Review: An Artificial Night by Seanan McGuire ★★★★★

An Artificial Night by Seanan McGuire
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Book three in the October Daye series
Publication Date: September 2010
ISBN: 978-0756406264
Page Count: 368
My Rating: ★★★★★

Summary

Changeling knight in the court of the Duke of Shadowed Hills. October "Toby" Daye has survived numerous challenges that would destroy fae and mortal alike.

Now Toby must take on a nightmarish new assignment. Someone is stealing both fae and mortal children -- and all signs point to Blind Michael. When the young son of Toby's closest friends is snatched from their Northern California home and his sister falls into a coma-like state, the situation becomes way too personal. Toby has no choice but to track the villains down, even when there are only three magical roads by which to reach Blind Michael's realm -- home of the legendary Wild Hunt -- and no road may be taken more than once. If she cannot escape with all the children before the candle that guides and protects her burns away, Toby herself will fall prey to the Wild Hunt and Blind Michael's inescapable power,

And it doesn't bode well for the success of her mission that her own personal Fetch, May Daye -- the harbinger of Toby's own death -- has suddenly turned up on her doorstep...

Review:

This is book three. You should begin the series with book one: Rosemary and Rue, then follow with book two: A Local Habitation. This series has ongoing story lines and mysteries that are slowly revealed, so it's really preferable to read them in order for full enjoyment.

This is my favourite of the series plot-wise so far. I love a good magical quest! I really felt like this one stepped it up a notch. It was set predominantly in the realm of the Fae and the storyline was much more fantastical than the last two books.

Blind Michael is stealing children to be his riders for his yearly hunt on All Hallows Eve, and when he makes off with someone Toby cares about, she sets about trying to get them back, no matter the cost. Her morals will let her do no less.

"How many miles to Babylon?
Three-score and ten.
Can I get there by candle-light?
Yes, there and back again.
If your heels are nimble and light,
You will get there by candle-light"

I'm really, REALLY enjoying this series. The characters are so very vivid, and different from those of other series. I love that she's befriended Quentin, who has to be one of the most likeable teenagers every written about, and also Danny the cab driver/bridge troll. Such a motley crew, but I love them all.

“I'm here to escort her to the valley of the damned. Only first I'm going to give her a ride home. And maybe stop for Indian food.”

And Tybalt....*big dreamy sigh* Tybalt, Tybalt. I swear, if October doesn't want him, I'll take him. I absolutely adore him! And I just love it when we know more about how characters feel about each other than they do. Seanan McGuire is very good as this. It must be hard to drop the clues in there for us, yet leave Toby completely guileless. Another brilliant example of this technique is Kim Harrison's Rachel Morgan character. It's all so very clever.

I don't know if anything will ever come of these "feelings" that I'm sensing, with Tybalt being Cait Sidhe, and a King no less, and October only being a smart-mouthed changeling. I'm just not sure how it will all work out, but they at least have to try! I remember reading (in book one I think?) that the Cait Sidhe often have very frivolous, meaningless relationships until they find their mate, and then it's forever. Aw! All I can do is cross my fingers and hope....then uncross them and quickly grab hold of the next book, Late Eclipses, and start reading straight away!

Read more »

Review: A Local Habitation by Seanan McGuire ★★★★★

A Local Habitation by Seanan McGuire
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Book two in the October Daye series
Publication Date: March 2010
ISBN: 978-0756405960
Page Count: 400
My Rating: ★★★★★

Summary

Now comes the second in the series-from a dynamic new fantasy talent! Toby Daye-a half-human, half-fae changeling-has been an outsider from birth. After getting burned by both sides of her heritage, Toby has denied the fae world, retreating to a "normal" life. Unfortunately for her, the Faerie world had other ideas... Now her liege, the Duke of the Shadowed Hills, has asked Toby to go to the Country of Tamed Lightening to make sure all is well with his niece, Countess January O'Leary. It seems like a simple enough assignment-until Toby discovers that someone has begun murdering people close to January, and that if the killer isn't stopped, January may be the next victim.

Review:

This is the second book in the Toby Daye series, you need to start with book one: Rosemary and Rue.

It was great to be back with Toby Daye and her cast of brilliant secondary characters. This time the plot was very much a whodunnit storyline that kept me guessing right until the end. I always like trying to guess the bad guy in a murder mystery plot, and I had it narrowed down to two possibles, but I didn't know for sure until it was revealed. Which is always good. I hate it when it's really obvious. I definitely preferred the plot over book one, and loved getting to know Toby more.

