Follow Me
Grab my feed
Posts
All Comments
Wanna Shop?
2013 Reading Challenge
Jen (That's What I'm Talking About) has
read 0 books toward her goal of 75 books.
New-To-Me Authors
2013 reading goal:
15 new-to-me authors.
1) Stacy Gail
2) Heather Massey
3) Sidney Bristol
4) Ann Mayburn
5) Thea Harrison
6) Virna DePaul
7) Mary Quast
8) Molly Harper
9) Eleri Stone
10) PJ Schnyder
11) Kait Ballenger
12) Denise L. Wyant
13) Lucy Monroe
Sunday Snippets
More Blogs
original images by marin & papaija2008 at FreeDigitalPhotos.com
banner designed by Jennifer from Books Make Me Happy
Showing posts with label Black Wings Series. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Black Wings Series. Show all posts
Friday, March 1, 2013
Review: Black City by Christina Henry
Black City
Author: Christina Henry
Release Date: Feb. 26, 2013
Publisher: ACE
Black Wings #5
(Madeline Black)
ISBN: #978-0425256589
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Paperback (288 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher/ NetGalley
About the book:
|
Former Agent of death Madeline Black may have been stripped of her wings—but she hasn’t lost her purpose…
When Maddy finally killed her father, Azazel, she thought his depraved experiment died with him. But now Chicago has been infested with vampires immune to the effects of the sun, and the bloodbath is worse than she could have ever imagined. While the Agency refuses to interfere with other supernatural courts, Maddy is determined to do everything within her power to save her city—wings or no wings.
But when the leader of the vampires requests that she turn herself in or risk more deaths, Maddy becomes a target for the very people she’s trying to save. Left with no other choice, she turns to Lucifer, the one creature who has the power to help her. But her grandfather’s aid has always come at a price…
What I’m talking about:
|
Okay, I just need to say... if you aren’t reading the Black Wings (aka Madeline Black) series, you really should be. On whole, the series is just fabulous, and the current release only adds strength to the overall story arc. Maddy is a complex, kick-butt heroine, and her band of cohorts add the right mix of humor, conscience, and support to keep our heroine grounded and mostly sane.
Black City opens with a complete bang, sucking the reader into the story with intense and gruesome action. Downtown Chicago is being overrun by day-walking vampires, created from a formula Maddy's dad, Azazel, was working on before she killed him. There are literally thousands of vampires massacring civilians in plain view of the public (and media). Maddy and her crew try to stop them, but they can't make a dent. And now that the world knows about the supernatural that walk among them, Maddy has an even bigger-than-normal target on her back.
From the moment the book begins to the cliff-hangerish ending, Black City grips the reader and does not slow down. However, I’m finding that I’m having a difficult time writing this review for a few reasons. 1) This story really isn’t best as a stand alone read and requires knowledge and the emotional connection gained from reading the first four books. 2) I am fearful of giving away spoilers because so much happens during the course of this story. and 3) Honestly, I struggled with the direction the story took many times throughout the book - not in the quality of the plot lines, which were once again superb, but rather in the content and how I wanted to see things play out.
Black City is a game changer with major revelations. I wanted to hate this book because I was not happy with probably 60 to 80% of the actions in the story. Yet I can't hate it. I have become so attached to Maddy. I need to find out what will become of her and her friends. Like one of my favorite heroines of all time, Buffy Summers, Maddy has been given the powers of the Universe coupled with the weight of saving humanity. Sometimes she has to make unpopular and difficult choices. The thankless job was thrust upon her, and although she is up for the task, in the end it may cost her everything. Emotionally, Black City was very, very difficult, but engaging and powerful read. Like I said, I wanted to hate it. But I just can't.
What I did like and actually loved about the story is the continuing humor, sharp wit, and character interactions between Maddy and her companions. I’ve grown to care for them all, even her once nemesis, Nathaniel. I enjoy watching each individual grow and learn to trust one another. The protectiveness of Maddy’s gargoyle and extended family warms my heart.
