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Nora Jacobs #1
Don't Rush Me
Most humans have no idea that a dark and deadly underworld, filled with magic and monsters, exists. They wander through life blissfully ignorant of the supernatural world around them. Nora Jacobs is different. Nora knows exactly what kinds of hellish creatures haunt the streets of Detroit.
Thanks to a unique set of psychic abilities, Nora has managed to steer clear of the underworld most of her life. But all that changes the night the most powerful vampire in the city discovers her gifts and decides to use her as a tool to find one of his missing clan members.
As if that’s not bad enough, Nora believes she’s cursed. All her life, people, especially men, have been drawn to her—some to the point of obsession and violence. Underworlders, it seems, are not immune to this curse, and now she’s caught the attention of some of the most dangerous monsters in the city.
Neck deep in an investigation only she can solve, Nora quickly makes as many new allies as she does enemies. Her biggest problem is staying alive long enough to decide which is which.
Thanks to a unique set of psychic abilities, Nora has managed to steer clear of the underworld most of her life. But all that changes the night the most powerful vampire in the city discovers her gifts and decides to use her as a tool to find one of his missing clan members.
As if that’s not bad enough, Nora believes she’s cursed. All her life, people, especially men, have been drawn to her—some to the point of obsession and violence. Underworlders, it seems, are not immune to this curse, and now she’s caught the attention of some of the most dangerous monsters in the city.
Neck deep in an investigation only she can solve, Nora quickly makes as many new allies as she does enemies. Her biggest problem is staying alive long enough to decide which is which.
286 pages, ebook
First published January 25, 2018
2165 people are currently reading
4366 people want to read
About the author
Jackie May
23 books720 followersJackie May started out writing young adult and contemporary romance under the name Kelly Oram, but she can’t seem to stay in one lane and loves all things paranormal so Jackie May was born. She loves playing RPGs and has her own set of dice that no one is allowed to roll but her. Unfortunately, those dice are cursed and only roll high numbers when she’s taking damage. Since that usually doesn’t work out so well for her, she has to achieve her victories and happy endings through her books. (After torturing her characters for a while first, of course.) She lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband, four children, and her cat, Vader. (Yes, as in Darth.)
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June 19, 2023RH author: *sees literally any female character*
If someone were to ask me, "What's a Mary Sue?" I would point them to this book. Nora Jacobs is so textbook special, it makes me want to hurl. Needless to say, this causes a lot of issues in the book.
1. The plot, the characters, actually the entire damn city revolves around Nora. There is not thing going on in this book that isn't focused on how beautiful, interesting, and different she is. Even when we get insight on other characters and their thoughts, it always ties back to her. Characters have no personality other than their feelings towards Nora. How fucking boring is that? All you need to know about the cast of Don't Rush Me can be summed up by their feelings for her:
2. The main character is immediately set up as a victim. Within the first few chapters, we find out Nora has a horrible (like insanely, unnecessarily horrible) past that's left her scarred. Her whole life has just been one injustice after the other.
This is a common trope with the Reverse Harem genre, and I just don't get it. What's the point of putting your heroine through so much off-screen abuse, characterizing her immediately as the innocent victim/martyr? There's no character development to be gained from this, since it always happens before we meet her.
I think most of the reason authors use this trope is as a plot device to justify a heroine's love interests being insanely protective. It's pretty clear in this book from how Henry reacts upon discovering her past:
3. Every other sentence validates the heroine's beauty, brains, and personality. This gets old really quick. Seriously, every character, even the villains, thinks Nora is the most gorgeous amazing unique incredible fucking person they've ever met. And since Nora can read thoughts, she hears these thought processes every other line.
These are just a few examples out of many, MANY similar instances in the book. Apparently it wasn't enough for Nora to think she was special and unique (which she obviously does: "I am different. Not that I know why. My inexplicable allure has always bothered me"). We as readers needed to be constantly reminded of that fact from every direction.
You could argue that all the validation is justified, since there is a plot point that aims to explain why every character is instantly obsessed with Nora.
There are several reasons why this plot point doesn't remedy all the problems I have with this book.
One is that Nora's 'curse' may explain why everyone is constantly, vocally drooling over her, but it doesn't justify it. Nora is still an intensely annoying character to have to put up with. Who cares why she's a Mary Sue? It only matters that she is.
Another reason is that the curse doesn't affect every character - notably, not women - and yet every character still fawns over her 24/7. Cecile thinks Nora is beautiful and interesting. Random Bimbo #1 at the party was super into her. Ren, Nick's gay friend, calls her an 'instant bestie'. So clearly even without the curse, everyone Nora meets just loves her.
Third, having this curse involved sort of invalidates the romance of the series. I can't get behind any romantic relationship where all of Nora's boyfriends are under the influence of magical lusty juju. I'm sure that this is a plot point that will be addressed in future books, but it already makes me uncomfortable.
Finally, it once again sets Nora up as a victim. With this curse, she inevitably has all kinds of men panting after her, through no fault or virtue of her own. Stop victimizing your characters!
Okay. Whew. That was one hell of a rant.
I've refrained from posting a star rating, because I can acknowledge that I'm unduly biased against Mary Sues. I hate them so much. Don't Rush Me is all Mary Sue, all the time.
In addition to that, lots of my friends loved this book. So I don't want to drag down the rating on a book they like. That would just be mean.
If someone were to ask me, "What's a Mary Sue?" I would point them to this book. Nora Jacobs is so textbook special, it makes me want to hurl. Needless to say, this causes a lot of issues in the book.
1. The plot, the characters, actually the entire damn city revolves around Nora. There is not thing going on in this book that isn't focused on how beautiful, interesting, and different she is. Even when we get insight on other characters and their thoughts, it always ties back to her. Characters have no personality other than their feelings towards Nora. How fucking boring is that? All you need to know about the cast of Don't Rush Me can be summed up by their feelings for her:
-Xavier: wants to hurt Nora but also kind of wants to sleep with herYou get the idea.
-Henry: wants Nora to be his mate, starts hissing when anyone suggests otherwise
-Oliver: has spent most of his life watching over, thinking about, or protecting Nora
-Parker: finds Nora fascinating, gasps at every thing he finds about about her (he gasps A LOT)
-Terrance: instantly protective of Nora
-Nick: totally ready to do anything Nora asks
-Elijah: is unsure whether he wants to marry or murder Nora
-Cecile: really fascinated by Nora's unique powers
-Shandra, Nadine etc: super grateful to be saved by Nora.
2. The main character is immediately set up as a victim. Within the first few chapters, we find out Nora has a horrible (like insanely, unnecessarily horrible) past that's left her scarred. Her whole life has just been one injustice after the other.
This is a common trope with the Reverse Harem genre, and I just don't get it. What's the point of putting your heroine through so much off-screen abuse, characterizing her immediately as the innocent victim/martyr? There's no character development to be gained from this, since it always happens before we meet her.
I think most of the reason authors use this trope is as a plot device to justify a heroine's love interests being insanely protective. It's pretty clear in this book from how Henry reacts upon discovering her past:
Seeing everything I've been through, he doesn't just become drawn to me; he instantly becomes protective of me. And possessive.Now that is just lazy authoring. Most of the abuse that RH heroines suffer is next-level shit like rape, domestic violence, kidnapping and so on. You shouldn't make a character go through such a major personality-warping experience just for the sake of triggering protective instincts in her boyfriends later on.
3. Every other sentence validates the heroine's beauty, brains, and personality. This gets old really quick. Seriously, every character, even the villains, thinks Nora is the most gorgeous amazing unique incredible fucking person they've ever met. And since Nora can read thoughts, she hears these thought processes every other line.
From Oliver: He thinks I'm beautiful. He likes my sea green eyes even though they look haunted. He's never seen me smile, but he's sure it would be it would be radiant if I did, and he wishes I would do it.
From Henry: "That's a very beautiful name, love, for a very beautiful woman."
From Terrance: "Come on now, Trouble, you're a beautiful woman; don't be so afraid to show it off."
From Cecile: "Welcome, you beautiful woman!"
