Bitter Night (Horngate Witches, #1) in SOS: Serious Overload of Series

Jul 18, 2012 Kelly (Maybedog) rated it really liked it

Shelves: why-favorite, what-modern-fantasy, why-favorite-series

On the surface, there was a lot wrong here. For example, there were a lot of little things that irritated me, like a character being able to see the expression of a person he or she wasn't facing or being able to tell not just eye color but exact shade and tone in the dark from afar. There were also a number of ridiculous cliches such as a character seeing another for the first time while hidden from sight and knowing that the man was the perfect match for her, the one who would understand her,
On the surface, there was a lot wrong here. For example, there were a lot of little things that irritated me, like a character being able to see the expression of a person he or she wasn't facing or being able to tell not just eye color but exact shade and tone in the dark from afar. There were also a number of ridiculous cliches such as a character seeing another for the first time while hidden from sight and knowing that the man was the perfect match for her, the one who would understand her, was strong enough to equal her in combat, etc. Another was that a character's team was fiercely loyal despite that character's personality being angry and angst ridden and her taking huge risks with her own life.

But none of that really mattered because this was a breathtakingly fast-paced story with interesting, likable, and individual characters, a fairly different sort of UF world (where there are violent and terrible angels but no demons) that's not totally black and white. The enormous powers of the superhuman characters are offset by terrible weaknesses.

The plot is world-affecting and cataclysmic but only a foreshadowing of what is to come so there is much room to build. I didn't feel like I was rereading the same old UF novel I read last week.

There are complex relationships (although a hint of a possible love triangle or at least third wheel complication--argh!) and the heroine really is kick ass. She's a little reckless like usual but not so bad and but is actually very competent. She's stronger and more capable than the love interest and he is intrigued by it and is attracted to her partially because of it. (view spoiler)

I did think there were parts where he should have been stronger or faster than he was. And I think there was a huge plot device that should never have happened in the first place. I mean, the situation the character's found themselves in could have been remedied far more easily the usual way (far worse situations were handled directly in other parts of the book) than the more convoluted and dangerous way it was. I understand the need to get the two into that eventual situation but another believable entry point would have been much better.

I think the intense feelings all the characters had for one another happened too fast. I wasn't caught up to where the author wanted me to be yet. But when I did get there, I was in line all the way: lots of intense, codependent emotional scenes; live those.

The fact is that I simply loved this book. I couldn't put it down. I found myself rereading passages right after I read them. When I was done I wanted to pick up the sequel immediately. I finished it two days ago and I can't stop thinking about it. It's pulled me emotionally.

This us a solid first book and up my alley. So, even though a lot of the nitpicky type stuff usually has me rating books quite a bit lower, I enjoyed this book so much, it's a solid four. Here's hoping the next one is better edited and just great all the way around. ...more

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Jan 17, 2012 Christal rated it really liked it

Shelves: multiple-leads, magic, angels, fae, witches-warlocks-and-mages, mind-bullets, urban-fantasy, assassins-spies-and-mercs, war

This book was very fast-paced and full of action. I really enjoyed the backstory of the witches and their warriors and the epic storyline that has been set up for future books. Max was bitter, to say the least, but it was believable. It was easy to see where she was coming from and why she felt the way she did about Giselle. Alexander wasn't my favorite; I actually preferred Niko, Oz, and even Thor. Hopefully he gets fleshed out more in the future books and becomes a true equal for Max. I will d ...more

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May 20, 2011 Deyara rated it it was amazing

Shelves: magic, char-enhanced-humans

4.5 stars.

Ended up really liking it, despite the very shaky start. Dont know if it was the writing or the editing, but it was a bit messed up:

The other three victims were in much the same condition, although the woman had been chewed on more than the other two. Her legs were twisted and splintered, and most of the flesh had been chewed off them. Both her arms were gone. Max's fury flamed as she looked at the woman. She was wearing shreds of a pink nightgown, like she'd been snuggled in bed when

...more

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Jun 17, 2010 Arlene rated it really liked it

Shelves: magic-spells-mage-witchcraft, angels, elemental-magic-powers, dark-urban-fantasy, new-reads-new-authors

Max is a really hard-core, kick-ass woman, sometimes, even terrifying. She was made unnatural by her best friend, whom she didn't know was a witch and a seer who has planned everything including Max's transformation in preparation for the the impending doom of the human world.
Even if Max seemed cold and indifferent, deep inside she cares for her horngate family and will do anything to protect it. I felt battered and tired after reading this book. It seems at every turn, Max is always in a fight ...more

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