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Bite Back #1
Sleight of Hand
Not dead. Yet. Not
undead
either, but the odds are stacking up against Amber.
Denver’s brutal drug gangs want her dead, but there's no chance for her to hide away. Her PI business is already struggling to get by, and she has to take a job for a wealthy local businesswoman, Jennifer Kingslund.
That’s despite knowing the case will compel her to deal with the reason she had to leave the military’s most secret Special Forces unit: she was bitten by a vampire, and there’s no escape from that.
Out of sight of humanity, Denver’s dark side pulses with supernatural dangers, and the vampires want to claim Amber as their own.
Can Amber defeat the gangs and solve Jennifer’s case before she has to face her own personal crisis – to oppose the vampires ... or to become one?
Denver’s brutal drug gangs want her dead, but there's no chance for her to hide away. Her PI business is already struggling to get by, and she has to take a job for a wealthy local businesswoman, Jennifer Kingslund.
That’s despite knowing the case will compel her to deal with the reason she had to leave the military’s most secret Special Forces unit: she was bitten by a vampire, and there’s no escape from that.
Out of sight of humanity, Denver’s dark side pulses with supernatural dangers, and the vampires want to claim Amber as their own.
Can Amber defeat the gangs and solve Jennifer’s case before she has to face her own personal crisis – to oppose the vampires ... or to become one?
575 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2012
1748 people are currently reading
2585 people want to read
About the author
Mark Henwick
42 books360 followersI was born in Africa and left out in the sun too often.
After being persuaded that I wasn't going to be able to be a cowboy if I grew up, I got interested in philosophy and psychology. Tending bars proved to me they weren't as much fun as they sounded. While trying to enroll in a class to read Science Fiction full time, I ended up taking an electronic engineering degree which splendidly qualified me to move into marketing. That in turn spawned a late onset career in creative writing.
When not writing, I fly a microlight aircraft, or get muddy on a mountain bike.
I love reading obviously. Urban Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Thrillers, History, Crime, Art, oh nearly everything.
After being persuaded that I wasn't going to be able to be a cowboy if I grew up, I got interested in philosophy and psychology. Tending bars proved to me they weren't as much fun as they sounded. While trying to enroll in a class to read Science Fiction full time, I ended up taking an electronic engineering degree which splendidly qualified me to move into marketing. That in turn spawned a late onset career in creative writing.
When not writing, I fly a microlight aircraft, or get muddy on a mountain bike.
I love reading obviously. Urban Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Thrillers, History, Crime, Art, oh nearly everything.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 349 reviews
January 2, 2013
I rarely do this - but I am actually willing to compare this new author to my favorites. The team of Ilona Andrews and their "Kate Daniels" series and Patricia Briggs and her "Mercy Thompson" novels, as well as Faith Hunter's "Jane Yellowrock" are a hard act to follow. Intense storylines, fully developed realistic characters, exceptional world building, the list goes on and on. And, so far, the author of "Sleight of Hand" fits right in there with my favorites.
There are a lot of things to talk about, but first, a guilty admission. When I came across this book while looking at the "customers also bought" on my Kindle, I didn't look at who wrote it. I clicked on it, saw the premise and the five star reviews, wanted a new author to read and snapped it up. While I am incredibly glad I did, I have to admit I was absolutely shocked when I went to do my own review and saw that the author was actually a male. I know,I know, it is prejudiced, but after reading the book, I was embarrassingly shocked that I was dealing with a "Mark" who could write a female character so exceptionally well. I really believed that I was reading a woman author. Guess that shows me, huh? Yes, Gordon writes exceptionally well, but I always figured that Ilona wrote Kate and Gordon wrote Curran, right? Well, that shows ME!
Henwick has written an exceptional urban fantasy. I would call it Urban Fantasy rather than "paranormal" for a few different reasons. First and foremost, the action is set in modern-day Denver. This is not 'alternate' Denver, but rather, a Denver as I know it myself. The story encompasses 'paranormal' beings, but in a fresh new way that was both believable in a scientific manner and highly interesting. There is action, suspense, a very likeable main character going through an incredibly tough time, and some exceptional additional characters. There are a couple of love interests (and one of them wedgies the shorts of some readers, but that is their problem) but the book doesn't disintegrate into a 'wham-bam-thank-you-mame' as so many other fantasy books do. And come on, who falls in love and gets married in a week? Instead, Henwick focuses on the character development, the world building, the science and military/police procedure, all to the good of his story. Everything about the story is well developed and leaves plenty of room for exceptional follow-up novels. One of which I am very much hoping to read quite soon!
Amber is much more interesting than many (most?) of the other female characters out there today. Well, other than Kate, Mercy, and Jane, of course! She is ex-military and as such, is highly trained. However, she is also damaged, highly mature in some ways, immature in others. Strong enough to protect others, but in terrible pain herself. There isn't the kind of instant sex you find in many books, but she is going through a vital change, which causes her to suffer from a heart-rending difficulties, both emotionally and physically. The creature she is changing into is 'highly charged' - much more so than she is comfortable with. Dealing with these changes will be interesting to watch, given the whole dynamic of the community she is moving into. It will be fascinating to see her grow and mature, hopefully without her falling into the whole "Anita Blake" sleaze fest. I like very much that there is a mixed dynamic in her love interests, to be honest - it is more realistic within the context of this bright new world that Henwick is developing. I look forward to a brilliant future with Amber and her friends and enemies, and hope very much that I can continue to be so wonderfully positive about this series.
There are a lot of things to talk about, but first, a guilty admission. When I came across this book while looking at the "customers also bought" on my Kindle, I didn't look at who wrote it. I clicked on it, saw the premise and the five star reviews, wanted a new author to read and snapped it up. While I am incredibly glad I did, I have to admit I was absolutely shocked when I went to do my own review and saw that the author was actually a male. I know,I know, it is prejudiced, but after reading the book, I was embarrassingly shocked that I was dealing with a "Mark" who could write a female character so exceptionally well. I really believed that I was reading a woman author. Guess that shows me, huh? Yes, Gordon writes exceptionally well, but I always figured that Ilona wrote Kate and Gordon wrote Curran, right? Well, that shows ME!
Henwick has written an exceptional urban fantasy. I would call it Urban Fantasy rather than "paranormal" for a few different reasons. First and foremost, the action is set in modern-day Denver. This is not 'alternate' Denver, but rather, a Denver as I know it myself. The story encompasses 'paranormal' beings, but in a fresh new way that was both believable in a scientific manner and highly interesting. There is action, suspense, a very likeable main character going through an incredibly tough time, and some exceptional additional characters. There are a couple of love interests (and one of them wedgies the shorts of some readers, but that is their problem) but the book doesn't disintegrate into a 'wham-bam-thank-you-mame' as so many other fantasy books do. And come on, who falls in love and gets married in a week? Instead, Henwick focuses on the character development, the world building, the science and military/police procedure, all to the good of his story. Everything about the story is well developed and leaves plenty of room for exceptional follow-up novels. One of which I am very much hoping to read quite soon!
Amber is much more interesting than many (most?) of the other female characters out there today. Well, other than Kate, Mercy, and Jane, of course! She is ex-military and as such, is highly trained. However, she is also damaged, highly mature in some ways, immature in others. Strong enough to protect others, but in terrible pain herself. There isn't the kind of instant sex you find in many books, but she is going through a vital change, which causes her to suffer from a heart-rending difficulties, both emotionally and physically. The creature she is changing into is 'highly charged' - much more so than she is comfortable with. Dealing with these changes will be interesting to watch, given the whole dynamic of the community she is moving into. It will be fascinating to see her grow and mature, hopefully without her falling into the whole "Anita Blake" sleaze fest. I like very much that there is a mixed dynamic in her love interests, to be honest - it is more realistic within the context of this bright new world that Henwick is developing. I look forward to a brilliant future with Amber and her friends and enemies, and hope very much that I can continue to be so wonderfully positive about this series.
July 30, 2019
Amber is a private investigator. After discovering a drug and gun running operation in her client's business she calls in the cops and turns the screws on Denver's criminal underworld. Unfortunately for her, Denver PD have shut down the business while they investigate and her client is refusing to pay her.
With a serious cash flow problem, when Jennifer Kingslund shows up claiming one of her staff has been kidnapped and someone is trying to ruin her, she has little choice but to take on the job. She quickly discovers the job is much bigger than thought.
Adding to her problem, the vampire infection that has tainted her blood is taking over, and if she isn't careful her government minders will throw her into a padded room where military scientists will control her every move.
Loved this book. It's a bit of a cross between those great hard boiled detective novels of the 1930s and 1940s and more modern Urban Fantasy by authors like Jennifer Estep and Faith Hunter. Amber is a great heroine and this book is filled with secondary characters I can't help but like. It took four or five books before Jennifer Estep's Elemental Assassin series won me over. Not a problem with this one. I'm already hooked.
(There is a novella which precedes this book called Raw Deal. Well worth starting there to get some background on the characters.)
(added)
I have to say Kimberly Henrie who narrates this book in the audio edition isn't really right for it. Julia Motyka who narrates all the other books is much more suited for the series.
With a serious cash flow problem, when Jennifer Kingslund shows up claiming one of her staff has been kidnapped and someone is trying to ruin her, she has little choice but to take on the job. She quickly discovers the job is much bigger than thought.