From a fae guy she met two seconds earlier: I hear his thoughts. 'She's the most beautiful creature I've ever seen. I need to get her on the dance floor so I can feel her body against mine and become the envy of every man in this club.
From some random bimbo at a frat party: She lets go quickly, so I only get the briefest thought from her. 'She's so gorgeous. She looks fun.'
From Elijah: He keeps thinking about how beautiful I am.
and: "You're a very interesting woman, Nora. And, if you don't mind my saying so, the most beautiful one I've ever met."
These are just a few examples out of many, MANY similar instances in the book. Apparently it wasn't enough for Nora to think she was special and unique (which she obviously does: "I am different. Not that I know why. My inexplicable allure has always bothered me"). We as readers needed to be constantly reminded of that fact from every direction.
You could argue that all the validation is justified, since there is a plot point that aims to explain why every character is instantly obsessed with Nora.
All my life, I've been sought after. There's something unnatural about me that puts men under a spell. I mean that literally, as in, magic is involved. I call it a curse.So this curse Nora carries around with her makes every man she meets fall in love with her instantly.
There are several reasons why this plot point doesn't remedy all the problems I have with this book.
One is that Nora's 'curse' may explain why everyone is constantly, vocally drooling over her, but it doesn't justify it. Nora is still an intensely annoying character to have to put up with. Who cares why she's a Mary Sue? It only matters that she is.
Another reason is that the curse doesn't affect every character - notably, not women - and yet every character still fawns over her 24/7. Cecile thinks Nora is beautiful and interesting. Random Bimbo #1 at the party was super into her. Ren, Nick's gay friend, calls her an 'instant bestie'. So clearly even without the curse, everyone Nora meets just loves her.
Third, having this curse involved sort of invalidates the romance of the series. I can't get behind any romantic relationship where all of Nora's boyfriends are under the influence of magical lusty juju. I'm sure that this is a plot point that will be addressed in future books, but it already makes me uncomfortable.
Finally, it once again sets Nora up as a victim. With this curse, she inevitably has all kinds of men panting after her, through no fault or virtue of her own. Stop victimizing your characters!
Okay. Whew. That was one hell of a rant.
I've refrained from posting a star rating, because I can acknowledge that I'm unduly biased against Mary Sues. I hate them so much. Don't Rush Me is all Mary Sue, all the time.
In addition to that, lots of my friends loved this book. So I don't want to drag down the rating on a book they like. That would just be mean.
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January 26, 2020Cool! New-to-me urban fantasy with all the magic critters in there.
Okay. I was thinking more along the lines of vampires, werewolves, and fairies, but this works too. I'm not judging.
Our heroine is Nora who is "human" with psychic abilities and the "curse" of being irresistible to men.**
It's magic.
But actually, for her it is a curse. Instead of being nice and giving her all their money and chocolate - which is totally how I would use such a power if I had it, these guys get obsessed with her in a way that stalkers get. All killy and shit.
Don't worry. I'm sure she's fine. I haven't watched the ending yet, but I have a good feeling about these two.
In an attempt to get her newest stalker to not rape her, she gets him to take her to a club that has all of the supernaturals of the world just looking for their latest prey. And, in a major you-go-girl moment, she hands him off to a succubus. Again:
Don't be mocking my Zumba moves.
The problem is that now the supernatural gang is aware of Nora.... and she has that curse thingy so a bunch of them want to play marry-fuck-kill with her and do all three. She done did it now. But, don't worry. She's a Mary Sue. She's totally got this.
Oh. That's... that's gonna take the "repeat" part of the shampoo bottle instructions. Yeah.
The good news is that I liked it even though there was absolutely NO porn. It was all friendships and gentle let-downs on Nora's part. She has just one zone.
I know. I'm disappointed in me too. But, don't worry, I'll read some strange and dirty once I've finished this wholesome shit.
** Yes, I'm even more disappointed with myself for using what are obviously meant to be "air quotes". I don't have any excuse other than I may or may not be drinking. Let's face it, air quotes and drunk people go together like vodka and cranberry juice. (Really good.)
Okay. I was thinking more along the lines of vampires, werewolves, and fairies, but this works too. I'm not judging.
Our heroine is Nora who is "human" with psychic abilities and the "curse" of being irresistible to men.**
It's magic.
But actually, for her it is a curse. Instead of being nice and giving her all their money and chocolate - which is totally how I would use such a power if I had it, these guys get obsessed with her in a way that stalkers get. All killy and shit.
Don't worry. I'm sure she's fine. I haven't watched the ending yet, but I have a good feeling about these two.
In an attempt to get her newest stalker to not rape her, she gets him to take her to a club that has all of the supernaturals of the world just looking for their latest prey. And, in a major you-go-girl moment, she hands him off to a succubus. Again:
Don't be mocking my Zumba moves.
The problem is that now the supernatural gang is aware of Nora.... and she has that curse thingy so a bunch of them want to play marry-fuck-kill with her and do all three. She done did it now. But, don't worry. She's a Mary Sue. She's totally got this.
Oh. That's... that's gonna take the "repeat" part of the shampoo bottle instructions. Yeah.
The good news is that I liked it even though there was absolutely NO porn. It was all friendships and gentle let-downs on Nora's part. She has just one zone.
I know. I'm disappointed in me too. But, don't worry, I'll read some strange and dirty once I've finished this wholesome shit.
** Yes, I'm even more disappointed with myself for using what are obviously meant to be "air quotes". I don't have any excuse other than I may or may not be drinking. Let's face it, air quotes and drunk people go together like vodka and cranberry juice. (Really good.)
June 5, 2021
Ich sag mal so, das hier ist das erste Buch, dem ich nur 1 Stern gebe.
Den Schreibstil würde ich als chaotisch/ hektisch bezeichnen. In vielen Momenten ist nicht nachvollziehbar, was und warum etwas passiert. In der Kürze der Seiten werden Beziehungen unauthentisch und sensible Themen, Traumata usw nicht ausreichend verständlich erzählt. Die Einfachheit der Sprache erinnert zwar an ein Kinderbuch, thematisch ist es aber einem Jugendbuch nicht besonders angemessen. Die Triggerwarnung ist absolut angebracht, rechtfertigt jedoch nicht den grenzwertigen Umgang mit und die fehlende Aufarbeitung von sensiblen Themen.
Ab hier Spuren von SPOILERN
80% der Charaktere im Buch sind männlich, 60% davon legen ein moralisch falsches bis absolut übergriffiges Verhalten an den Tag. Angefangen davon, dass es mehr Frauencharaktere geben muss, kann auch nicht jeder zweite männliche Charakter ein Entführer oder Vergewaltiger sein, diese Message ist mir einfach völlig zuwider. Es gab einen Moment, in denen unter geistiger „Folter“ Nein gesagt und weitergemacht wurde. Das absolut falsche Verhalten von einem Großteil der männlichen Charaktere wird damit gerechtfertigt, dass es eine von Noras Fähigkeiten ist, Männer schon immer angezogen zu haben. Also quasi, dass sie in „ihrem Bann“ stehen und nichts dafür können. Wenn jeder Mann ein potenzieller Vergewaltiger ist und das noch irgendwo abgewiegelt wird - was ist denn das für eine Message?
Den Schreibstil würde ich als chaotisch/ hektisch bezeichnen. In vielen Momenten ist nicht nachvollziehbar, was und warum etwas passiert. In der Kürze der Seiten werden Beziehungen unauthentisch und sensible Themen, Traumata usw nicht ausreichend verständlich erzählt. Die Einfachheit der Sprache erinnert zwar an ein Kinderbuch, thematisch ist es aber einem Jugendbuch nicht besonders angemessen. Die Triggerwarnung ist absolut angebracht, rechtfertigt jedoch nicht den grenzwertigen Umgang mit und die fehlende Aufarbeitung von sensiblen Themen.
