Category Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Books

Mar 27 2013
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Book Review: Hunting Ground by Patricia Briggs

w1Title: Hunting Ground

Author: Patricia Briggs

Series: Alpha and Omega #2

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 5/5 stars!

The Overview: Anne Latham didn’t know how complicated life could be until she became a werewolf. And until she was mated to Charles Cornick, the son—and enforcer—of Bran, the leader of the North American werewolves, she didn’t know how dangerous it could be either…

Anna and Charles have just been enlisted to attend a summit to present Bran’s controversial proposition: that the wolves should finally reveal themselves to humans. But the most feared Alpha in Europe is dead set against the plan—and it seems like someone else might be, too. When Anna is attacked by vampires using pack magic, the kind of power only werewolves should be able to draw on, Charles and Anna must combine their talents to hunt down whoever is behind it all—or risk losing everything…

The Review:

This is what I’ve been waiting for! I mentioned in my review of the first book, Cry Wolf, that I didn’t like it quite as well because it read more like a paranormal romance than an urban fantasy. Not so with Hunting Ground. It had everything I’ve come to expect from a Patricia Briggs book: lots of action, plenty of paranormal creatures, and a suspenseful crime to solve.

I especially appreciated the relationship development in this book. A lot of times authors will throw two people together and tell you they were made for each other. With Anna and Charles, you can actually see how well their personalities play off of and fit together which made it feel really… organic. It is one of the best relationships developments I’ve ever read, and I marvel at how well the author paired the two personalities. Briggs has always been great at creating well-rounded characters, but I think she may have outdone herself here.

Another aspect that I was missing in the first book was the involvement of other werewolves. I wanted to know more about the political situation within the werewolf pack and how their decisions are going to affect things in upcoming Mercy Thompson books. There was definitely plenty of questions answered here, and I am really looking forward to reading Fair Game to see how it all plays out. I’m convinced these are must reads for Mercy fans – why miss out on any back story if you don’t have to?

Overall, the story, the humor, and the relationships were fantastic, and it just makes me that much more fired up to read Frost Burned (the latest Mercy book). I think fans of both paranormal romances and urban fantasies would really enjoy this series. As spinoffs, you actually can read them without reading the parent series but you’d be missing out. The Mercy Thompson novels are some of the best on the market, and I recommend them constantly. A warning to the wary: these books contain violence and sexuality.

Other books you might like:

by Niki Hawkes

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 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

a1 a2 a3 a4 a5

Feb 22 2013

Book Review: Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead

Jun 4.Title: Gameboard of the Gods

Author: Richelle Mead

Series: Age of X #1

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 5/5 stars!!!

Release Date: June 4, 2013

The Overview: In a futuristic world nearly destroyed by religious extremists, Justin March lives in exile after failing in his job as an investigator of religious groups and supernatural claims. But Justin is given a second chance when Mae Koskinen comes to bring him back to the Republic of United North America (RUNA). Raised in an aristocratic caste, Mae is now a member of the military’s most elite and terrifying tier, a soldier with enhanced reflexes and skills.

When Justin and Mae are assigned to work together to solve a string of ritualistic murders, they soon realize that their discoveries have exposed them to terrible danger. As their investigation races forward, unknown enemies and powers greater than they can imagine are gathering in the shadows, ready to reclaim the world in which humans are merely game pieces on their board.

The Review:

Anything Richelle Mead does is golden, and this book is another example of why she is my favorite author! From the prologue all the way to the last page, I was completely entertained by the story, the world, and the character development. Set as a futuristic urban fantasy, which is original in itself, the novel draws from worldwide mythology, making it one of the most unique books I’ve read in a while. Top that off with crime-solving detective work and just a touch of romance, and you have yourself a killer novel! I always appreciate Mead for her originality and creativity, and I think she might have outdone herself here.

A few weeks ago I criticized an author for switching perspectives and having too many things going on at once for me to feel invested in the story and the characters. Gameboard of the Gods is a shining example of how to weave multiple storylines without losing any momentum. Each perspective was intertwined with the main plot and they were introduced in a way that allowed me time to develop a sense for each person and their inner demons. Every protagonist directly added to the building of the plot, which is the best way to keep readers from becoming distracted when the perspective switches. 

