Author: Kevin Hearne
Book One: Hounded
My husband brought home Hounded for me. He works at a bookstore and a coworker suggested I read it. I as skeptical. After reading dozens of paranormal fiction, many plots start reading like others and the book description reminded me of Harry Dresden. I thought to myself, if someone's going to be copying another author, intentionally or not, then Jim Butcher's not a bad choice. I cracked the book and read.
LOVE the book. I like the main character, Atticus, very much. The author introduces strong characters who do not overshadow the plot. Hearne introduces the reader to dieties in a less than reverent manner, which I adore. Atticus shows respect and a healthy amount of fear while managing to stand up to them when appropriate. And Oberon, Atticus's dog... Fantastic sense of humour. Atticus's lawyers, a werewolf and a vampire. I cannot explain what that is priceless, it just is. One human character of note is an elderly Irish Catholic widow in Atticus's neighborhood. She's a whiskey drinking gem of a character.
So, what does Hounded remind me of? Harry Dresden, naturally. But also a bit of American Gods, if only because of the mix of pantheons and humanistic presentation of gods. The tone of the writing reminds me more of Kim Harrison or Patricia Briggs, serious and even with moments of pure delight. If you like any of these authors or have a passing interest in paganism, read it.
Showing posts with label Kim Harrison. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kim Harrison. Show all posts
Friday, January 20, 2012
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Pale Demon
www.kimharrison.net/BookPages/PD/PD.html
I've been following the evolution of Rachel Morgan since Dead Witch Walking was released in 2004. If you've enjoyed the previous books, you'll likely enjoy this one as well. Rachel is very much Rachel. She grows and learns yet is still somehow amazed by the actions of those around her. Jenks and Ivy are back, naturally, and I find them to be more aware of the need for change and the danger Rachel finds herself one again the center of. So, little unexpected there. Or is there?
Halfway through the book, I began getting pissed with the sexual tension between Rachel and Trent. Talk about a situation that is well past it's self life. It's time that those character's either hook up or get over it. I know I'm to the point. About three quarters through, Rachel gets a bomb shell. One I'm not going to disclose here. It's an explosion I wish the author, Kim Harrison, would have introduced into the story sooner.
Overall, I found this book a pleasurable read but I am disappointed. I think this book had too many distractions from the heart of the plot. The heart of the plot being a discussion of identity, trust, and self-awareness. Tent hides his identity and trust. Ivy, though self-aware, hides herself from Rachel. Jenks, is trying to find his new identify, tries to build trust, because he is aware of his needs and fears. Rachel on the other hand, is forced into trusting, denies her identity until she's forced to acknowledge it. While I commend those ideas, I wish Ivy's bomb had happened sooner. That Trent had confided in Rachel sooner. I wish Rachel had actually answered the phone when Bys called. Poor frightened gargoyle.
I've been following the evolution of Rachel Morgan since Dead Witch Walking was released in 2004. If you've enjoyed the previous books, you'll likely enjoy this one as well. Rachel is very much Rachel. She grows and learns yet is still somehow amazed by the actions of those around her. Jenks and Ivy are back, naturally, and I find them to be more aware of the need for change and the danger Rachel finds herself one again the center of. So, little unexpected there. Or is there?
Halfway through the book, I began getting pissed with the sexual tension between Rachel and Trent. Talk about a situation that is well past it's self life. It's time that those character's either hook up or get over it. I know I'm to the point. About three quarters through, Rachel gets a bomb shell. One I'm not going to disclose here. It's an explosion I wish the author, Kim Harrison, would have introduced into the story sooner.
Overall, I found this book a pleasurable read but I am disappointed. I think this book had too many distractions from the heart of the plot. The heart of the plot being a discussion of identity, trust, and self-awareness. Tent hides his identity and trust. Ivy, though self-aware, hides herself from Rachel. Jenks, is trying to find his new identify, tries to build trust, because he is aware of his needs and fears. Rachel on the other hand, is forced into trusting, denies her identity until she's forced to acknowledge it. While I commend those ideas, I wish Ivy's bomb had happened sooner. That Trent had confided in Rachel sooner. I wish Rachel had actually answered the phone when Bys called. Poor frightened gargoyle.
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