I enjoyed STRANGE FATES. It took a little while to get into, but the inclusion of Greek myths in contemporary urban fantasy is a good mix. This book r...moreI enjoyed STRANGE FATES. It took a little while to get into, but the inclusion of Greek myths in contemporary urban fantasy is a good mix. This book reminded me a little of Kelly McCullough's Webmage series. I felt sometimes the magic system wasn't explained well enough, but there's more to this story, so maybe we'll find out more later. The story ramps up as it goes along, and there are plenty of betrayals and back-stabbings. I like the bad-boy character of Nyx, and I look forward to hearing more of his story. Hopefully the next book will flow a little better, but this was a fast read, and I can deal with some repetition for one of those.
Kevin Hearne hasn't lost his touch with TRAPPED. It was an odd decision to skip forward in the series timeline 12 years, but it works here. And there'...moreKevin Hearne hasn't lost his touch with TRAPPED. It was an odd decision to skip forward in the series timeline 12 years, but it works here. And there's the possibility of more novellas like TWO RAVENS AND ONE CROW to tell us what happend during those years of Atticus' training his apprentice. In TRAPPED, Atticus just keeps running into enemies (which isn't surprising given his age!), which seriously hampers his ability to introduce a second Druid into the world (and work out the nice romantic angst between the two of them). There is still plenty of humor and action, just like the other books in the series. We also get to see the Norse god Loki in this book, and I wonder how much trouble Hearne is having separating his version of Loki from the Marvel movie one. He's certainly going a different way with it! I can't help but picture Tom Hiddleston when Loki shows up in TRAPPED, and it's a bit jarring. But it doesn't take away from my appreciation of the book. I like how Hearne makes the druidic ceremony meaningful and not instantaneous; it's an important undertaking and even though it's magical, it should take time. It was weird to read it and say, twelve years have passed, but Hearne handles it well. I'll be looking forward to more books in this series.
THREE PARTS DEAD is sort of a mix between steampunk, religion (though not Western religion) and legal thriller, and it manages to do each well. There...moreTHREE PARTS DEAD is sort of a mix between steampunk, religion (though not Western religion) and legal thriller, and it manages to do each well. There are gargoyles, magicians (call them Craftsmen), vampires, and gods, so this hits all the major fantasy buttons trending recently. Sometimes the mix of POVs is a little confusing and the world, while superbly built, is dropped on the reader without a lot of explanation. On one hand, yay, no info-dump! On the other hand, whoa, where's the info? Most things get explained eventually, though there is clearly more to this story. While THREE PARTS DEAD wraps up the story well, there is plenty of room for a sequel. The writing is good, if you can file away the parts that make you say, "What?" and wait for their resolution later. The ending sort of caught me by surprise, but the hints were in place. I think this book probably does well on a second read, when you can pick up things you missed the first time, since you were so busy trying to figure out what happened. I'm intrigued by the world, and the characters are strong and well-defined, so I'll be on the lookout for more from this author.
I received this as a digital ARC via Netgalley.(less)
What a fun debut! For once the hook is a proper description of the book: when Anita Blake meets THE FIRM. THIS CASE IS GONNA KILL ME has a lot of funn...moreWhat a fun debut! For once the hook is a proper description of the book: when Anita Blake meets THE FIRM. THIS CASE IS GONNA KILL ME has a lot of funny banter, lots of action, and a satisfying story with a positive ending. There is also some not-so-nice "sexy" action, but it's balanced out by the toughness of the main character, newly-employed female lawyer Linnet, who does get some of the romance she deserves. There were some moments at the beginning when I was a bit lost, since the world isn't completely explained, but that just shows there is more to be discovered about the setting. Linnet has a strong voice, but the supernatural beings need a little more fleshing out. The main arc of the story is completed, though there's a huge plot thread showing the direction of a sequel, which I'd be very interested in reading. This was a fast-paced, easy read, but a fun one, and I'll be on the look out for the next book in the series.