Ab hier Spuren von SPOILERN
80% der Charaktere im Buch sind männlich, 60% davon legen ein moralisch falsches bis absolut übergriffiges Verhalten an den Tag. Angefangen davon, dass es mehr Frauencharaktere geben muss, kann auch nicht jeder zweite männliche Charakter ein Entführer oder Vergewaltiger sein, diese Message ist mir einfach völlig zuwider. Es gab einen Moment, in denen unter geistiger „Folter“ Nein gesagt und weitergemacht wurde. Das absolut falsche Verhalten von einem Großteil der männlichen Charaktere wird damit gerechtfertigt, dass es eine von Noras Fähigkeiten ist, Männer schon immer angezogen zu haben. Also quasi, dass sie in „ihrem Bann“ stehen und nichts dafür können. Wenn jeder Mann ein potenzieller Vergewaltiger ist und das noch irgendwo abgewiegelt wird - was ist denn das für eine Message?
November 28, 2018
This book is what happens if you friend zoned your reverse harem. It’s a funny concept and I ended up liking this because it’s different.
January 24, 2023
I know this says book one, but its really a prequel *mic drop*
I really enjoyed this book, but not necessarily this heroine *yet*
Nora Jacob has a little bit of special snowflake Mary-Sue vibes that I have never been a fan of in any book
But her character also has some great glimpses of being capable, wanting to help people, and actually having self-preservation after being hurt in past
Heads up there are some serious trigger warnings here lots of reference to abuse, rape, PTSD, mind rape, etc.
From a 'curse', Nora draws in people. But as we all know men can be such assholes sometimes. For me, this was honestly the unique twist that sets this series apart
Usually when the supernatural possessive hottie vampire shows up, we assume its the love interest.
“Bring Nora to me,” Henry rasps.
I staked the bastard, and he can still talk? He’s like a damn cockroach”
But the author totally flips it around and basically says fuck those guys that wants to “baby her”. Thats not what she fucking wants. She wants support, not to be taken care of.
Now... My Main critique… the love interests
Bitch.
If you say this a reverse harem… then give me a goddamn reverse harem
I guess we could describe this as the slowest burn ever because we meet a variety of guys with no real romance to show for it *frowny face*
Parker the vampire enforcer
Oliver the sorcerer (who was really kinda eh wimpy)
Terence the awesome troll who got hard-core friendzoned here *tears*
Nick a demon ?? something ??
Honestly, I really loved the odd collection of magic and characters we've met so far, they all added a funny overlayer to the plot i really enjoyed
“As I leave, I hear Oliver mutter, “The woman just fist-bumped a troll.”
“After she ordered him around like a damn maid and lived,” Nick whispers. “Unbelievable.”
Terrance’s laughter shakes the whole place.”
But all of my critiques are about how I wanted MORE from the series, not less. I found the story engrossing, the characters engaging, the mystery exciting, the pace thrilling
And we'll probably meet more harem potentials as the series develops and Nora joins the supernatural world
So why do I consider this a prequel?
Because all the elements are just set-up here. Yes its clearly building to something but I kept waiting for it to actually occur in THIS book
We meet the heroine. But its not till the end that she shares her dreams, and gets a job - so implies for next books we gonna get some more mystery later
We meet the guys. But again, nothing really develops with romance so implies we gonna get some later
We get introduced to the world. But its completely new to Nora and she never really ventures outside one supernatural club so implies we gonna see more later
are you seeing a pattern?
So that's why I consider this a prequel because its all set-up for the real first book and rest of series. Overall, I enjoyed this *as a prequel* I am definitely excited to see where it develops next. I'm looking for Nova develop out of her Mary-Sueness into her own character, the harem to start forming some more chemistry and bonds, and more supernatural mysteries that I always adore
I really enjoyed this book, but not necessarily this heroine *yet*
Nora Jacob has a little bit of special snowflake Mary-Sue vibes that I have never been a fan of in any book
But her character also has some great glimpses of being capable, wanting to help people, and actually having self-preservation after being hurt in past
Heads up there are some serious trigger warnings here lots of reference to abuse, rape, PTSD, mind rape, etc.
From a 'curse', Nora draws in people. But as we all know men can be such assholes sometimes. For me, this was honestly the unique twist that sets this series apart
Usually when the supernatural possessive hottie vampire shows up, we assume its the love interest.
“Bring Nora to me,” Henry rasps.
I staked the bastard, and he can still talk? He’s like a damn cockroach”
But the author totally flips it around and basically says fuck those guys that wants to “baby her”. Thats not what she fucking wants. She wants support, not to be taken care of.
Now... My Main critique… the love interests
Bitch.
If you say this a reverse harem… then give me a goddamn reverse harem
I guess we could describe this as the slowest burn ever because we meet a variety of guys with no real romance to show for it *frowny face*
Parker the vampire enforcer
Oliver the sorcerer (who was really kinda eh wimpy)
Terence the awesome troll who got hard-core friendzoned here *tears*
Nick a demon ?? something ??
Honestly, I really loved the odd collection of magic and characters we've met so far, they all added a funny overlayer to the plot i really enjoyed
“As I leave, I hear Oliver mutter, “The woman just fist-bumped a troll.”
“After she ordered him around like a damn maid and lived,” Nick whispers. “Unbelievable.”
Terrance’s laughter shakes the whole place.”
But all of my critiques are about how I wanted MORE from the series, not less. I found the story engrossing, the characters engaging, the mystery exciting, the pace thrilling
And we'll probably meet more harem potentials as the series develops and Nora joins the supernatural world
So why do I consider this a prequel?
Because all the elements are just set-up here. Yes its clearly building to something but I kept waiting for it to actually occur in THIS book
We meet the heroine. But its not till the end that she shares her dreams, and gets a job - so implies for next books we gonna get some more mystery later
We meet the guys. But again, nothing really develops with romance so implies we gonna get some later
We get introduced to the world. But its completely new to Nora and she never really ventures outside one supernatural club so implies we gonna see more later
are you seeing a pattern?
So that's why I consider this a prequel because its all set-up for the real first book and rest of series. Overall, I enjoyed this *as a prequel* I am definitely excited to see where it develops next. I'm looking for Nova develop out of her Mary-Sueness into her own character, the harem to start forming some more chemistry and bonds, and more supernatural mysteries that I always adore
February 16, 2018
This book could have been it. It could have been my favorite book of the year but it just wasn't quite there.
Don't get me wrong, there were some really cool elements to it. I mean, who writes about trolls these days? And not evil trolls but really cool trolls with big personalities.
However, the thing where all men are obsessed with this one girl and her blood smells good and all that shit is just too much like Twilight and y'all know how I feel about that shit. Also, the plot was just a bit too weak to give the characters the room to develop.
It was so close though. There was talk of mental illness and recovery. There were instances of good friends and bad friends. The plot wasn't enough and there needed to be more female characters. The girl felt like a prop. Like a really nice car that all the guys were lusting over which was not enough to justify the rest of the book.
The elements were there. The intent was there but it didn't do it for me. It was so. damn. close.
That being said, I may still read the next book in the series. I'm cursed by curiosity.
Don't get me wrong, there were some really cool elements to it. I mean, who writes about trolls these days? And not evil trolls but really cool trolls with big personalities.
However, the thing where all men are obsessed with this one girl and her blood smells good and all that shit is just too much like Twilight and y'all know how I feel about that shit. Also, the plot was just a bit too weak to give the characters the room to develop.
It was so close though. There was talk of mental illness and recovery. There were instances of good friends and bad friends. The plot wasn't enough and there needed to be more female characters. The girl felt like a prop. Like a really nice car that all the guys were lusting over which was not enough to justify the rest of the book.
The elements were there. The intent was there but it didn't do it for me. It was so. damn. close.
That being said, I may still read the next book in the series. I'm cursed by curiosity.
January 30, 2018
In a Rush for the Next Book
This was a great read if a little slow in places. The characters are all likable and the personalities are a good fit. I suppose this could squeeze into the urban fiction genre and, so far in the story, I can not see why the reverse harem category. There is no sex in here and no hint of hot and steamy any time soon although she has a number of interested romance possibilities. The novel could pass for YA or NA.