The opening scene features a very tipsy October, and a chance encounter with Tybalt, King of Cats, whose character I am fascinated with at this point. I don't know if it's just me trying to see something that isn't there, but I'm half way convinced he likes her a lot more than he lets on.

The setting for this one was mostly in one location, the county of Tamed Lightening, where Toby is sent by Sylvester to find out why people are dying. Luckily she got to take Quentin with her (who I just adore), but I did miss some of the other characters that were left behind.

“Repetition is sometimes the best way to deal with the Luidaeg: just keep saying the same thing over and over until she gets fed up and gives you what you want. All preschoolers have an instinctive grasp of this concept, but most don't practice it on immortal water demons. That's probably why there are so few disembowelments in your average preschool.”

Seanan McGuire is very good at leaving her readers little trails of breadcrumbs to follow. Perhaps in the form of a character exhibiting strange body language or behaviours, or making the odd ambiguous comment. There's a lot of this occurring towards the end of this book and I want to know what's going on right now! I guess I'll just have to read the next book immediately to find out, won't I? Oh well, if you insist...

"Next!"

Read more »

Review: Rosemary and Rue by Seanan McGuire ★★★★★

Rosemary and Rue by Seanan McGuire

Genre: Urban Fantasy (romantic elements, Celtic mythology, faeries, murder mystery)

Series: Book one in the October Daye series

Original Language: English
Publisher: DAW
Country: USA
Publication Date: September 2009
ISBN: 978-0756405717
Page Count: 368

My Rating: ★★★★★           

Summary

October "Toby" Daye, a changeling who is half human and half fae, has been an outsider from birth. After getting burned by both sides of her heritage, Toby has denied the Faerie world, retreating to a "normal" life. Unfortunately for her, the Faerie world has other ideas... The murder of Countess Evening Winterrose pulls Toby back into the fae world. Unable to resist Evening's dying curse, which binds her to investigate, Toby must resume her former position as knight errant and renew old alliances. As she steps back into fae society, dealing with a cast of characters not entirely good or evil, she realizes that more than her own life will be forfeited if she cannot find Evening's killer.

Review:

This is a very easy book to get into. From the opening scene I knew I would like October Daye. She's funny and witty, without being an annoying smart ass. She's brave and although she doesn't like all the pomp and circumstance of the Faerie courts, she knows how to be respectful when she needs to be. I found myself smiling on occasion at some of her inner monologues and also when she mumbles to herself or to her two cats: Cagney and Lacey.

“Are you feeling okay, Ms. Daye?" 

"Of course," I said putting my head back down. "I always snuggle up with bathroom fixtures.”

It was predominately a murder mystery plot, but with lots of seeds of intrigue planted throughout involving October's back story and in particular, one major event that happened six months prior to the time of this book which was never explained. I kind of wish we'd been given more on that. I know it's a series and it will all be revealed in time, but it was such an usual thing I'm dying to know how and why it happened.

“You should have screamed by now. It doesn't taste as good when you don't scream. Why won't you scream for me?" 

"Sorry, but we only serve diet agony here.”

There was no romance involved in this one but this may be something that develops as the series goes on. I found the different members/races of the Fae very interesting and it was an original take on Celtic mythology. I'm looking forward to the next one. To get some more answers!

Read more »

Review: River Marked - by Patricia Briggs ★★★★★

River Marked - by Patricia Briggs
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Book six in the Mercedes Thompson series
Publication Date: March 01, 2011
ISBN: 9780441019731
Page Count: 352
My Rating: ★★★★★

Summary

Car mechanic Mercy Thompson has always known there was something different about her, and not just the way she can make a VW engine sit up and beg. Mercy is a shapeshifter, a talent she inherited from her long-gone father. And she's never known any others of her kind. Until now. As Mercy comes to terms with this new information, an evil is stirring in the depths of the Columbia River. Something deadly is coming, facts are thin on the ground and Mercy feels ill at ease. However, her father's people may know more. To have any hope of surviving, Mercy and her mate, the Alpha werewolf Adam, will need all the resources the shifters can offer. Or death will be the least of their worries.

Review:

One of my favourite series. I had been looking forward to this since last year. I think it was definitely worth the wait. This is book 6 in the series and we see a great progression in the love story, and we also get a lot of reveals on Mercy's back story. All of which made this a delicious book to sink my teeth into. I think I might have actually broken some kind of speed reading record with this one, it was just so damn readable.

