Roaring by Lindsey Duga | e-ARC Review

AUGUST 9, 2020 ~ PHANNIEBEINGGINGER ~ EDIT"ROARING BY LINDSEY DUGA | E-ARC REVIEW"

Disclaimer: Background image is from canva.
Hello everyone and welcome back to the blog! How are you all today? I hope well and I hope that you are all staying hydrated and safe during these uncertain and very hot times.

Today I am back with a review for you guys. A copy of this book has been sent to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

And now without further ado, let’s start with the post.




Goodreads Synopsis:

Colt Clemmons is an agent in a specialized division within the Bureau of Investigation—one that hunts down not just mobsters, but also monsters.

For reasons that are kept top secret, Colt is the only person who can resist a siren’s voice. But he’s never had a chance to test this ability. The last siren left in the world mysteriously disappeared years ago.

Then one night, with a single word, she reveals herself. It seems too good to be true.

And it is. Because nothing about this siren—her past, her powers, or her purpose—is what it seems…

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Title – Roaring
Author – Lindsey Duga
Publisher – Entangled Publishing (Teen)
Genre – Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Young Adult
Release date – August 3rd, 2020

Trigger Warning – violence, abduction, bullet wound, manipulation, blood
Version – ebook*
Pages – 422
Language – English



Roaring is a unique book about a siren set in the 1920s and the journey was quite amazing. I haven’t read many books about sirens before, so I was positively surprised by this one.

We follow Colt who is an agent and is specialized in capturing mythical creatures before they harm human people. His task is to capture Eris, a siren who is well aware of her powers but who never learned to control them. She also didn’t know that she was a siren, she only knew that she could control people with her voice.

I have to admit, that I did have some troubles at the beginning to be pulled into the story but after a few chapters the magic did its work, and I am so glad that I pushed myself to read “Roaring”. The writing style and world-building were quite unique. I loved how the author described the 1920s setting as well as the characters of the book. One thing I liked a little bit less was the fact that we had 2 points of view. I would have preferred to read only Eris POV as I found it to be more interesting. But that’s only my personal opinion.

The romance was on point and not too much. Since the beginning, the reader knows that there is going to be some romance at some point and it was the perfect amount of time. Not too much and it especially didn’t steal the main storyline.

Overall, “Roaring” is a unique fantasy book. If you love the 1920s setting, the language of that time and sirens, then this is going to be your kind of book.

Clot Clemmons is a specialized agent who hunts down not just mobsters but monsters too.

Eris is an ordinary singer in a speakeasy in Boston but her voice is nothing less than magic. But Eris can't speak or choose not to speak. But then one night with a single word she reveals herself. She is probably the last siren left in the world

Clot has to capture this siren and turn it to the government. But Eris is not what he expected. Everything from her past, present and her powers will leave Clot with more danger and more monsters to be encountered.

Review-

The story just dives right into action from the first chapter itself. The era, the characters, the world of monsters and hunters is too much at once but it doesn't confuse or overwhelms you anytime.

Characters and plot are very meticulously planned and executed. Every small character or every minute detail gets its closure at the end. Though you know how the story flows still you are always on the edge as to what will happen next.

The book was set in 1920's and author has perfectly captured the essence of it in terms of dressing, language and architecture. Even kudos to author for creating such unique and awestruck creatures and giving them fascinating powers.

Chemistry between the main lead is captivating. There is a perfect blend of romance between all the chase, murder and monsters. I totally ship Eris and Colt with all my heart.

It is an one sitting read. You won't be able to put down without reading it till the end. It has all the elements of a perfect YA Fantasy thriller. A world full of monsters, a hunter, a siren who can captivate people with her voice and a villain who is immortal. What else do you need?

First and foremost, Thank you to Entangled Teen for providing a copy.

Roaring was quite the surprise hit for me. This is a story about a girl, who is a siren, and she's hidden in a bar with a "found family" in hopes that no one will be able to use her siren abilities for evil. She appears to have selective mutism, because once she opens her mouth and uses her speaking voice, people around her do whatever she's says.