This is another one of those series where the ardent reader is left trying to gain the power of the seer in an attempt to discover when the next book is going to miraculously appear. I get so many emails that feat is a no go, and surfing for all those authors I am waiting on is akin to waiting for an immaculate conception. Just how am I supposed to keep apace of it all? My calendar holds whatever I can keep abreast of, so authors, look at the stats for succeeding novels in a series and shudder in horror. Hint hint put novels out with at least naming a month for the next book in your series, and try to put it out within the following three months to maintain continuity so the reader has enough recall.
So in a nutshell I am in a rush for book two. I recommend this to readers of the Kindred series, Secret McQueen, and Nikki Jefford.
PS next book so far scheduled for May 2018
This was a great read if a little slow in places. The characters are all likable and the personalities are a good fit. I suppose this could squeeze into the urban fiction genre and, so far in the story, I can not see why the reverse harem category. There is no sex in here and no hint of hot and steamy any time soon although she has a number of interested romance possibilities. The novel could pass for YA or NA.
This is another one of those series where the ardent reader is left trying to gain the power of the seer in an attempt to discover when the next book is going to miraculously appear. I get so many emails that feat is a no go, and surfing for all those authors I am waiting on is akin to waiting for an immaculate conception. Just how am I supposed to keep apace of it all? My calendar holds whatever I can keep abreast of, so authors, look at the stats for succeeding novels in a series and shudder in horror. Hint hint put novels out with at least naming a month for the next book in your series, and try to put it out within the following three months to maintain continuity so the reader has enough recall.
So in a nutshell I am in a rush for book two. I recommend this to readers of the Kindred series, Secret McQueen, and Nikki Jefford.
PS next book so far scheduled for May 2018
January 28, 2018
Great Story, But Reverse Harem?
The thing is reverse harem is my personal book addiction and while this story presents a lot of male characters reverse harem, slow burn or not it really doesn't fit the bill.
Okay I get that slow burn reverse harem doesn't jump right into sex, but some of the set up between the male characters and Nora, there's just no transitioning that to an acceptable relationship. Henry, the vampire clan leader kidnapped her, tried to control her, mentally and physically tortured her and tried to forceably kill her. I Don't freaking care if he's Brad Pitt if those two ever get involved romantically I will be entirely done with this series it doesn't get more abusive and dysfunctional than Henry. I spent most of the book hoping he'd fall on am ash stake. I'm still hoping that's coming in his future in the series. He is not redeemable as a romantic interest. Parker isn't much better, he got Nora into the situation in the first place, he's also manipulative and conving and frankly I don't like his character much more than Henry. That said I don't want him killed off in the way I'd like to see Henry turned to dust.
Terrance has slipped into a father type role, at best big brother if that flips to romance it will be gross. Nick comes across more like a big brother as well, Oliver is more like a little brother. Ren is gay and Enzo is like healer support and little to no interaction outside of that.
Additionally it kind of bugged me when Nora got turned on because it didn't at all fit with how the authors has built her character. If she has a panic attack over a kiss on the cheek, she's not going to get turned on every time she sees a hot guy.
What the authors have here is a great start to a paranormal crime series. They've got a mostly likeable cast of characters and an interesting world. Nora is a character you want to root for, but she's not one who loans herself to the reverse harem craze. This is a female lead who's entire history with men is being stalked, attacked, molested or abused by them. If she can ever emotionally manage a relationship it won't be with multiple guys. And if it is, it will turn an interesting and gripping paramormal mystery series into somethingway too farfetched to be believable. I'm seriously hoping the authors change their mind about going the reverse harem route because as a parnormal/urban fantasy style mystery series, they have an absolute gem, as a reverse harem it's severely lacking. The type of tension and interaction created between characters for a romance to work just isn't there. I can't picture Nora romantically involved with any of these characters. It would be a seriously hard sell for me to accept her with any of them let alone all of them.
It's a great urban fantasy, it's got a wonderful Grimm or Sleepy Hollow sort of feel to it, like a cop drama with magic. And the story seriously excelled at those things, but romance, especially revere harem romance, it's definitely not.
The thing is reverse harem is my personal book addiction and while this story presents a lot of male characters reverse harem, slow burn or not it really doesn't fit the bill.
Okay I get that slow burn reverse harem doesn't jump right into sex, but some of the set up between the male characters and Nora, there's just no transitioning that to an acceptable relationship. Henry, the vampire clan leader kidnapped her, tried to control her, mentally and physically tortured her and tried to forceably kill her. I Don't freaking care if he's Brad Pitt if those two ever get involved romantically I will be entirely done with this series it doesn't get more abusive and dysfunctional than Henry. I spent most of the book hoping he'd fall on am ash stake. I'm still hoping that's coming in his future in the series. He is not redeemable as a romantic interest. Parker isn't much better, he got Nora into the situation in the first place, he's also manipulative and conving and frankly I don't like his character much more than Henry. That said I don't want him killed off in the way I'd like to see Henry turned to dust.
Terrance has slipped into a father type role, at best big brother if that flips to romance it will be gross. Nick comes across more like a big brother as well, Oliver is more like a little brother. Ren is gay and Enzo is like healer support and little to no interaction outside of that.
Additionally it kind of bugged me when Nora got turned on because it didn't at all fit with how the authors has built her character. If she has a panic attack over a kiss on the cheek, she's not going to get turned on every time she sees a hot guy.
What the authors have here is a great start to a paranormal crime series. They've got a mostly likeable cast of characters and an interesting world. Nora is a character you want to root for, but she's not one who loans herself to the reverse harem craze. This is a female lead who's entire history with men is being stalked, attacked, molested or abused by them. If she can ever emotionally manage a relationship it won't be with multiple guys. And if it is, it will turn an interesting and gripping paramormal mystery series into somethingway too farfetched to be believable. I'm seriously hoping the authors change their mind about going the reverse harem route because as a parnormal/urban fantasy style mystery series, they have an absolute gem, as a reverse harem it's severely lacking. The type of tension and interaction created between characters for a romance to work just isn't there. I can't picture Nora romantically involved with any of these characters. It would be a seriously hard sell for me to accept her with any of them let alone all of them.
It's a great urban fantasy, it's got a wonderful Grimm or Sleepy Hollow sort of feel to it, like a cop drama with magic. And the story seriously excelled at those things, but romance, especially revere harem romance, it's definitely not.
November 23, 2021
Nora hat eine besondere Gabe, denn sie kann bei Berührung Gedanken lesen und auch Gegenständen kann sie ihre Geheimnisse entlocken. Von gefährlichen Unterweltlern hält sie sich aber fern - bis sie in einer Reihe von Entführungsfällen verdächtigt wird und eine ganze Menge Unterweltler kennenlernt. Manche von ihnen sind so gefährlich, wie sie es sich immer ausgemalt hat, so wie Vampirmeister Henry, der große Pläne mit ihr hat. Manche jedoch sind sogar sehr sympathisch, wie der einsame Troll Terrance, den Nora eigentlich sofort ins Herz schließt. Vorurteile gegenüber Unterweltlern legt sie schon schnell ab.
Besonders am Anfang tat mir Nora eher leid, weil sie trotz ihrer magischen Gabe bisher kein besonders entspanntes Leben hatte. Furchtbare Pflegefamilien, aufdringliche Männer, Traumata und die darauffolgende PTBS. Jetzt will sie sich einfach von Ärger fernhalten, was ihr aber nicht wirklich gelingt. Zwar ist Angst ihr ständiger Begleiter, aber Nora hat auch eine ziemlich spitze Zunge, die sich durch ein bisschen Gefahr nicht aufhalten lässt. Sie steht für sich selbst ein und beschützt auch gerne ihre Freunde, von denen sie bisher nicht so viele hat.
