Dulcie Needs to Make Up Her Mind

This follow up novel to "To Kill A Warlock" is another fun-filled Urban Fantasy featuring fairy, Dulcie O'Neill. A cast of well-written paranormal characters abound here, with each just a bit unique compared to many UF stereotypes. The story moves along at a fast pace and kept my attention throughout.

Almost in spite of myself, I rated this book 4 stars as I found it enjoyable and the author keeps things interesting. But, as the story progressed, I found myself getting a bit annoyed with Dulcie's stubborness and equivocation in chosing her romantic partner. Her character wasn't growing or developing as I wished she would. However, the author and other readers might just find she's perfect as she is and that's great.

Although I've read both Dulcie O'Neill books, I will hesitate before picking up the next installment. I guess I'm ready for Dulcie to settle down and find happiness with a mate of her chosing. If only she'd make up her mind. ( )

A Tale of Two Goblins gets us back in the action with the much-loved fairy Dulcie O’Neil. At the end of To Kill A Warlock she left A.N.S (Association for Netherworld Creatures) because of the outcome of the last case she was working on. (Quill: Shame on you!) She agreed to the role of consultant when A.N.S. needs her. Hopefully this will give her time to deal with the emotional backlash triggered by the events of book 1. It also means more time to work on her novel.

Acting Chief of Headquarters (& super hot Loki) ,Knight, approaches Dulcie about a case involving a possible Dreamstalker who has rendered several victims unconscious and trapped between a state of life and death. When Dulcie realizes she has a connection to almost all of the victims she becomes concerned it might be personal, and she quickly agrees to help. Over the course of the case Dulcie finds she has to make some tough choices to stay one step ahead of the Dreamstalker.

The sophomore novel in this UF series is just as full of action and suspense as its predecessor. It also has the snark and wit I’ve come to associate with the sassy fairy, Dulcie. Events do take a darker turn when Dulcie makes some hard choices in order to save the victims of the Dreamstalker. It fit and gave the plot a nice amount of depth. No fluff here!

She is still being pursued by some seriously hot guys and hasn’t dealt with her commitment issues (who can blame her!). I was thrilled that we got to know the men in Dulcie’s life a little better including the fascinating Bram. If you dig vampires, you will fall madly in love with him no doubt. Even after two books I still can’t decide who I think she should be with. I can’t even pick a favorite! They all have qualities that I need the romantic interest in books I read to possess. What a lucky fairy!

Not only does this series contain great characters, but the author also offers up a solid plot with multiple twists and turns. This is a series that is going places! If you are a fan of Urban Fantasy I recommend giving Dulcie O’Neil’s world a try. ( )

My thoughts:
Spunky Dulcie is back for round two! Entertaining! Well-written! Great characters!

Although this is book 2 in the Dulcie series, it could stand alone. The author does a great job of catching the reader up so it isn't necessary to read book one first. I would however suggest reading book 1: How to Kill a Warlock though because it's such a great read! With that said...

Once again the characters are wonderfully created and I was thrilled to see so many of the same faces! It was exciting to see the roles each of the characters portrayed in this second volume. Some of the minor characters in book one get to be so much more in book two.
The plot keeps the reader turning the pages hoping to figure out the mystery.
Dulcie is forced to do some soul-searching and has the opportunity to see herself and others in a different light.

Mallory has successfully created a wonderful story - combining great characters, an intriguing plot, a lot of emotions, and just the right amount of humor! Be sure to check it out! ( )

I got a copy of this book through Bookish Snob Promotions as part of A Tale of Two Goblins blog tour. I read the first book in this series, To Kill a Warlock, and really enjoyed it. I have also read Mallory's Jolie Wilkins series and enjoyed that as well. This book was another fun read; it is focused around a mystery and Dulcie's snarky sense of humor really keeps things moving.

Dulcie has finally finished the romance novel she was writing and is working on writing her second book. She is no longer part of the ANC, but has offered to do consulting work for them. Then one morning she goes out jogging and is accosted by...Knight. Knight wants Dulcie to consult on a case and he won't take no for an answer. People loosely connected to Dulcie are falling into comas and Knight needs Dulcie's help to sort it before these people go from coma to a more permanent state of repose. They think a Dreamwalker may be involved, but of course nothing is ever that straight forward.

I actually liked this book a lot better than the first book in this series (and I liked that one too). This book is very heavy on the mystery end of things and Dulcie spends a lot of time trying to solve the complex mystery surrounding these magical comas. There's is some play between Dulcie and the three men in her life (Quillian, Brom, and Knight). Mallory does an excellent job of keeping things steamy between Dulcie and Knight without getting too explicit.

I enjoyed the inclusion of some new faerie types, there are some great new characters as well. I was a bit sad that Dulcie's girlfriend, Sam, was out of the picture most of the book. The book is fast-paced, has a decent plot, and is engaging. Mallory's writing style is highly readable; making the book a fun and quick read. There is a lot of humor in here; Dulcie continues to show a lot of attitude and toughness throughout.

The books wraps up nicely; leaving a couple threads dangle for the next book. I have really enjoyed this series overall; it is light-hearted, fun, and creative.

Overall an excellent addition to this series. I really enjoyed reading this book; it was fun and very engaging. A perfect escape read. Dulcie still reminds me a bit of Rachel Morgan from Kim Harrison's the Hollows series. The major difference being there is more humor in this series; if you like light-hearted urban fantasy you should give this series a try. ( )