This is a fast and fun novella set between books 4 and 5 of the Iron Druid series. It's a good thing this novella exists, because 12 years go by betwe...moreThis is a fast and fun novella set between books 4 and 5 of the Iron Druid series. It's a good thing this novella exists, because 12 years go by between those two books in the series. We get to see a little bit of how the last druid and his apprentice spend those 12 years, and even get a little action between gods. There are a few familiar characters and the same wry voice that the author is so good at, so if you enjoy the series, you'll want to find this novella. I doubt much that happens in this will affect the story arc as a whole, but we do hear a story from Atticus' past which has some bearing on how he's still around. Given that he's got 2100 years of past, I can see there being more anecdotes like this, and I hope the author obliges.
This is the third Heather Graham book I've read in as many months, but despite some trends (and who doesn't want some trends in a series?) it was stil...moreThis is the third Heather Graham book I've read in as many months, but despite some trends (and who doesn't want some trends in a series?) it was still a fun read. This one has a little more emphasis on the ghostly characters than the other two that I've read, which was a nice change. I liked the historical setting; as with the previous novels I've read, it's clear that Graham has done her research and didn't just pick a random historical house to write about. I figured out some of the twists early on, and the bad guy reveal felt a little rushed, but overall this was a good addition to the series. Sometimes the protagonist seemed a little hysterical compared to other Graham leading ladies, but she firmed up during the story and stopped annoying me so much. I'd like to think that I would react favorably to finding out that ghosts are real and can talk to us if they want to, so maybe I'm just projecting. Graham comes up with clever methods to dispatch characters, and this book does not disappoint. This book carries over some of the Krewe we've met in previous books, but doesn't connect to the previous two (no mummies in an American historial mansion!), but all the familiar elements of a Graham novel are there, so fans won't be disappointed.
Here I was, having just read THE UNHOLY, wondering why I'd never read a Heather Graham book before, and Netgalley gives me the opportunity to read ano...more Here I was, having just read THE UNHOLY, wondering why I'd never read a Heather Graham book before, and Netgalley gives me the opportunity to read another! We see some of the same characters from the Krewe working in the previous novel, and lo, a mummy in Chicago's lake with ties to the previous case! But new readers can jump right in. There are hints of what happened before, but I didn't feel like I would have been lost if I hadn't just read the previous book. Searching for a mummy (and a killer!) requires knowledge of SCUBA and other diving techniques, which Graham clearly has. Some of the information is probably simplified for readers, but it's not done in a way that made me feel dumb. As with THE UNHOLY, there are supernatural elements, but they don't overwhelm the story. There's still good old fashioned detective work to be done, and sometimes you might forget that some of the Krewe can talk to the dead. The romance in this one wasn't as strong as in the first, but I liked the leads' interaction. It's been a long time since I was in Chicago, but this book makes me want to go back--as long as there are no shipwrecked mummies!
Received as a digital ARC via Netgalley and the publisher.(less)
SECRET OF THE WOLF is the second in a series, and I vaguely had that figured out before I read it. Even knowing that there was more to the story than...moreSECRET OF THE WOLF is the second in a series, and I vaguely had that figured out before I read it. Even knowing that there was more to the story than was revealed in this volume, I had that nagging feeling that things had happened that I should know about. Some books bring the reader back to speed well, and some don't. This wasn't the best at it, but it's a shifter book, so I persevered. There are a lot of sexy werewolves and vampires and fae, with an interesting origin story, so I was happy to continue. This story has a happy ending, so though it makes a stab at a detective story (the antagonist was just a little too obvious, though heartbreaking) it's definitely a romance. I'm not sure how accurate the detective work is; the characters could use some development too. If you like your quick-read whodunit combined with steamy bedroom scenes this is for you.
