exact reason, but after reading Industrial Magic, I took a hiatus from this series. I don't remember what influenced me to return to the series at this particular time, but why on earth didn't I come back to it sooner?!

I didn't have a great deal of knowledge about Eve, other than the fact that she was Savannah's mother, a half-witch, half-demon, and, well, dead. So it was fascinating to read about her, especially since I had no clue what to anticipate.

As it transpired, I never expected to love her to such an extent. She was so sassy, so strong, and so selfless, particularly when it came to her daughter. Almost everything she thought and said was either highly amusing or downright hilarious. I couldn't help but let out a chuckle and, in some instances, a full-on laugh.

One thing I perhaps should have expected was how Jaime, the necromancer, would be. But that's beside the point. The important thing is that I was delighted to see her again. And for some reason, I had Elizabeth Banks, who played Effie Trinket in The Hunger Games movies, in my mind when envisioning Jaime.

Moving forward, Haunted was filled with numerous twists and turns. It was incredibly suspenseful and had its fair share of action-packed scenes. I simply didn't want to put it down, not even when my eyes grew tired or when it got darker outside. The story, especially with Eve's attempts to locate the Nix, was truly captivating.

I feel as though this review is rather lackluster. I sense that I need to add more. But I will. At some point.