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53rd out of 108 books
—
10 voters
Don't Kill The Messenger (Messenger #1)
by
Eileen Rendahl (Goodreads Author)
View our feature on Eileen Rendahl’s Don't Kill the Messenger.
The first in a fantastic new paranormal series about a messenger from the supernatural underworld.
Melina Markowitz is a Messenger, a go-between for paranormal forces and supernatural creatures. Problem is, when a girl's a go-between, it's hard not to get caught in the middle...
When ninjas steal an envelope f...more
The first in a fantastic new paranormal series about a messenger from the supernatural underworld.
Melina Markowitz is a Messenger, a go-between for paranormal forces and supernatural creatures. Problem is, when a girl's a go-between, it's hard not to get caught in the middle...
When ninjas steal an envelope f...more
Paperback, 323 pages
Published
March 2nd 2010
by Berkley Trade
(first published January 11th 2010)
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Kızımız bir elçi. Paranormal yaratıklar arası sürünüp duruyor. Bir paket teslim ederken çalınması ve bir kaç zombimsi vampirin çete üyelerini öldürmesi sonucu derin ve çıkamadığı bir işin içine giriyor. Adsız bir ihbar yaptıktan sonra Ted adlı bir polisle tanışıyor ve işler biraz "aşığım aşık" durumuna geliyor. Alex bir vampir ve sanırım Melinadan bayağı hoşlanıyor. Sonuçta bunlar, bu çete üyelerini(uyuşturu)çinli zombimsi vampirlere öldürtüp sonrasında zombileri yakıyorlar. Tabi hiç bir şey kay...more
To view review on my blog:
http://lll808.blogspot.com/2010/05/re...
First off, this cover rocks and definitely caught my eye *finger snap* like that.
"Don't Kill The Messenger" is a great title and descriptive.
Melina Markowitz is just that, a Messenger.
She skirts the lines between Mundanes/'Danes (humans) and Arcanes/'Canes (those who
are among the things of myth and camp fire stories).
She is a Messenger or in Melina's words "a glorified gopher."
There is no payment to reward the burden but all the...more
http://lll808.blogspot.com/2010/05/re...
First off, this cover rocks and definitely caught my eye *finger snap* like that.
"Don't Kill The Messenger" is a great title and descriptive.
Melina Markowitz is just that, a Messenger.
She skirts the lines between Mundanes/'Danes (humans) and Arcanes/'Canes (those who
are among the things of myth and camp fire stories).
She is a Messenger or in Melina's words "a glorified gopher."
There is no payment to reward the burden but all the...more
2 likes · like · see review
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Melina acts as a go-between for the supernatural around Sacramento. Not by her choice. If an imp or sylph or whatnot drops off a package and orders its delivery, she must do it. So when she's getting off her clerking night shift at the hospital and the hot, hunky vampire doc from the ER give her a parcel for delivery, she gripes but does what she needs to do. She doesn't expect to have ninjas drop out of a tree and give her the beat-down to get the item. Something is up. Any supernatural creatur...more
Melina Markowitz is a Messenger. Unfortunately, that doesn't pay so well as the non-humans just expect her to do her job as a courier, not to get paid for it and, although her life should technically be sacrosant, that doesn't always work out so well. She has lived her life without taking a stand thus far but that all seems about to change since all of the other beings seem to be indifferent to the fact that someone is attempting to start a serious turf war in Sacramento. Policeman Ted Goodnight...more
*SPOILER ALERT*
I'm truly shocked to see this book getting such great reviews on Goodreads.
I decided to pick up this book because I'd read another book by Rendahl that I enjoyed and because I enjoy a good vampire/zombie/werewolf book as much as the next person. I have never read a paranormal romance before (unless you count the Sookie Stackhouse books, which I guess kind of are). Perhaps this is why I don't get the love for this book.
I found the juvenile "voice" of the lead character very irritat...more
I'm truly shocked to see this book getting such great reviews on Goodreads.
I decided to pick up this book because I'd read another book by Rendahl that I enjoyed and because I enjoy a good vampire/zombie/werewolf book as much as the next person. I have never read a paranormal romance before (unless you count the Sookie Stackhouse books, which I guess kind of are). Perhaps this is why I don't get the love for this book.
I found the juvenile "voice" of the lead character very irritat...more
Ever wonder how all those kick-ass heroines in popular Urban Fantasy got their start? How they actually became kick-ass? You don't usually see the mighty heroine's more humble beginnings - by the time they're heroines, they're usually already there. Well, Melina Markowitz may just be the answer to those idle wonderings. An unexpected drowning and resuscitation at the age of three marked Melina as a member of the arcane and called her into service as a Messenger...sort of like the supernatural's...more
Melina after dying for a few seconds & resuscitated, opened her up to a sixth sense. Melina is faster at healing & has increased stamina & speed, she recognises when abnormals, magical creatures, vampires & werewolves are near. Always the oddball she keeps herself distanced from her family & those around her, working nights in ER & as a messenger between different fractions of the 'cane'(arcane) population. She shares a flat with a 'dane' (as in mundane i.e human).