Adding to her problem, the vampire infection that has tainted her blood is taking over, and if she isn't careful her government minders will throw her into a padded room where military scientists will control her every move.
Loved this book. It's a bit of a cross between those great hard boiled detective novels of the 1930s and 1940s and more modern Urban Fantasy by authors like Jennifer Estep and Faith Hunter. Amber is a great heroine and this book is filled with secondary characters I can't help but like. It took four or five books before Jennifer Estep's Elemental Assassin series won me over. Not a problem with this one. I'm already hooked.
(There is a novella which precedes this book called Raw Deal. Well worth starting there to get some background on the characters.)
(added)
I have to say Kimberly Henrie who narrates this book in the audio edition isn't really right for it. Julia Motyka who narrates all the other books is much more suited for the series.
December 28, 2012
I tend to have writer-envy of authors who don't need the first chapters of their book to set the stage. By page five of Henwick's book, I was positively green. He drew me in with the first explosive scene, making me feel as if I were hit by a Mack truck. Within this adrenaline-packed page turner, Henwick reveals the background details of the characters at his pace. His methodical, seductive pace.
I agreed with the 5-star review Henwick received on Amazon within the first chapter. Sleight of Hand is an intelligently crafted, provocative Vampire, sorry, Athanate story with an unfogettable leading female character. Amber possesses the depth that is usually reserved for elite male espionage roles.
Memorable lines:
“Doing patriotic things made me patriotic.”
“This financial crash is what the world needed.” He stabbed a finger at Borders. “A wake-up call to get rid of these parasites and knock down the house of cards that they built. They’ll find all this inner circle shit won’t turn into credit when they want it. You think you’re in with them you think you’re accepted, but you never are, never will be. Time has come to take sides.”
“You can’t step in the same river twice.”
"TAJ, Trust and jump."
I agreed with the 5-star review Henwick received on Amazon within the first chapter. Sleight of Hand is an intelligently crafted, provocative Vampire, sorry, Athanate story with an unfogettable leading female character. Amber possesses the depth that is usually reserved for elite male espionage roles.
Memorable lines:
“Doing patriotic things made me patriotic.”
“This financial crash is what the world needed.” He stabbed a finger at Borders. “A wake-up call to get rid of these parasites and knock down the house of cards that they built. They’ll find all this inner circle shit won’t turn into credit when they want it. You think you’re in with them you think you’re accepted, but you never are, never will be. Time has come to take sides.”
“You can’t step in the same river twice.”
"TAJ, Trust and jump."
October 23, 2012
I think I'm in love. I officially declare I have a new heroine to root for. (As soon as I finished Sleight of Hand I wanted the second. Pity, I'll have to wait.)
Pro:
--A strong heroine, with a military past that makes the ass-kicking pretty believable. (Not that common)
--Good world-building
--No info-dump (that's quite good for a first book a series)
--Plenty of interesting secondary characters. Not all of them are fully rounded, maybe, but there are no cardboard figures (imho)
--A very good mystery that comes together smoothly
Cons:
--It may have been hectic in some moment. I lost a few threads at times (but it may due to my gobbling down the book...)
--There were few moments in which Amber did not make sense or rather she should have struggled more with her temper and anger. Almost too smooth.
At times it seemed to me that the narrator's voice (male) came through (in the action scenes I suspect). But it may be a prejudice.
As an absolutely personal point: Jen eeewwww. < grin >
Pro:
--A strong heroine, with a military past that makes the ass-kicking pretty believable. (Not that common)
--Good world-building
--No info-dump (that's quite good for a first book a series)
--Plenty of interesting secondary characters. Not all of them are fully rounded, maybe, but there are no cardboard figures (imho)
--A very good mystery that comes together smoothly
Cons:
--It may have been hectic in some moment. I lost a few threads at times (but it may due to my gobbling down the book...)
--There were few moments in which Amber did not make sense or rather she should have struggled more with her temper and anger. Almost too smooth.
At times it seemed to me that the narrator's voice (male) came through (in the action scenes I suspect). But it may be a prejudice.
As an absolutely personal point: Jen eeewwww. < grin >
June 7, 2017
“Slight of Hand” is the first of many (many!) books about…stop me if you’ve heard this before: a former military woman who’s bitten by a vampire and now works as a PI in a world where vampires are known to exist but are viewed with great suspicion. Geez….who knew this Urban Fantasy theme was being addressed by so many different authors, with several building near-empires with their book line? In the case of Amber and the “Bite Back” series, there are currently four books on audible, with a prequel and Book Five already in the can. In total, the author projects doing 10-12 books for the series.
There is no sex, nor real romance, but there are several bits of flirting throughout the first book. Whether MC Amber turns the series into lesfic remains to be seen. After all, on Twitter, author Mark Henwick describes himself his having been “disqualified as a lesbian on a technicality”, so perhaps nothing is certain about his characters!
In addition to Amber and her teasing new employer Jen, we are introduced to a variety of other interesting characters: the military folks who want to study, control and perhaps imprison Amber, local police, her friend who is actively on the path to becoming vampire, witches, vampires from competing political houses, and werewolves. Jen herself has been infected by a vampire, and appears to be helpless to stopping her own progression.
Amber and the other characters interact with each other throughout the story, which is essentially a mystery – who is trying to kill whom and why – more than it is a vampire story. The pace of the story and the author’s creative details are fantastic, and the narrator does an excellent job bringing “Slight of Hand” to life. Apparently, the narrator withdrew from the series just as Book Two was beginning production. The author speaks well of her replacement (as one would expect, but since he’s now worked with her on six other books, I believe him when he says he likes her narration).
Book One only teases with the vampiric link between blood and sex, and I imagine that the next book(s) in the series will address both topics as Amber continues her inexorable slide to becoming fully vampire, not just infected. Definitely recommended: 4*
There is no sex, nor real romance, but there are several bits of flirting throughout the first book. Whether MC Amber turns the series into lesfic remains to be seen. After all, on Twitter, author Mark Henwick describes himself his having been “disqualified as a lesbian on a technicality”, so perhaps nothing is certain about his characters!
Finally, Jen glanced at the clock. “Oh God, look at the time. I promised myself I would have you in bed by nine at the latest.” She stood and looked down at me. “Are you okay, Amber?” “Ah. Yes. I think I just snorted some wine,” I gasped. I had slightly misinterpreted her comment, mid-swallow.
In addition to Amber and her teasing new employer Jen, we are introduced to a variety of other interesting characters: the military folks who want to study, control and perhaps imprison Amber, local police, her friend who is actively on the path to becoming vampire, witches, vampires from competing political houses, and werewolves. Jen herself has been infected by a vampire, and appears to be helpless to stopping her own progression.
Amber and the other characters interact with each other throughout the story, which is essentially a mystery – who is trying to kill whom and why – more than it is a vampire story. The pace of the story and the author’s creative details are fantastic, and the narrator does an excellent job bringing “Slight of Hand” to life. Apparently, the narrator withdrew from the series just as Book Two was beginning production. The author speaks well of her replacement (as one would expect, but since he’s now worked with her on six other books, I believe him when he says he likes her narration).
Book One only teases with the vampiric link between blood and sex, and I imagine that the next book(s) in the series will address both topics as Amber continues her inexorable slide to becoming fully vampire, not just infected. Definitely recommended: 4*
February 8, 2013
This was an enjoyable read, though rather generic Urban Fantasy in a lot of ways.
I liked the heroine, Amber, a lot. She's got a great backstory with a lot of good inertia that let me find her both believable and sympathetic. I liked that she has special ops training and that she has an on-going relationship with the Army, though one in flux. I also liked that she was doing her best to cope with her own special kind of post-traumatic stress (trying to avoid the consequences of vampire bites on her last mission).
I also liked the setup with the book's supernatural communities. There's some good dynamics, though possibly a little too polarized into good-guys/bad-guys. I think it was a good move to jettison most of the vampire lore (leaving them with requiring blood, not aging, and having some natural advantages). The jury is still out, for me, regarding some of the mental facilities, though. Pheromones are completely overused in this genre, particularly if you have enough science background to know that they're bunk from start to finish (turns out, and I know this is a surprise to some, that humans aren't actually insects, nor do we function like them, even if we needed chemical stimulus to govern social interactions we don't have the capacity to process them in that way). They’re not the sole (or even main) justification for vampiry powers, though, so I hope it stays that way.
Where the book slid into less-interesting territory was in an addiction to drama that put Amber in situations that ramped up her stress and martyrdom with little real justification. Amber's sister, Kath, is completely over the top, and the sleazy army investigator, Krantz, is almost maniacally bent on ruining her life. These aren't even people ostensibly her foes, but they both do their best to ruin her outright for reasons just a little bit obtuse. And they're just the most obvious examples of this tendency by the author.
And for once, I'm actually interested in the love triangle introduced. I know, I'm shocked, too. Some of this is that the vampire math introduced has an intriguing by-product. If a vampire needs 4 or 5 regular donors to keep everybody healthy and given the emotional payload we've seen with vampire... donations... it makes a lot of sense if vampires are a bit unconventional in their emotional attachments. In other words, it'd make sense if they're a bit flexible in their relationships—both in number and nature. I don't know if that's where Henwick is headed with this, but for once, I want to find out.
Anyway, I liked the book and I'll definitely be looking up the sequel. There's enough weakness that I'm only going with a 3, but it's a strong 3. I hope the drama evens out.
