Category Book Reviews

Mar 22 2013
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Book Review: Shadow Heir by Richelle Mead

a1Title: Shadow Heir

Author: Richelle Mead

Series: Dark Swan #4

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 3/5 stars

The Overview: Shaman-for-hire Eugenie Markham strives to keep the mortal realm safe from trespassing entities. But as the Thorn Land’s prophecy-haunted queen, there’s no refuge for her and her soon-to-be-born-children when a mysterious blight begins to devastate the Otherworld. . .

The spell-driven source of the blight isn’t the only challenge to Eugenie’s instincts. Fairy king Dorian is sacrificing everything to help, but Eugenie can’t trust the synergy drawing them back together. The uneasy truce between her and her shape shifter ex-lover Kiyo is endangered by secrets he can’t—or won’t—reveal. And as a formidable force rises to also threaten the human world, Eugenie must use her own cursed fate as a weapon—and risk the ultimate sacrifice. . .

The Review:

Mead is my favorite author, and I loved the adventure aspects of this book (great change of settings and all), but I felt like this particular book was missing something. Mead usually has a way of creating a giant snowball effect as a series comes to an end that has you glued to the pages, downright anxious to see what happens. As Shadow Heir is most assuredly the last novel in this series, I was left feeling like there should have been more. In fact, had I not known this was the last book, I definitely would not have been able to tell from the plot.

It did not help matters that I did not care for either of the potential love interest for personality and behavioral purposes, and that’s enough to take the wind out of any romantic’s sails. I’m certain others would find them appealing, I just couldn’t bring myself to root for either one. Come to think about it, that is probably why I didn’t find the end to be super climatic because I wasn’t emotionally invested in one of the main arcs of the story. You have to understand, her leading men in two other series are by-far my favorites of any genre (hello – Dimitri Belikov and Seth Mortensen) so to not have a love story I could personally get behind left me wanting.

Not that there was any problem with the characters themselves, I’m just picky when it comes to men (as it should be). Mead is a master of creating great characters. I love that between all the stories I’ve read, her leading ladies all have distinct and unique personalities (and they all can kick some serious butt). It would be easy for Mead to take the same cookie-cutter model for a heroine and transfer it into each series. The fact that she doesn’t speaks to her strength of an author and gives us readers something new to look forward to each time.

Overall, the book was worth reading and it does provide some sense of closure; however, if you’re never read a Richelle Mead book, start with either Vampire Academy or Succubus Blues. A warning to the wary: these books contain a great deal of sensuality, language, and violence.

Other books you might like:

(I realize I did the classic “if you like Richelle Mead… read Richelle Mead! But since I made such a big deal about her other series, I couldn’t help myself)

by Niki Hawkes

Mar 20 2013
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Book Review: Black Magic Sanction by Kim Harrison

a1Title: Black Magic Sanction

Author: Kim Harrison

Series: Rachel Morgan #8

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 5/5 stars!

The Overview: Rachel Morgan has fought and hunted vampires, werewolves, banshees, demons, and other supernatural dangers as both witch and bounty hunter—and lived to tell the tale. But she’s never faced off against her own kind . . . until now.

Denounced and shunned for dealing with demons and black magic, her best hope is life imprisonment—her worst, a forced lobotomy and genetic slavery. Only her enemies are strong enough to help her win her freedom. But trust comes hard when it hinges on the unscrupulous tycoon Trent Kalamack, the demon Algaliarept, and a lowlife ex-boyfriend-turned-thief.

The Review:

Arguably the best one yet, Black Magic Sanction was heart-wrenching, funny, and dynamic. I was absorbed from the first page and at the edge of my seat the entire time! I am so glad I pushed through the first novel because this is the sort of series that builds momentum and interest with each book that eventually makes it more than the sum of its parts. I always take forever to read these books because they’re my go-tos set aside for when nothing else it working for me (the only other author I do that with is Robin Hobb).

Her character development is superb, there are so many great storylines going on between Rachel and the other characters, and I can only imagine how the series is going to wrap up. Particularly with the elves and demons, each of them has a well-rounded and dynamic interactions with the main character, and I love that I’m never totally sure who’s on her side (kind of like with Jarlaxle in the Legends of Drizzt saga). Let’s take a moment to discuss the sidekicks: they’re the best I’ve read about in any genre! They really are what make the series unique and special, and I find scenes where they’re involved to be my all-time favorites.

Anyway, that’s all I feel I can talk about without giving anything away. These truly are wonderful books, and I encourage those of you who gave up at the first book to keep reading… it gets epic! A warning for the wary: these books are rather sensual and sometimes violent, so use your own discretion.