Some of the storyline was a little confusing, however, but I think you weren't necessarily meant to get it - because Mercy didn't either! She says that she sort of understands what's going on if she "thinks sideways" about it. You'll see what I mean when you read it.

As much as I enjoyed this instalment, I can't wait for Mercy to get to get back with rest of the pack, as this one was a lot of her and Adam alone and out of town. I'm not sure that Mercy is what you'd call "universally loved" within the pack, so it will be fascinating to watch how she gets on, because, to me, what makes this series great is the intricacies of the pack dynamics- their behaviours, both human and wolf, and how they deal with them. So I did kind of miss the rest of the gang in this one, but the new characters we met went some way to making up for their lack.

All-in-all, Mercy is her usual charming, witty and just all-round-awesome self in this book. She had me laughing out loud at certain points. You've got to love that girl.

Oh, and it sucks big-time that the next book isn't out until 2013!!!

Read more »

Review: This Side of the Grave - by Jeaniene Frost ★★★★★

This Side of the Grave - by Jeaniene Frost
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Book five in the Night Huntress series
Publication Date: February 22, 2011
ISBN: 978-0061783180
Page Count: 384
My Rating: ★★★★★

Summary

Danger waits on both sides of the grave…

Half-vampire Cat Crawfield and her vampire husband Bones have fought for their lives, as well as for their relationship. But just when they’ve triumphed over the latest battle, Cat’s new and unexpected abilities threaten to upset a long-standing balance…

With the mysterious disappearance of vampires, rumors abound that a species war is brewing. A zealot is inciting tensions between the vampires and ghouls, and if these two powerful groups clash, innocent mortals could become collateral damage. Now Cat and Bones are forced to seek help from a dangerous “ally”—the ghoul queen of New Orleans herself. But the price of her assistance may prove more treacherous than even the threat of a supernatural war. …to say nothing of the repercussions Cat never imagined.

Review:

Ooh, ooh, ooh finally one of my favourite series to review! I read non stop throughout the year, roughly a new book every two days, but there are some series that I follow and look forward to above all others and the Cat and Bones - Night Huntress World novels are one of them.

I was hovering over 4 stars, mainly because I thought the book ended rather abruptly and I wouldn't have minded if it were another 20 pages longer. Then I thought it seems a bit mean to mark it down under the reasoning of " I didn't want it to end" so 5 stars it is!

I laughed out loud quite a few times in the reading of this book. I'd forgotten how funny Cat and Bones are. There were a few "Awww" moments too. Now that Cat and Bones have worked out some of their main issues in Destined for an Early Grave, they are in a much, much better place. And in fact, they are now past their over protectiveness stage enough to notice it happening in others. Namely Mencheres and Kira, and Spade and Denise who we met in the spin offs ,as they are in much earlier stages of their own relationships.We see both of those other couples in this book as well as quite a few other blasts from the past which is nice.

There is a sad bit, and I did cry like a baby at one point. There are also some scenes that had me grinning like the village loon, and a great Twilight reference one-liner from Bones!

Oh! and Vlad.. I LOVE that guy! "Nummy, nummy"

Read more »

Review: Venom - by Jennifer Estep ★★★★★

Venom - by Jennifer Estep
Genre: Urban Fantasy (elemental magic, assassins, strong female protagonist, dwarves, giants)

Series: Book five in the Elemental Assassin series

Original Language: English
Publisher: Pocket
Country: USA
Publication Date: September 28, 2010
ISBN: 1439148015
Page Count: 416           

My Rating: ★★★★★

Summary
What kind of assassin works pro bono?
It’s hard to be a badass assassin when a giant is beating the crap out of you. Luckily, I never let pride get in the way of my work. My current mission is personal: annihilate Mab Monroe, the Fire elemental who murdered my family. Which means protecting my identity, even if I have to conceal my powerful Stone and Ice magic when I need it most. To the public, I’m Gin Blanco, owner of Ashland’s best barbecue joint. To my friends, I’m the Spider, retired assassin. I still do favors on the side. Like ridding a vampire friend of her oversized stalker—Mab’s right-hand goon who almost got me dead with his massive fists. At least irresistible Owen Grayson is on my side. The man knows too much about me, but I’ll take my chances.

Review:

This is book three. You should start with book one: Spider's Bite, then book two: Web of Lies.

Another great story. I think this is the best one so far, although I did love book two...hmm, nope, this is my favourite. Mainly because of the change in her love If you don't want to know how Gin's love life has changed, you probably shouldn't read this...