A note about Steamy: Yeah, I didn't mark this one as steamy—mostly because it wasn't, really. But there's the beginning of steam, and it's enough I thought I'd mention it. I expect the next book to contain more.
I liked the heroine, Amber, a lot. She's got a great backstory with a lot of good inertia that let me find her both believable and sympathetic. I liked that she has special ops training and that she has an on-going relationship with the Army, though one in flux. I also liked that she was doing her best to cope with her own special kind of post-traumatic stress (trying to avoid the consequences of vampire bites on her last mission).
I also liked the setup with the book's supernatural communities. There's some good dynamics, though possibly a little too polarized into good-guys/bad-guys. I think it was a good move to jettison most of the vampire lore (leaving them with requiring blood, not aging, and having some natural advantages). The jury is still out, for me, regarding some of the mental facilities, though. Pheromones are completely overused in this genre, particularly if you have enough science background to know that they're bunk from start to finish (turns out, and I know this is a surprise to some, that humans aren't actually insects, nor do we function like them, even if we needed chemical stimulus to govern social interactions we don't have the capacity to process them in that way). They’re not the sole (or even main) justification for vampiry powers, though, so I hope it stays that way.
Where the book slid into less-interesting territory was in an addiction to drama that put Amber in situations that ramped up her stress and martyrdom with little real justification. Amber's sister, Kath, is completely over the top, and the sleazy army investigator, Krantz, is almost maniacally bent on ruining her life. These aren't even people ostensibly her foes, but they both do their best to ruin her outright for reasons just a little bit obtuse. And they're just the most obvious examples of this tendency by the author.
And for once, I'm actually interested in the love triangle introduced. I know, I'm shocked, too. Some of this is that the vampire math introduced has an intriguing by-product. If a vampire needs 4 or 5 regular donors to keep everybody healthy and given the emotional payload we've seen with vampire... donations... it makes a lot of sense if vampires are a bit unconventional in their emotional attachments. In other words, it'd make sense if they're a bit flexible in their relationships—both in number and nature. I don't know if that's where Henwick is headed with this, but for once, I want to find out.
Anyway, I liked the book and I'll definitely be looking up the sequel. There's enough weakness that I'm only going with a 3, but it's a strong 3. I hope the drama evens out.
A note about Steamy: Yeah, I didn't mark this one as steamy—mostly because it wasn't, really. But there's the beginning of steam, and it's enough I thought I'd mention it. I expect the next book to contain more.
March 14, 2015
My rating keeps changing from 3.5 to 4 stars. For some reason I feel like the protagonists is bi? Idk the whole Jenn relationship felt like it had some sexual undertones. My reading material is pretty limited to female authors female protagonist it may be possible a male author writing a female protagonist makes friendship feel more sexual? Idk I think the fact she is saying she's straight but acting as if she's sexually attracted to Jenn is disturbing. At the very least she seems curious & open to exploring. My confusion on this topic is endless. Lol I also don't like the cliffhanger with Alex. That was just thrown in @ the end with no resolution. Oh & the whole multiple personality disorder with her twin.. That was a mental issue. Especially bc the twin was still born. It's not like she died while they'd aged & developed any type of relationship. So the whole missing her twin sister aka confidant doesn't work for me. For those reasons I'm undecided on the star rating. Putting the sexual confusion aside I really enjoyed reading the story.
As far as the vamps I don't trust them however I do like David. He seems genuine.
I believe I'll continue the series if for no other reason than to see what side of the fence she plays in. If I'm lucky she straddles the fence. Lol
As far as the vamps I don't trust them however I do like David. He seems genuine.
I believe I'll continue the series if for no other reason than to see what side of the fence she plays in. If I'm lucky she straddles the fence. Lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2015
*** 4 ***
This was an unexpectedly pleasant and fun read. A female PI going through a vampiric transition against her will and fighting it. She has a new case and is getting to know the local vamp and shiftier crowd. It is a mastery set in an UF world. I was attracted to the characters and enjoyed the book. Nothing too spectacular or unique, but still very pleasant.
This was an unexpectedly pleasant and fun read. A female PI going through a vampiric transition against her will and fighting it. She has a new case and is getting to know the local vamp and shiftier crowd. It is a mastery set in an UF world. I was attracted to the characters and enjoyed the book. Nothing too spectacular or unique, but still very pleasant.
April 4, 2016
Re-read.
Second time round.
Every bit as good as the first.
Original Review Here...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Second time round.
Every bit as good as the first.
Original Review Here...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
June 16, 2013
Enjoyed this one way more than I thought I might. If you like kickass PI mysteries with a good mix of vampires and other supernaturals, this one is well worth a read. I got quite caught up in it and read it in two days and I'm going to start the second right away.
December 23, 2015
Introduction
Sleight of Hand (Bite Back #1)
by Mark Henwick
Before reading Sleight of Hand, I was beginning to wonder if I was completely done with urban fantasy. The genre is full of cookie cutter kick-ass heroines that are uninspired copies of Anita Blake. Many of these novels are well written but lack a distinctive voice.
With Mark Henwick’s debut novel, I finally fell in love again. Amber is a character that I have rarely seen and is difficult to write. She is consistently smart, effective, and logical. It could have been a recipe for a dull story but it was anything but. Even though she is so amazing and effective, she is still flawed in ways that make her interesting.
Genre
Urban Fantasy
Narration
First person, past tense narrated by the main character Amber Farrell
Characters Amber Farrell - Private investigator, former covert ops, and slowly transforming from her encounter with a vampire
Captain Morales - Police detective who hires Amber on occasion
Tullah - Amber’s assistant
Jennifer Kingslund - CEO of the Kingslund Group and Amber’s client
David - Aspirant Athanate
Colonel Laine - Amber’s amy handler
Troy - Jennifer’s missing employee
Victor Gayle - another PI that Amber subcontracts to
Lieutenant Henry Krantz - an army investigator checking into Amber
Mary - Tullah’s mother
Kathleen - Amber’s sister and probably the worst person ever
Diana Ionache - an Athanate of house Altau
Bian Hwa Trang - an Athanate of house Altau
Skylur - Athanate, head of house Altau
Matthew Bierbach - Jenn’s computer guy
Luc Marla - the leader of the Athanate Basilikos
Alex - a werewolf
Setting
Denver, present day
Theme
Discovery and self acceptance.
Intended audience
Fans of urban fantasy will enjoy this book. It is adult book with graphic violence and sexual innuendo, but no explicate sex.
Plot
When we meet Amber, she is a PI with a past. While in a secret unit in the army she was attacked and bitten by a vampire (who call themselves Athanates). The army has been monitoring her for two years since the attack to see if she will become one. They have developed a way to monitor prions in her blood that seem to indicate that while the process appears to be slow that she is steadily becoming less human.
Amber juggles a case for a rich client, Jennifer Kingslund, her rapidly accelerating metamorphosis into a vampire, her ongoing work for the army’s investigation into the ‘weird’ aka vampires, werewolves and possibly other supernatural elements, and finally her own personal life. It turns out that all of these threads are related.
Amber discovers (or confirms) the existence of werewolves who play a minor part in this story but things are set up for them to possibly play a larger role in book 2.
While investigating apparent attacks on Jennifer Kingslund’s interests, things become increasingly intimate between client and PI. Meanwhile, Amber makes contact with the vampires and finds out they call themselves Athanates and fall into two political factions. One faction wants to live peacefully with humans and insists turning humans must be voluntary and with full disclosure of the risks. The other, well, not so much in favor of human rights. It isn’t a terribly original trope but it pretty much is the logical dichotomy given the nature of immortal beings who were once human.
About the Author
This is Mark Henwick’s debut novel. The Bite Back series is his only one so far, but he is definitely a writer keep your eye on.
Find out more on Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... or his website http://www.athanate.com/.
My Opinion
I loved Amber and I loved this story. At every turn she is kick-ass, but not by being magically better, faster, stronger, but by thinking and doing things the smart way. She calls the police when the situation calls for it. She always has back-up. She depends on experts to do work that needs specialized skills. You know that moment in a television show or a movie when you want to yell at the main character ‘don’t do it! It’s a trap!’? I never felt like saying that to Amber because she is just too fraking smart to get snookered like that.
Amber does have some enhanced abilities like strength and speed, but the author never over uses those. Above all, Amber remains compelling because of who she is not what she is becoming. At the beginning of the novel, she hopes to remain human and has a negative view of Athanates, she ends the novel in a different place. The author brings her there slowly and surely in a way that feels organic. There is no doubt she is a different person at the end, but her change never feels forced.
In addition to the main character being so well written, every secondary character feels real and complex even if we don’t get to see them fleshed out. I never felt that any one was a cardboard cutout. Even the bad guys.
The book is absolutely five star awesome up until about the 60% mark where is does sag a bit. At this point she has met the Athanates, has prove positive that there are werewolves, and is introduced to yet another supernatural group – witches who call themselves Adepts. This doesn’t prove important to the story at hand and sort of slows things down. It seems like something better introduced in book two. Even the werewolves who are hinted at from nearly the beginning of the book are not especially important to the story. We don’t meet Alex, werewolf love interest and rival to Jenn for Amber’s affection until 80% into the book.
The book recovers from the slight slump and gallops to a satisfying finish. Amber is awesome to the end. We get several emotional kicks in the stomach from Amber’s sister and from Jenn. Amber takes down the bad guys, commits to an alliance to the local vampire house Altau all while managing to maintain her independence.