I also enjoy the intense action and continual world-building from Ms. Henry. I will not lie, this one has a LOT going on, and I recommend taking notes for future reference. But for those invested in the series, the information revealed does not feel overwhelming and is actually quite thrilling.
However, I did grapple with two overall themes that played throughout the book. The first started in the previous book, Black Lament, and continued throughout all of Black City. I have issues with the strong push to pair Maddy with Nathaniel. Maddy’s true love and father of her unborn child, Gabriel, has only been dead a few short weeks. Yet the story keeps shoving Nathaniel and Maddy together. I don't care if the power of their combined magic is overwhelming. I question why put Maddy in a position where she even has to feel guilty over her feelings?! It's unwanted drama that for me, is mucking up such a great UF story. With that said, I am happy that Ms. Henry took the time to develop more justification for the direction of the story, even if I’m not happy with it.
The other theme that I’m not fond of is the darkness that seems to be following Maddy. Just when I couldn’t imagine things getting any worse for her, they would and did. It was heartbreaking and difficult at times to see more and more get thrown at a character I care about. Again, it’s not a huge detriment to the book, but it did wear on me as the book progressed. I felt like I hit a point where I didn’t think I could take any more. As I mentioned earlier, this book is an emotionally difficult one for those invested in the series.
So in the end, I let this book stew in my mind and heart before I wrote the review. And after some time passed, even though I’m still not on board with all that went down, the “good” outweighed the “bad,” and I feel satisfied with the overall story. Although so much happens: reveals about long-time characters, the world turned upside down, every bad guy after Maddy all making an appearance, and new players are introduced, it is a journey worth traveling. And I cannot wait for the Fall release of the follow up book, Black Heart. I just hope that maybe things will slow down a little for Maddy, giving us all a moment to breathe.
My Rating:
|
Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
(for readers of the series)
Reviews in the Series:
Labels:
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Cover Love - Black City by Christina Henry
Earlier today, Christina Henry revealed the cover for her upcoming release, Black City. This will be the fifth book in one of my favorite urban fantasy series, Black Wings.
From GoodReads:
WARNING: SPOILERS FROM THE PREVIOUS BOOK, BLACK LAMENT...
Former Agent of death Madeline Black may have been stripped of her wings—but she hasn’t lost her purpose…
When Maddy finally killed her father, Azazel, she thought his depraved experiment died with him. But now Chicago has been infested with vampires immune to the effects of the sun, and the bloodbath is worse than she could have ever imagined. While the Agency refuses to interfere with other supernatural courts, Maddy is determined to do everything within her power to save her city—wings or no wings.
But when the leader of the vampires requests that she turn herself in or risk more deaths, Maddy becomes a target for the very people she’s trying to save. Left with no other choice, she turns to Lucifer, the one creature who has the power to help her. But her grandfather’s aid has always come at a price…
I have to say what I LOVE about the first four book covers is the way that Madeline's surroundings always created her wings. It is a statement that she's got them, even if they are invisible to humans.
What stands out for me with this cover is the absence of Madeline's wings. It's a powerful statement. In addition, the colors shift from dark to bright yellow - a sign of a new beginning. So much has happened, and I cannot wait to find out what is up next for Maddy!
Black City is scheduled for release February 26, 2013 from ACE.
What stands out for me with this cover is the absence of Madeline's wings. It's a powerful statement. In addition, the colors shift from dark to bright yellow - a sign of a new beginning. So much has happened, and I cannot wait to find out what is up next for Maddy!
Black City is scheduled for release February 26, 2013 from ACE.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Review: Black Lament by Christina Henry
Black Lament
Author: Christina Henry
Release Date: Oct. 30, 2012
Publisher: ACE
Black Wings #4
(aka Madeline Black #4)
ISBN: #978-0425256572
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Paperback (288 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
|
NOTE: the book summary and the review (below) contain spoilers from the previous book, Black Howl.