So, we've lost Donovan Caine, the detective, a.k.a Mr. Judgy Von-Holier-than-thou. He's finally admitted he can't deal with what she does. This has left Gin feeling pretty crappy about herself as she had let him slip under her defences, and he let her down in a big way I think. The big ol' wuss!

But, enter stage left; Mr Owen Grayson. Now I can't say much about Owen as that really would be revealing too much, but let's just say, I have much higher hopes for a success rate for him and Gin, than I did with Detective Caine. The guilt she always saw in Caine's eyes just isn't there with Owen, and it's just the boost she needed.

Gin attempts to take on a pretty formidable bad guy in this book. In going into it, she's pretty sure she's going to lose, but does that stop her from trying? Oh hell no! She's really cool, I like her character a lot. She is kind of wondering how on earth she went from being a feared and ruthless hired killer, working for money, to everybody's favourite friendly neighbourhood assassin, working for any good old sob story, but she's just sort of rolling with it. She does have a new., and much more personal vendetta she's working on over the course of these books. But again, can't say much about it.
Waiting now until Tangled Threads comes out in April.

Read more »

Review: Tangled Threads by Jennifer Estep ★★★★

Tangled Threads by Jennifer Estep
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Book four in the Elemental Assassin series
Publication Date: May 2011
ISBN: 9781439192634
Page Count: 384
My Review ★★★★

Summary

I'd rather face a dozen lethal assassins any night than deal with something as tricky, convoluted, and fragile as my feelings.

But here I am. Gin Blanco, the semi-retired assassin known as the Spider. Hovering outside sexy businessman Owen Grayson's front door like a nervous teenage girl. One thing I like about Owen: he doesn't shy away from my past -- or my present. And right now I have a bull's-eye on my forehead. Cold-blooded Fire elemental Mab Monroe has hired one of the smartest assassins in the business to trap me. Elektra LaFleur is skilled and efficient, with deadly electrical elemental magic as potent as my own Ice and Stone powers. Which means there's a fifty-fifty chance one of us won't survive this battle. I intend to kill LaFleur -- or die trying -- because Mab wants the assassin to take out my baby sister, Detective Bria Coolidge, too. The only problem is, Bria has no idea I'm her long-lost sibling . . . or that I'm the murderer she's been chasing through Ashland for weeks. And what Bria doesn't know just might get us both dead. . . .

Review:

This is book four. You should start with book one: Spider's Bite, then book two: Web of Lies, then book three Venom.

First off, how gorgeous is that cover? I want those biceps!

I am a big fan of this series. Although it's quite different from my other favourite series. Most of my top series tend to have more humour and have more complicated, twisting plot lines, like Kate Daniels, Horngate witches and Cassie Palmer for example. This one is a little simpler, slower and moodier, but just as absorbing. I do sometimes wish for some lighter moments within the series, but, I mean, Gin is an assassin, so I can always forgive her for not being a laugh a minute like some of my other leading ladies. It would be a little inappropriate, no?

The characters are well written once again (especially yummy Owen).

And just like that, the fragile strings of my feelings for Owen joined together, all the tangled threads wrapping around and weaving their way through my heart.

The world-building is great as usual, and the ongoing story arc is keeping me gripped with the whole long-lost sibling/arch enemy thing that's going on, but I just found the big finale action sequence slightly lacking this time and there were some slow sections to the story.


Overall, this one's a 4 for me.

Read more »

Review: Web of Lies - by Jennifer Estep ★★★★★

Web of Lies - by Jennifer Estep
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Book five in the Elemental Assassin series
Publication Date: May 2010
ISBN: 978-1439147993
Page Count: 432
My Rating: ★★★★★

Summary

Curiosity is definitely going to get me dead one of these days. Probably real soon.

I’m Gin Blanco. You might know me as the Spider, the most feared assassin in the South. I’m retired now, but trouble still has a way of finding me. Like the other day when two punks tried to rob my barbecue joint, the Pork Pit. Then there was the barrage of gunfire on the restaurant. Only, for once, those kill shots weren’t aimed at me. They were meant for Violet Fox. Ever since I agreed to help Violet and her grandfather protect their property from an evil coal-mining tycoon, I’m beginning to wonder if I’m really retired.

So is Detective Donovan Caine. The only honest cop in ashland is having a real hard time reconciling his attraction to me with his Boy Scount mentality. And I can barely keep my hands off his sexy body. What can I say? I’m a Stone elemental—with a little Ice magic thrown in—but my heart isn’t made of solid rock. Luckily, Gin Blanco always gets her man … dead or alive.

Review:

This is book two. You should start with book one Spider's Bite.