Enter Colt, a "monster" hunter who was assigned the role to find the last and only siren there is and bring her back to the BOI (Bureau if Investigation). However, he has a secret of his own that might change the nature of his mission.

The best thing about this book was that it had a bunch of tropes that I love--found family, reluctant hero, the quest---lots of good ones. I also am not a fan of historical fantasy, but the way Duga write this 1920s Jazz era was so mesmerizing and very fun to read. I found myself wanting to talk like the people did back then, which another thing that was awesome was the 1920s language list Duga gives before the first chapter.

Another thing that I loved about this book was the romance. Obviously, if you have a siren and then you have a person who has learned how not to be enticed by a siren, you're gonna have a love connection--because it's the only way this siren is going to find happiness! So I love Colt and Eris together and their love grows throughout the novel, so I never once though it was insta-love. They really do start off as "enemies" in a way.

I also loved the minor characters throughout the book and wish we would have followed some of them more because they all had very interesting aspects about them.

Some concerns that I had, which is why I didn't give this book a 5 star, is that I thought once the couple hits the Club where Gin is, and they find children to save, it got really slow for me. I found myself really struggling. Which then when the couple got to the convent, my attention was not there and I found myself having a difficult time concentrating, which stinks, because there is a scene at the convent that is REALLY important and I glazed over it. I had to go back and re-read that chapter when I finished the book. The villain was also not my favorite. I think his motivation was there, but I also feel as if he was sorta pedestrian and I really wanted the creator to be someone that we knew of. Other than that, the ending was great and the story concluded how I wanted it to.

I think the writing was very well done and I really enjoyed how the prose flowed throughout the action scenes, because I tend to get really confused during action scenes sometimes and I felt like with Duga's writing, it was easy to follow along with.

Overall, I really enjoyed this surprise hit and I would say that it was original, entertaining, and well plotted. I would definitely suggest this book!

Action packed historical fiction with a supernatural twist!
Thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Teen for the opportunity to read and review Roaring by Lindsey Duga!
A siren, Eris, hides in a speakeasy in Boston during the roaring 1920’s. A bureau agent, Colt Clemmons, is sent to capture and bring her in because they believe she’s a monster. Eris sings with the band but refuses to speak to anyone since she doesn’t want to influence people, except when she can use her influence for good. Colt and Eris run and become involved in numerous acts of violence and danger, while falling for each other. They also discover a devious plot that no one suspected. I enjoyed the historical fiction aspect of the 1920’s setting and both the characters of Colt and Eris. The supernatural added a unique twist to the story and brought in a bit of science fiction also. Genre-bending story set in the 1920’s, 4 stars!

Colt is a special agent in the BOI, where he’s part of a specialized unit that hunts both monsters and mobsters. Eris is a waitress and singer in a speakeasy, and she just happens to be the siren Colt’s looking for. Colt has orders to turn her in and he’s immediately convinced that she’s as monstrous as the BOI has intimated her to be. Eris is also convinced that Colt is a heartless monster, willing to turn a woman over to an entity that either wants to kill her or use her, both very bleak prospects. But the more time he spends with her, the less he believes she’s a monster. And the more time she spends with him, the less she believes he’s a heartless prick.

“Why hadn’t he just let me die if he thought I was so dangerous? Why had I saved his life when he was trying to rob me of my freedom?”

ROARING hit so many high notes for me with its mix of mobsters, monsters, romance, and magic, all with a phenomenal backdrop of the roaring ‘20s. I also loved the exploration of monsters and the many forms they can take and how sometimes, humans are the most monstrous of all. All that being said, the highlight though was the enemies-to-lovers trope, and Duga delivered a fantastic one. I didn’t see how either one would be able to overcome their prejudice and preconceived notions of the other but when they did, sparks were flying. I absolutely adored these two.

Bottom line — ROARING was such a fun and danger-filled ride with plenty of action and romance. This is my first book by Lindsey Duga and if this one is anything to go by, she’s definitely on track to make it to my favorites list. 4.5 stars.