There are loose ends which I look forward to finding out more about in book two. The author does an excellent job of wrapping op the first book while laying the groundwork for the sequel.
There were so many things I loved about this book from Amber herself, to the excellent writing, to the complex secondary characters and the slow and steady build up to relationships and alliances. Then there is the fact the romances are present and important but no more so than the other elements. Instead of being front and center, Amber’s potential relationship with Jenn or Alex (or both) is just part of her life not an end or itself.
If you love urban fantasy and are looking for a fresh voice, this is it. Buy this book! I have rarely read a first novel so well crafted as Sleight of Hand. I can’t wait to read book 2. I think this series is going to be one of my favorites. A few negatives: Amber describes David as like a brother but we never really get to know why. Like all the secondary characters, he feels real in his own right but I would have like to have seen more of their relationship.
Sleight of Hand (Bite Back #1)
by Mark Henwick
Before reading Sleight of Hand, I was beginning to wonder if I was completely done with urban fantasy. The genre is full of cookie cutter kick-ass heroines that are uninspired copies of Anita Blake. Many of these novels are well written but lack a distinctive voice.
With Mark Henwick’s debut novel, I finally fell in love again. Amber is a character that I have rarely seen and is difficult to write. She is consistently smart, effective, and logical. It could have been a recipe for a dull story but it was anything but. Even though she is so amazing and effective, she is still flawed in ways that make her interesting.
Genre
Urban Fantasy
Narration
First person, past tense narrated by the main character Amber Farrell
Characters Amber Farrell - Private investigator, former covert ops, and slowly transforming from her encounter with a vampire
Captain Morales - Police detective who hires Amber on occasion
Tullah - Amber’s assistant
Jennifer Kingslund - CEO of the Kingslund Group and Amber’s client
David - Aspirant Athanate
Colonel Laine - Amber’s amy handler
Troy - Jennifer’s missing employee
Victor Gayle - another PI that Amber subcontracts to
Lieutenant Henry Krantz - an army investigator checking into Amber
Mary - Tullah’s mother
Kathleen - Amber’s sister and probably the worst person ever
Diana Ionache - an Athanate of house Altau
Bian Hwa Trang - an Athanate of house Altau
Skylur - Athanate, head of house Altau
Matthew Bierbach - Jenn’s computer guy
Luc Marla - the leader of the Athanate Basilikos
Alex - a werewolf
Setting
Denver, present day
Theme
Discovery and self acceptance.
Intended audience
Fans of urban fantasy will enjoy this book. It is adult book with graphic violence and sexual innuendo, but no explicate sex.
Plot
When we meet Amber, she is a PI with a past. While in a secret unit in the army she was attacked and bitten by a vampire (who call themselves Athanates). The army has been monitoring her for two years since the attack to see if she will become one. They have developed a way to monitor prions in her blood that seem to indicate that while the process appears to be slow that she is steadily becoming less human.
Amber juggles a case for a rich client, Jennifer Kingslund, her rapidly accelerating metamorphosis into a vampire, her ongoing work for the army’s investigation into the ‘weird’ aka vampires, werewolves and possibly other supernatural elements, and finally her own personal life. It turns out that all of these threads are related.
Amber discovers (or confirms) the existence of werewolves who play a minor part in this story but things are set up for them to possibly play a larger role in book 2.
While investigating apparent attacks on Jennifer Kingslund’s interests, things become increasingly intimate between client and PI. Meanwhile, Amber makes contact with the vampires and finds out they call themselves Athanates and fall into two political factions. One faction wants to live peacefully with humans and insists turning humans must be voluntary and with full disclosure of the risks. The other, well, not so much in favor of human rights. It isn’t a terribly original trope but it pretty much is the logical dichotomy given the nature of immortal beings who were once human.
About the Author
This is Mark Henwick’s debut novel. The Bite Back series is his only one so far, but he is definitely a writer keep your eye on.
Find out more on Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... or his website http://www.athanate.com/.
My Opinion
I loved Amber and I loved this story. At every turn she is kick-ass, but not by being magically better, faster, stronger, but by thinking and doing things the smart way. She calls the police when the situation calls for it. She always has back-up. She depends on experts to do work that needs specialized skills. You know that moment in a television show or a movie when you want to yell at the main character ‘don’t do it! It’s a trap!’? I never felt like saying that to Amber because she is just too fraking smart to get snookered like that.
Amber does have some enhanced abilities like strength and speed, but the author never over uses those. Above all, Amber remains compelling because of who she is not what she is becoming. At the beginning of the novel, she hopes to remain human and has a negative view of Athanates, she ends the novel in a different place. The author brings her there slowly and surely in a way that feels organic. There is no doubt she is a different person at the end, but her change never feels forced.
In addition to the main character being so well written, every secondary character feels real and complex even if we don’t get to see them fleshed out. I never felt that any one was a cardboard cutout. Even the bad guys.
The book is absolutely five star awesome up until about the 60% mark where is does sag a bit. At this point she has met the Athanates, has prove positive that there are werewolves, and is introduced to yet another supernatural group – witches who call themselves Adepts. This doesn’t prove important to the story at hand and sort of slows things down. It seems like something better introduced in book two. Even the werewolves who are hinted at from nearly the beginning of the book are not especially important to the story. We don’t meet Alex, werewolf love interest and rival to Jenn for Amber’s affection until 80% into the book.
The book recovers from the slight slump and gallops to a satisfying finish. Amber is awesome to the end. We get several emotional kicks in the stomach from Amber’s sister and from Jenn. Amber takes down the bad guys, commits to an alliance to the local vampire house Altau all while managing to maintain her independence.
There are loose ends which I look forward to finding out more about in book two. The author does an excellent job of wrapping op the first book while laying the groundwork for the sequel.
There were so many things I loved about this book from Amber herself, to the excellent writing, to the complex secondary characters and the slow and steady build up to relationships and alliances. Then there is the fact the romances are present and important but no more so than the other elements. Instead of being front and center, Amber’s potential relationship with Jenn or Alex (or both) is just part of her life not an end or itself.
If you love urban fantasy and are looking for a fresh voice, this is it. Buy this book! I have rarely read a first novel so well crafted as Sleight of Hand. I can’t wait to read book 2. I think this series is going to be one of my favorites. A few negatives: Amber describes David as like a brother but we never really get to know why. Like all the secondary characters, he feels real in his own right but I would have like to have seen more of their relationship.
August 18, 2013
There is sooo much good about this book. The editing is flawless, the plotting at the beginning quite strong. The pace is excellent. The foreshadowing is intriguing. There's interesting characters, there's good background. The main isn't totally on her own so there are friendships making her more interesting and likeable. About midway through there were a couple of infodumps that were a bit tedious, but sometimes that info has to be in there. In this case I was kind of groaning a bit because some of it was headed in a familiar direction of...just don't go there. This could get too stupid.
I saw a review by someone named Mark Wallace that summed it up pretty nicely:
"The book ends by descending into the same black hole plot spiral...She kicks ass! She's hot! Sexy! she's horny! She's angsty! She's attracted to a vampire and a werewolf! She wants both men and women! The tail end of the book reads like a checklist of all the crap urban fantasy on the shelves that drives me away from this market. I can no longer identify with the character, and much of what I found likeable and sympathetic is submerged in mindless hormonal reactions to events."
That completely sums it up for me. I should probably give the book at least a 2 or 3 stars, but the problem is that GR defines two stars as "I liked it." Well, there's some good things about it and some real talent to the writing skills here, but ultimately this book failed for me.
I saw a review by someone named Mark Wallace that summed it up pretty nicely:
"The book ends by descending into the same black hole plot spiral...She kicks ass! She's hot! Sexy! she's horny! She's angsty! She's attracted to a vampire and a werewolf! She wants both men and women! The tail end of the book reads like a checklist of all the crap urban fantasy on the shelves that drives me away from this market. I can no longer identify with the character, and much of what I found likeable and sympathetic is submerged in mindless hormonal reactions to events."
That completely sums it up for me. I should probably give the book at least a 2 or 3 stars, but the problem is that GR defines two stars as "I liked it." Well, there's some good things about it and some real talent to the writing skills here, but ultimately this book failed for me.
August 16, 2012
This book was a blast! I mean, I'm reading some heavy stuff at the moment, so that might be part of the reason, but I literally got through this in three days.
Amber is an unusual character for UF - she used to be in the military until a strange accident that wiped out pretty much all of her squad (I want to know more about this!) So now she works as a PI in Denver, when an "weird" case comes in.
I liked that Amber didn't jump straight into a romantic relationship and there was no pining. It's refreshing after some of the other books I've read, though I think I spy a love triangle coming up. This might put some people off, with the overwhelming amount of triangles right now (blame the YA buyers!)
World-building: Good. Lots to sink your teeth into (*pun completely intended*)
Favourite Character: Tie between Amber and Bian.
Recommended for: fans of urban fantasy, kick-ass heroines and damn good
Not recommended for: fans of Twilight. Sorry Twilighters.
Amber is an unusual character for UF - she used to be in the military until a strange accident that wiped out pretty much all of her squad (I want to know more about this!) So now she works as a PI in Denver, when an "weird" case comes in.
I liked that Amber didn't jump straight into a romantic relationship and there was no pining. It's refreshing after some of the other books I've read, though I think I spy a love triangle coming up. This might put some people off, with the overwhelming amount of triangles right now (blame the YA buyers!)
