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Resenting the Hero
(Hero #1)
by
In a realm beset by natural disasters, only the magical abilities of the bonded Pairs—Source and Shield—make the land habitable and keep the citizenry safe. The ties that bind them are far beyond the relationships between lovers or kin—and last their entire lives…Whether they like it or not.
Since she was a child, Dunleavy Mallorough has been nurturing her talents as a Shie ...more
Since she was a child, Dunleavy Mallorough has been nurturing her talents as a Shie ...more
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Mass Market Paperback, 285 pages
Published
February 28th 2006
by Ace
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Start your review of Resenting the Hero (Hero, #1)

I think this book, the first in the series, really actually deserves 3 1/2 stars, but since it compelled me to read all five books in the series in a 3 day period, I believe the extra 1/2 star is an "obsessiveness bonus".
I picked this book up on a whim from an Amazon List (honestly, I find the best books that way! Thank you Amazon contributors!) It looked to be something I wouldn't necessarily love (a bit twee from the description) but I quickly fell in love with the characters and the world. J ...more
I picked this book up on a whim from an Amazon List (honestly, I find the best books that way! Thank you Amazon contributors!) It looked to be something I wouldn't necessarily love (a bit twee from the description) but I quickly fell in love with the characters and the world. J ...more

Dec 18, 2009
Danielle The Book Huntress (Back to the Books)
rated it
really liked it
Recommends it for:
fantasy readers
This lovely book was on my to be read pile for a long time. I'm glad I finally got around to reading it. The idea is very unique and quite intriguing. However, it took me a little while to get into the book. Once I made it about forty pages in, I was settled into a groove and enjoying the ride.
Dunleavy is not happy about her bonded work partner. He's probably the second to last one she would have picked, and her last choice has a reputation for being a psychopath. Lord Shintaro Karish is just to ...more
Dunleavy is not happy about her bonded work partner. He's probably the second to last one she would have picked, and her last choice has a reputation for being a psychopath. Lord Shintaro Karish is just to ...more

This book is done an active disservice by its cover. Even the cover copy is, at best, misleading. Dunleavy (sometimes Lee for short), the heroine, is a Shield and trained to service in a partnership that is inherently unequal. This much is true. But she is never subservient and the tone of the novel isn't nearly as light or farcical as the cover would have you believe.
Further, while Lee is unquestionably naïve and this book is largely about her growth and maturity and overcoming her (understanda ...more
Further, while Lee is unquestionably naïve and this book is largely about her growth and maturity and overcoming her (understanda ...more

I first read about this series on Ann Aguirre's blog. She recommended it so highly and, given how much I enjoyed Grimspace, I immediately picked up a copy of the first book. By the time I cracked it open, I'd been sufficiently warned not to be deterred by the ridiculous cover and anemic title. It's difficult to get past the outside, they said, but persevere you must. The cover is truly cringe-worthy. But the contents are not. The story has its laughable parts. But they're meant to be funny. So
...more

Lee is absolutely ordinary. Well, except for the fact that she is a Shield (someone born with the unique ability to keep a Sword from dying when he or she channels the forces that cause natural disasters on Lee’s world). And the fact that Lee is particularly sensitive to music (not in a good way). And that she left her family before the age of ten to be prepared for the day, which happens to be today, that she will be bonded with a Sword.
A bond to someone she has never met. And a bond that will ...more
A bond to someone she has never met. And a bond that will ...more

Let me start by saying that I actually like this cover, I know some reviewers despise it, but I don't. I will admit that it lead me to believe this story would be a bit of a romantic farce and actually, there isn't any romance and minimal comedy, but that can be put down to me judging it by its cover (again) rather than the synopsis being misleading. I'd also expected to really dislike Dunleavy because a lot of reviews mention that she's extremely judgemental. While she is judgemental, it wasn't ...more

http://bookslifewine.com/r-resenting-...
Tamika,
I really enjoyed this one! It's not a Romance but rather it's a Fantasy book with a romantic (ironic) cover. I had a lot of fun reading this one...though I'm not quite sure it's your taste. How much straight Fantasy do you read now?
...more
Tamika,
I really enjoyed this one! It's not a Romance but rather it's a Fantasy book with a romantic (ironic) cover. I had a lot of fun reading this one...though I'm not quite sure it's your taste. How much straight Fantasy do you read now?
...more