Melina...more
Melina...more
Melina Markowitz is a very busy woman. Not only is she working two jobs to make ends meets, but has another secret one where she doesn't get paid at all. Melina is known in the supernatural world as a messenger. Those creatures of myth and legend, such as vampires, werewolves and even imps do exist because they expect Melina to deliver packages and other messages to one another. Melina has no choice because if she ignores this call horrible things will happen to her and she'll get very sick. If...more
2 likes · like · see review
Despite the rather ridiculous summary on the back of the book--vampires, werewolves, imps, and ninjas oh my--this was actually a rather enjoyable book. I really enjoyed that Melina wasn't either too-strong or too-weak. I liked that her "love triangle" was nowhere near the main concern of the book. I originally did not care for Ted Goodnight--mainly because I didn't really feel much chemistry from them at first, but as he had more screentime I really started to fall for him. I immediately adored...more
No glamorous job for this working class UF heroine - but this new series 'delivers' magic and a touch of romance
Melina's brush with death as a child wins her magical powers and a new glamorous job - but wait - yes to the magic but no to the glamour. Melina is now delivery girl, carrying message between members of the hidden Arcane population of Sacremento, a job with no perks and no pays and no say - she gets a delivery request, she has to see it through or else suffer karmic curses 'til she ge...more
Melina's brush with death as a child wins her magical powers and a new glamorous job - but wait - yes to the magic but no to the glamour. Melina is now delivery girl, carrying message between members of the hidden Arcane population of Sacremento, a job with no perks and no pays and no say - she gets a delivery request, she has to see it through or else suffer karmic curses 'til she ge...more
Melina Markowitz is a Messenger, a go-between for paranormal forces and supernatural creatures. Problem is, when a girl's a go-between, it's hard not to get caught in the middle. When ninjas steal an envelope from Melina, her search leads her to a Taoist temple in Old Sacramento, where the priests seem to practice Zen and the art of mayhem. Melina learns from the handsome ER doctor (and vampire) who gave her the envelope that it contained talismans created by the priests to control Chinese vampi...more
This was a veg out book for me after I fried my brain working on "economics of the French revolution" all weekend. It worked really well as an escape, not terribly true to life, lots of hot guys and action of one kind or another. Some of the descriptions of vampire zombies were a little much for lunch time, so don't eat while you read it, but it's pretty fluffy beyond that.
It was engrossing, I kept picking it up, but the ending fell apart for me a little bit. Some books can be really weak, but...more
It was engrossing, I kept picking it up, but the ending fell apart for me a little bit. Some books can be really weak, but...more
The reviews for this book are certainly all over the place, but I'm breaking out of the pack and saying that I absolutely loved it. This story was very original and I loved the writing style.
Melina is a messenger for the arcane (e.g., vampires, imps, werewolves). If she does not deliver the item, bad consequences result for her. While she is only a mundane human, she was given special powers to assist in her role, such as strength, rapid healing, and the need for little sleep. Oh, did I say she...more
Melina is a messenger for the arcane (e.g., vampires, imps, werewolves). If she does not deliver the item, bad consequences result for her. While she is only a mundane human, she was given special powers to assist in her role, such as strength, rapid healing, and the need for little sleep. Oh, did I say she...more
3.5 stars - bumped up because I'll be reading the next when available.
While there were a few drawbacks - a couple of obscure pop culture references that may leave people confused, some rather quick relationships, and some other minor issues, like not experiencing some of her past for reference and not knowing what the hoopdie is going on. Plus the author used the phrase "pea-picking heart" at least four times.
I really liked the main character, probably because I could relate to how she felt. Sh...more
While there were a few drawbacks - a couple of obscure pop culture references that may leave people confused, some rather quick relationships, and some other minor issues, like not experiencing some of her past for reference and not knowing what the hoopdie is going on. Plus the author used the phrase "pea-picking heart" at least four times.
I really liked the main character, probably because I could relate to how she felt. Sh...more
I'm used to publishers mismarketing paranormal romance as urban fantasy, but it's nonetheless annoying every time it happens. Don't Kill the Messenger is the rare opposite: urban fantasy mismarketed as paranormal romance. An author blurb emblazoned on the cover speaks of "an edgy, kick-ass protagonist", as if they've never come across one before. Maybe not in paranormal romance, but I assure you that in urban fantasy they're a dime a freaking dozen.
Originally I'd passed over this book because th...more
Originally I'd passed over this book because th...more
This was a great read! I like the heroine and hope -seeing that this is the start of a series- that she stays true to herself and her character (not like ,let's say, Anita Blake who started out as one of my favourites and deteriorated in book 8 or so).
