The Iron Hunt (Hunter Kiss, #1) in SOS: Serious Overload of Series

Apr 28, 2011 Kay rated it it was ok

Shelves: urban-fantasy

The first line of this book was so damn good, I actually tweeted it. At the time, I thought, "This is going to be the perfect Urban Fantasy." Unfortunately, I was proved wrong. And it truly is unfortunate, because this really really could have been a great book.

Ok, let's start off with the prose. In UF, I tend to see the writing as a means to an end. If I become attached to the characters and understand the universe = good writing. But if the characters fall flat and the plot holes start showing The first line of this book was so damn good, I actually tweeted it. At the time, I thought, "This is going to be the perfect Urban Fantasy." Unfortunately, I was proved wrong. And it truly is unfortunate, because this really really could have been a great book.

Ok, let's start off with the prose. In UF, I tend to see the writing as a means to an end. If I become attached to the characters and understand the universe = good writing. But if the characters fall flat and the plot holes start showing = bad writing. There are numerous exceptions to that rule, but on a whole it applies. But The Iron Hunt takes different approach - one that I consider characteristic of literary fiction: gorgeous sentences with a tangential plot.

Now, this could have worked if it hadn't been for the fact that the plot became impossible to follow. The universe wasn't that complicated and neither was the action - but Liu's style meant I had to re-read simple dialogue scenes in order to understand what was going on! It required a level of concentration that detracted from the story and was, quite frankly, unpleasant.

And then there's the story itself. In short: nothing special. There's nothing original about Liu's characters or universe - been there, done that. Our heroine, Maxine, was a bore and rather emo. Her supporting cast of demons could have been interesting, I suppose, but they were too simple to engage with. And then there's the "love of her life"... by far the most yawn-inducing man I've ever had the misfortune to read about. Unlike most UF, Liu introduces her heroine in an already stable and loving relationship. Well, at least that's what we're told. From the 3 scenes he's in, all I can tell is that he has the personality of a wooden plank. Can't see what anyone would see in him.

All in all, a very disappointing read. I had had high hopes for Liu, but she didn't deliver. She has the potential to be a fantastic writer. Perhaps her talents would be better suited to short stories or poetry... but she should stay away from Urban Fantasy.

Bottom line? Don't bother.

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Nov 19, 2011 Dawn rated it it was ok

I liked this book okay and will probably get around to reading the other books in the series but I am in no rush. My issue wasn't so much with the plot, it was good. I just didn't connect with the main character. ...more

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