Secrets.Emma Rose Crane thought she left all that behind in North Carolina, but she can’t escape them. She was robbed of her childhood memories and the protections she was born with, making her human body vulnerable to the superhuman gifts she’d inherited. But why? It’s just another secret she must unravel.But it’s not only her secrets she’s dealing with.Her friend and fellow hunter, Cass Willow, … hunter, Cass Willow, has asked her to help him find out who his father is, but also exactly what he is, as Cass has discovered he’s not quite human. However, the fallout from the truth may destroy them all.
And then there’s Kristoff—the psychotic vampire who seems to think she’s his shiny new toy. To get to him, they must unravel the mysteries of Madame’s island in the middle of the bayou, and for that, they need help.
Saidie Walker always knew she’d return to the island where she learned what it was to be a Necromancer, but she never thought it would be so soon. Kristoff is forcing her hand. He’s the one thing that truly terrifies her, but she must face him not only to save Emma, but get justice for all the women he’s murdered since she killed Madame and set him free. She blames herself for their deaths and will do everything in her power to stop him.
But she’s not sure she can do it alone. Together, she hopes she and Emma can finally put an end to his reign of terror.
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Instead of a review I am going to post my reactions as I read:
(the first 4 chapters were on wattpad, so my reactions weren’t new. Yet I will say I am surprised she even went wedding dress shopping. And I have a secret hope of a failed IUD 😉 )
35% into book Chapter 6 –
Now that there are shifters and mates, I am hoping someone finds their mate. My first prediction is maybe Jason and Mary??
–After reading a bit more…–
“OMG!!! We just found out about Cass!! {insert super girly scream here} You are just not going to believe it! How is going to work? this seems like a serious twist!”
-then a sweet sounding- “Omg…” and her brother Nathaniel… what he says..”awww”
“OH MY WOW!.. you know how I predicted Mary and Jason, well that didn’t work out BUT there IS a mating!!! omg!”
(Yes, I am aware that I say and think “oh my god” a lot. Get over it!)
–I love that the Crane Diaries are the more ‘adult’ version of Mattie/Emmas story.
I loved the GF but the CD talk about the sexual relationships and it grounds the romances and makes them more ‘real’. They act like real couples. I love the soft and flirty intimate moments. And I am all for picturing the characters naked hehehe–
But I have a question here: Does she see their death times and places??? if she does she doesn’t let on at all. She doesn’t let on with Kristoff either. Really it’s not aknowledged much in this book..???
Ok, I am 78% in now, and I know its going to end on a cliffhanger because I have seen peoples comments. I am torn at this point:
I want to read super fast because I am involved. I NEED to know! So much is happening. But I know I am going to regret it and part of me wants to just stop reading. Make it my choice to stop instead of ending where I know it will be suspended in swirling chaos for who-knows how long!?
83% Chapter 14 – I am not even at the end yet and I am like WTF!?
“OMG I need a break!” @ 88% Chapter 15 – I stop to have a sandwich and slow my steadily climbing pulse of anticipation.
No joke, There are a lot of ‘BOMBS’ in this book. Its like boom! boom! Boom! – I found myself pressing into my couch so hard the back of my head is hurting.
Each new bomb had me pressing back like omg omg omg… gasp gasp gasp!
“ELI?!?!?!”
And now I am done 100% read, no more swiping on my kindle. And what do I say.. “Well, I really wish I hadn’t read that.”
And my niece/reading buddy, (whom I have been saying all my comments to) replies, “Really???” my answer- “Yes! Because the very last thing it says is the next book won’t be out till this SPRING! How am I supposed to wait like this?! Are you kidding me! Why do authors do this to us!? Why do I put myself through this? I should just wait till all this series is completed before reading. So I can binge without interruption or waiting!”
And this is it, my review. My honest reactions as I read. (I have the screen shots and voice messages to prove it.) Now I wait till Spring and hope that my questions are put to rest.
The only flaw I see in this book is the death times/places not being addressed. I get that her mom hid her immediate family and friends from her, but what about all these new characters? Did she not see anything for Sadie, Alex, and all the rest. And what about Kristoff himself?? Eli coming back in pretty insane too. I mean, she never really got over losing him. And won’t that be a sore thing for Dan to have to go through?