There is a new kind of vampire in this book...post it notes, too funny!!!-you'll understand when you read the book-!
Melina has interesting contacts and unlikely friends most of it because she can sense supernaturals.
Attraction between Melina and s...more
There is a new kind of vampire in this book...post it notes, too funny!!!-you'll understand when you read the book-!
Melina has interesting contacts and unlikely friends most of it because she can sense supernaturals.
Attraction between Melina and s...more
Melina is a go between for various supernatural creatures. When a group of Ninjas steal an envelope she is delivering Melina's search to recover it brings her to a Taoist temple in Old Sacramento.
She learns that the temple is home to a group of Chinese vampires who are being used to turn the local gangs against one another. When none of the supernatural groups will get involved Melina finally decides that she has to do something to stop them.
Melina makes serious mistakes along the way but she...more
She learns that the temple is home to a group of Chinese vampires who are being used to turn the local gangs against one another. When none of the supernatural groups will get involved Melina finally decides that she has to do something to stop them.
Melina makes serious mistakes along the way but she...more
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads
The concept behind Don’t Kill The Messenger is an interesting one but unfortunately for Eileen Rendahl, the delivery was another story entirely. This book is categorized as urban fantasy but the heroine comes across as immature and acts like a teenager instead of someone who’s in her mid-twenties. The dialogue is also repetitive and inconsistent. For me, this novel fell short of the mark because its few redeeming qualities are overshadowed by Melina’s ditzyness. Perhaps I...more
The concept behind Don’t Kill The Messenger is an interesting one but unfortunately for Eileen Rendahl, the delivery was another story entirely. This book is categorized as urban fantasy but the heroine comes across as immature and acts like a teenager instead of someone who’s in her mid-twenties. The dialogue is also repetitive and inconsistent. For me, this novel fell short of the mark because its few redeeming qualities are overshadowed by Melina’s ditzyness. Perhaps I...more
Synopsis: Okay, I did a spittake while reading this. Luckily, my cup was still in front of me. Perhaps it was the ninjas mentioned, or perhaps it was the fact that the ML is named "Ted Goodnight". Really? I'm starting to tire, quite rapidly, of surnames in UF that Mean Something. Maybe it's just me. Regardless, I read it when I get the chance. At the very least, it'll show me how not to write.
I will admit this, though: I like the idea of the main character being a "Messenger". It's different and...more
I will admit this, though: I like the idea of the main character being a "Messenger". It's different and...more
This was a fun book! I really liked Melina's character, and the different slant on the paranormal community. Wish it was going to be a series, but don't see any indication of that yet!
Melina is a Messenger - a go-between among the different paranormals - vamps, werewolves, imps, gnomes, witches - even Kokopelli made an appearance here. She stumbles upon something big, and needs to figure out what should be done, and who should do it, since none of the other paras seem to want to get involved. Oh...more
Melina is a Messenger - a go-between among the different paranormals - vamps, werewolves, imps, gnomes, witches - even Kokopelli made an appearance here. She stumbles upon something big, and needs to figure out what should be done, and who should do it, since none of the other paras seem to want to get involved. Oh...more
Loved it! It was about the main character growing up more than it was about romance, although there is plenty of that. It was a different take on the werewolf/vampire/whatnot assortment.
I think some people might find Melina a little bit whiny at times. It didn't bug me, though, because she kept getting involved even when she was trying to convince people that it wasn't her fight. And it was realistic to me; I can't imagine going up against the forces of evil without trying good and hard to get o...more
I think some people might find Melina a little bit whiny at times. It didn't bug me, though, because she kept getting involved even when she was trying to convince people that it wasn't her fight. And it was realistic to me; I can't imagine going up against the forces of evil without trying good and hard to get o...more
Nice to have a Jewish leading lady. Too bad it's her only distinguishing feature. She's no different than 100 other UF, or even chick lit, gals. And she's in way over her head. Her sources are her Grandma and Aunt, who coincidentally had important info for her, and the Internet. Seriously, her source for defeating the very scary (and gross) Chinese vampires/zombies is a website. Because stuff on the Internet is always correct. And not only is she fighting scary vampires, but also the much more s...more
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Don't Kill the Messenger was one of the better books I've read. At first, the paranormal romance tag on the back had me worried (paranormal romance is not my genre) but it actually proved to be urban fantasy with a romantic subplot, so that was nice.
The use of Chinese mythology was a refreshing turn from the usual urban fantasy stuff, and the use of chiang shi (or kiang shi) made it one of the better books I've read recently. They're a personal favorite of mine.
Melina is a relatively standard...more
The use of Chinese mythology was a refreshing turn from the usual urban fantasy stuff, and the use of chiang shi (or kiang shi) made it one of the better books I've read recently. They're a personal favorite of mine.
