D.D. Barant-Any Thoughts?

[Crystal]

So I read this new author a while ago D D Barant. Her first book was Dying Bites. I thought it was pretty good. It certainly had a different take on vamps and typical UF fare. Her second book is out Death Blows Has anyone read it? Any thoughts?

[Darcy]

I read the first one, I liked it, but gave it 2 stars, I just wasn't sure what to think of things. There was a lot that I really liked, Charlie and his duck tape solution. I do have the second one waiting for me at the library right now. I have heard the second one is better.

[Crystal]

I liked the first one too. I think it fell prey to first book in a series syndrome. She had to set up the worldbuilding so the story itself suffered a little. But I liked the new concept she offered for the supernatural, she definately gets points for originality.

[Shomeret]

Crystal wrote: "So I read this new author a while ago D D Barant. Her first book was Dying Bites. I thought it was pretty good. It certainly had a different take on vamps and typical UF fare. Her seco..."

Crystal, I never heard of this book, so I clicked on your link and it brought me to the page for Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews.

This is Dying Bites.

[Shomeret]

I just took a look at the sequel Death Blows and as a comics fan, it sounds more interesting to me than the first book. I'm wondering if I can read the second book first. I often do that sort of thing.

[Darcy]

Shomeret wrote: "I just took a look at the sequel Death Blows and as a comics fan, it sounds more interesting to me than the first book. I'm wondering if I can read the second book first. I often d..."

Having not read the second I don't know if I would do that. There was quite a bit of world building that has the potential to make it hard to understand. There are all kinds of "new species of people" and odd rules of the world.

[Crystal]

@Shomeret-Thanks, for pointing that out-not sure how it happened.

[Sandy]

I Liked Death Blows but I haven't read the second book yet. It's on my TBR pile.

[Anita]

Of the new series I've tried, this is one of my favorites - I LOVE the Bloodhound Files. I've read both books and am very impressed by the creativity of the world D.D. created. The author comes up with some really interesting twists on the urban fantasy sub-genre. Like corpsing as a fashion statement, or how vampires procreate (not just biting, you know.) Or dogs that got bitten by lycanthropes and turn human during the full moon - and are a prefered victim of some sexual predators because they have animal instincts and the intellect of a child. That kind of detail is so interesting to me! I read a lot in the genre, and unless I've somehow missed a big part of it on accident, this author is one of the most original I've read. Love it, and highly recommend the series.

[Crystal]

Anita I like it as well. I'm getting book 2 and hope to start reading it soon. My TBR pile is unwieldy and I still haven't started on Dead in the Family yet.

[Lisa M]

I'd never heard of either the author or the books until this thread. They sound very interesting. Quick question, is it UF or more PNR? I don't mind a little romance, but I'm definately more into UF.

[Darcy]

It is very much more UF than PNR.

[Lisa M]

Thanks! It sounds like something I'd really enjoy. :)

[Anita]

Dear Shomerett, Personally, I wouldn't read them out of order if I were you. The parallel universe in which the series takes place is described in detail in book 1, so I think you'll feel lost if you skip to book 2. The story definately builds from the first book to the second, too. The comic book as a religious/magical medium storyline in book 2 was really interesting, though.

And Lisa, this is UF for sure. There's a tiny bit of romatic interest, but the herione hasn't even kissed anyone in the first 2 books. If they don't get down and dirty by the end of book 1 of a series, it's not PNR in my opinion. This book is sometimes shelved with mysteries - because it is one.

[Lisa M]

Anita, thanks for letting me know. I'm definately more into the action and mystery aspect of UF. A little romance is good, I just don't want it to be the main storyline, or take up a large portion of the book. But a sub-plot or hint here or there is nice. I admit I'm a sucker for romantic tension between two characters who argue and don't get along. (If it's done well, that is.)

[Crystal]

@Lisa MH-I've noticed more and more that at times it's the romantic tension/squabbling/double entendres that I enjoy more than the actual consumation if you get my drift. Of course, it varies depending on the author.

[Lisa M]

Crystal wrote: "@Lisa MH-I've noticed more and more that at times it's the romantic tension/squabbling/double entendres that I enjoy more than the actual consumation if you get my drift. Of course, it varies depen..."

Ditto. I like the building up tension, more than the end results. It's something about the, "What's going to happen next?" that I find really interesting. :)

[Crystal]

Yeah it's that suspensful on the edge of your seat anticipation. I think half the fun is ruminating on what's coming next, some authors pull it off brilliantly some not so much.

[Shomeret]

OK, I decided to take the advice from Darcy and Anita. I'm starting with the first book. I found Dying Bites on my neighboring city's library website and put it on hold.

[Darcy]

Shomeret wrote: "OK, I decided to take the advice from Darcy and Anita. I'm starting with the first book. I found Dying Bites on my neighboring city's library website and put it on hold."

Make sure you let us know what you think of it.

[Janet]

I loved the first in the series but didn't really like the 2nd. I didn't like her were's (won't say more to avoid spoilers) and thought the story just wandered alone.