Shadowflame (Shadow World, #2) in SOS: Serious Overload of Series

May 11, 2011 AH rated it it was ok

Shelves: urban-fantasy, vampires, babr-reviews, zzread-august-2011

This is a spoiler free review. The big bad spoiler will be referred to as “The Event”.

It’s hard to avoid the controversy surrounding this novel unless you were on a deserted island for the last few weeks. It’s also hard to avoid the big bad spoiler for this book but to say that a lot of readers were disappointed would not be an understatement. I usually go into a book without any preconceived notions. I want the author to wow me and make me believe that their paranormal world is real. I really e This is a spoiler free review. The big bad spoiler will be referred to as “The Event”.

It’s hard to avoid the controversy surrounding this novel unless you were on a deserted island for the last few weeks. It’s also hard to avoid the big bad spoiler for this book but to say that a lot of readers were disappointed would not be an understatement. I usually go into a book without any preconceived notions. I want the author to wow me and make me believe that their paranormal world is real. I really enjoyed Queen of Shadows and I was excited to read Shadowflame. Then the early reviews came in. The rumblings and grumblings began…I did my best and avoided the spoiler in question and I strongly urge those who have not read the book to avoid it as well.

I will start off with the good. There were things that I liked about this book. I like the author’s take on vampires and how she set up the organization of their world. I like the world of the Primes, the Elite, the idea of the signet, etc. The politics were intriguing. I was fascinated with the idea of the Firstborn. I liked the fact that the main character was a geeky techno guy who used technology to monitor his population. The author also writes some pretty impressive fight scenes as well.

The thing is, I didn’t particularly care for this book. Prior to The Event, I had difficulty focusing on the book. I found myself putting the book down and actually going to do the dreaded housework. It just didn’t have the draw of the previous book. It was a little dull.
After The Event, I was angry. Why do something like that? I needed a timeout. I did come close to tossing the book across the room, something I don’t want to do because I am a little OCD about keeping my books in pristine condition.

Even though I was mad, The Event didn’t really ruin the book for me. I kept telling myself that they are fictional characters and they don’t have any impact on my life. Should there have been a fuss? Probably. Unfortunately, The Event took away from the story rather than added to it.

The story itself? Meh.

Here’s the big question: Will I go and read the next book in the series? The jury’s still out. I honestly can’t say if I’m done with the series or not. I am curious and I wonder what direction the author could take the series. I probably will read the next book, but not right away.

Check out my review on Badass Book Reviews ...more

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Sep 10, 2012 Bianca rated it really liked it

Shelves: paranormal, urban-fantasy, romance, 2012

3,5 stars

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Jul 27, 2011 Karyogini rated it liked it

Shelves: read-on-2011

Errr.... The first part was totally frustrating... I don't really know why I'm giving a 3 star... I'm hoping this one is a fluke. Took me awhile to finish it... grrr.

It was so frustrating that I had to warn my students that I'm having a hard time letting the emotions stirred by the book go... It might surface during class. It's nothing personal. Sigh...

It's 3 stars because I'm invested with the characters. ...more

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May 24, 2011 Grace rated it did not like it

Definitely not what I expected. This book was a complete departure from the original. I didn't like how the main characters seemed to change so dramatically from the first book. The resolution between David and Miranda did not feel genuine. I just can't imagine how Miranda seemed like all is forgiven within such a short amount of time. I'm just done with this series and this author. ...more

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