World-building: Good. Lots to sink your teeth into (*pun completely intended*)
Favourite Character: Tie between Amber and Bian.
Recommended for: fans of urban fantasy, kick-ass heroines and damn good
Not recommended for: fans of Twilight. Sorry Twilighters.
Read
February 7, 2013I started reading this book thinking it would be distracting, as I was unwell, plus building work at home was stressful. It did that very well.
I found the book so easy to read, the characters real, and I quickly felt at ease with it. In fact I carried my kindle round constantly so I could read it anytime.
It is, as the description indicates, a vampire story, but a different story from the usual. There are also werewolves, though they don't really have too big a part in this story. The book moves quickly as you learn about Amber and her story - her background - and how she has ended up in the position she is in. Why she is a private investigator, and we get to know the various people involved in her life.
I grew to love so many of the characters, I was so disappointed that book 2 is not yet out so I will have to wait, impatiently, for it.
If you are a fan of this genre, and are maybe looking for other than 17 year old heroines, I would urge you to give it a go.
I found the book so easy to read, the characters real, and I quickly felt at ease with it. In fact I carried my kindle round constantly so I could read it anytime.
It is, as the description indicates, a vampire story, but a different story from the usual. There are also werewolves, though they don't really have too big a part in this story. The book moves quickly as you learn about Amber and her story - her background - and how she has ended up in the position she is in. Why she is a private investigator, and we get to know the various people involved in her life.
I grew to love so many of the characters, I was so disappointed that book 2 is not yet out so I will have to wait, impatiently, for it.
If you are a fan of this genre, and are maybe looking for other than 17 year old heroines, I would urge you to give it a go.
February 5, 2016
Absolutely amazing! A rare must read indie author to add to my very select list. Thanks Ian for recommending this series - I am forever in your debt.
October 11, 2014
Ok, this book helped me come to a realization: I still don’t like vampires, but I really kinda like shifters. There is just something about those werewolves . . . (or werecats . . .)
Also, another book (I think that is 2 in a row – I’ve lost the order in which I’ve read) that use another name for ‘vampire’ – here (in case you didn’t read the description) we have “Athanate.” Yet, somehow, they are still creepy. Our heroine, Amber, has, in a previous operation, been attacked by a vampire. She has the ‘prions’ in her blood that will eventually turn her, but hasn’t yet turned. She is fighting this with every fiber of her being. In other words, Amber is smart. ;-) There is some mystery here concerning her turning that is being uncovered piece by piece – so I don’t expect a complete answer for a few books down the road . . .
Amber is also a trained soldier. It was in that capacity that she had her first “other-worldly” encounters. After she was released from isolation, she briefly entered the local police department. After another such encounter, she turned to private investigation – where she could be her own boss. Her (friendly) contacts typically refer ‘weird’ cases to her . . . Not that she is always excited about it. But, this is the case with Jen Kingslund. The chief of police is her friend. Amber is left to decrypt the financials, find the missing, and resolve the whos, whys, and wherefores.
But, at its heart, this is an action novel – not a mystery novel. The action sequences are well written and well delivered. Mr. Henwick does a great job with them. I want to say the characterizations were bit shallow, but many *many* of the characters come vividly to mind . . . The rich beauty, the new initiate, the elite old Athenate and even the werewolf. Not to mention the receptionist and the other people whose lives Amber has touched.
There are some things done a little differently here (even beyond those upon which we have already touched). This is a male writer writing about a female protagonist. This usually would not be of importance to me – but I think it makes a difference here. There is a lot of touchy feely going on in this book. I mean – things I just can’t see happening in any realistic environment. For instance, shortly after they have met, Amber shushes Jen by touching her lips with a finger. Ok, seriously, Jen is her client and a very wealthy woman. And, slightly intimidates her in an oh my God! She has so much money kinda way. I know of no one who would shush someone in this instance but this very personal kind of touch – honestly, I don’t think she would have shushed her at all. At least at this point . . . now, maybe later . . . And, that is just an example of all the touching going on.
Also, this is a Brit writing a story in Denver. Typically, this is another non-issue for me – certainly other authors write about areas with which they are not completely familiar. And, Mr. Henwick has certainly spent time in Denver. However, I do not believe he is entirely comfortable with the colloquialisms used in the states. And, I may be totally, completely, irrevocably wrong. They may really talk like that in Denver. It is just that the only times I have heard such things have been in the UK. So. It bugged me. Not a great, huge amount – just enough to take me out of the story for a period of time. Such things as – Amber driving on the I-25 or dropping Tullah off on the slip road. Typically, we just get on the interstate (highway or whatever) or I-25. We take the exit . . . not the slip road. This being said, I was happy to see this term used in this manner – my GPS (Australian voice – best sound on the GPS) uses it and I wasn’t entirely sure I understood it.
Not that these issues (which I’ll admit are totally silly) really affect the overall quality of the story. I enjoyed the characters. Wondering what on earth was happening and why it was happening kept me interested. And, the world Mr. Henwick developed is intriguing. While it doesn’t end on a cliff-hanger per se, there are many questions left unanswered. The love triangle includes one woman – another woman and a man. And lots of wondering. The next book picks up exactly as this one ends. I haven’t actually decided whether or not I will move on in the series. There are not actually enough books yet that I feel enough of my questions will be answered. I hate that. Were the series complete, I think I would move right one.
I find this book really hard to rate. In the end, I think it is 3.5 stars. Which I will round down to 3 for no other reason that I just don’t feel it is a 4 star book.
Also, another book (I think that is 2 in a row – I’ve lost the order in which I’ve read) that use another name for ‘vampire’ – here (in case you didn’t read the description) we have “Athanate.” Yet, somehow, they are still creepy. Our heroine, Amber, has, in a previous operation, been attacked by a vampire. She has the ‘prions’ in her blood that will eventually turn her, but hasn’t yet turned. She is fighting this with every fiber of her being. In other words, Amber is smart. ;-) There is some mystery here concerning her turning that is being uncovered piece by piece – so I don’t expect a complete answer for a few books down the road . . .
Amber is also a trained soldier. It was in that capacity that she had her first “other-worldly” encounters. After she was released from isolation, she briefly entered the local police department. After another such encounter, she turned to private investigation – where she could be her own boss. Her (friendly) contacts typically refer ‘weird’ cases to her . . . Not that she is always excited about it. But, this is the case with Jen Kingslund. The chief of police is her friend. Amber is left to decrypt the financials, find the missing, and resolve the whos, whys, and wherefores.
But, at its heart, this is an action novel – not a mystery novel. The action sequences are well written and well delivered. Mr. Henwick does a great job with them. I want to say the characterizations were bit shallow, but many *many* of the characters come vividly to mind . . . The rich beauty, the new initiate, the elite old Athenate and even the werewolf. Not to mention the receptionist and the other people whose lives Amber has touched.
There are some things done a little differently here (even beyond those upon which we have already touched). This is a male writer writing about a female protagonist. This usually would not be of importance to me – but I think it makes a difference here. There is a lot of touchy feely going on in this book. I mean – things I just can’t see happening in any realistic environment. For instance, shortly after they have met, Amber shushes Jen by touching her lips with a finger. Ok, seriously, Jen is her client and a very wealthy woman. And, slightly intimidates her in an oh my God! She has so much money kinda way. I know of no one who would shush someone in this instance but this very personal kind of touch – honestly, I don’t think she would have shushed her at all. At least at this point . . . now, maybe later . . . And, that is just an example of all the touching going on.
Also, this is a Brit writing a story in Denver. Typically, this is another non-issue for me – certainly other authors write about areas with which they are not completely familiar. And, Mr. Henwick has certainly spent time in Denver. However, I do not believe he is entirely comfortable with the colloquialisms used in the states. And, I may be totally, completely, irrevocably wrong. They may really talk like that in Denver. It is just that the only times I have heard such things have been in the UK. So. It bugged me. Not a great, huge amount – just enough to take me out of the story for a period of time. Such things as – Amber driving on the I-25 or dropping Tullah off on the slip road. Typically, we just get on the interstate (highway or whatever) or I-25. We take the exit . . . not the slip road. This being said, I was happy to see this term used in this manner – my GPS (Australian voice – best sound on the GPS) uses it and I wasn’t entirely sure I understood it.
Not that these issues (which I’ll admit are totally silly) really affect the overall quality of the story. I enjoyed the characters. Wondering what on earth was happening and why it was happening kept me interested. And, the world Mr. Henwick developed is intriguing. While it doesn’t end on a cliff-hanger per se, there are many questions left unanswered. The love triangle includes one woman – another woman and a man. And lots of wondering. The next book picks up exactly as this one ends. I haven’t actually decided whether or not I will move on in the series. There are not actually enough books yet that I feel enough of my questions will be answered. I hate that. Were the series complete, I think I would move right one.
I find this book really hard to rate. In the end, I think it is 3.5 stars. Which I will round down to 3 for no other reason that I just don’t feel it is a 4 star book.
June 21, 2017
2.5 Stars
I read this book because I had some questions about the writing style, story progression, characters, world building and the series came highly recommended by friends. I really wanted to like this series but I'm not a fan. The thoughts that I had when I read Raw Deal were still being asked when I read this one.
Is there a lot of potential in the series? Sure. There's a good amount to like if you're willing to bypass the bad.