This is the first in the Source & Shield series of books (the Hero Strikes Back, Heroes Adrift, Heroes at Risk, Heroes Return, Heroes Reward). I read them all, one after another so I'm afraid they all blur together in my head but I certainly enjoyed them. The main character is a tough practical Shield with some odd ideas about how the world works and her own feeling on the matter. Much to her disgust, she is bonded to an outrageous overly-emotional Source. Together they form one of the few magic
...more

Okay. So it turns out, I actually liked this quite a bit. I was worried at first, because I thought Lee was pretty judgmental and unfair (particularly about Taro). But she won me over.
Let's talk about how. I think the author used POV to wonderful effect here. Lee definitely doesn't always say the right things. But she's thinking them - we see that, with her internal dialogue. She's also witty, funny, and at times gut-bustingly hilarious. Definitely sarcastic. But the reason she didn't read as bi ...more
Let's talk about how. I think the author used POV to wonderful effect here. Lee definitely doesn't always say the right things. But she's thinking them - we see that, with her internal dialogue. She's also witty, funny, and at times gut-bustingly hilarious. Definitely sarcastic. But the reason she didn't read as bi ...more

What the hell did I just read? This is one of those "so bad it's good" books.
I wanted to DNF it a lot because Lee is like, super inept. This is a pretty good example of her:
She has great intentions, but she is totally clueless in the execution of anything other than her actual Shield ...more
I wanted to DNF it a lot because Lee is like, super inept. This is a pretty good example of her:
I studied some maps of Middle Reach and the surrounding areas, just because I thought I should. I didn’t know what I was looking for, but studying maps seemed like the thing to do before heading off on a journey.
She has great intentions, but she is totally clueless in the execution of anything other than her actual Shield ...more

Mar 28, 2008
Sarai
rated it
did not like it
Recommends it for:
fantasy lovers
Recommended to Sarai by:
Em and Ann from the blog world~
Shelves:
dnf,
fantasy-sci-fi
Okay I am half way through this book and couldn't put my finger on what i disliked about it until I came across this review which hits it on the head:
"I don't understand Dunleavy's continued resentment and dislike of Karish. Throughout most of the book, although there is a lot of evidence that Karish is a good, responsible Source despite his partying ways, she continually sees him as irresponsible and overbearing. Dunleavy herself came across as a stuffy stick-in-the-mud. Maybe the author meant ...more
"I don't understand Dunleavy's continued resentment and dislike of Karish. Throughout most of the book, although there is a lot of evidence that Karish is a good, responsible Source despite his partying ways, she continually sees him as irresponsible and overbearing. Dunleavy herself came across as a stuffy stick-in-the-mud. Maybe the author meant ...more

2.5 stars. It was really good in the beginning but then halfway through it got really slow with the mystery. I enjoyed the world building and the interactions between Dunleavy and Karish and even though at times Dunelavy was a bit too immature for my taste I liked seeing her grow a bit throughout the book. Resenting the Hero had so much potential left unfulfilled and I wish the author had a bit more action in the book.

Haven't finished it yet, but just had to comment on a few things. The writing style is starting to bother me; there's a lot of summation of events that could have been told in a more narrative style. The dialogue has been snappy and humorous all along, but a lot of it seems unnecessary, especially when important plot points are glossed over.
I found the entire bench dancing sequence really hard to picture - the description left me imagining the dancers hopping from one foot to the other back and ...more
I found the entire bench dancing sequence really hard to picture - the description left me imagining the dancers hopping from one foot to the other back and ...more

I waited forever to read this book finally found it in the library and grabbed it immediately.
It was completely worth it. Two unlikely people learning to live, work and like each other (think Pride and Prejudice if only Darcy and Lizzie were permanently stuck together on the day of the ball and couldn't separate because it would result in either death or uselessness. I don't think they would get along so well either). Underlying that, Source Taro - reputation: playboy, hero and adventurer- is ta ...more
It was completely worth it. Two unlikely people learning to live, work and like each other (think Pride and Prejudice if only Darcy and Lizzie were permanently stuck together on the day of the ball and couldn't separate because it would result in either death or uselessness. I don't think they would get along so well either). Underlying that, Source Taro - reputation: playboy, hero and adventurer- is ta ...more

Wow. this read is a real gem. I am not a great fan of reads falling in the "young adult" bracket, but the growth of the MC throughout this book is worth the read. Oh, and did I mention the "Hero" mentioned in the title? The relationship between these 2 characters is a joy to watch develop.
Not 5-star just because of some niggling repetitiveness that bugged me. Oh, and PLEASE ignore the cover. Overall, a very satisfactory read. Looking forward to more, 'cause it's a series! =) ...more
Not 5-star just because of some niggling repetitiveness that bugged me. Oh, and PLEASE ignore the cover. Overall, a very satisfactory read. Looking forward to more, 'cause it's a series! =) ...more

I forgot I even read this.