In diesem Buch gibt es mehr männliche Charaktere als weibliche, was ich auch vor allem dadurch bemerkt habe, dass alle von Nora besessen sind. Es ist ja schon oft so, dass Protagonisten in Büchern besonders attraktiv und anziehend sind und viele Bewunderer haben, aber bei Nora geht das noch einen Schritt weiter. Ich war schon ein bisschen besänftigt durch die Tatsache, dass Nora selbst das als Fluch bezeichnet und merkt, dass das Ganze eine magische Ursache haben muss, aber auf Dauer hat es mich schon genervt. Dazu sind diese teils verliebten und teils besorgniserregend besessenen Männer ja auch alle so unglaublich attraktiv. Manche von ihnen möchten Nora bedingungslos helfen und für sie da sein, andere wollen sie für sich haben, was es auch kostet. So liest man schon immer wieder ähnliche Szenen, aber die gefährlichen männlichen Wesen bringen natürlich auch, zusätzlich zu den Ermittlungsarbeiten wegen der Entführungen, Spannung ein.
Ich kam in anderen Büchern von Kelly Oram, die unter dem Pseudonym Jackie May zusammen mit ihrem Ehemann Josh Oram schreibt, nicht immer so mit dem Schreibstil zurecht, aber hier hat er mich weniger gestört als sonst. Der Fokus liegt auf dem Fantasy-Abenteuer und all den Männern, die Nora zu Füßen liegen, sodass die Handlung vorangetrieben wird und es weniger Platz für dramatische Gefühlsausbrüche gibt, aber ein paar unangenehme und unrealistisch wirkende Gespräche und Situationen gab es trotzdem.
Fazit
"Underworld Chronicles - Verflucht" hat mir schon so gut gefallen wie erwartet. Durch die Entführungsfälle und die gefährlichen Unterweltler-Männer war die Noras Abenteuer schon sehr spannend, aber mich hat auf Dauer genervt, wie verzaubert alle männlichen Wesen von Nora sind.
Besonders am Anfang tat mir Nora eher leid, weil sie trotz ihrer magischen Gabe bisher kein besonders entspanntes Leben hatte. Furchtbare Pflegefamilien, aufdringliche Männer, Traumata und die darauffolgende PTBS. Jetzt will sie sich einfach von Ärger fernhalten, was ihr aber nicht wirklich gelingt. Zwar ist Angst ihr ständiger Begleiter, aber Nora hat auch eine ziemlich spitze Zunge, die sich durch ein bisschen Gefahr nicht aufhalten lässt. Sie steht für sich selbst ein und beschützt auch gerne ihre Freunde, von denen sie bisher nicht so viele hat.
In diesem Buch gibt es mehr männliche Charaktere als weibliche, was ich auch vor allem dadurch bemerkt habe, dass alle von Nora besessen sind. Es ist ja schon oft so, dass Protagonisten in Büchern besonders attraktiv und anziehend sind und viele Bewunderer haben, aber bei Nora geht das noch einen Schritt weiter. Ich war schon ein bisschen besänftigt durch die Tatsache, dass Nora selbst das als Fluch bezeichnet und merkt, dass das Ganze eine magische Ursache haben muss, aber auf Dauer hat es mich schon genervt. Dazu sind diese teils verliebten und teils besorgniserregend besessenen Männer ja auch alle so unglaublich attraktiv. Manche von ihnen möchten Nora bedingungslos helfen und für sie da sein, andere wollen sie für sich haben, was es auch kostet. So liest man schon immer wieder ähnliche Szenen, aber die gefährlichen männlichen Wesen bringen natürlich auch, zusätzlich zu den Ermittlungsarbeiten wegen der Entführungen, Spannung ein.
Ich kam in anderen Büchern von Kelly Oram, die unter dem Pseudonym Jackie May zusammen mit ihrem Ehemann Josh Oram schreibt, nicht immer so mit dem Schreibstil zurecht, aber hier hat er mich weniger gestört als sonst. Der Fokus liegt auf dem Fantasy-Abenteuer und all den Männern, die Nora zu Füßen liegen, sodass die Handlung vorangetrieben wird und es weniger Platz für dramatische Gefühlsausbrüche gibt, aber ein paar unangenehme und unrealistisch wirkende Gespräche und Situationen gab es trotzdem.
Fazit
"Underworld Chronicles - Verflucht" hat mir schon so gut gefallen wie erwartet. Durch die Entführungsfälle und die gefährlichen Unterweltler-Männer war die Noras Abenteuer schon sehr spannend, aber mich hat auf Dauer genervt, wie verzaubert alle männlichen Wesen von Nora sind.
January 30, 2019
ONE T-Man
TWO T-Man
THREE T-man
(And an OLLIE???)
STRRRRRRIKE! You’re out!
Ya I’m done.
Hahahahahahah, no.
No T-Man for me.
Certainly no “Ollie” either.
I can already tell those two are part of the harem and I just...
I keep picturing this giant troll man on top of her just plunging into her and she screams T-Man as she orgasms.
I’ll pass.
On the serious note:
I got a little over halfway into the book.
The dialogue was awkward.
The scenes were awkward.
Everything just screamed adolescent. Which sometimes I’m in the mood for the more juvenile characters but 90% of the time... I’m not. It’s really gotta be well written for me to enjoy a book with seemingly immature MC’s.
Idk, maybe the next installments are better.
I just wanted to give this one a shot.
Too many T-Man’s. I gave up.
TWO T-Man
THREE T-man
(And an OLLIE???)
STRRRRRRIKE! You’re out!
Ya I’m done.
Hahahahahahah, no.
No T-Man for me.
Certainly no “Ollie” either.
I can already tell those two are part of the harem and I just...
I keep picturing this giant troll man on top of her just plunging into her and she screams T-Man as she orgasms.
I’ll pass.
On the serious note:
I got a little over halfway into the book.
The dialogue was awkward.
The scenes were awkward.
Everything just screamed adolescent. Which sometimes I’m in the mood for the more juvenile characters but 90% of the time... I’m not. It’s really gotta be well written for me to enjoy a book with seemingly immature MC’s.
Idk, maybe the next installments are better.
I just wanted to give this one a shot.
Too many T-Man’s. I gave up.
January 22, 2022
"Verflucht" ist der erste Band der "Nora Jacobs" Reihe vom Autorenduo Jackie May. Für mich war das ein Reread in Hörbuchform. An meiner Meinung hat sich nichts geändert. Ich mag das Buch immer noch. Hier findet ihr meine Rezension von damals: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Ich konnte bei Audible nicht widerstehen, als ich die Reihe dort gesehen habe. Urban Fantasy ist mein Lieblingsgenre. Geschichten, die mir Spaß machen, höre ich gerne ein zweites Mal als Hörbuch.
Hier folgen noch ein paar Infos zum Hörbuch:
7 Stunden und 9 Minuten / Ungekürzte Ausgabe
Sprecherin: Luisa Wietzorek
Ich würde der Sprecherin 5 Sterne geben. Meiner Meinung nach passt ihre Stimme richtig gut zur Protagonistin.
Verlag: Lübbe Audio
Ich konnte bei Audible nicht widerstehen, als ich die Reihe dort gesehen habe. Urban Fantasy ist mein Lieblingsgenre. Geschichten, die mir Spaß machen, höre ich gerne ein zweites Mal als Hörbuch.
Hier folgen noch ein paar Infos zum Hörbuch:
7 Stunden und 9 Minuten / Ungekürzte Ausgabe
Sprecherin: Luisa Wietzorek
Ich würde der Sprecherin 5 Sterne geben. Meiner Meinung nach passt ihre Stimme richtig gut zur Protagonistin.
Verlag: Lübbe Audio
February 4, 2019
Why did it take me so long to read this, it was pretty good.
I liked Nora, a lot of the reviewers have complained that she's TSTL and a Mary Sue but I didn't see it and I consider myself sort of an expert. I can tell where they are coming from but I have a suspicion of what Nora is and why everyone seems to be into her.
I also agree that this is not RH, I couldn't even tell if she was attracted to anyone though Parker was in the picture a lot. I can't wait to read more of the series and see if my suspicions are right.
I liked Nora, a lot of the reviewers have complained that she's TSTL and a Mary Sue but I didn't see it and I consider myself sort of an expert. I can tell where they are coming from but I have a suspicion of what Nora is and why everyone seems to be into her.
