Crimson Wind (Horngate Witches Books) [Mass Market Paperback]

This sequel was even better than the first book in the series! We pick up where we left off with Max trying to get Horngate back on track and repaired from the recent fights that nearly destroyed it. Max though has been having trouble sleeping and is plagued by the bargain that Giselle and she struck with the unknown force she nicknames "Scooter". He wants what he was promised, Max, but first Max wants to go get her human family and take them to Horngate so they will be safe. She and Scooter come to the agreement that he can wait a week for her to get her family but once she gets back she's all his.

Max and Alexander set off to retrieve Max's family. Alexander has not one but two prophecies hanging over his head, one regards his place at Horngate and the other is about Max. I really enjoyed Alexander I thought he stepped up a lot in this book, and he really got to show more of his emotions. Along the way to Max's family they encounter new characters that we will hopefully see in the next book. Max picks up strays where ever she goes, and it was great to see that despite how cold and unfeeling she thinks she can be she has a big heart. This book was all about the trials to finally get to Max's family, at one point you wonder if they are ever going to make it. They encounter wild magic and witness the beginnings of the world changing, more ShadowBlades and Sunspears from different coven's, and we get to meet someone Alexander cares about and calls family. Throughout their journey these two grow closer and are trying to decide whether to act on their feelings or in Max's case not to because of her fate with Scooter hanging over her head.

This book was amazing, we got everything that was alluded to in the first book. Definite character growth for Max and Alexander, though I wish we got to see more of the side characters, the entire book was Alexander and Max on the road and at the end they reached the family. I wished we could have seen more of the side characters because they always bring comedic relief and you can really tell that they care deeply for one another. These was also a big surprise in this book, and a betrayal of sorts. It was something that I definitely didn't see coming and can't wait for it to be explored fully.

I love, love, love this series!! Max is one of my absolute favorite female characters. I cannot come up with one single complaint about this book. I'm glad Alexander finally stepped up and became more aggressive. It was sexy as hell. Max definitely has to have a strong male who can keep up with her. There is a lot that goes on in this story. Max's ultimate goal is to locate her family and ensure their safety before having to surrender herself to a nameless and very powerful being that she has nicknamed "Scooter". She is sidetracked numerous times and she recruits several people along the way. There is also a lot of sexual tension and teasing between Alexander and Max. It was great ;) I also like that Tutresiel seems to be developing a crush on her. Maybe book three can end with Max in an Alexander and Tutresiel sandwich. I have my fingers crossed.

In the first book, Max – the main character – was tricked by her friend Giselle – a witch – to because an ultimate fighter called a Shadowblade. She couldn’t visit her family, or Giselle will go ape-s*** and hurt everything Max holds dear. We find out in the second book that her family is in danger, and Giselle finally lets her go to protect people she loves and hasn’t seen in 30 years. Alexander goes along for the ride as well.

I feel bad for saying this, but Crimson Wind wasn’t as appealing to me as the first book. Max still won my heart, but she kind of got on my nerves as well. Alexander confessed his feelings to her in this book, and she turned him down to protect him. I thought that was okay; I mean she’s in a dangerous position, and it’s not really time for a whole lot of lovin’. Shouldn’t she treat him better? She’s a little harsh and stand-offish when he’s trying to help her. I didn’t feel that a strong leader like Max should have done certain actions towards characters. Don’t get me wrong, I still think Max is a perfect lead for this book. She’s still smart, adventurous, caring, and self-sacrificing. I just sometimes felt like it was a little out of hand. The plot was fast and action packed. I loved reading the hardships and problem solving Max had to endure, and it was great to see her on top. I still am in love with this series… it just felt a little off to me. I’ll pick up the third book no problem! If you want to start this series, PLEASE pick up the first one, you won’t be disappointed.

*Received a copy for review, this in no way affects my review*