I received a digital ARC of this book via Netgalley and the publisher.(less)
When I first picked up this book I wasn't sure if I'd placed it on the right shelf (urban fantasy) here on Goodreads--it took a while for the fantasy...moreWhen I first picked up this book I wasn't sure if I'd placed it on the right shelf (urban fantasy) here on Goodreads--it took a while for the fantasy element to show up. And for quite some time you're not sure if the killer is a fantastical element or if it really is a locked-room mystery with a very real murderer. (Side rant: anyone else out there hate it when a locked-room mystery--or deserted island, natch--turns out to be just a dream? Tell me how they got out of the room, darn it) This is my first book by this author, but it sounds like she's known for writing that way, and I enjoyed it. The premise is fun--a murder at a special effects company with an owner who loves film noir--and the characters are people I think I'd get along with. The story reads very fast, and it's tremendously fun to have the characters interact with Humphrey Bogart as a ghost. Even though this is part of a series, the book stands fine on its own, which is a relief. There are plenty of hints about things that have happened before, but they didn't intrude on the narrative nor did they loom so large it seemed like something vital was missing. The characters could use a little more development (especially in the supernatural department) and I was sort of disappointed in the reveal of the whodunit, but the rest of the story is entertaining and well constructed. I'm curious now about the other stories in this series, so I'll check this author out if I come across other works.
I received this as a digital ARC via Netgalley and the publisher.(less)
Like many other readers, the cover pulled me in. I've read a few angels vs. demons stories, and this one is typical of the genre. It does a good job o...moreLike many other readers, the cover pulled me in. I've read a few angels vs. demons stories, and this one is typical of the genre. It does a good job of not being preachy about good vs. evil, though it's obviously reflecting a Judeo-Christian background (when are we going to see angels from other faiths?). This book was a fun read, though I didn't fall in love with it. Surprisingly, there is no love triangle in this one, though there's plenty of teenage romance (and of course, the eponymous kiss). Some of the characters are a little shallow and that's one reason it's 3 instead of 4 stars. There are plenty of questions left over at the end of the book, which is both annoying and enticing. The world building needs some work, but the story is promising.
I received this as a digital ARC from Netgalley and the publisher.(less)
3.5 stars, really. Sometimes I just need to read a paranormal, and this one fits the bill. Sexy, stormy shifters, and a relatively good plot. Sometim...more
3.5 stars, really. Sometimes I just need to read a paranormal, and this one fits the bill. Sexy, stormy shifters, and a relatively good plot. Sometimes I lost the storyline and I felt like there was a a lot of backstory that was getting dumped, but the book moves fast and I finished it happy. There's much more to come. I may or may not pick up the next; depends on if I'm in a need-to-read-paranormal then.(less)
I enjoyed THE ROOK. Take your basic British spy thriller, add a bunch of paranormal and urban fantasy elements, throw in some killer amnesia and a bun...moreI enjoyed THE ROOK. Take your basic British spy thriller, add a bunch of paranormal and urban fantasy elements, throw in some killer amnesia and a bunch of sarcastic letters by an overly-prepared agent of Scotland Yard for magic users, and you get THE ROOK. It's very fast paced for a big book, and it was nice to have a debut that made me laugh because it was funny, not because it was stupid. The characters are clearly defined (and I kept being surprised at how well a guy wrote a female MC), and it wasn't immediately obvious who the bad guy was (huzzah!). The magic system doesn't feel completely ingenuous, unlike some urban fantasy that just waves its hands and has something happen. There are real consequences here. Everything turns out okay in the end, but I have a feeling that there is more that can be told, and I'll definitely look for another book in this series.
I received this as a digital ARC from Netgalley.(less)
THE DEPARTMENT OF MAGIC is a bold stab at urban fantasy. It veered a little too much into the gross side of things, but the story was well told and th...moreTHE DEPARTMENT OF MAGIC is a bold stab at urban fantasy. It veered a little too much into the gross side of things, but the story was well told and the action had plenty of high stakes (pun intended), so I kept reading. My attention would wander to other books, though, hence the long reading time. If you like loads of fantastic--or horrifying--creatures romping around in modern-day D.C., you'll like this one. Sometimes the interaction between the main characters was cliched, and I wasn't feeling the romance, but Rocco and Jasmine (I'm sorry, Rocky and Jazz aren't nicknames I love) do work well together and there's obviously much more they can do in forthcoming books. I'm not too keen on what will happen to the MCs in the future, but the fate of America is in their hands, so if I come across other books in this series I'll give them a look.