4 stars

What do you get when you cross mobsters and monsters?

Lindsey Duga makes the most of this immensely creative concept in Roaring. The idea to combine the underground world of speakeasies with the hidden horror of myth is so perfect. I'm honestly surprised that I've never seen it done before. You can tell that she has done a lot of research and has taken great care into creating this story, especially in the way she uses authentic 1920s slang. Equal parts crime drama, fantasy, and romance, it's an incredibly engaging book that can also reach a wide range of readers.

Thank you to Entangled Publishing for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review!

This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

Roaring is newest release from the very talented author, Lindsey Duga.
A spectacular young adult historical paranormal romance. That after reading you will suffer greatly from a book hangover.

Set during the probation era in america in 1929, Roaring is a completely unique historical paranormal fantasy. Let say this one of the best concepts in paranormal I have come across. The world building is phenomenal, with vibrant atmospheric imagery. Cleverly written the reader will feel submerged into the alternate world of Lindsey Duga, highly imaginative creation. The books dual POV’s voices adds wonderful insight into this fast paced action packed read.

The two main protagonist are Eris, last known Siren, who happens to work as singer in a speakeasy, and Colt who’s special expertise is highly needed, because he works for a bureau that hunts down monsters.

The romance is sizzling hot as the two main characters navigate through neck break speed that takes on adventures to different cities. This is one highly recommended books that grabbed my attention and held it fast. The characters are well developed and I really enjoyed the the sub characters as they added a lot of dimension to the storyline. The historical elements are wonderful as it during a time of speakeasies, and mobsters, with a magical realism aspect of monsters.

This well researched book opens with a listing of common 20’s slang phrases, so you can refer back to further your enjoyment.

Looking forward to reading more books from this very talented author.


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#roaring #bookreview #paranormal #paranormalromance

#roaring #lindseyduga #entangledteen #bookrelease #bookreview

Thoughts:

If you'd ask my why I signed up to read this book, I'd honestly tell you that I don't know. It may have been the cover or the fact that I've heard the author's name before, but whatever the reason, I'm glad I did.

This book just blew me away! Once I started reading, I couldn't stop and just kept on reading until I finished it.

As most of you know, characters are the central focus for me and I'm so glad to say that they were some of the best I've seen recently. Their wants and desires were shown quite well and the growth of them was just amazing. Their interactions seemed lifelike and not stilted like some other books I've read recently.

Normally, I don't read any books with mythological creatures but all the creatures caught my interest and some of them were one I never heard of before.

All and all, if you don't mind some language, (thanks Colt), then I'd recommend that you immediately find yourself a copy of this novel.



Rating: 5/5

Language: about 10 s***, a couple b****, about 20 d***, 1920s slang (both good and bad)

Romance: mentions a man who beat his girlfriend, some kissing

Spiritual: MC prays to God and is Christian, one doesn’t believe in God, refuge taken in a church

Violence: fighting, death, lots of violence but none of it gory

Note: MC works in a speakeasy (1920's illegal bar) but has never drunk a drop



*I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.

Review will be posted to my blog and Instagram on August 14, 2020 for the Favorite Pages Blog Tour.

Roaring was an entertaining paranormal story about a world where monsters exist and monsters that hunt them. I loved this time-period and Colt searching for the last siren at a speakeasy. Once he finds her, she learns that her powers don’t work on him because he isn’t really human and he has been sent to find her. This book opened up an amazing new world and I was lost in this wonderful imaginative world. Ms. Duga is such a talented writer and Roaring is one that you will definitely enjoy.

3.5 stars. This had a very interesting concept- sort of film noir late 1920’s (though some of the stuff in there made it feel more 30’s- 40’s). It was part light mystery/ thriller, part urban fantasy, and a light dash of romance. I love everything mermaids/ sirens, so this definitely held appeal. I liked how the author took commonly used Greek mythological creatures and made them her own. I also really liked Colt and Eris’ chemistry and how the story moved along at a good pace. I thought this was YA when I picked it up, but it’s really adult fiction, though it doesn’t matter, it was still an enjoyable read.