Is it worth it to me to read a series that feels like it's still in beta stages? Nah. There's not enough to hold me either in characters or plot to deal with all of the reasons why I don't want to read the book.
Amber is the main character of this action packed story. If you put her in the premise of being a superhero and gloss over explanations with "It doesn't have to make sense, just read it.", then you'll like this series. She's suppose to be late 20's. Amber default persona is a 16 year old. She's suppose to be a hardened covert ops solider that's in the middle of transitioning into a vampire. Her actions and words come off like a valley-girlsque in general and a man when she fights. A character can be very feminine and capable fighter but I don't feel like I'm reading a well rounded person in this series. It feels like there are three different people named Amber. If you bring in Tara, then it's four. Maybe the answer is that she's just crazy. Also, there's a blatant foreshadowing of Amber being something no one has ever seen. Blah blah blah.
The business investigation elements, weapon description spills and fighting are well done. Contrasting the story parts that are well done vs the ones that aren't is the reason why I will not continue reading the series. The contrast is very jarring.
The preternatural elements of the series is more realistic than the day to day interactions Amber has in the book. There are some great relationships plunked into the story. A handful of characters that stand out as cool. Random lines of setting or character description that stands out as really well done.
I feel like I'm reading a rough draft of a series, and taunted by the polished bits that float in a sea of rough edges that do not make a whole because the pieces belong to five different incomplete puzzles. It's like points were written in order for certain elements to be played out and it feels forced rather than natural. I don't like it when I am told how to think about the story progression and characters. Especially when my response is opposite of what I'm told to think or feel.
I read this book because I had some questions about the writing style, story progression, characters, world building and the series came highly recommended by friends. I really wanted to like this series but I'm not a fan. The thoughts that I had when I read Raw Deal were still being asked when I read this one.
Is there a lot of potential in the series? Sure. There's a good amount to like if you're willing to bypass the bad.
Is it worth it to me to read a series that feels like it's still in beta stages? Nah. There's not enough to hold me either in characters or plot to deal with all of the reasons why I don't want to read the book.
Amber is the main character of this action packed story. If you put her in the premise of being a superhero and gloss over explanations with "It doesn't have to make sense, just read it.", then you'll like this series. She's suppose to be late 20's. Amber default persona is a 16 year old. She's suppose to be a hardened covert ops solider that's in the middle of transitioning into a vampire. Her actions and words come off like a valley-girlsque in general and a man when she fights. A character can be very feminine and capable fighter but I don't feel like I'm reading a well rounded person in this series. It feels like there are three different people named Amber. If you bring in Tara, then it's four. Maybe the answer is that she's just crazy. Also, there's a blatant foreshadowing of Amber being something no one has ever seen. Blah blah blah.
The business investigation elements, weapon description spills and fighting are well done. Contrasting the story parts that are well done vs the ones that aren't is the reason why I will not continue reading the series. The contrast is very jarring.
The preternatural elements of the series is more realistic than the day to day interactions Amber has in the book. There are some great relationships plunked into the story. A handful of characters that stand out as cool. Random lines of setting or character description that stands out as really well done.
I feel like I'm reading a rough draft of a series, and taunted by the polished bits that float in a sea of rough edges that do not make a whole because the pieces belong to five different incomplete puzzles. It's like points were written in order for certain elements to be played out and it feels forced rather than natural. I don't like it when I am told how to think about the story progression and characters. Especially when my response is opposite of what I'm told to think or feel.
September 29, 2012
I thought that the idea of this book was a good one but at times I felt confused. The main character Amber is a strong ex-military girl that was somewhat turned on a failed mission. This was never really discussed, the mission at first sounded like everyone in her squad died but that is untrue. You never really know who is aware of her situation and who is not. I would have liked to have her do a flashback scene where the mission was described in full and we learned exactly what happened to her.
The secondary characters in this story left a little to be desired. I really liked her friend David and thought that he was a positive influence in her life and was a great character that she was able to lean on. Her client Jen I feel ran hot and cold for awhile and it seemed their friendship/relationship developed extremely fast to the point where Amber lived with her for a little while. The two characters that pissed me off the most were Amber's sister Kath and Krantz (who went way above what I would believe to be correct procedure in an investigation what he did was totally inappropriate) and I hope that both of these characters get what is coming to them in future books. For such a strong character Amber really let these two walk all over her and through her name and her morals right through the mud.
While I think this book has good promise I wasn't completely in love with it. I really feel like the romantic relationships were rushed at the end and were completely confusing and almost out of the blue. I might check out the next book in the series to see where it goes because the idea of these books are intriguing and I would like to learn more about Amber and her mysterious background.
The secondary characters in this story left a little to be desired. I really liked her friend David and thought that he was a positive influence in her life and was a great character that she was able to lean on. Her client Jen I feel ran hot and cold for awhile and it seemed their friendship/relationship developed extremely fast to the point where Amber lived with her for a little while. The two characters that pissed me off the most were Amber's sister Kath and Krantz (who went way above what I would believe to be correct procedure in an investigation what he did was totally inappropriate) and I hope that both of these characters get what is coming to them in future books. For such a strong character Amber really let these two walk all over her and through her name and her morals right through the mud.
While I think this book has good promise I wasn't completely in love with it. I really feel like the romantic relationships were rushed at the end and were completely confusing and almost out of the blue. I might check out the next book in the series to see where it goes because the idea of these books are intriguing and I would like to learn more about Amber and her mysterious background.
September 19, 2018
Peut-être 3,75/5.
Ce livre me fait penser aux 1ers tomes d'Anita Blake. Pas de romance, une mise en place du contexte et des personnages qui accompagneront l’héroïne tout au long de ses aventures.
Je lirai la suite et j'attendrai de voir, notamment au sujet de ses choix amoureux (hors de question de se taper les mêmes errances qu'Anita ^^ !).
Ce livre me fait penser aux 1ers tomes d'Anita Blake. Pas de romance, une mise en place du contexte et des personnages qui accompagneront l’héroïne tout au long de ses aventures.
Je lirai la suite et j'attendrai de voir, notamment au sujet de ses choix amoureux (hors de question de se taper les mêmes errances qu'Anita ^^ !).
February 24, 2015
What a satisfying ending to a great read.
I am ridiculously glad I got to read this book.
Its a great new edition to the Urban Fantasy genre.
Now we all know i love the UF, but it can suffer from arrogant, prideful characters, I'm speaking/writing about the mains here, who can on occasion talk themselves up about how badass and dangerous they can be... one of the best things about this book is that (for the most part) Amber didn't suffer from the 'I am to Awesome disease'. she was clearly a pro at kicking butt and taking names... but she almost never...over emphasized it. She punched, she kicked and they went down, then she was off to do something else. I truly appreciate this, badass characters are so much more .... when they are not always bragging about it. I know weird thing to appreciate but its something I've noticed quite abit. Amber also happened to have an awesome personality, some of her humor was pretty bad, but it made her quirky and fun, which admittedly hid her serious anger issues quite well. Truthfully I can't wait to learn more about her past, because of her anger, you just know its going to be filled with juicy secrets.
really the only problem i had for Amber is my concern for an upcoming love triangle, i hate love triangles, almost nobody does them well. just give up already.
The other characters for the most part were quite good, though some could of used more fleshing out. The whole Jen thing was well done, the chemistry was great, I could tell from early on that there was something between them, at times i even thought my mind was playing tricks on me as Amber clearly see's herself as straight, so the build up for their possible relationship was quite enjoyable to watch.
I must admit I am concerned Amber will turn all slutty-mcgee with her new body change - there have been a few incidents of this nature in other books that i have previously read - and one thing i highly dislike is the excuse 'oh i have this thing now so i can do whatever i want and take zero responsibility because of said thing. NO, if you do something, whether good or bad, you own it, its your shit you fix it or leave it, but its your doing. anyhow ignore my ranting, this series probably wont even go in that direction *fingers crossed* it doesnt.
The world was good, very main stream with secret paranormal's running around and the government attempting to get their greedy mits on them, which im highly looking forward to seeing the outcome of.
hmmm what else... there was a nice touch of shaman/native american lore/magic to mix it up from the usual, which was fun exploring.
for the most part the 'villain' was great, it was pretty much a mystery for a good portion of the book, unfortunately the wrap up was a little anti-climatic for me personally. Good news that was pretty much just a PI case Amber was solving, there's much more going on in the back ground (not enough to get confusing) that i can't wait to get my fingers into.
The editing was rather good, I suck into the story with almost zero issue's which is nice.
So i think that's everything. An easy four star read for me and I'll definitely be keeping my eye out for book two, oh and that prequel that i apparently missed as well - though that didnt have a massive impact on the book as a whole, so nothing to be to concerned about if you havent read it yet either.
all in all Good Stuff. I would highly recommend to Urban Fantasy and paranormal readers.
also i believe i have to do one of these's, will do anyways just in case:
Complimentary Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
like I'm smooth enough with words to lie
I am ridiculously glad I got to read this book.
Its a great new edition to the Urban Fantasy genre.