(Ignore the cringe-worthy title and cover - this book is amazing!)
This book does such a great job of creating a fantasy world. In this world, there are Sources and Shields. A Source, typically popular with a crowd and the receiver of much glory, can stop natural disasters, such as tidal waves. However, to do so is a great trial upon their minds and bodies and could ultimately cause their deaths. This is where the Shields come in. When a Source opens their mind to stop these natural disasters, a ...more
This book does such a great job of creating a fantasy world. In this world, there are Sources and Shields. A Source, typically popular with a crowd and the receiver of much glory, can stop natural disasters, such as tidal waves. However, to do so is a great trial upon their minds and bodies and could ultimately cause their deaths. This is where the Shields come in. When a Source opens their mind to stop these natural disasters, a ...more

Oct 02, 2010
Gokce ~Muslin Myst~
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
series,
2010,
adult,
favourites,
hero-i-loved,
series-1st-book,
fantasy,
first-person-narration
I can't remember how I first saw this book and added it to my to-read pile but I'm glad I did. There were parts of the story that were a bit complex to imagine but once I let go and went with the flow, it was all good and I enjoyed it very much.
The world is under threat of many random natural disasters and certain people are able to prevent these. They work in pairs, Souces and Shields; while a Source has the ability to detect and avert the disasters by channeling their powers through themselves ...more
The world is under threat of many random natural disasters and certain people are able to prevent these. They work in pairs, Souces and Shields; while a Source has the ability to detect and avert the disasters by channeling their powers through themselves ...more

Normally, I know how I feel about a book. It's usually one of strong dislike, enthusiastic love or a resigned feeling that it could have gone somewhat better.
Resenting the Hero gets the dubious honor of being the first book to induce complete apathy in me.

I think, in part, it was thanks to the emotional indifference of the protagonist, who simply doesn't empathize with anyone or anything. Dunleavy (that names make me think of bread, dunno why) is a character that is so stoic and detached from a ...more
Resenting the Hero gets the dubious honor of being the first book to induce complete apathy in me.

I think, in part, it was thanks to the emotional indifference of the protagonist, who simply doesn't empathize with anyone or anything. Dunleavy (that names make me think of bread, dunno why) is a character that is so stoic and detached from a ...more

All Dunleavy Mallorough ever wanted was a quiet, not overly exciting life. As a Shield, she will become one half of a bonded pair of people with special gifts that allow them to protect their world and its inhabitants from the frequent natural disasters that plague it. Her Matching ceremony offers several promising candidates for just the life Lee has in mind - steady, uneventful and pleasantly free of attention and heroics. Of course, fate has a different idea, and she ends up bonding with none
...more

While I fell head-over-heels for the world-building in this novel, not to mention the subtle weaving of politics between Source and Shield, I was less impressed by Lee's naivety; her refusal to alter her opinions of others, despite overwhelming evidence. Resenting the Hero is full of entertaining banter between Lee and Taro, but the fact that it takes them the entire course of this novel to simply like one another, looking past reputations and pre-conceived notions, grated on me. I found the con
...more

2,5
If our heroine Lee wasn't naive,selfish and conceited bitch the rating would be a lot higher! ...more
If our heroine Lee wasn't naive,selfish and conceited bitch the rating would be a lot higher! ...more

This book didn't fulfil either attempts at being a fantasy or a romance. I don't mind if it focuses on one or the other, but to miss the mark on both makes a boring book.
The world building was really poor; the magic badly/not explained. The two main characters could have been interesting but their interactions with one another were too limited - the clash between their personalities was never really addressed so the tension/romance element was badly handled. And the plot...yawn.
Disappointing. ...more
The world building was really poor; the magic badly/not explained. The two main characters could have been interesting but their interactions with one another were too limited - the clash between their personalities was never really addressed so the tension/romance element was badly handled. And the plot...yawn.
Disappointing. ...more

Nov 10, 2017
loise✨
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
badass-heroine,
ebooks,
high-fantasy,
romance,
magic,
forever-faves,
book-boyfriends,
loled,
sassy-pants,
cutesy-ish
i've always been a sucker of hate-to-love tropes and boy, did our heroine truly resented our hero. sometimes, i think a bit too much. but i loved dunleavy, she's so rough around the edges - judgmental and has too many selfish thoughts - but still has a good heart underneath all that. she's strong-minded, independent and she's really funny! i loved how this book subtly (or not so subtly) takes a jab at "heroes" or guys who are supposed to be knights in shining armors. i thought it was fucking bri
...more