I also agree that this is not RH, I couldn't even tell if she was attracted to anyone though Parker was in the picture a lot. I can't wait to read more of the series and see if my suspicions are right.
June 19, 2022
Verflucht stimmt - nämlich verflucht spannend und verflucht gut eingesprochenes Hörbuch!
Ich mochte die Story vom ersten Moment, aber ich denke, die Sprecherin hat ihren Teil dazu beigetragen😃
Einiges ging mir in der Handlung etwas zu schnell, deshalb muss ich einen Stern abziehen, ansonsten haben mir Norah, Parker und Co. einfach super gefallen und ich empfehle euch unbedingt das Hörbuch, es ist wirklich grandios gelungen❤️❤️
Ich mochte die Story vom ersten Moment, aber ich denke, die Sprecherin hat ihren Teil dazu beigetragen😃
Einiges ging mir in der Handlung etwas zu schnell, deshalb muss ich einen Stern abziehen, ansonsten haben mir Norah, Parker und Co. einfach super gefallen und ich empfehle euch unbedingt das Hörbuch, es ist wirklich grandios gelungen❤️❤️
June 7, 2021
Leider 1 Stern von mir.
Es ist inhaltlich das schlechteste was ich in den letzten Jahren gelesen habe.
Wenn ich jetzt näher auf die Thema eingehen würde, die mich so aufgeregt haben würde ich nur Spoilern.
Leider kann ich die 5 Sterne Rezensionen in diesem Fall, nicht verstehen oder nachvollziehen mit was es dieses Buch verdient hätte so gute Bewertungen zu bekommen.
Danke an den Verlag für das Rezensionsexemplar, aber es war absolut nicht meins.
Es ist inhaltlich das schlechteste was ich in den letzten Jahren gelesen habe.
Wenn ich jetzt näher auf die Thema eingehen würde, die mich so aufgeregt haben würde ich nur Spoilern.
Leider kann ich die 5 Sterne Rezensionen in diesem Fall, nicht verstehen oder nachvollziehen mit was es dieses Buch verdient hätte so gute Bewertungen zu bekommen.
Danke an den Verlag für das Rezensionsexemplar, aber es war absolut nicht meins.
May 28, 2018
Rating : 3.5 stars
review to come.
someday.
TW: stalkerish obsession and mental rape
review to come.
someday.
TW: stalkerish obsession and mental rape
August 25, 2018
DNF at about 30% in. Way too many cliches and TSTL scenarios on the part of all of the characters.
June 10, 2021
Rezension: (kann Spoiler enthalten)
Danke an den Verlag und Netgalley für das Rezensionsexemplar!
Ich war echt gespannt auf die Geschichte, bereits das echt tolle Cover verriet viel Gutes und eigentlich wurde ich nicht wirklich enttäuscht. Die Story war spannend und ich mochte vor allem Norah und Terrance gerne, gerade Norah mit ihrer direkten Art war sehr sympathisch und die Konversationen mit ihr sehr interessant.
Außerdem fand ich es ganz angenehm, dass es zwar viele Männer gab, aber doch keine Lovestory, das ist mal etwas wirklich Angenehmes.
Trotzdem gab es auch ein paar Aspekte, die mir nicht wirklich gefielen, auch wenn ich die Geschichte zum Glück interessant genug fand, um nicht zu viel abziehen zu müssen.
Die Triggerwarnung war nämlich wirklich angebracht, aber die Art wie hier mit diesen Triggern umgegangen wurde, fand ich etwas unpassend. Es ist schließlich als Jugendbuch eingeordnet worden und oft wurden all diese Themen nicht wirklich angesprochen, sondern in einem Halbsatz nur kurz abgehandelt. Das wirft ein ganz falsches Licht auf diese Themen.
Außerdem fand ich es sehr zweifelhaft, dass einem Jugendlichen hier gezeigt wird, dass jeder zweite Mann ein Verbrecher ist. Denn das war bei der Mehrheit der Figuren so, es gab abgesehen von Norah ja auch leider fast keine weiblichen Figuren.
Trotzdem war die Geschichte spannend und ganz angenehm zu lesen, auch wenn ich ein paar wichtige Kritikpunkte hatte.
4 Sterne
Danke an den Verlag und Netgalley für das Rezensionsexemplar!
Ich war echt gespannt auf die Geschichte, bereits das echt tolle Cover verriet viel Gutes und eigentlich wurde ich nicht wirklich enttäuscht. Die Story war spannend und ich mochte vor allem Norah und Terrance gerne, gerade Norah mit ihrer direkten Art war sehr sympathisch und die Konversationen mit ihr sehr interessant.
Außerdem fand ich es ganz angenehm, dass es zwar viele Männer gab, aber doch keine Lovestory, das ist mal etwas wirklich Angenehmes.
Trotzdem gab es auch ein paar Aspekte, die mir nicht wirklich gefielen, auch wenn ich die Geschichte zum Glück interessant genug fand, um nicht zu viel abziehen zu müssen.
Die Triggerwarnung war nämlich wirklich angebracht, aber die Art wie hier mit diesen Triggern umgegangen wurde, fand ich etwas unpassend. Es ist schließlich als Jugendbuch eingeordnet worden und oft wurden all diese Themen nicht wirklich angesprochen, sondern in einem Halbsatz nur kurz abgehandelt. Das wirft ein ganz falsches Licht auf diese Themen.
Außerdem fand ich es sehr zweifelhaft, dass einem Jugendlichen hier gezeigt wird, dass jeder zweite Mann ein Verbrecher ist. Denn das war bei der Mehrheit der Figuren so, es gab abgesehen von Norah ja auch leider fast keine weiblichen Figuren.
Trotzdem war die Geschichte spannend und ganz angenehm zu lesen, auch wenn ich ein paar wichtige Kritikpunkte hatte.
4 Sterne
July 29, 2018
DNF. So confusing, so many male characters and all are head over heels for the Heroine. Characters behaved like they were in their teens, very childish and immature. And I hated Henry and his threats. The writing style wasn't really good. So not my style.
July 15, 2021
"Underworld Chronicles - Verflucht" ist der erste Band der "Nora Jacobs" Reihe vom Autorenduo Jackie May (Kelly und Josh Oram).
Was mir gut gefällt:
Der Schreibstil ist witzig, locker und leicht, die Geschichte hat mich sofort in ihren Bann gezogen. Die Protagonisten sind für mich der größte Pluspunkt. Die Autoren haben richtig tolle Charaktere erschaffen und diese auch genau so detailliert beschrieben, wie ich das bei Reihen am liebsten mag. Ich kann mir die Figuren alle bildlich vorstellen. Terrance ist mein absoluter Lieblingscharakter.
Jackie May hat hier eine tolle Welt geschaffen, die uns hoffentlich noch lange begleiten wird. Ich wünsche mir, dass noch viele Bände folgen werden. Die Geschichte ist spannend, humorvoll und fesselnd. Ich kann mir auch vorstellen, dass es Leute gibt, die diese Geschichte zu actionreich und überladen finden. Mir persönlich gefällt das aber richtig gut. Ich mag Urban Fantasy mit weniger Erotik und mehr Action viel lieber als Erotik mit einer kleinen Prise Fantasy. Nora ist zudem eine starke weibliche Protagonistin. Ich mag Urban Fantasy Bücher mit weiblichen Heldinnen sehr gerne.
Was mir nicht so gut gefällt:
Die Protagonistin erzählt uns ihre Geschichte in der Ich-Form im Präsens. Ich bin kein so großer Fan von dieser Erzählform. Hier hat das meinen Lesefluss aber zum Glück nicht beeinträchtigt. Einige Sachen kennt man schon von anderen bekannten Fantasy-Reihen. Aber ganz ehrlich? Irgendwie ähneln sich doch alle Geschichten, oder? So schlimm finde ich das daher nicht.
In einigen Rezensionen wird kritisiert, dass hier schlecht mit triggernden Themen umgegangen wird. Vor allem, weil das hier kein Jugendbuch ist. Das habe ich nicht so empfunden. Der Verlag hat dieses Buch aber auch nicht als Jugendbuch kategorisiert. Es wird als Fantasy für junge Erwachsene angegeben, also für die Altersgruppe 18-26. Einige Leser haben das leider missverstanden und dachten, dass es sich hier um ein Jugendbuch handelt.