This is the second book in the Elemental Assassin series. The first book got better even as I read it, after a slightly unsure start. Now it seems the series is only going to continue in the same vein, getting better and better with each novel.

Detective Donovan Caine is still on the scene, although perhaps trying to distance himself slightly, as he still clearly doesn't approve of Gin's job. It is, after all, against everything he stands for as a cop, to let someone go around killing people for money. Even if they are bad guys.

I'm not sure this is something he will ever be able to get over. There are some things you just can't accept no matter how attracted to a person you may be. Everyone has their own moral code and they cannot, or will not, be tempted to deviate from it.

There is a new guy on the scene who seems to be more than a little interested in Gin. I'm curious to know where this might lead too.

The story moved along at a better pace than the first book I think. We get plenty more of Gin being her awesome, kick-ass self against various bad guys. And also taking on a new role after her "retirement" (yeah, right) as a sort of vigilante, Robin Hood-type figure. Only instead of robbing the rich to feed the poor. She's killing the bad guys to protect the good guys. I know, how sweet!

I love how tough Gin is. I love the fact that she saved herself in this book. She doesn't wait around for anyone to come and rescue her. If they did, it would be a bonus, but she doesn't rely on that, or sit around waiting to be rescued. That would no doubt be a really quick way to get dead in her job.

I'm already on to Venom. Loving this series now.

Read more »

Review: Spider's Bite - by Jennifer Estep ★★★★

Spider's Bite - by Jennifer Estep
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Book five in the Elemental Assassin series
Publication Date: January 2010
ISBN: 978-1439147979

Page Count: 432
My Rating: ★★★★

Summary

My name is Gin, and I kill people.

They call me the Spider. I’m the most feared assassin in the South—when I’m not busy at the Pork Pit cooking up the best barbecue in Ashland. As a Stone elemental, I can hear everything from the whispers of the gravel beneath my feet to the vibrations of the soaring Appalachian Mountains above me. My Ice magic also comes in handy for making the occasional knife. But I don’t use my powers on the job unless I absolutely have to. Call it professional pride.

Now that a ruthless Air elemental has double-crossed me and killed my handler, I’m out for revenge. And I’ll exterminate anyone who gets in my way—good or bad. I may look hot, but I’m still one of the bad guys. Which is why I’m in trouble, since irresistibly rugged Detective Donovan Caine has agreed to help me. The last thing this cold-hearted killer needs when I’m battling a magic more powerful than my own is a sexy distraction . . . especially when Donovan wants me dead just as much as the enemy.

Review:

I ended up really enjoying this book. I say "ended up" because for the first 50 pages or so I was a little bit worried I wasn't going to like it all that much. I had read a really positive review on it, and I was looking forward to reading it, especially since it would provide a change from vampires and werewolves for a bit (even the most die-hard urban fantasy fan needs a change from time to time!) so it could be a little bit of expecting too much on my part, perhaps. I admit I was kind of expecting to find a five star book to add to my list of all-time favourite series after the gushing review I'd read. Well, it's not up there yet, but by the end of the book, it moved up in the world (or at least in my world) from a 3 star to a 4 star book.

The main character is Gin. I would perhaps not describe her as the most personable/friendly/outgoing girl you could meet, but you wouldn't really expect that of someone who has been an assassin for 17 years, and is used to working alone in the shadows. This has made her more of a patient observer in life than a laughing and joking sort, much like the Spider she get's her assasin moniker from.

Also, in this first book she has to deal with the death of someone she loves which makes for a somewhat melancholy feel to some parts.

She isn't a completely cold-hearted bitch as you might expect either though. She has a sense of humour that, if she had any other kind of job/lifestyle I'm sure you would get to see more often. She's pretty cool under pressure to say the least, a bit of a bad-ass in fact, and seems to be very good at what she does.

She's can be quite ruthless as well, although she does decide which "jobs" she takes based on her own sort of moral code, if you will. She doesn't kill innocent people, or kids, or pets for example, but a person who is guilty by association would be fair game in her eyes. If you know about it and you aren't actively preventing the bad guy from doing whatever dastardly thing he's doing, then you are just as guilty and you will get just as dead.

The possible love story element is tricky in this one because there is an attraction to a extremely good, straight-laced detective called Donovan Caine, who, no matter how carefully she chooses her marks, or how much the people she offs might deserve to die, can't come to terms with, or in any way accept the fact that she kills people for a living. I'm not sure how this is going to work out but I want to know, so you can rest assured I will be continuing with the series until I find out.