Now we all know i love the UF, but it can suffer from arrogant, prideful characters, I'm speaking/writing about the mains here, who can on occasion talk themselves up about how badass and dangerous they can be... one of the best things about this book is that (for the most part) Amber didn't suffer from the 'I am to Awesome disease'. she was clearly a pro at kicking butt and taking names... but she almost never...over emphasized it. She punched, she kicked and they went down, then she was off to do something else. I truly appreciate this, badass characters are so much more .... when they are not always bragging about it. I know weird thing to appreciate but its something I've noticed quite abit. Amber also happened to have an awesome personality, some of her humor was pretty bad, but it made her quirky and fun, which admittedly hid her serious anger issues quite well. Truthfully I can't wait to learn more about her past, because of her anger, you just know its going to be filled with juicy secrets.
really the only problem i had for Amber is my concern for an upcoming love triangle, i hate love triangles, almost nobody does them well. just give up already.
The other characters for the most part were quite good, though some could of used more fleshing out. The whole Jen thing was well done, the chemistry was great, I could tell from early on that there was something between them, at times i even thought my mind was playing tricks on me as Amber clearly see's herself as straight, so the build up for their possible relationship was quite enjoyable to watch.
I must admit I am concerned Amber will turn all slutty-mcgee with her new body change - there have been a few incidents of this nature in other books that i have previously read - and one thing i highly dislike is the excuse 'oh i have this thing now so i can do whatever i want and take zero responsibility because of said thing. NO, if you do something, whether good or bad, you own it, its your shit you fix it or leave it, but its your doing. anyhow ignore my ranting, this series probably wont even go in that direction *fingers crossed* it doesnt.
The world was good, very main stream with secret paranormal's running around and the government attempting to get their greedy mits on them, which im highly looking forward to seeing the outcome of.
hmmm what else... there was a nice touch of shaman/native american lore/magic to mix it up from the usual, which was fun exploring.
for the most part the 'villain' was great, it was pretty much a mystery for a good portion of the book, unfortunately the wrap up was a little anti-climatic for me personally. Good news that was pretty much just a PI case Amber was solving, there's much more going on in the back ground (not enough to get confusing) that i can't wait to get my fingers into.
The editing was rather good, I suck into the story with almost zero issue's which is nice.
So i think that's everything. An easy four star read for me and I'll definitely be keeping my eye out for book two, oh and that prequel that i apparently missed as well - though that didnt have a massive impact on the book as a whole, so nothing to be to concerned about if you havent read it yet either.
all in all Good Stuff. I would highly recommend to Urban Fantasy and paranormal readers.
also i believe i have to do one of these's, will do anyways just in case:
Complimentary Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
like I'm smooth enough with words to lie
April 13, 2013
More like 3.5 Stars!
I saw a lot of mixed reviews before I started reading this one. I try not to look at too many reviews before starting a new author but I do like to glance at the ratings and skim through reviews just so I can get an idea of what to expect from the author's writing style (although, admittedly this does sometimes backfire on me if there are spoilers in the reviews).
Even so, I still wasn't sure what I was going to get with this one and I am not ashamed to admit that for whatever reason I usually shy away from male authors in this genre. Mostly because I haven't had good experiences with them for one reason or another, having said that, I did go into this with a very neutral attitude.
It took me a little while to warm up to Amber, I won't lie but I did warm up to her. There was a lot of information about her slowly revealed throughout the story that was very interesting and made me like her more and more as the story progressed.
Really there was a lot to take in, a lot of different things going on. A lot of information and tid bits here and there being revealed along the way. I started to wonder how it all was tied in together but it was and even though it sometimes felt I was getting more information than maybe I needed, that wasn't the case. The author did a very nice job on tying everything together and leaving lots of room for more books in the series in the process without leaving me with too many unanswered questions to drive me crazy once the story was done.
This was a long book but again, a lot of stuff was fleshed out and I really did get a good feel for the world that Henwick created. I got a great feel for Amber, her struggles, strengths and personality.
I loved the paranormal aspect to this one with Athanats, weres and maybe a few other sups along the way. The mystery aspect was very well done, nothing too obvious so that I wasn't 50 pages in and knew who the culprits were already (which does sometimes happen). My only regret with this one was that the relationship that Amber started to have with a certain sup wasn't sooner in the story. That we didn't get more romance along the way. The slight love triangle at the end was sort of...well, it was a little weird to be honest and I am not sure what I thought about it.
Other than that I really did enjoy this story and I would certainly pick up the next book in the series.
I saw a lot of mixed reviews before I started reading this one. I try not to look at too many reviews before starting a new author but I do like to glance at the ratings and skim through reviews just so I can get an idea of what to expect from the author's writing style (although, admittedly this does sometimes backfire on me if there are spoilers in the reviews).
Even so, I still wasn't sure what I was going to get with this one and I am not ashamed to admit that for whatever reason I usually shy away from male authors in this genre. Mostly because I haven't had good experiences with them for one reason or another, having said that, I did go into this with a very neutral attitude.
It took me a little while to warm up to Amber, I won't lie but I did warm up to her. There was a lot of information about her slowly revealed throughout the story that was very interesting and made me like her more and more as the story progressed.
Really there was a lot to take in, a lot of different things going on. A lot of information and tid bits here and there being revealed along the way. I started to wonder how it all was tied in together but it was and even though it sometimes felt I was getting more information than maybe I needed, that wasn't the case. The author did a very nice job on tying everything together and leaving lots of room for more books in the series in the process without leaving me with too many unanswered questions to drive me crazy once the story was done.
This was a long book but again, a lot of stuff was fleshed out and I really did get a good feel for the world that Henwick created. I got a great feel for Amber, her struggles, strengths and personality.
I loved the paranormal aspect to this one with Athanats, weres and maybe a few other sups along the way. The mystery aspect was very well done, nothing too obvious so that I wasn't 50 pages in and knew who the culprits were already (which does sometimes happen). My only regret with this one was that the relationship that Amber started to have with a certain sup wasn't sooner in the story. That we didn't get more romance along the way. The slight love triangle at the end was sort of...well, it was a little weird to be honest and I am not sure what I thought about it.
Other than that I really did enjoy this story and I would certainly pick up the next book in the series.
September 5, 2017
A up-and-coming Urban Fantasy
This novel follows the familiar UF route. Amber Farrell is a down on het luck PI with a military past, and currently in a bit of trouble. A client is suing her for something she din't do, a few criminal conspiracies, bad-guys, shooting, Full-blown action and in the shadows of it all The Supernatural.
Amber knows there are vampires. They are dangerous, difficult to find and despite her own troubles she needs to keep an eye out for any potential trouble they might cause.... yeah life just got easy.
So what makes this 'Up-and-coming'.... well. In short it's really good. The whole novel is choke full of action, has an damaged but highly competent protagonist and slowly but steadily building relationships with secondary characters. Many of which you will look forward to in meeting again in the second novel. But mostly this novel and its main character have a bit of a 'Kate Daniels' feeling to it. A similarity that is noticeably in the plot, characters but most of all quality. Not once did the story dip, stagnate with an info-dump or spent time with useless or boring character.
So yeah, a powergirl PI spying on vampires. What's not to like?
This novel follows the familiar UF route. Amber Farrell is a down on het luck PI with a military past, and currently in a bit of trouble. A client is suing her for something she din't do, a few criminal conspiracies, bad-guys, shooting, Full-blown action and in the shadows of it all The Supernatural.
Amber knows there are vampires. They are dangerous, difficult to find and despite her own troubles she needs to keep an eye out for any potential trouble they might cause.... yeah life just got easy.
So what makes this 'Up-and-coming'.... well. In short it's really good. The whole novel is choke full of action, has an damaged but highly competent protagonist and slowly but steadily building relationships with secondary characters. Many of which you will look forward to in meeting again in the second novel. But mostly this novel and its main character have a bit of a 'Kate Daniels' feeling to it. A similarity that is noticeably in the plot, characters but most of all quality. Not once did the story dip, stagnate with an info-dump or spent time with useless or boring character.
So yeah, a powergirl PI spying on vampires. What's not to like?
July 9, 2017
Solid 4 Stars
This urban fantasy was a refreshing read after reading so paranormal romances. The world building has some unique features. The heroine has major kick butt skills. I'm impressed with her backstory and happy there is still more to learn. The plot has many twist, turns, and action sequences. I'm guilty of skimming through the description actions parts because I was so anxious to find out what would happen. (Basically, I just wanted the heroine to reach the top of the stairs.).
Thanks to Ian and Soo I have found a new urban fantasy author who's on par with some of my favorite UF writers. On to the next book!
This urban fantasy was a refreshing read after reading so paranormal romances. The world building has some unique features. The heroine has major kick butt skills. I'm impressed with her backstory and happy there is still more to learn. The plot has many twist, turns, and action sequences. I'm guilty of skimming through the description actions parts because I was so anxious to find out what would happen. (Basically, I just wanted the heroine to reach the top of the stairs.).
Thanks to Ian and Soo I have found a new urban fantasy author who's on par with some of my favorite UF writers. On to the next book!
February 14, 2018
This is an interesting new set-up for UF. It is the same sort of beings with familiar twists, but newish names for them. I’m on the fence when it comes to the Athanate. The bit about them not really being vampires is refreshing as well as the ability to function during the day. The whole blood and sex thing is part of the use of that type of being, but I felt the whole bi thing with the main character wasn’t pulled off that well. Amber did a lot of talking….
There were a lot of machinations going on between all of the races—which got kinda old. Something about the heads of the factions in Denver being uber unyielding buttheads got tiring I guess.
I liked the overall plot and it made a compelling story mixed in with everything else.