I thought the character development was one of the strongest elements of the story. I always marvel about how she can make flawed characters so likable. Maybe it’s because they come across as real human beings, rather than ideal figments of the author’s mind. Right from the beginning, we know a bit about what drives these characters and the inner conflicts they face. The prologue where we meet Mae was incredibly powerful; my only wish is that Mead would’ve represented the physical manifestations of her flaws a bit more throughout the book. In any case, I won’t be forgetting these characters any time soon.

Overall, the storyline was fantastic – plenty of intelligent plot decisions, the perfect amount of complexity, and a snowballing momentum that will keep you up all night. It was truly a well-conceived book, and I am doubly excited to see where she takes it next!

Other books you might like:

  • Succubus Blues by Richelle Mead (my favorite of her works)
  • Divergent by Veronica Roth
  • Survival by Julie E. Czerneda
  • Moon Called by Patricia Briggs
  • Grimspace by Ann Aguirre
  • Dead Witch Walking  by Kim Harrison

by Niki Hawkes

Jan 7 2013

Book Review: Disappearing Nightly by Laura Resnick

157712182Title: Disappearing Nightly

Author: Laura Resnick

Series: Esther Diamond #1

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 2.5/5 stars

The Overview: I’m not a heroine — I just play one. Also psychotics, vamps, orphans, hookers, housewives and — on one memorable occasion — a singing rutabaga. It was never my ambition to utilize my extensive dramatic training by playing a musical vegetable. However, as my agent is fond of pointing out, there are more actors in New York than there are people in most other cities. Translation: Beggars can’t be choosers.

This explains how I wound up painting my body green and prancing around stage half-naked the night Golly Gee, the female lead in the off-broadway show “Sorcerer!” disappeared into thin air. Literally. Now other performers are also vanishing, and a mysterious stranger is warning me: There is evil among us. But the producers want me to take over Golly’s part. Looks like I’m going to need a little magical help if I want to keep my starring role . . .

The Review:

I have to say that I was really looking forward to reading this one, so it’s a bit disappointing that I found it a bit lacking. I now understand why the publishers were willing to put out books 2-5 before releasing it.

The whole thing was just… okay. The writing style was decent in the sense that I didn’t notice any flaws, and the basic plot was even a good one. Honestly, my main complaint was with some storyline decisions. There were just too many ridiculous and far-fetched elements for me to really enjoy it. I’m not even referring to the bizarre things that make Piers Anthony and Terry Pratchett so successful either. It was more of a bad series of decision that came across cliché and overdone. Now I’m not averse to whimsy in urban fantasies (and in fact expect a little), I even went with it at first, but Resnick lost me when she brought in the drag queens and condom-selling cowboys. It just went too far, especially since there are so many other fantasies out there that merge eccentric and mystery quite well (see list below).

My other complaint was characterization. There were a few really good characters that I definitely want to read more about, but for every one good character, there were five others that needed some work. You’ve probably gleaned from my mention of queens and cowboys that there were a lot of stereotypical fillers in this book. What’s sad is that she didn’t need them. If she had just taken the time to develop a well-rounded character in place of a couple of the fillers the story would’ve been a lot less silly and a whole lot more compelling.

I don’t usually post negative reviews, as I usually prefer to focus on the books I find recommend-worthy. The reason I made an exception here is that I’m almost positive I’m going to read the second book. I know that sounds odd, but based on the backwards publication circumstances of this novel, along with the promise I see in the story and the writing, I’m completely willing to make an exception to give the author a second chance. I guess we’ll all find out soon if the second book is any better (unless someone out there wants to save me some time by providing some feedback…).

Other books you might like more:

  • Blood Engines by T.A. Pratt
  • How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper
  • Touched by an Alien by Gini Koch
  • Storm Born by Richelle Mead
  • Ill Wind by Rachel Caine

by Niki Hawkes