Left review on goodreads and amazon.

This is one of the most unique stories I've read in awhile. I received an ARC of book from @entangledteen @entangled_publishing @linzduga to read and review (thank you for the opportunity). It's a 1920's noir mixed with European folklore sprinkled with romance. I loved it. Colt is a special agent on the hunt for the missing siren. Eris is a singer at a speakeasy who's been told not to speak because her voice is too powerful. Once Colt and Eris meet truths start unraveling and they start to wonder who the monsters really are.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

In this book we meet Colton who is a monster whot hunts other monster, he is the only who can resist a siren voice.
But the last siren disappeared years ago, until one day they found the last siren, and Colton has the task to hunt her.

But what he thinks and had be told about her might be a lie.

So...when I read that this book was about monster hunting other monster and also that we had a siren, I thought "I need to read this book, Now! ".

Sadly it wasn't what I was expecting, the beginning was quite interesting, but then everything happened so fast that doesn't allow you to have a connection whit the secondary characters, I mean, when something sad or bad happened I didn't feel sad for them, it was like I didn't know them.

Also it was more of a romance novel than a fantasy book, I was hoping to see a world full of crazy creatures and know more about it, but I only have the chance to see a little bit about this creatures and in a very superficial way.

Now lets talk about the romance in this story, for me it was so instalove, they don't know eacher other but in a few days they are in love, I mean "What" they change their ideals for someone whot dosent know, that's not credible.


I didn't like this book but if you want to read it, that's ok, maybe you'll love it.

Thanks to Netgally for allowing to read this Arc.

Roaring is a YA fantasy romance set in the 1920s that tells the story of an agent from the Bureau of Investigation and a siren falling in love when everyone and everything is working against them. This is my first time reading Lindsey Duga and I enjoyed her imaginative and vivid writing style. You can expect suspense, romance, and twists and turns.

Eris has always enjoyed singing and knows there is something different about her, but she can't put her finger on it. She sings at a speakeasy and meets agent Colt Clemmons. She is intrigued by him yet quickly finds out his true intentions. He is assigned to investigate her and bring her his bosses. He can't imagine that Eris is the siren but he is proven wrong.

Eris and Colt are both special and begin to form a bond as their journey becomes more dangerous. Eris learns that Colt is one of the only people immune to the siren song and it makes both of them question why that is.

I really enjoyed the adventure and romance of the story. Despite the obstacles that both are facing, Eris and Colt's connection can't be broken. Their love for one another runs deep and is highlighted during times of struggle and danger.

I give Roaring 4 stars. This is an interesting YA novel that romance, historical, and fantasy readers can enjoy. The way the author detailed the 1920s continuously drew me in. Eris and Colt are great characters that complimented each other so well. There are some revelations that I wasn't expecting yet made so much sense. If you enjoy YA reads, I recommend this book. Enjoy the adventure, the roaring 1920s, and the fascinating mythology.

“‘Don’t wait for her to speak, Colt, because if she does, it may be the last thing you ever hear.’”

Roaring was such a fun, action-packed, and enjoyable read! It was fast paced and the perfect escape from *looks around* our current decade. The unique monster elements paired with a dazzling, dangerous 1920s setting was a killer combo I didn’t know I needed.

I was immersed so fully into this story that if someone in my house slammed a door or my phone rang, I would jump startled to find I wasn’t actually running with these monsters and mobsters through the East Coast. The lush descriptions of setting mixed with the 20s slang made this feel so authentic. I was pulled in and finished in two quick sittings.

Eris was such a kind soul, and such a sweet character to read about through it all. Colt? God he was charming. These two together were such a pair and I loved this opponent to lovers arc they had.

The constant twists of this story had me on the edge of my seat! Some elements were predictable but I was unable to guess the big twists, some of which had me completely stunned!

Overall, this was an enjoyably surprising book and a point blank great read.