I read books 1-3 before writing my reviews and with how the books are set-up it is non-stop action with no break in-between so I’m just jotting down thoughts….
There were a lot of machinations going on between all of the races—which got kinda old. Something about the heads of the factions in Denver being uber unyielding buttheads got tiring I guess.
I liked the overall plot and it made a compelling story mixed in with everything else.
I read books 1-3 before writing my reviews and with how the books are set-up it is non-stop action with no break in-between so I’m just jotting down thoughts….
June 22, 2020
Ich muss sagen die Story hat mich was überrascht.
Als Werbung ist mir dieses Buch erschienen. Das Cover fand ich naja, aber der Klapptext schien interessant zu sein.
Umso überraschter war ich wie mich die Handlung fesseln konnte.
Amber Farell ist ein interessanter Charakter und ich fand sie sehr sympathisch. Man wird genauso unwissend wie sie in alles eingeführt.
Ich fand die Art der Geschichte der Vampire mal gelungen anders und bin schon gespannt was einen noch erwartet.
Ich fand Jen leider sehr nervig und ich hoffe das sie in weiteren Bändern nicht so viel Platz ein nimmt. Diana und Bian fand ich sehr geheimnisvoll und interessant.
Ich bin gespannt wie es mit Amber weiter geht und was noch so alles passiert.
Ein wenig muss man aber mal bei der Übersetzung acht geben. Es gab Sätze da habe ich mich gefragt ob nicht ein Worte fehlt. Was unter anderen auch so war.
Als Werbung ist mir dieses Buch erschienen. Das Cover fand ich naja, aber der Klapptext schien interessant zu sein.
Umso überraschter war ich wie mich die Handlung fesseln konnte.
Amber Farell ist ein interessanter Charakter und ich fand sie sehr sympathisch. Man wird genauso unwissend wie sie in alles eingeführt.
Ich fand die Art der Geschichte der Vampire mal gelungen anders und bin schon gespannt was einen noch erwartet.
Ich fand Jen leider sehr nervig und ich hoffe das sie in weiteren Bändern nicht so viel Platz ein nimmt. Diana und Bian fand ich sehr geheimnisvoll und interessant.
Ich bin gespannt wie es mit Amber weiter geht und was noch so alles passiert.
Ein wenig muss man aber mal bei der Übersetzung acht geben. Es gab Sätze da habe ich mich gefragt ob nicht ein Worte fehlt. Was unter anderen auch so war.
September 5, 2018
Excellent, la pression monte pour Amber et les prémices de ce qu’elle est vraiment comment a être entrevus. L’auteur sème des petits indices avec beaucoup de talent et nous laisse toujours au bord du suspense. Un peu plus du passé d’Amber est également révélé et des fissures apparaissent dans sa carapace. Si la romance comme tout bon urban fantasy est à peine esquissée, je dois dire que je ne m’attendais vraiment pas à ce qui semble s’annoncer, c’est très bien amené.
Ce tome est addictif, à aucun moment la tension ne se relâche et même si l’enquête est résolue, ce n’est qu’une goutte d’eau dans la bataille qui s’annonce.
Ce tome est addictif, à aucun moment la tension ne se relâche et même si l’enquête est résolue, ce n’est qu’une goutte d’eau dans la bataille qui s’annonce.
April 18, 2020
4+++. When Charles de Lint says a book is really good, I've learned to get it immediately. He was right once again. I loved this!
June 9, 2013
I am probably not the first person to write that they were a little hesitant at reading an Urban Fantasy written by a male author. If you are one like me, do not be nervous, take a leap of faith - this book is worth it!
This book was recommended to me by Leiah at soireadthisbooktoday.com - someone who I do not know personally, but only through a few email exchanges about her blog etc. You can tell a lot about a person from the books she recommends. I have had people recommend stuff, and when I have read it, or tried to read it, I think wow, I didn't know them as well as thought I did! Leiah got it right!
But I digress...
I refuse to give spoilers and I feel it unnecessary to summarize the plot. Suffice it to say, I read this book in 2 sittings.
First, Amber kicks butt like no other - maybe Kate Daniels, who until now was my number one a$$-kicker. It's a tie for first place now. There is nothing better than a female that can hold her own against...well...anything.
Secondly, I love a good flawed character - and while not as flawed as some, Amber is still up there. The Tara/mirror/plaque thing is pure genius.
In terms of plot, this is fast-paced, action-packed and does not slow down for a second. Exactly what I would expect from a male writer. The sexual tension between several of the female characters could also stem from this too - but, meh, other female authors have done it too - and I liked it. Although hinted at here and there, there are no sex scenes or heavy romantic scenes - as these would just interfere with the action - as well as interfere with Amber's high morals of not infecting another person with the Athanate disease she carries in her. This may or may not change in book 2...I have purchased it, but have not started it yet. I am a sucker for a little romance - and hope Amber is going to find some eventually :)
The big exciting action scene that concludes as the book does, was like watching a scene from a summer blockbuster. If I could eat popcorn without fear of getting butter on my precious Kindle Fire HD, well I would have!
All in all, I loved this book and will be eagerly reading Book 2 asap.
This book was recommended to me by Leiah at soireadthisbooktoday.com - someone who I do not know personally, but only through a few email exchanges about her blog etc. You can tell a lot about a person from the books she recommends. I have had people recommend stuff, and when I have read it, or tried to read it, I think wow, I didn't know them as well as thought I did! Leiah got it right!
But I digress...
I refuse to give spoilers and I feel it unnecessary to summarize the plot. Suffice it to say, I read this book in 2 sittings.
First, Amber kicks butt like no other - maybe Kate Daniels, who until now was my number one a$$-kicker. It's a tie for first place now. There is nothing better than a female that can hold her own against...well...anything.
Secondly, I love a good flawed character - and while not as flawed as some, Amber is still up there. The Tara/mirror/plaque thing is pure genius.
In terms of plot, this is fast-paced, action-packed and does not slow down for a second. Exactly what I would expect from a male writer. The sexual tension between several of the female characters could also stem from this too - but, meh, other female authors have done it too - and I liked it. Although hinted at here and there, there are no sex scenes or heavy romantic scenes - as these would just interfere with the action - as well as interfere with Amber's high morals of not infecting another person with the Athanate disease she carries in her. This may or may not change in book 2...I have purchased it, but have not started it yet. I am a sucker for a little romance - and hope Amber is going to find some eventually :)
The big exciting action scene that concludes as the book does, was like watching a scene from a summer blockbuster. If I could eat popcorn without fear of getting butter on my precious Kindle Fire HD, well I would have!
All in all, I loved this book and will be eagerly reading Book 2 asap.
January 10, 2013
I loved about the first half or two-thirds of this book - intriguing variant of the typical urban vampire, "kick-ass heroine" story. Amber was bitten by vampires in the South American jungles as a US Army special-ops -- er, operative. And the Army doctors figured out that it's special vampire prions that cause people to turn after being bitten. They continue testing the blood-level of the prions, but eventually let her leave, with the understanding that if/once that goes over a certain value, she'll be brought back into an isolation cell.
This is just my cup of tea, and Amber's horrible situation was compelling and well presented. Things started to fall apart when the untrusting (for damn good reasons) and professional Amber starts to cozy up ridiculously quickly with her super-rich, super-powerful businesswoman client: moving into her house, accepting expensive gifts and worrying a lot about "not being there for Jen" at all times. (Plus, good grief, is there a need for "she kissed my cheek", quite so many times?) Worse, for me, was when the prions reached higher levels and Amber's sexuality started becoming both heightened and mixed with blood-lust. I suppose that the difference from the inevitable urban fantasy love-triangle could be viewed as a good thing, but it didn't work at all for me, way beyond the usual UFLT.
Other points lost for the heavy-handed treatment of the slimy Krantz - fraud investigator for the Army (seriously, there must be investigators, and they must do an important job, but if the Army doesn't make arrangements for them not to bump into special-ops cases and start hounding those people as cheats, it would be more than a bit ridiculous). I don't think he was fat, asthmatic and physically disabled in any way, but other than that... Also, Amber's sister. Ditto on the OTT nastiness, even after Amber's mother's Big Reveal. Amber had all our sympathy already - no need to make her into a martyr figure!
This is just my cup of tea, and Amber's horrible situation was compelling and well presented. Things started to fall apart when the untrusting (for damn good reasons) and professional Amber starts to cozy up ridiculously quickly with her super-rich, super-powerful businesswoman client: moving into her house, accepting expensive gifts and worrying a lot about "not being there for Jen" at all times. (Plus, good grief, is there a need for "she kissed my cheek", quite so many times?) Worse, for me, was when the prions reached higher levels and Amber's sexuality started becoming both heightened and mixed with blood-lust. I suppose that the difference from the inevitable urban fantasy love-triangle could be viewed as a good thing, but it didn't work at all for me, way beyond the usual UFLT.
Other points lost for the heavy-handed treatment of the slimy Krantz - fraud investigator for the Army (seriously, there must be investigators, and they must do an important job, but if the Army doesn't make arrangements for them not to bump into special-ops cases and start hounding those people as cheats, it would be more than a bit ridiculous). I don't think he was fat, asthmatic and physically disabled in any way, but other than that... Also, Amber's sister. Ditto on the OTT nastiness, even after Amber's mother's Big Reveal. Amber had all our sympathy already - no need to make her into a martyr figure!
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