Von mir gibt es auf jeden Fall 5 Sterne. Ich kann das Buch allen Urban Fantasy Fans empfehlen. Wer Bücher von Charlaine Harris, Ilona Andrews, Patricia Briggs oder Chloe Neill liebt, wird sich mit dieser Geschichte vermutlich auch wohlfühlen.
Was mir gut gefällt:
Der Schreibstil ist witzig, locker und leicht, die Geschichte hat mich sofort in ihren Bann gezogen. Die Protagonisten sind für mich der größte Pluspunkt. Die Autoren haben richtig tolle Charaktere erschaffen und diese auch genau so detailliert beschrieben, wie ich das bei Reihen am liebsten mag. Ich kann mir die Figuren alle bildlich vorstellen. Terrance ist mein absoluter Lieblingscharakter.
Jackie May hat hier eine tolle Welt geschaffen, die uns hoffentlich noch lange begleiten wird. Ich wünsche mir, dass noch viele Bände folgen werden. Die Geschichte ist spannend, humorvoll und fesselnd. Ich kann mir auch vorstellen, dass es Leute gibt, die diese Geschichte zu actionreich und überladen finden. Mir persönlich gefällt das aber richtig gut. Ich mag Urban Fantasy mit weniger Erotik und mehr Action viel lieber als Erotik mit einer kleinen Prise Fantasy. Nora ist zudem eine starke weibliche Protagonistin. Ich mag Urban Fantasy Bücher mit weiblichen Heldinnen sehr gerne.
Was mir nicht so gut gefällt:
Die Protagonistin erzählt uns ihre Geschichte in der Ich-Form im Präsens. Ich bin kein so großer Fan von dieser Erzählform. Hier hat das meinen Lesefluss aber zum Glück nicht beeinträchtigt. Einige Sachen kennt man schon von anderen bekannten Fantasy-Reihen. Aber ganz ehrlich? Irgendwie ähneln sich doch alle Geschichten, oder? So schlimm finde ich das daher nicht.
In einigen Rezensionen wird kritisiert, dass hier schlecht mit triggernden Themen umgegangen wird. Vor allem, weil das hier kein Jugendbuch ist. Das habe ich nicht so empfunden. Der Verlag hat dieses Buch aber auch nicht als Jugendbuch kategorisiert. Es wird als Fantasy für junge Erwachsene angegeben, also für die Altersgruppe 18-26. Einige Leser haben das leider missverstanden und dachten, dass es sich hier um ein Jugendbuch handelt.
Von mir gibt es auf jeden Fall 5 Sterne. Ich kann das Buch allen Urban Fantasy Fans empfehlen. Wer Bücher von Charlaine Harris, Ilona Andrews, Patricia Briggs oder Chloe Neill liebt, wird sich mit dieser Geschichte vermutlich auch wohlfühlen.
July 3, 2019
To be honest I loved this book. I think I've found a new series that I'll be obsessed about. But there was one thing that really confused me and that was the hero. Because guess what, I don't know who he's supposed to be. Like I seriously don't know who he is, since Nora doesn't date. Bad past experiance and all that. There is one potential hero but I'm just not sure. That being said, this doesn't mean she lacks male attention. Heck no, she's practicaly a man magnet. But that can sometimes, or in her case almost always, end badly. Some people just don't know the meaning of the word no. No rape scenes in this book, thankfully, but the was potential that this could've happened. Don't worry tho, they got what they deserved. Only Henry is still not been dealt with but I will stay positive and say that carma has something special planned just for his lovely mind. As for Nora, I really like her. And did I mention there are trolls in this book. Like whaaaat??? Just for that reason alone you should read the book. It's honestly awesome.
June 11, 2021
Ich würde gerne mal ein Kelly Oram Buch lesen, das nicht absolut falsche Werte vermittelt(also Cinder und Ella 1 war okay, aber Band 2!)
January 20, 2021
Spoilers ahead,2.5*
The very special and beautiful Nora has had a hard life, men become obsessed with her and she's been abused multiple times as a consequence. Currently living as a white girl in Detroit Nora once again attracts the attention of a male who refuses to leave her alone. Nora has the ability to read a person's thoughts through touch and is so able to discern her neighbor's evil intentions. When he basically kidnaps her she redirects him to a club no human is supposed to be aware of.....as a matter of fact no human is supposed to be aware that other creatures exist but because of her own power Nora knows the truth, however in throwing off her would be attacker Nora exposes her paranormal knowledge to his companion.....a vampire. Kidnapped again, with the vamp leader now obsessed with her Nora is compelled to help the vamps find one og their own who's missing. Turns out others are missing from more groups and Nora's special ability may be the upper hand they need to find their missing clan members. Nora is thrust head first into danger.....but she also finally finds the beginning of a family and friends of her own.
*********
1) The slowest RH known to man or beast
2) I'm so sick of Nora and her specialness
3)Since EVERYONE LOVES Nora we're not sure of who exactly will be in the harem but we get some hints
Not the best by a long shot.....but not the worst either
No real romantic development
Nora was abused by her foster father, raped by her ex and attacked by some men. Her traumatic history has left her fearful of men. While she knows that something about her draws men in she has no idea what she is
The very special and beautiful Nora has had a hard life, men become obsessed with her and she's been abused multiple times as a consequence. Currently living as a white girl in Detroit Nora once again attracts the attention of a male who refuses to leave her alone. Nora has the ability to read a person's thoughts through touch and is so able to discern her neighbor's evil intentions. When he basically kidnaps her she redirects him to a club no human is supposed to be aware of.....as a matter of fact no human is supposed to be aware that other creatures exist but because of her own power Nora knows the truth, however in throwing off her would be attacker Nora exposes her paranormal knowledge to his companion.....a vampire. Kidnapped again, with the vamp leader now obsessed with her Nora is compelled to help the vamps find one og their own who's missing. Turns out others are missing from more groups and Nora's special ability may be the upper hand they need to find their missing clan members. Nora is thrust head first into danger.....but she also finally finds the beginning of a family and friends of her own.
*********
1) The slowest RH known to man or beast
2) I'm so sick of Nora and her specialness
3)Since EVERYONE LOVES Nora we're not sure of who exactly will be in the harem but we get some hints
Not the best by a long shot.....but not the worst either
No real romantic development
Nora was abused by her foster father, raped by her ex and attacked by some men. Her traumatic history has left her fearful of men. While she knows that something about her draws men in she has no idea what she is
May 25, 2021
War unterhaltsam, aber wirklich überziehen konnte es mich nicht.
Die Geschichte und das Worldbuilding sind wirkliche eher flach und einfach, und wirklich alle Charaktere (selbst die Bösen!) liegen Nora zu Füßen. War sehr Unglaubwürdig in meinen Augen.
300 Seiten sind definitiv zu wenig für diese Geschichte. Die Autorin hat meiner Meinung nach einiges an Potenzial verschenkt.
Und es gibt eine Triggerwarnung, die sehr angebracht ist. Fand ich ganz nett, das man da wenigstens etwas vorgewarnt wird.
Ansonsten ein unterhaltsames Buch, was man gut zwischendurch lesen kann. Leichte Lektüre für Jugendliche. Bin wohl doch schon etwas aus dem Genre raus 😆.
3-3,5⭐️
Die Geschichte und das Worldbuilding sind wirkliche eher flach und einfach, und wirklich alle Charaktere (selbst die Bösen!) liegen Nora zu Füßen. War sehr Unglaubwürdig in meinen Augen.
300 Seiten sind definitiv zu wenig für diese Geschichte. Die Autorin hat meiner Meinung nach einiges an Potenzial verschenkt.
Und es gibt eine Triggerwarnung, die sehr angebracht ist. Fand ich ganz nett, das man da wenigstens etwas vorgewarnt wird.
