Black Night is the second book of the Madeline Black series.
Madeline Black is a grim reaper, a job she inherited from her mother. In the first book Madeline learns some new things about her parentage that is critical in the second book. She's sent by her father, one of the Fallen, to the fairy court to negotiate a treaty between the two courts. But before Madeline is even able to leave, her half brother re-appears and causes trouble. Madeline also has trouble with another element that ends up being a larger problem for Madeline, her father's court, and the fairy court. In the end Madeline is a stronger, more independent woman that before. More confident and self reliant.
While Madeline's character isn't unique to urban fantasy, the world that Christina Henry has created does provide a unique perspective to Madeline's situations. I enjoy reading stories that take common concepts and presents them in a new manner. This series does not let me down in that regard. I also enjoy the characters though I admit that they aren't as solid as they might be. I also feel that we spend too much time in Madeline's head. Black Night, I believe, is more guilty of this than the first book.
Overall, I enjoy the series so far. Will I recommend it to others? Meh. It probably wouldn't be among my first picks for other readers there are stronger stories out there. But this is not among the worse either. The unique world Henry has created will keep be reading for another book or two. In which time, my hope is that characters will become more solid and I'll see less of Madeline's internal dialogue.
Showing posts with label urban fantasy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label urban fantasy. Show all posts
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Chicago Vampires Series: Drink Deep
This is the fifth book in the Chicago Vampire series by Chloe Neill.
For those not familiar with the serious, it naturally takes place in Chicago. The heroine of the series, Merit, is working on her dissertation at the University of Chicago when she's attacked by a vampire with the intent to kill. Left for dead, another vampire finds her, Ethan, and turns her in order to save her. Needless to say, this wasn't ideal for Merit.
I confess that I loved Drink Deep if only because I love the characters. Overall, the story line was week. I found myself frequently asking "Why doesn't Merit see what is obvious?" I won't provide spoilers, but it's wasn't difficult to determine the cause of the plot obstacle. The why and how, was a little more difficult to conjure so I only came close on the why. Fans of the series will probably have mixed emotions about the ending. I know I did but won't elaborate based on spoilers. Overall, a wonderful read for fans. The story is likely a transitional one for the series ark, I look forward to book six.
If you're new to the series, don't let this post dissuade you from reading the series. The first books are solid, engaging reads and I recommend them highly. This one, just doesn't live up to it's predecessors.
For those not familiar with the serious, it naturally takes place in Chicago. The heroine of the series, Merit, is working on her dissertation at the University of Chicago when she's attacked by a vampire with the intent to kill. Left for dead, another vampire finds her, Ethan, and turns her in order to save her. Needless to say, this wasn't ideal for Merit.
I confess that I loved Drink Deep if only because I love the characters. Overall, the story line was week. I found myself frequently asking "Why doesn't Merit see what is obvious?" I won't provide spoilers, but it's wasn't difficult to determine the cause of the plot obstacle. The why and how, was a little more difficult to conjure so I only came close on the why. Fans of the series will probably have mixed emotions about the ending. I know I did but won't elaborate based on spoilers. Overall, a wonderful read for fans. The story is likely a transitional one for the series ark, I look forward to book six.
If you're new to the series, don't let this post dissuade you from reading the series. The first books are solid, engaging reads and I recommend them highly. This one, just doesn't live up to it's predecessors.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Love Tuesday's
Tuesday's are the best days of the week. Why? Because new books are released! Duh! I'm personally jazzed for the next installments of Chicago Vampires and Otherworlds. I've had them pre-ordered since July!
- Otherworlds -- Courting Darkness, Yasmine Galenorn
- Chicago Vampires -- Drink Deep, Chloe Neill
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Dresden Files
If you've not heard of "Harry Dresden" or Jim Butcher, before you read another word know that you MUST read these books. The author, Butcher, has a blog that he keeps updated like few others. Check it, www.jim-butcher.com
Harry Dresden lives in Chicago and works as a wizard for hire. He consults with a paranormal investigation unit with the Chicago Police Department. He lives in the basement of a rented out house with Bob, his en-spirited skull assistant, and Mister, his cat. Others live with him as the series develops (look for Mouse, in Blood Rites - he's awesome) and I don't want to spoil the surprise.
The books are urban fantasy meets pulp detective. Characters are strong, believable, and evolving. These books are addicting. I've recommended these books to nearly every reader I know. I don't believe a single person who read one, on my recommendation, hasn't love them and become die hard fans of the series. These books are so popular at my house, we first bought them in paperback but replaced them with hard cover when they became available. It's like that.
The newest release in the series is due July 26, 2011. That's also my birthday. I'll be spending it reading Ghost Story. Though this year we might be buying an ebook copy too so the husband and I can read simultaneously ;-)
[side note, the pre-ordering on nook is amazing! They just show up in your ebook library. Brilliant]
Jim Butcher also writes a high fantasy series, Codex Alera, and has written for Spiderman. I'm not a fan of the Alera series and the hubby is on the same page. Though, Scott (hubby), tells me that Butcher's writing for Spiderman is some of the best he's read for Spiderman.
Harry Dresden lives in Chicago and works as a wizard for hire. He consults with a paranormal investigation unit with the Chicago Police Department. He lives in the basement of a rented out house with Bob, his en-spirited skull assistant, and Mister, his cat. Others live with him as the series develops (look for Mouse, in Blood Rites - he's awesome) and I don't want to spoil the surprise.
The books are urban fantasy meets pulp detective. Characters are strong, believable, and evolving. These books are addicting. I've recommended these books to nearly every reader I know. I don't believe a single person who read one, on my recommendation, hasn't love them and become die hard fans of the series. These books are so popular at my house, we first bought them in paperback but replaced them with hard cover when they became available. It's like that.
The newest release in the series is due July 26, 2011. That's also my birthday. I'll be spending it reading Ghost Story. Though this year we might be buying an ebook copy too so the husband and I can read simultaneously ;-)
[side note, the pre-ordering on nook is amazing! They just show up in your ebook library. Brilliant]
Jim Butcher also writes a high fantasy series, Codex Alera, and has written for Spiderman. I'm not a fan of the Alera series and the hubby is on the same page. Though, Scott (hubby), tells me that Butcher's writing for Spiderman is some of the best he's read for Spiderman.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
War for the Oaks
www.goodreads.com/book/show/70582.War_for_the_Oaks
War for the Oaks is one of my very favorite books. It's an engrossing read jam packed with eccentric and colorful characters. Musicians and fairies. Who'd have though eccentric and colorful? Shocking, I know.
It takes place in Minneapolis, MN and centers around a female singer, Eddi, her band and a phouka who dresses like Prince. I think that says it all. But if you need to know more... there's google.
War for the Oaks is one of my very favorite books. It's an engrossing read jam packed with eccentric and colorful characters. Musicians and fairies. Who'd have though eccentric and colorful? Shocking, I know.
It takes place in Minneapolis, MN and centers around a female singer, Eddi, her band and a phouka who dresses like Prince. I think that says it all. But if you need to know more... there's google.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)