As an Agent of Death, Madeline Black deals with loss every day. But when tragedy touches her own life, Maddy will have to find the strength within to carry on…
Devastated and grieving, Maddy unexpectedly finds hope with the discovery that she is pregnant. But Maddy’s joy is short lived when Lucifer informs her that he wants the baby, hoping to draw on the combined power of two of his bloodlines. Maddy is determined that her grandfather will never have her child, but she’s not sure what she can do to stop him.
Being pregnant is stressful enough, but Maddy suddenly finds herself at odds with the Agency—forbidden from meddling in the affairs of the supernatural courts. When a few of her soul collections go awry, Maddy begins to suspect that the Agency wants to terminate her employment. They should know by now that she isn’t the sort to give up without a fight…
What I’m talking about:
|
Black Lament jumps back into the story of our heroine, Madeline (Maddy) Black, moments after the emotionally explosive conclusion of the third book in Ms. Henry’s fabulous series. Maddy has recently lost the love of her life, killed by her fallen angle father, Azazel. She is oddly comforted her by great (great...) grand-daddy, Lucifer, until she realizes he wants to keep her little bundle of joy growing in her belly - something else that Maddy just discovered. It is a lot for Maddy to adjust to, including her continually increasing powers born from Lucifer.
Although she wants to just be left alone, Maddy still has a job to do (she is an agent of death and has souls to guide to the “Door.”) To compound her problems, she’s on the hit list of all the major faerie factions after taking out one of their queens (who also happened to be her boss/friend, JB’s mom). Surrounding Maddy is her ever present house guardian gargoyle, Beezle and her friends Jude and Samiel. Adding to the equation is her ex-fiancee (arranged marriage), Nathaniel - there to protector her at the arrangement of Lucifer. Things just aren’t looking up for our heroine. In order to stop the attacks on her life, Maddy decides to take the fight to both the fae and her father.
Once again, the greatest strength of this series is the cast of amazingly well-developed characters. Maddy herself is changing and growing. Not only does she have a larger “family unit” to protect and care for, but soon she will be a mother. She rises to the challenge time and time again. In addition, Maddy’s powers are magnifying in range and intensity. With her recent life transitions, Maddy embraces the “darker” side of these powers, and we see a significant shift in her attitude, strength and demeanor. She’s standing up for herself and those she loves, damned be the rest.
I adore Ms. Henry's writing style. We go from tough Maddy, to a woman having an emotional break down at the thought of going on without her true love. Then Maddy moves on to outright humorous. The transitions are achingly lovely and emotionally fulfilling. Sometimes there is such tenderness in scenes between Maddy/Jude and Maddy/JB. Both men provide a presence that is a comfort yet tough. I find the range of sentiment and responsiveness within each character is what makes this story and series so amazing. Love it!
Overall the story flows well, with a great pace and balanced mixture of thought vs action. The plot progression is just right - never lagging behind, even with some emotionally-laden scenes. The dialogue is plain fabulous.
There are two things that did bother me while reading. One, I felt at times that “too much” was happening to Maddy. For a while it felt like nothing was going right. I began to worry that the story would become one-sided, with Maddy always fighting and in trouble with someone. However, just when I thought things couldn’t get worse, Ms. Henry pulls out some major boo-yah and WOW! I’m still shaking my head! (And I look forward to reading about the outfall from her actions in future books!)
The second thing is Maddy’s growing “relationship” with Nathaniel. Throughout the story, Nathaniel was actually unselfish and kind (or so it appeared). This caused some confusion in Maddy, who wanted desperately to hold on to her hatred of the man. It annoyed me that she should even feel conflicted emotion. Maddy's feeling may be confused, but mine aren't. She just lost her husband. I felt it was WAY TOO SOON for her to even contemplate falling for this man who has betrayed her over and over. I want to know why she can't just care for him without it meaning she has to let go of Gabriel?! Her husband is only weeks gone, and I felt that some of what happened in Black Lament diminished what Maddy and Gabriel had together.
