Child of Fire (Twenty Palaces, #1) in SOS: Serious Overload of Series

Dec 14, 2009 Kati rated it really liked it

Shelves: urban-fantasy, look-for-more, 2010, in-english, work-reviews

What a great book. It had me on the edge of my seat more than once. Fast paced action, original plot and interesting characters, spells and werewolves, shoot-outs and strange supernatural forms... Though I did feel like I was missing a prequel to this story, there was much hinted at and never explained. Hopefully, Connolly will rectify that in the next book in his series. I'll be definitely buying it! ...more

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Nov 15, 2010 Lisa M rated it it was amazing

Shelves: urban-fantasy

I loved Child of Fire. I don't think any book has so completely engrossed me since (any of) the Dresden Files books. Now, I've heard this one compared to the Dresden books several times, and they do both have a male protagonist. Both are engrossing and action packed. But Ray Lilly is not Harry Dresden. He is harder and does not have Harry's refreshing sense of humor. Ray is in an awful situation – he only expects to live a few days, at most – and really, has nothing to joke about. Dresden's worl I loved Child of Fire. I don't think any book has so completely engrossed me since (any of) the Dresden Files books. Now, I've heard this one compared to the Dresden books several times, and they do both have a male protagonist. Both are engrossing and action packed. But Ray Lilly is not Harry Dresden. He is harder and does not have Harry's refreshing sense of humor. Ray is in an awful situation – he only expects to live a few days, at most – and really, has nothing to joke about. Dresden's world can be dark, but Ray's manages to be darker. This is not a light read. But it's well worth it.

Pros -

Everything? Can I say that? It's hard to point out just a few great things with Child of Fire, because I loved it so much. When I was reading, I hated to put it down. It gripped me from the first few pages and didn't let go. I loved both the main characters, even though Annalise was almost an anti-hero (technically, on Ray's side, but still scary as all could be). I really understood Ray, and empathized with him. The plot intrigued me, although only part of it was still a mystery up to the end. The action was intense and thoroughly enjoyable. Just about everything about Child of Fire was amazing.

Cons -

This is more on me, I think, than the book. I couldn't keep up with all the side characters and the names being thrown around. Ray would learn some clue about someone, and mention that person later, and I wouldn't remember that name. Anyone who's met me in real life knows I'm horrible with names. There are plenty of names in this book, some of people we never meet.

This was not an issue for me, but others might have problems with it: this is closer to a horror novel than a fantasy (albeit urban fantasy). Many parts are surprisingly dark. The main plot revolves around children dying, horribly, and being completely forgotten by everyone around them. That's not a spoiler. The first one happens within just a few pages. It is very gritty and dark.

This is an excellent addition to the urban fantasy genre, and I recommend it to anyone who likes their UF dark or are looking for something new.

Follow my reviews at Urban Fantasies Read and Reviewed. ...more

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Oct 11, 2010 Chompa rated it it was amazing

I was really impressed by this book. The main character Ray Lilly is a flawed and ultimately doomed man serving as a straw man to a sorcerer that wants to kill him.

Harry Connolly has created a world where magic is in the background and a very real threat. Ray serves the 20 Palaces Society of sorcerers who try to prevent people from having spell books and more importantly from summoning predators from the deep.

The writing was very solid. The story was creepy and full of action. For a first book ...more

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Oct 12, 2010 The Flooze marked it as to-read

Shelves: owned, urban-fantasy-paranormal

Recommended by Jim Butcher at NY Comic Con!

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Jul 17, 2013 Deyara rated it really liked it

Shelves: urban-fantasy, setting-small-town

Interesting, and a fast read, good pace. Ray and Annalise were both fun to read about, and I liked that Ray is the side-kick, not the uber-hero character. Will read more in this series.

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