I was looking for something fluffy and easy to read that wasn't terrible, and I was intrigued by Resenting the Hero since it was on both a Kirkus review list, "Top 10 Fantasy Novels by Female Authors," and the Goodreads list for "Wonderful books with Awful Covers." (In my opinion, the title is awful as well...) Clearly, the cover for this book is awful, combining the worst of cheesy fantasy covers with the suggestion of romance, but at least the guy on the cover isn't shirtless with an oily ches
...more

I believe this series is an insiders' tip and should be on everyone's to-read list who likes exciting fantasy.
It is well thought-out. The speech is beautiful done. And it never gets boring.
"Resenting the Hero" by Moira J. Moore is the first book in a seven book long historical romance fantasy series. We get introduced into the world and its history and, of course, to the two main protagonists, Karish/Taro and Lee. (The POV is for all seven volumes entirely from Lee's point of view and in the fir ...more
It is well thought-out. The speech is beautiful done. And it never gets boring.
"Resenting the Hero" by Moira J. Moore is the first book in a seven book long historical romance fantasy series. We get introduced into the world and its history and, of course, to the two main protagonists, Karish/Taro and Lee. (The POV is for all seven volumes entirely from Lee's point of view and in the fir ...more

UPDATE: David informs me that my review is lean on real info about the book, for example . . . "Why would I want to read it?" So, here's a bone for those of you who like more of a teaser. (Don't worry, no spoilers.)
In this world of extremes, the population is constantly threatened by violent atmospheric events (earthquakes, floods, tsunamis). A few gifted people "Sources" are able to channel their mental resources to dispel these events, but left undefended, they die in the process without prot ...more
In this world of extremes, the population is constantly threatened by violent atmospheric events (earthquakes, floods, tsunamis). A few gifted people "Sources" are able to channel their mental resources to dispel these events, but left undefended, they die in the process without prot ...more

As you have probably already seen I've only given this book 1 star, and no, it's not 1,5 or anything. One. That's it.
Frankly I only finished this book, so 1) It had chance to redeem itself, and 2) So I could change it to read.
So the plot
In a world (that I can't remember so I'm going to call it Not-Pandora) that is plagued by natural disasters on a daily basis, only the power from a Pair can calm the forces causing them.
Meet Lee, a "sensible" young woman, she is a Shield who only wants a reli ...more
Frankly I only finished this book, so 1) It had chance to redeem itself, and 2) So I could change it to read.
So the plot
In a world (that I can't remember so I'm going to call it Not-Pandora) that is plagued by natural disasters on a daily basis, only the power from a Pair can calm the forces causing them.
Meet Lee, a "sensible" young woman, she is a Shield who only wants a reli ...more

Essentially a pretty trashy novel, but I was in the mood for a typical romance novel and this was a fast read for late evenings when I just needed something to get my mind off things. (I should have been warned by the trashy cover - but went for "Never judge a book by its cover." - also, it was an ebook.) The writing was so-so - not glaringly bad, but surely nowhere near as good as it could have been. The premise is your typical romantic setting - Sources, who channel natural disasters to avert
...more
topics | posts | views | last activity | |
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Action/Adventure ...: January 2016 A New Leaf Group Read: Resenting the Hero by Moira J. Moore *Spoilers* | 10 | 11 | Jan 24, 2016 06:00PM |
I started writing my first book when I was fourteen. I was sitting in class, bored out of my mind, and I started writing a story about a girl sitting in class, bored out of her mind. Except her class was in a school of wizardry. That story turned into a book. An awful book that I tried and failed to get published. I'm grateful the internet wasn't a thing back then, because I surely would have put
...more
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Kerine Wint is a software engineering graduate with more love for books than for computers. As an avid reader, writer, and fan of all things...
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“Sometimes I was so funny I couldn’t stand myself.”
—
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“In time I could move, though my body wasn't thrilled about it. I moved from the floor to the sofa I had fallen off of, which was all the progress I was going to demand from myself right then. Karish was much more ambitious, moving from the floor by the table to the sofa. He sat beside me and without the slightest hesitation or diffidence wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close, and I bonelessly complied. Pain eased, muscles loosened, and the beating of his heart helped to drive disturbing images from my mind. For the moment not giving a damn about how it looked or whether it was a bad idea, I curled around him and flattened my palm against his chest so I could feel the blood pulsing around him.”
—
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