In the end, this is a good follow up to one of my all-time favorite books. Maddy created some enormous enemies this time around and ticked off just about every paranormal faction (to include her own people). Just as Beezle fears where Maddy is headed, I fear it as well. Black Lament felt like a turning point - a transition - in the overall story arc. There was a lot of change, and I'm not sure how it will sit with me in the long run. Maddy is walking a fine line, and if she falls, I don't know if I can't follow her. With that said, I cannot wait to read the next installment!
My Rating:
|
Liked it - recommend (B+)
Reviews in the Series:
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Review: Black Howl
Black Howl
Author: Christina Henry
Release Date: Feb. 28, 2012
Publisher: ACE
Black Wings #3
(aka Madeline Black #3)
ISBN: #978-1937007331
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Paperback (288 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
|
Something is wrong with the souls of Chicago’s dead. Ghosts are walking the streets, and Agent of Death Madeline Black’s exasperating boss wants her to figure out why. And while work is bad enough, Maddy has a plethora of personal problems too. Now that Gabriel has been assigned as her thrall, their relationship has hit an impasse. At least her sleazy ex-fiance Nathaniel is out of the picture–or so she thinks…
What I’m talking about:
|
Black Howl is the third book in what is coming to be one of my favorite Urban Fantasy series. Madeline Black is an agent of Death - she helps usher the souls of recently departed people (and other supernatural beings) to “the Door.” In the previous two books, we’ve discovered that Madeline is also the daughter of Fallen Angel Azazel and the great (great...) granddaughter of Lucifer.
Book three opens with Maddy doing her duties, when she notices a peculiar-acting errant soul/ghost. She learns from her friend and boss, JB, that this has been happening fairly frequently. In addition, she finds out that her friend and leader of the local werewolf pack, Wade, has been abducted, along with several cubs. Add this to her already crazy life and things get explosive (literally)! Maddy, along with side-kick gargoyle: Beezle, ex-body guard-turned-thrall: Gabriel, second-in-command of wolf pack, Jude, newly found “brother”: Samiel, and JB are out to figure out who is behind the sinister plots. What they discover, however, threatens to change the world for all human and supernatural kind.
This book was fabulous! First I want to mention the plot/s. WOW! Although it can be a bit tough to remember who’s who with all of the Fallens, Fae, wolves and other creatures, the twists and turns in this book make for one heck of a ride. I seriously could not put down the book. It is intense, action-packed, and had me on my toes - never knowing what would happen next. The storyline is well developed, and the twists never felt contrived. I loved it! Some of the developments just blew me away as pieces of the plot were unveiled at the perfect pace.
Next... characters. This book has them. We’ve meet and gotten to know the gang over the course of the first two books, but it is in Black Howl that each comes into his/her own. Jude: I was annoyed with this wolf - carrying a chip on his shoulder and never cutting Maddy a break. WOW did we learn a lot about him, and his development over the course of the story is heart-warming.
Beezel is the perfect comic relief/color commentator. I love this stoney gargoyle with all of his quirks and biting humor. But underneath the complaints and stabs is a trusted advisor and friend with huge heart. He cares deeply about Maddy and her well-being. He is the father-figure Maddy never had growing up.
Now, a few words about Gabriel. We’ve known for two books that Maddy and Gabriel share an unrequited passion, which they cannot ever act on without retribution from the highest leaders in Lucifer's kingdom. After Maddy saved Gabriel (in book 2: Black Night), he became her slave. Gabriel takes his place in Lucifer’s kingdom, and the archaic rules that go with it, very seriously. He’s basically tossing it back in Maddy’s face that he is now HER slave. It’s heart-breaking.
But then, something happens. First we get an unexpected look into Gabriel’s heart. He professes his undying love for Maddy and my jaw was left hanging. I kept waiting for him to say “just kidding,” or some other cruel joke. Then, a bit later, Lucifer pays a visit to Maddy and Gabriel, and, well... I’m not one for spoilers, so you are just going to have to read what happens. But I assure you - you will totally swoon!
The growing relationship between Gabriel and Maddy is sweet. Their star-crossed love is perfect for an Urban Fantasy story. It doesn’t dominate the story, but it is important. To see them have the opportunity to express their true feelings was wonderful... Since only get Maddy's POV, to hear Gabriel's words were touching.
