This is the first installment in a new series starring witchy protagonist Persephone Alcmedi. Vicious Circle is little different from the countless books that fall into this genre,
but it is still a fun read filled with entertaining characters and plot twists
enough to keep most any reader happy.
Witches, Werewolves, and Vampires are on the battle lines when the particulars of a nasty werewolf murder hits the news. Occult symbols found drawn in blood and the victim’s ties to both witches and vampires heighten the animosity and need to point the finger of blame.
Persephone Alcmedi is a witch known for riding the line yet being well respected. She has always been a lone witch, free from the covens that most others flock to and follow mindlessly. Witch or not, a girl does still have to eat. Making money through Tarot reading and her growing newspaper column are enough, but kenneling werewolves during the full moon helps her meet the bills. To any other witch—coven member or not—mingling with werewolves in any fashion is tasteless.
Unexpectedly, Seph is dragged into a tangled web of deceit so complex and dangerous
that the lives of all those hiding within her home may be forfeit because of it. Her magic is strong, but will it hold against master vampires?
Even if it does, the people hiding in her home cannot stay there forever.
In unraveling the clues, new mysteries and challenges come to the surface of the boiling cauldron of trouble. How can she get them all out of this mess and away from the clutches of evil? Magic and strength may be all that can save her once the trouble bubbles over and she is left to face the danger forever scalded.
From start to finish, this storyline is jam-packed with twists and turns, though the
narrative slows at various parts. The characters add a nice spice to the theme, and in terms of variety, they aren't
found lacking. Authors Keri Arthur and Jeaniene Frost write along similar themes to Linda Robertson and may have a competitor in their midst before long. Vicious Circle is to be closely followed by the soon-to-be-released
Hallowed Circle.