Melina is a relatively standard...more
A good idea but the execution is lacking. The heroine is immature; her snarky inner commentary falls flat, ending up lame instead of funny and it interrupted the flow of the narrative. I can't decide if the cop love interest was dumb or just bad at his job. The story was ok but I felt like it wasn't something I hadn't seen before - a "kick-ass" heroine solving a supernatural mystery while being torn between two hunky men. I would have much rather seen more time spent on the actual job of being a...more
Melina Markowitz is a messenger. She didn't plan on being a messenger and she isn't always happy to make her "deliveries". Neverthless, she does her job when she is forced to. Who she is a messenger to is more interesting than the fact that she is a messenger. She delivers packages, notes and other important items to members of the "arcane" which includes vampires, werewolves and other "creatures".
Melina screws up one of her deliveries. It's not really her fault but the consequences are hers to...more
Melina screws up one of her deliveries. It's not really her fault but the consequences are hers to...more
3 likes · like · see review
I really enjoyed the new spin on the whole supernatural world of vampires, werewolves, the introduction of a new character of a "messenger" that this book introduced. But overall there was a rushed feeling. At least for me. Everything in the story seemed very one dimensional. There was no in depth explanations of the "world" this book is set in. Kind of like eating a sandwich that has very little meat, cheese......contents. Despite the story being told from the main character (Melina's) point of...more
I surprised myself with this one. It's likely between a 3 and a 4 for me as a fun popcorn read. The concept behind this book is that our heroine Melina drown as a small child, but was brought back. However, that few minutes left her a bit on the odd side and chosen as a messenger to the supernatural world. This is just as glamorous as it sounds as she spends her life trying to juggle a somewhat normal life and job with delivering packages for whatever supernatural beastie requests it of her. She...more
YES YES YES.
After being on my "currently reading" shelf for so long, I finally found the patience and motivation TO FINISH THIS THE FUCK OFF.
Okay. So the problem with Don't Kill The Messenger was that it wasn't original. Not really. I mean the whole "messenger" concept was quite unique and I was very intrigued when I first saw it, but the concept isn't really explored and developed at all.
So, in the end, it's really like all of those Paranormal Romances out there, except not as good. I mean, I'...more
After being on my "currently reading" shelf for so long, I finally found the patience and motivation TO FINISH THIS THE FUCK OFF.
Okay. So the problem with Don't Kill The Messenger was that it wasn't original. Not really. I mean the whole "messenger" concept was quite unique and I was very intrigued when I first saw it, but the concept isn't really explored and developed at all.
So, in the end, it's really like all of those Paranormal Romances out there, except not as good. I mean, I'...more
I was a little surprised by how much I ended up liking this book. It started out slowly, and was barely keeping my attention. However, I persevered, and about halfway through the story, I was entirely hooked and the story simmered until the last page. I really like the heroine, Melina. She's strong, smart, and witty, and she refuses to put up with crap from the guys she knows, be they vampires, werewolves, or just plain humans. I like all the guys as well. They're fun, snarky, and have wonderful...more
4 1/2 Stars. Melina Markowitz is a Messenger for the things that go bump in the night. She really does not want the job, but she really has no choice, it is her destiny. A destiny that does not pay by the way. Anyway, when a package is stolen by ninjas using Tai Chi, Melina, a martial arts expert herself, is determined to find out what is going on and retrieve her package. Before she knows it she is knee deep in Chinese vampires and chinese gangs and slap in the middle of a gang war. She will ne...more
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2 trivia questions
More quizzes & trivia...
“Alex snorted as he packed the wound with sticky rice.
"Is that stuff sterile?" Ted asked, staring at Alex.
"They boil it, don't they?" Alex said, not looking up from what he was doing.
Ted's frown deepened. "That doesn't seem like enough."
"Trust me." Alex looked up now and smiled a little. His voice altered just a little bit, not enough to be a full command voice, but enough to be way more persuasive than any normal person's voice. "It's an old wives' tale, but it works every time.”
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2 people liked it
"Is that stuff sterile?" Ted asked, staring at Alex.
"They boil it, don't they?" Alex said, not looking up from what he was doing.
Ted's frown deepened. "That doesn't seem like enough."
"Trust me." Alex looked up now and smiled a little. His voice altered just a little bit, not enough to be a full command voice, but enough to be way more persuasive than any normal person's voice. "It's an old wives' tale, but it works every time.”
“No boyfriend," I said, perhaps a little too quickly. Have I mentioned my total lack of social life? Having a dream about Alex last night was the closest thing I'd had to a date in months and that was only a dream and it was about a guy who was undead. Admittedly very sexy, but still completely undead. Although I have heard that vampire sex is supposed to be pretty damn good.”
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1 person liked it
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