Other characters are equally important in this amazing tale. JB’s mom, the Fae-Queen Amarantha, Maddy’s ex-fiance Nathaniel, and most importantly Maddy’s father Azazel command your attention. Their intricately woven plans reveal the true nature of everyone involved. The twists involving Azazel are by far the best in the book. I am still amazed at what he has going down!
There are a couple of key climatic battles near the end of the story. One involves the nephilim, which killed Maddy in an earlier book. I liked the battle, but for as horrific as these creatures are, I felt that the battle was a little lacking. However, I never left the edge of my seat the entire time!
The other conflict was short, but dramatic and changed the entire direction of the story. The moments following this key part of the book were very touching and had me in tears. JB and Jude’s characters were both superbly written and made this story a step above the rest.
Overall, Black Howl is amazing. The story is riveting, complex and rich with details, humor and action. The twists and turns are complex but not overwhelming. The plot is emotionally satisfying. Maddy has grown up--she learned to take charge and make the tough decisions. Her growing friendships with Samiel, Jude and JB -even with grand-daddy, Lucifier are fantastic. I cannot wait for the next book!
My Rating:
|
Series/Purchase Info:
Friday, August 19, 2011
Review: Black Night
Black Night Author: Christina Henry
Release Date: July 26, 2011
Publisher: ACE
Madeline Black #2
ISBN: #978-1937007065
Genre: Urban Fantacy
Format(s): Paperback (288 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book: |
Madeline Black is an Agent of death, meaning she escorts the souls of people who have died to the afterlife. Of course, not everyone is happy to see her...
If obstinate dead people were all that Maddy had to worry about, life would be much easier. But the best-laid plans of Agents and fallen angels often go awry. Deaths are occurring contrary to the natural order, Maddy's being stalked by foes inside and outside of her family, and her two loves-her bodyguard, Gabriel, and her doughnut-loving gargoyle, Beezle-have disappeared. But because Maddy is Lucifer's granddaughter, things are expected of her, things like delicate diplomatic missions to other realms.
What I’m talking about: |
After reading Ms. Henry’s debut Black Wings (review HERE, purchase info: Black Wings
), I couldn’t wait to find out what was in store for heroine, Maddy. When we last left Maddy, she had found out her “dead-beat dad” is actually Azazel and her grandfather is none other than Lucifer himself. She was in love with her bodyguard, Gabriel, but because of Lucifer’s laws, they are not allowed to be together-ever. Oh, and she’s engaged to some tight-ass fallen angel, Nathaniel, because her father said so.
), I couldn’t wait to find out what was in store for heroine, Maddy. When we last left Maddy, she had found out her “dead-beat dad” is actually Azazel and her grandfather is none other than Lucifer himself. She was in love with her bodyguard, Gabriel, but because of Lucifer’s laws, they are not allowed to be together-ever. Oh, and she’s engaged to some tight-ass fallen angel, Nathaniel, because her father said so. Black Night picks up shortly after the conclusion of the first book. Once again, Ms. Henry packs in the action right away. This time around, Maddy, Gabriel and gargoyle Beezle stumble across the gruesome murder of a werewolf and discover that a begrudged demon is out to kill Maddy (for murdering its father). Things progress quickly when Maddy’s mates disappear and she is forced to act as Lucifer's ambassador to the fae kingdom of Queen Amarantha, who has quite a few nefarious plans of her own.
The book was another quick, enjoyable read. The plot moved swiftly and there was plenty of action and adventure. The star-crossed romance was toned down quite a bit and new possibilities were brought forth. I enjoyed the complications Queen Amarantha presented and loved that Maddy really came into her own this time around. Not only did her powers grow, but she is learning how to maneuver this still-new-to-her world without losing herself or diminishing her priorities.
One thing that did bother me was the lack of plot development surrounding the deaths of the wolves. It was a gruesome part of the story, woven into every other section of the book. But I felt the conclusion was almost an after thought to the story, and I felt a bit cheated.