Ansonsten ein unterhaltsames Buch, was man gut zwischendurch lesen kann. Leichte Lektüre für Jugendliche. Bin wohl doch schon etwas aus dem Genre raus 😆.
3-3,5⭐️
October 16, 2021
"Verflucht" ist Band 01 der "Underworld Chronicles" - Reihe von Jackie May. Es ist mein erstes Buch der Autorin und ich wurde sowas von nicht enttäuscht. Ich gebe zu das mich hauptsächlich das Cover auf das Buch aufmerksam gemacht hat, ich finde es absolut atemberaubend.
Dennoch konnte mich der Inhalt absolut überzeugen mit einem wundervollem Schreibstil, tollem Humor und noch tolleren Charakteren, außerdem gibt es viele verschiedene Wesen was ich generell sehr gerne mag. Ich bin sehr neugierig wie es weitergeht weshalb ich mir Band 02 direkt schnappen werde.
Dennoch konnte mich der Inhalt absolut überzeugen mit einem wundervollem Schreibstil, tollem Humor und noch tolleren Charakteren, außerdem gibt es viele verschiedene Wesen was ich generell sehr gerne mag. Ich bin sehr neugierig wie es weitergeht weshalb ich mir Band 02 direkt schnappen werde.
April 21, 2018
This was a solid start to this series.
I liked Nora a lot, although I am getting a little tired of reading about the heroine being abused as a child or having a traumatic childhood.
I am curious about her supernatural background. I am intrigued to see where this story is going. Definitely looking forward to book two.
I liked Nora a lot, although I am getting a little tired of reading about the heroine being abused as a child or having a traumatic childhood.
I am curious about her supernatural background. I am intrigued to see where this story is going. Definitely looking forward to book two.
February 13, 2018
3.5 stars will definitely read book 2. I really enjoyed this story but this isn’t a RH not sure why it’s listed as such. I’d say this is UF if asked.
March 27, 2019
3.5 Stars - Pretty good book. Many reviewers commented on how much of a Mary Sue Nora is, and I completely agree. She takes beautiful, special, and loved by all to a new level. But I don't mind Mary Sue plots, and I often actually seek them out. I love all the guys, especially Parker, Owen, and Terrence. The story has a bit of a mystery that is light and predictable, but entertaining. I would have enjoyed this book so much more if it wasn't so juvenile, and Nora, not such a prude. Slow burn is fine, and I get that she had a rough childhood... but to freak out over the thought of a kiss on the cheek? I want to read a grown-up version.
May 14, 2018
It's so sad there aren't twenty sequels to this out waiting for me to read right away. I enjoyed this one - top-notch fun to suit my mood. Review soon.
June 3, 2021
Klappentext
In Detroit wimmelt es nur so vor gefährlichen Kreaturen - und Nora Jacobs ist eine der wenigen, die davon weiß. Ihr Fähigkeiten konnten sie jedoch bisher vor Schlimmerem bewahren. Bei einem nächtlichen Zwischenfall im düsteren Underworld Club ändert sich das jedoch schlagartig, als der mächtigste Vampir der Stadt auf sie aufmerksam wird und ihre Kräfte für sich nutzen will. Immer mehr Unterweltler verschwinden aus Detroit, und Nora soll helfen, sie wieder aufzuspüren. In Troll Terrance findet sie dabei schnell einen engen Verbündeten. Doch die Zeit wird knapp. Und Nora beginnt sich zu fragen, wie zum Teufel sie lebend aus dieser Situation herauskommen soll ...
Cover und Schreibstil
Was für ein schönes und farblich so interessant gestaltes Cover welches mich direkt angesprochen hat. Ich finde es auch super, dass man auf jedem Blick etwas neues entdecken kann. Der Schreibstil ist echt angenehm zu lesen und man kommt schnell in die Geschichte rein.
Inhalt und Fazit
Nora, ach ich mag sie so sehr. Sie ist lustig obwohl sie am Anfang eher traurig war. Aber es war teilweise schon etwas kindisch, was aber nicht so schlimm war. Es hat trotzdem manchmal nicht so gut zur Atmosphäre gepasst. Es gab aber wirklich viel Humor, viel Spaß und Spannung.
Es passiert wirklich einfach so viel, es ist schnell lebig, nie langweilig und auch immer ein wenig romantische zu bis hin zu fast kitschig. Ich muss sagen ich habe den Troll in mein Herz geschlossen genauso wie die meisten anderen Unterweltler. Nur meine Abneigung gegen den Obervampire ist genauso wie bei Nora, da habe ich so mit ihr gefühlt.
Ach aber Oliver ist auch so ein besonderes Schätzchen, er ist liebevoll und so normal wie man in dem Buch halt sein kann.
Ich mag auch die Einblicke in die Vergangenheit von Nora, wo das Buch ganz plötzlich eine Ernsthaftigkeit bekommt die mich umgehauen hat. Wie ein Buch so eine Art Atmosphäre schaffen kann, ich möchte dazu sagen. Dass ich das Buch innerhalb von Stunden durchgelesen habe, es hat nur einen verregneten Sonntag Nachmittag gebraucht. Ich kann es also gar nicht erwarten, dass der zweite Teil rauskommt und ich wieder in die Gedankenwelt von Nora und ihrem besonderen Talent eintauchen kann.
Ich danke Netgallery und dem One Verlag für das Rezi Exemplar welches meine Meinung nicht beeinflusst hat.
In Detroit wimmelt es nur so vor gefährlichen Kreaturen - und Nora Jacobs ist eine der wenigen, die davon weiß. Ihr Fähigkeiten konnten sie jedoch bisher vor Schlimmerem bewahren. Bei einem nächtlichen Zwischenfall im düsteren Underworld Club ändert sich das jedoch schlagartig, als der mächtigste Vampir der Stadt auf sie aufmerksam wird und ihre Kräfte für sich nutzen will. Immer mehr Unterweltler verschwinden aus Detroit, und Nora soll helfen, sie wieder aufzuspüren. In Troll Terrance findet sie dabei schnell einen engen Verbündeten. Doch die Zeit wird knapp. Und Nora beginnt sich zu fragen, wie zum Teufel sie lebend aus dieser Situation herauskommen soll ...
Cover und Schreibstil
Was für ein schönes und farblich so interessant gestaltes Cover welches mich direkt angesprochen hat. Ich finde es auch super, dass man auf jedem Blick etwas neues entdecken kann. Der Schreibstil ist echt angenehm zu lesen und man kommt schnell in die Geschichte rein.
Inhalt und Fazit
Nora, ach ich mag sie so sehr. Sie ist lustig obwohl sie am Anfang eher traurig war. Aber es war teilweise schon etwas kindisch, was aber nicht so schlimm war. Es hat trotzdem manchmal nicht so gut zur Atmosphäre gepasst. Es gab aber wirklich viel Humor, viel Spaß und Spannung.
Es passiert wirklich einfach so viel, es ist schnell lebig, nie langweilig und auch immer ein wenig romantische zu bis hin zu fast kitschig. Ich muss sagen ich habe den Troll in mein Herz geschlossen genauso wie die meisten anderen Unterweltler. Nur meine Abneigung gegen den Obervampire ist genauso wie bei Nora, da habe ich so mit ihr gefühlt.
Ach aber Oliver ist auch so ein besonderes Schätzchen, er ist liebevoll und so normal wie man in dem Buch halt sein kann.
Ich mag auch die Einblicke in die Vergangenheit von Nora, wo das Buch ganz plötzlich eine Ernsthaftigkeit bekommt die mich umgehauen hat. Wie ein Buch so eine Art Atmosphäre schaffen kann, ich möchte dazu sagen. Dass ich das Buch innerhalb von Stunden durchgelesen habe, es hat nur einen verregneten Sonntag Nachmittag gebraucht. Ich kann es also gar nicht erwarten, dass der zweite Teil rauskommt und ich wieder in die Gedankenwelt von Nora und ihrem besonderen Talent eintauchen kann.
Ich danke Netgallery und dem One Verlag für das Rezi Exemplar welches meine Meinung nicht beeinflusst hat.
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