I received this as a digital ARC from Netgalley.(less)
I was a little worried that I might be lost reading Hellbent, because I read Bloodshot a while ago, and couldn't wait to read the new one. That wasn't...moreI was a little worried that I might be lost reading Hellbent, because I read Bloodshot a while ago, and couldn't wait to read the new one. That wasn't the case, happily. I like Priest's style, irreverent and cocky, but completely believable. She reminded me of things I had forgotten from the first book, but not so blatantly that I felt like I was reading a summary--even when the MC gives us a summary.
First off: you WILL get tired of boner jokes. Just saying. But they are funny when presented in the text, and even though penis bones are a wacky thing to be searching for, the story flows around them naturally. I like the MC and her foibles, though I don't consider being *too* prepared for emergencies to be a bad thing.
Secondly, even though this is a vampire book, it's not a vampire romance, which is a nice change from most of the urban fantasy out there. The book is not about the intense desire to suck the blood of your one true love, but a vampire trying to survive in a normal world, and that's refreshing.
Thirdly, this book really moves. It might look like I took a while to read this, but I had to stop for a week or so to read library books. When I got back to it I finished it quickly, and I like those kinds of books. The plot was interesting and had me laughing at points and going "aha" at others. The wrap-up wasn't quite as tight as I'd wished for, but there is plenty left over for more books, and I'll be sure to check those out. Keep it up, Cherie!
I received this as a digital ARC from Netgalley.(less)
This is a pretty interesting addition to the Dresden Files. Thank goodness the huge cliffhanger in Changeswas picked up. The premise of Dresden being...moreThis is a pretty interesting addition to the Dresden Files. Thank goodness the huge cliffhanger in Changeswas picked up. The premise of Dresden being a ghost and solving his own murder was a nice way to explore what he might be like without magic, but of course he figures out how to get around that. And if you know anything about the whole series, you know that Dresden is going to get out of his current predicament, since there are plenty of books left that Butcher wants to write. There is a twisty ending, and sometimes there are things that show up just in time to save Harry's bacon, but the story is set up that way, so move along. Hopefully Butcher can get back to his regularly scheduled April release dates, so we won't have to wait too long to see what's in store for the new Winter Knight.
Having read a book by the author before and not being terribly impressed, I was pleased to find that I enjoyed HARD SPELL. It's a detective story with...moreHaving read a book by the author before and not being terribly impressed, I was pleased to find that I enjoyed HARD SPELL. It's a detective story with a supernatural twist, which makes for fun reading. It wasn't very long, which I suppose works well for the genre, though I was hoping for more. Sometimes the story moved very fast, and I found myself having to reread parts to make sure what I had just read really happened, but that meant that the plot was moving along, and that's good.
Stan Markowski is a detective with the Scranton PD in an alternate world where supernatural beings, or supes, walk among us. While certainly not the first author to do this, HARD SPELL is not a romance, which is a nice change from quite a lot of urban fantasy these days. The author weaves in many details from reality with a fantastic bent, which is fun, if you can recognize the tweaks.
The characters are well written and believable, even when dealing with out of the ordinary events. There is clearly more to tell in this universe, though this novel wraps up the case neatly. I'm looking forward to more books in this series. If you like Jim Butcher's Dresden Files novels, you'll probably like this.
I received this ebook as an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley.(less)
Zoomed through this one just like the first in the series. A lot of fun to read, with lots of bits that made me laugh out loud. Atticus is a very well...moreZoomed through this one just like the first in the series. A lot of fun to read, with lots of bits that made me laugh out loud. Atticus is a very well-developed character and I really like him and his friends in the book. I'm looking forward to the next one!(less)
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