I also feel I have to mention something that literally was only five sentences from the book. Without giving away spoilers, there is a scene in the book where Maddy has to face her worst fears and this one had to do with sexual assault. Although Maddy realizes that the events were only “virtual,” they still did occur. I am conflicted on how I feel about the scene; it was not detailed at all. It devastates her, but then she quickly recovers. I don’t know if I’m thankful it was almost a passing mention, or if I’m upset that we didn’t see Maddy fight and stand up for herself.
Overall, I really enjoyed this second story of Madeline Black. Ms. Henry’s world is engrossing, and I find myself wondering what will happen next for Maddy and her friends.
My Rating: |
Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Monday, December 6, 2010
Review & Giveaway: Black Wings
Black Wings
Author: Christina Henry Release Date: November 30, 2010
Publisher: Ace Fantasy
Madeline Black Series Book #1
ISBN: #978-0441019632
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): paperback (304 pgs), e-book
I received a copy of this book from the PUBLISHER for the purposes of an honest review.
From GoodReads:
As an Agent of Death, Madeline Black is responsible for escorting the souls of the dearly departed to the afterlife. It's a 24/7 job with a lousy benefits package.
Maddy's position may come with magical powers and an impressive wingspan, but it doesn't pay the bills. And then there are her infuriating boss, tenant woes, and a cranky, popcorn-loving gargoyle to contend with.
Things start looking up, though, when tall, dark, and handsome Gabriel Angeloscuro agrees to rent the empty apartment in Maddy's building. It's probably just a coincidence that as soon as he moves in demons appear on the front lawn. But when an unholy monster is unleashed upon the streets of Chicago, Maddy discovers powers she never knew she possessed. Powers linked to a family legacy of tarnished halos.
Powers that place her directly between the light of Heaven and the fires of Hell...
What I’m talking about:
Black Wings is an exciting new Urban Fantasy with a new twist on some familiar mythology. The story centers on a “who’s who” list of demons and angels - but adds several new faces to create a wonderful new world full of mystery, action and adventure. Set in modern day Chicago, the story focuses on the life of Agent Madeline Black (Maddy). Agents are humans with wings who born into their job helping souls of the departed cross through to the otherside. But it’s not a romantic job - full of paperwork and schedules. Even Agents of Death have to deal with bureaucracy.
Maddy lives on her own, with only the companionship of a gargole named Beezle. Her mom was killed when Maddy was a teen and her dad was never part of the picture. She lives a solitary life and doesn’t do anything to shake it up. So when a mysterious new tenant moves into her building and her best friend is killed by some unknown monster, Maddy’s life changes dramatically and drastically. She finds out that she is part of a much larger world that she never dared dream existed.
This story is full of action right from the get go, but it’s not inflated or overdone. Maddy is thrown into a world of powerful demons with intricate rules and she finds herself in many difficult situations. Luckily she has Gabriel on her side. Their relationship is sweet and sexy all at once. They have a star-crossed romance and can never be together, yet Gabriel stays by her side and together they face the threats against Maddy.
Maddy is a superb heroine who recognizes her own faults, but stays true to herself. She may be emotionally immature and not quiet prepared to deal with the changes in her life, but she takes it all in stride and continually moves forward. I love that she always wants to fight, but recognizes the time when politicking is necessary.
The story did leave me with some unanswered questions, but had a satisfying conclusion. I also felt that there were a few unnecessary holes or gaps in the mythology, but like all great UF series - I’ll probably have to wait a few books to get all of the answers. I look forward to the next installment of the story, and unfortunately, we have a long wait (Autumn 2011).
My Rating:
Really enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
GIVEAWAY: I will be giving away one (1) copy of Black Wings by Christina Henry starting today. All you need to do is leave a comment at the end of this post to enter. Contest is open to United States residents/mailing addresses only. Contest runs until December 9, 2010 at 9:00 PM EST. Winner will be selected using random.org and announced on my blog on December 9, 2010.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Grab My Button