There are some good secondary characters in this book, I like Finn, the incorrigible playboy, who's like a brother to her. And I like the dwarven sisters.

Looking forward to reading the next one....

Read more »

Review: Touch the Dark by Karen Chance ★★★★★

Touch the Dark by Karen Chance
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: The Cassandra Palmer series #1
Publication Date: June 2006
ISBN: 978-0143204657
Page Count: 307
My Rating: ★★★★★

Summary: Cassandra Palmer can see the future and communicate with spirits-talents that make her attractive to the dead and the undead. The ghosts of the dead aren't usually dangerous; they just like to talk...a lot. The undead are another matter.

Like any sensible girl, Cassie tries to avoid vampires. But when the bloodsucking Mafioso she escaped three years ago finds Cassie again with revenge in mind, she's forced to turn to the vampire Senate for protection.The undead senators won't help her for nothing, and Cassie finds herself working with one of their most powerful members, a dangerously seductive master vampire- and the price he demands may be more than Cassie is willing to pay.

Review:

In this first story of the Cassandra Palmer series we meet our heroine, Cassie, a clairvoyant on the run from her former vampire "master" Tony, whom she ran away from and has been hiding from for years. Her escape leads her into the hands of the Vampire council whose members believe Cassie is set to become the next Pythia (a powerful seeress/prophetess and the protector of the timeline) and offers her protection (with a price- these are vamps after all). Cassie is reluctant (to say the least) to accept the idea of this new role, but it seems she may not have much choice.

Mircea is a bit of a mystery. There is undoubtedly buckets of sexual tension going on between them, but you are left wondering exactly what Mircea's motives are. Is it simply to get her to stay with him so that he controls the Pythia? Is it because he is her master (he sired Tony so he is ultimately her master as he is Tony's master) and therefore feels it is his right to have her? Or is he just genuinely attracted to her? This is something Cassie finds herself wondering over the coming books in the series.

You will hate John Pritkin in this book and expect (or possibly hope) to never see him again, but be warned, you don't get rid of JP that easily!

As with all Karen chance's novels it is funny, faced paced, action packed and sexy as hell. A great book and a great series.

This is my favourite series of all time. I love it, love it, love it and can't recommend it enough.

Read more »

Review: Dead witch walking- by Kim Harrison ★★★

Dead witch walking - by Kim Harrison
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: The Hollows #1
Publication Date: April 27, 2004
ISBN: 9780060572969
Page Count: 432
My Rating: ★★★

Summary: All the creatures of the night gather in "the Hollows" of Cincinnati, to hide, to prowl, to party ... and to feed.

Vampires rule the darkness in a predator-eat-predator world rife with dangers beyond imagining -- and it’s Rachel Morgan's job to keep that world civilized.

A bounty hunter and witch with serious sex appeal and an attitude, she'll bring 'em back alive, dead ... or undead.

Review:

This is the first book in The Hollows series. I had been pre-warned by several different people that it was a slow starter, but that the series gets better and better. Well, they weren't kidding! If it wasn't for my faith that it would, in fact, get better, I may not have got through the first 100 pages. It was such a slow start. The writing style doesn't flow, I kept stumbling back and forth and having to re-read bits. There is an inordinate amount of info-dumps—Harrison clearly has a very distinct world full of weird creatures and a society fully aware of supernaturals, and she wants to tell you about the whole thing all at once—and yet at other times she will mention something matter-of-factly, that you have absolutely no clue what she's talking about at all.

However, it did get better. I feel like perhaps this book is the mountain which you have to climb to get to the good stuff. You have to pay the reading piper for the privilege by slogging your way through about eight incredibly tedious chapters. In fact, there was an escape-type scene about 8 chapters in, and I couldn't help thinking she should have started the book there, and just referenced everything that happened before that in retrospect, Sort of a "it all started when I quit my job" thing. Also, I don't feel like I know much about my leading lady yet. She was kind of busy in this book running for her life, granted, but I couldn't really tell you much about her.

Anyway, onto what I did like, which can almost be summed up in a word; Jenks! I love him. He's a 4 inch tall pixy and he just completely rescued the book for me. We did also meet a potential villain whose motives I'm not really sure on at the moment. There's a potential love interest, but he leaves me a bit cold to be honest. Her Vampire room-mate is also up to something, so I want to know more about that and the guy that lives over the road too. So it seems quite a few little seeds of intrigue have been carefully planted, which will make me pick up the next one. Lets hope it starts a heck of a lot faster than this one.

Read more »