And ok; yes we all know she would do anything to save Marys Mom and her Nancy – but by following Kristoffs orders and ending up in his clutches, she is putting Dan at risk. I know its like a catch 22, but out of everyone, she knows if she dies, so does he….
4 Cranky Stars
Bayou Revelations is slightly different in that it felt more like an afterschool special with all the heart to hearts and truths being revealed. I guess it had to be that way seeing that the end might be near. We did get the snarky Emma who will do anything to keep her family out of harms way. Our girl is finding out she has a big heart and a family that loves her. Rather its her blood related family or her chosen family she has people on her side including her fiancé Dan. Emma learns a necromancer is coming to the Crane mansion to help her put down the creepy crawlies in the swamp. Things are a little strained at first between her and Saidie the necromancer, but they come to a truce. They are just a small part of the big picture. You see Saidie was held prisoner by Madame along with her boyfriend, so she knows personally what’s lurking in the swamps and how to maybe fix this whole mess. Along with Saidies family and friends and Emma’s they might stand a chance to rid the swamp of the evil and Kristoff forever.
The amount of concussions and broken bones Emma gets makes me flinch good thing she’s not fully human though because this series would have ended way back. I like watching Mattie/Emma grow and mature. I like that she is accepting of things in her life even if she does get reckless. Saidie seems like a good girl with a heart that wants to help. Bayou Revelations is shorter than the other but it still has a lot of story packed into it.
Apryl Baker is one of my favorite authors, more likely my most favorite. I was excited when she extended the ghost files into the crane diaries. Emma/ Maddie has come so far. In the supernatural world there is battles and life and death but there is beautiful love stories and bonds that will never be broken. She does not short you on each character’s life and back story. Each person has their role to play. This book leaves u with so many unanswered questions and keeps you guessing at every twist and turn. I can’t wait for the next one and the answers to see where each character’s story goes. You will be sucked into their world faster than a blink of an eye. Like most series it ends on a cliffhanger, however this cliff hanger will touch ur heart deeply and leave u with peace, in knowing she isn’t alone.
Where to begin? Ahhhhhh, wowzers!!! Definitely did not see some of that coming? Like Cass…. and Nathaniel…. oh and that ending? Love that we’ve gotten to follow these characters on this journey and I’m so ready to see where Apryl Baker leads them next! Fantastic job and must read!!
Man! This picked right up where last one left off & threw me right back in! The story pulls you in emotionally with the characters, written so well you feel you’re in the story! A great marriage of series! What a freaking cliffhanger!! Ready to continue! Will not be disappointed!
With Bayou Revelations Maddie gets fully immersed into the world of blood magic and all the creatures that come with it. Maddie must break her ties with Kristoff and make sure the Demon Castiel doesn’t collect on his promise to Georgina. Will Cass finally get answers as to why he can see things he shouldn’t. Thos book is one heck of a battle for the mismatched family, will their love and skills be enough to survive?
I have never read a book series that I have actually looked forward to so much that I actually follow when the next one comes out, at least till this one. This book has completely kept me entertained and on the edge of my seat the whole time. I can’t wait till the next one comes out. Emma/Mattie has been through so much that if you were her, you would give up on humanity. But not this girl. She has so much faith that she doesn’t even realize at times and so much strength that I wish I could be just like her. Definitely recommend to everyone who reads it.
I am going to cry when this series ends. I have grown to love these characters, love the storylines and how Apryl Baker intertwines characters from her other books to make things even more interesting. She is truly a gifted author and has become one of my favorite authors.
Am warning you, if you don’t like cliffhangers then you might want to wait until the last book is out before reading this. I was pulled into Emma’s world once again but that is not all. Its Cranes meet the Blackburn’s, bring two different series together into one. So many things were brought to light in this book, but atlas so many are waiting to be answered. The character are strongly build inside a wonderful and theilling storyline. I ate this book up in one setting. One of my most favorite author’s to read. Hungrily awaiting the last book on this series
This book leaves off right where a Bayou Secrets left off. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to find out what happens next. I cannot get enough of this series. It is so addicting. The book ends on a cliff hanger and I cannot wait until the next book comes out to read how the storyline continues. I am so glad I found this series and it is one of the few books I have on my re- read list.