Book Review: The Wicked Within

The Wicked Within (Gods & Monsters #3)

By: Kelly Keaton

Published By: Simon Pulse

Publication Date: September 17, 2013

Page Count: 320

Buy it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or IndieBound

Source: Purchased by Reviewer

Audience: Young Adult - Paranormal

Review of Book #1: Darkness Becomes Her

Review of Book #2: A Beautiful Evil

It's over? Say it ain't so. I love this series and have enjoyed the crazy twists and turns. Kelly Keaton's series is one of my favorite paranormal reads. I love the way she combines supernatural elements with mythology elements. This installment doesn't just include Greek deities, but an Egyptian god will be awoken from a long slumber. All hell is breaking loose in New 2; Ari and her crowd are right in the thick of the action. Do NOT read past this point if you haven't read the first two novels in the series. It is impossible to talk about this novel without mentioning some items that could spoil the books for you. If you're into paranormal stories, get these books NOW.

The Wicked Within is non-stop action. Ari is racing against time and the Novem to find the Hands. Athena has promised that she will grant her immortality to anyone who brings her the Hands. Ari is desperate to be the one who finds the Hands because Athena will lift her gorgon curse if Ari can bring Athena's child, Archer, back to life. The child has been frozen in stone for thousands of years so it's a long shot, but Ari is willing to do pretty much anything to get rid of the curse that has plagued her family for thousands of years.

In addition, we get some chapters from Sebastian's perspective this time around. I loved these moments because he has been one of my favorite characters in the series. It was nice to get his perspective - especially as he is dealing with so many changes and emotions. Without these chapters, readers wouldn't be able to experience Sebastian's internal anguish first hand. I liked knowing that he wasn't as perfect and strong as he appears on the outside. He's vulnerable which makes him more realistic. I also really enjoy his relationship with Ari.

One of the things I love about this series is the relationships among the characters - particularly those between the kids who live in the house. Crank, Henri, Violet, and Dub are characters that will steal your heart and have you laughing. I've come to care deeply for all of them. I'm sad to let them go, but I know I will revisit them in rereads from time to time.

I appreciated that all those loose ends (like finding out what exactly Violet is) are resolved. I did enjoy that the prophecy for the Blood Wars leaves a direction for future novels if Keaton ever decides to write that spinoff. I would certainly want to read that story. I'm curious to find out how things turn out for Archer once he's older.

I love the New Orleans of Keaton's imagining and the rich characters. I loved picturing the New Orleans I have seen as New 2. If any city was going to be home to vampires, witches, and other supernatural beings, New Orleans would be it. The city has such an amazing gothic, creepy air about it.  Keaton's writing has an addicting quality. This is a perfect read as the days get shorter and the witching hour approaches.

One Last Gripe: I was frustrated that I started to see Athena as a sympathetic character after disliking her so much in the previous books.

My Favorite Thing About This Book: I loved the fast paced plot.

First Sentence: The crunch of our shoes on asphalt, leaves, and debris was loud in the quiet of Coliseum Street.

Favorite Character: Ari

Least Favorite Character: Dora

Summary:

Ancient lore leads to present danger in the final book in the dark and sexy paranormal romance trilogy about a descendent of Medusa, set in a richly reimagined New Orleans.

Her fate is not set in stone.

Having temporarily defeated Athena, Ari races to break the gorgon curse that has plagued the women in her family for centuries. Her one lead sends her on a quest for the Hands of Zeus, an ancient relic last seen in the charge of New 2’s ruling elite, the Novem. But if there is one thing that Athena desires as much as revenge, it’s the Hands of Zeus—and Athena always gets what she wants.

Before either can locate the Hands, the statue goes missing, and a trail of blood follows those who once protected the relic’s secrets. Ari knows that her city, her friends, Sebastian—her life—depend upon her finding the statue before Athena. And with rumors an ancient power is on the rise, that may not be her only concern…