Other books you might like:

by Niki Hawkes

Mar 15 2013

Book Review: Dark Frost by Jennifer Estep

aaTitle: Dark Frost

Author: Jennifer Estep

Series: Mythos Academy #3

Genre: Teen Paranormal Romance

Rating: 4/5 stars

The Overview: I’ve seen so many freaky things since I started attending Mythos Academy last fall. I know I’m supposed to be a fearless warrior, but most of the time, I feel like I’m just waiting for the next Bad, Bad Thing to happen. Like someone trying to kill me—again.

Everyone at Mythos Academy knows me as Gwen Frost, the Gypsy girl who uses her psychometry magic to find lost objects—and who just may be dating Logan Quinn, the hottest guy in school. But I’m also the girl the Reapers of Chaos want dead in the worst way. The Reapers are the baddest of the bad, the people who murdered my mom. So why do they have it in for me? It turns out my mom hid a powerful artifact called the Helheim Dagger before she died. Now, the Reapers will do anything to get it back. They think I know where the dagger is hidden, but this is one thing I can’t use my magic to find. All I do know is that the Reapers are coming for me—and I’m in for the fight of my life.

The Review:
I have been praising this series like there’s no tomorrow, and I am sure some of you out there are weary of my gushing… brace yourself for just a little more: I love this series and the overall idea behind it. Every time I pick one up, I know I’m in for a great story and fun characters. Interesting enough, I think this book was my least favorite so far. I genuinely hope that it doesn’t mean the series is in a decline (which I sadly felt happened to the House of Night series around book six), and that this one is just a fluke. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a 4/5 star book; it just didn’t have the same impact as the first two.
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Why was this one not as good? I think it had to do with predictability. While the other two were delightfully obvious in where they were going, this one took great care to hit you over the head with dozens of hints. The first couple had me thinking, “Hey, I might have this figured out.” The next several that follow took away the fun of me feeling like I was smarter than the average bear. I kept waiting for a plot twist, because things can’t possibly be that straightforward, right? Well, you’ll just have to read to find out whether they were. :P
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So aside from the fact that it wasn’t quite as good as the first two, I still devoured it and will be picking up the next one soon. I did find it to be the most heart-wrenching one yet, which is an excellent point in its favor and really bodes well for the sequel!
Other books you might like:
  • The Lightening Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Marked by P.C. and Kristin Cast
  • Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
  • Glass Houses by Rachel Caine
  • Wicked Lovely  by Marissa Marr

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Mar 13 2013
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Book Review: Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs

a1Title: Cry Wolf

Author: Patricia Briggs

Series: Alpha and Omega #1

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

The Overview: Anna never knew werewolves existed, until the night she survived a violent attack…and became one herself. After three years at the bottom of the pack, she’s learned to keep her head down and never, ever trust dominant males. Then Charles Cornick, the enforcer—and son—of the leader of the North American werewolves, came into her life. Charles insists that not only is Anna his mate, but she is also a rare and valued Omega wolf. And it is Anna’s inner strength and calming presence that will prove invaluable as she and Charles go on the hunt in search of a rogue werewolf—a creature bound in magic so dark that it could threaten all the pack…

The Review:

As the first full-length novel of Anna and Charles, I thought this was an great companion story to the Mercy Thompson series. Briggs is one of my favorite authors, and I haven’t met anyone yet who hasn’t liked her works. As spinoff novels, the Alpha and Omega series expand the story of Mercy’s adopted werewolf relatives. While these books have relatively little to do with Mercy, they still makes the world she lives in more rich and vibrant, and gives us behind the scenes look at werewolf pack politics – which I think is going to be relevant in upcoming novels.

I enjoyed Cry Wolf but not as much as I thought I would. It reads more like paranormal romance than an urban fantasy, which means we got great character development and inner dialog, but not a whole lot of action. While I like Anna and Charles, and enjoy reading about their developing relationship, I missed that fast-paced event-driven writing that made the Mercy books so fun. Not that stuff didn’t happen, it just wasn’t the focus. This is not a failing on the author’s part, either. I remember reading somewhere that she had intended this book to be more in the romance genre than fantasy, and I think it’s great she was able to exhibit both types of storytelling so well. For that matter, her pure fantasy books (Masques and Dragon Bones) were also great books within their genre. 

Overall, I’m glad I read this one, and will definitely be continuing on with Hunting Ground and Fair Game. For those of you who haven’t read this series yet, I’d recommend you start with the novella Alpha and Omega found in the anthology On the Prowl or sold separately as a digital copy. 

by Niki Hawkes

Other books you might like:

  • Stray by Rachel Vincent
  • Blue Moon by Lori Handeland
  • How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper
  • Dark Lover by J.R. Ward (Which I didn’t care for, but it’s considered the uber-paranormal romance and everyone else seems to friggin love it)
  • Succubus Blues by Richelle Mead

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Mar 11 2013
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Your Pick for Nik! (Book Club) – Hounded Update!

Book #1

Book #1

Now that we’re a couple of weeks into March, I thought I’d take time to give some early feedback on this month’s book. In case you missed it, our selection was Hounded by Kevin Hearn, an urban fantasy about a Druid hiding out from ancient enemies in Tempe, Arizona. 