**ARC provided by Entangled Teen and Netgalley, which in no way affected my review.

A fascinating and fast-paced story…
Roaring by Lindsey Duga is a high tension story of intrigue and unexpected romance set in the underground world of prohibition speakeasies and the mob ruled cities of America. Not only does the government’s Bureau of Investigation hunt down the criminal element that controls much of the illegal activities at this time but the actual monsters that the mob has, in many cases, created and then enlisted to their side. Since monsters are better fought with monsters the Bureau has their own division of specialty agents. Colt, who may be the only one immune to a siren’s voice, is one of those agents and the one assigned to find and bring in the lost siren. Eris has known she was different since she was little, the two people in her life she trusts have had to wisk her away to keep her safe. All she has ever wanted was to lead a quiet, rural life but instead she is the canary in a speakeasy, always ready to run when her “creator” threatens to catch up to her. Everything, what they have believed about themselves and thought about monsters, changes when Colt and Eris meet and they come to realize that being good or evil is more about what is in your heart than what you are on the outside.

Lindsey Duga has created a detailed and authentic world as the setting for Roaring, even including a glossary of words and phrases commonly used during the prohibition days of the 1920s. Colt and Eris are fascinating characters, whose personality and values are slowly revealed and pieced together for the reader as the story progresses. In the same way, their relationship develops through the course of events that have them questioning not only the things they have been led to believe but the course they thought their lives would take. They finally realize that they are better people individually when they have someone who sees them completely, both good and bad. It’s this knowledge that gives them the strength and motivation to fight and defeat the evil forces seeking to destroy them.

Roaring is a unique story with captivating characters; a quick, easy read that is action-packed, full of tension and suspense, and enjoyable for teens and adults alike.

I don't read many books in this time frame. The definitions in the beginning helped a lot. Unique story with a siren as the strong and caring female character. Her story as well as Colt's back story were interesting. Story was steady paced and ends well. Only change would be more of the romance between them.

I wasn't quite sure what to expect from Roaring, especially when I realised it was set in prohibition era America, a vibe I definitely wasn't getting from the title or the cover! However, I was gripped almost straight away and stayed up later than I should have to devour this book, which just kept getting better and better!

Focused on a siren working as a singer in a speakeasy as she is tracked down by a young man resistant to her voice, this book is a fast moving adventure. The world building is subtle but so well done that I didn't feel a second of confusion.

I completely adored this book and would thoroughly recommend it to anybody who enjoys action with a fantasy twist!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Roaring is a really interesting concept and a different kind of siren story. For a start, our setting is the 1920’s and we aren’t in the sea. Instead, we have hunters, gangster and speakeasies. This is a mystery suspense novel with romance and all kinds of monsters. The story is told from multiple points of views and rather than giving the characters name we get their roles.

Eris knows there is something special about her but also knows it comes with great danger. When a Hunter discovers her it’s time to start using the gift she’s always hidden from.

Colt is an agent in a specialised division. When he discovers Eris he doesn’t realise how much his life is about to change.

Can the monster save the hunter? Can the hunter love a monster?

I really enjoyed this because it wasn’t what I was expecting. This is my second book by this author and I like her style.

*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Roaring is SO much fun! Not only do you feel like you really are hanging out in the 1920's but you will totally want to hang out with the characters as well.
Read my full review here: https://booksteahealthyme.home.blog/2020/08/03/book-review-roaring-by-lindsey-duga/

Roaring is a fun concept for a siren story. It takes place during the 1920s, where speakeasies are the place to go and have a good time. Eris is a singer in one of these speakeasies. She is also a siren. She never talks to any of the customers, but they flock to the bars to listen to her sing. Colt is an FBI agent who hunts monsters and mobsters. When tasked to locate a siren and bring her in for containment, he finds himself at the same speakeasy that Eris works at.

This story is told from both Colt and Eris’ perspectives. I loved the dual perspectives and felt that they really added to the worldbuilding of the story. The writing style also helped with the use of 1920s slang terms that have a convenient reference glossary in the front of the book. I loved the characters, but felt that the romance aspect of the story felt a little rushed. Overall though, that criticism is minor given the uniqueness of the story.

I received an advanced copy of this title in exchange for my honest opinion.