I’m not very far along yet, maybe 75 pages or so, but it’s shaping up to be an excellent read! Don’t believe me? Just skim through the first page or two, and you’ll have a good inkling as to why I’m enjoying it so much. Hearne has a cheeky voice, but doesn’t overdo it to the point where the writing sounds cheesy. Right now it is definitely exceeding my expectations!

Positives:

  • World-building: Hearne brings in a lot of celtic lore, but does so in a way that’s fun to read. The magic system also intrigues me… I think it might be my favorite element of the story so far.
  • Characters: I know who I’m rooting for and against right away, and there’s a good sidekick to boot!
  • Originality: a Druid as a main character for an urban fantasy isn’t very common…
  • Voice: I like the tone he sets early – it makes the main character incredibly likable.
  • Pacing: Good, but it’s still too early to tell.

Negatives:

  • Writing: at this point, I am enjoying the voice but there was one incredibly blatant info dump which could’ve been  incorporated a little more smoothly with some drop-in back history.
  • Romance: I realize it’s a bit early to tell for sure, but right now it looks like there’s going to be an abundance of sex (non-graphic), and little in the romance department. I realize there’s a time and a place for everything, but I think a love interest would add to the suspense of the entire novel (if done in a subtle way); raising the stakes, and all. Personal preference.

Anybody else started it yet? Thoughts?

There are going to be 9 Iron Druid novels total, and here’s a look at what’s available so far:

For tidbits about the series, check out Hearne’s website (www.kevinhearne.com). It’s pretty interesting.

For those of you new to the book club, Your Pick for Nik! is a monthly feature where I turn over control of my reading list to you!

Here’s how it works: I nominate titles from my TBR list and YOU choose which one gets featured. It can be one you’ve already read and want to discuss, one you want to read but wish to see my feedback on first, or – and this is my favorite part – you can read it along with me! A review and discussion for Hounded will take place March 29th, so there’s still plenty of time to pick it up if you want to join in!

Mar 10 2013

Book Review: The Bane by Keary Taylor

a2232Title: The Bane

Author: Keary Taylor

Series: The Eden Trilogy #1

Genre: Teen Fantasy

Rating: 4/5 stars

The Overview: Before the Evolution there was TorBane: technology that infused human DNA with cybernetic matter. It had the ability to grow new organs and limbs, to heal the world. Until it evolved out of control and spread like the common cold. The machine took over, the soul vanished, and the Bane were born. The Bane won’t stop until every last person has been infected. With less than two percent of the human population left, mankind is on the brink of extinction.

Eve knows the stories of the Evolution, the time before she wandered into the colony of Eden, unable to recall anything but her name. But she doesn’t need memories to know this world is her reality. This is a world that is quickly losing its humanity, one Bane at a time.

Fighting to keep one of the last remaining human colonies alive, Eve finds herself torn between her dedication to the colony, and the discovery of love. There is Avian and West – one a soldier, one a keeper of secrets. And in the end, Eve will make a choice that will change the future of mankind.

The Review: 

I got this book initially as an ARC, and I promised myself that I wouldn’t force myself to read it just because I got it before everyone else (as I’ve done a few times before). I liked the premise for the story, and by the first few chapters in, I was convinced this was something I would enjoy. If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you’re probably aware that I have a fondness for dystopian novels. Although the storyline of this particular one wasn’t incredibly original, there are some things about it that I really liked. For example, the very first scene of the book let me know right away what the stakes are in this world, who I’m supposed to be cheering for, and elements of mystery that made me want to keep reading. An excellent start that developed into a dang good book. 

It didn’t take the path I was expecting it to, and I actually found that refreshing. It had a good full-circle storyline that left me satisfied, but also left room open for a sequel – which is extremely smart of her if she hadn’t been able to get a deal for more than one book. The writing was solid and evoking, and her character development was strong. The pacing could have been a bit quicker, with a few more setting changes early on, but it didn’t take away from the story too much. She also needed a bit more word variety. There were countless examples of her using a word to describe something then repeating the exact phrasing in the next line down. It happened so often I was beginning to wonder if it was deliberate. Also, the cover doesn’t sell the story to me. I feel like it would market better with a cover that looked more like the new Mila or even Wasserman’s Skinned (see recommends below) something to highlight the technological element of the story [Note: cover updated since original post… I like it better]. 

These are minor notes, and overall I consider the book well worth your time if you’re a fan of the genre. I am excited that it is a trilogy, and I will definitely be reading the next book!

by Niki Hawkes

Other books you might like:

  • Divergent by Veronica Roth (Read Full Review)
  • Partials by Dan Wells (Read Full Review)
  • Skinned by Robin Wasserman
  • Cinder by Marissa Meyer
  • Mila 2.0  by Debra Driza
  • Uglies by Scott Westerfeld (Read Full Review)

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