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Showing posts with label St. Martin's Press. Show all posts
Showing posts with label St. Martin's Press. Show all posts
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Review: Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet by Darynda Jones
Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet
Author: Darynda Jones
Release Date: Oct. 30, 2012
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Charley Davidson #4
ISBN: #978-1250014467
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Hardcover (320 pgs), Paperback, e-book
Book Source: Purchased with my own funds
About the book:
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In Darynda Jones's Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet, sometimes being the grim reaper really is that. Grim. And since Charley’s last case went so awry, she has taken a couple months off to wallow in the wonders of self-pity. But when a woman shows up on her doorstep convinced someone is trying to kill her, Charley has to force herself to rise above. Or at least get dressed. She quickly realizes something is amiss when everyone the woman knows swears she’s insane. The more they refute the woman’s story, the more Charley believes it.
In the meantime, the sexy, sultry son of Satan, Reyes Farrow, has been cleared of all charges. He is out of prison and out of Charley’s life, as per her wishes and several perfectly timed death threats. But his absence has put a serious crimp in her sex life. While there are other things to consider, like the fact that the city of Albuquerque has been taken hostage by an arsonist, Charley is having a difficult time staying away. Especially when it looks like Reyes may be involved. Just when life was returning to normal, Charley is thrust back into the world of crime, punishment, and the devil in blue jeans.
What I’m talking about:
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*Note: In this series, each book builds upon story lines revealed in the previous releases. Therefore, there will be spoilers from the prior three titles in this review. This series is best enjoyed when the books are read in order.
It's been over two months of pajama-wearing, home-shopping-network-watching, never-leaving-her-apartment for our heroine Charley Davison. After being horribly tortured by a crazed killer, then abandoned by her sort-of boyfriend, and finally, at the request of her father, arrested while in the hospital, Charley has spent some downtime avoiding her problems, and who would blame her?
Charley’s life starts to pick up again, in baby steps, after she decides to take a case from a women who thinks someone is trying to kill her. Working on the mystery gets Charley out of her apartment, and we witness her spark begin to return once she starts using her brain for something other than watching TV.
Of course with Charley, nothing is ever linear, and although her case is not tied to her personal life, the two begin to intermingle. She’s got a score to settle with Reyes, she is actively avoiding her father, and she knows something is up with a set of bank robbers she views on the news. Oh, and it seems that there are a bunch of demons taking possession of humans and then trying to kill her.
Fans of Ms. Jones’ Charley Davidson series will be delighted with Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet. We get a lot more of what we love! First, there is Charley’s insanely brilliant humor. Although there are some serious moments, and Charley has been beaten down, she still dishes out the barbs at herself and those around her. Her view and critiques of life are laugh-out-loud hilarious. The humor allows an intimate bond to develop between Charley and the reader, allowing one to empathize with her condition and cause one to root for Charley to succeed. I don’t think I’ve read a more humorous character than Charley Davidson. But beware - her snark isn’t for everyone.
We also get more of Cookie, Charley’s best friend and assistant. Their relationship is so special - the kind one hopes to form in real life. The pair fit together so well - able to lift one another up and laugh at the insanity of life. In addition, there is more of Charley’s once estranged sister, Gemma. Charley is at her best when interacting with those she cares about.
And for those who want it... yes, there is more of the sexy Son of Satan, Reyes. While the pair share some extremely sensual and erotic moments (and yes, they finally get to interact in person!), I have to admit, I'm still not a big Reyes fan. It's not that I want to see Charley with anyone else, although she does have some promising would-be suitors. It's just that Reyes knows Charley can't control herself and her hormones around him, and he uses that - uses her - to suit his own needs. And while he may care deeply about what happens to her - let’s face it: he's an a$$. He expects a certain type of behavior from her, but won't give her the same courtesy with his actions. They have heat, but I just don't feel the emotions, and that is what I want from the pair as a couple.
In addition, there are lots of fun nuggets for those who read the series - we see prophet Sister Mary Elizabeth again. Aunt Lil is over-the-top this time around. And there is some interaction with the sexy motorcycle gang lead by Donovan. But I am disappointed at the lack of face time for one of my favorite characters, Garrett Swopes. Although their scenes were powerful and well-written, I was let down that there wasn’t more resolution over what has happened (read to find out!). I hope his near-death experience from the third book, and any subsequent fallout, gets more play time in the next book.
As Charley goes through the motions of solving the case, she begins her healing, but she still has a ways to go. The case itself was extremely gripping and full of twists that frankly, I just did not see coming. Although the surprises don’t have any ramifications on the overall plot arc, they made for exciting reading!
Importantly, both Charley and Reyes develop and grow. New powers/talents emerge for both Charley and Reyes. We see Charley take charge of her shattered life once again. Because of of these things, Charley takes some questionable actions. In the end, I like Charley, a lot. She's snarky, smart and loving. Her crazy ADD brain and way of thinking are engrossing and entertaining.
Overall, I completely adore the writing style of Darynda Jones. I devoured Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet in a day. It is a funny and smart read, with interesting and well-woven plots. Sure, I guessed early on who was trying to kill Charley's newest client… but I didn't know why. And while I did figure out who Charley’s new neighbor was going to be, it sure was fun watching Charley figure it out. The entire story from beginning to end was a complete joy.
My Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Reviews in the Series:
Labels:
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Review: Third Grave Dead Ahead by Darynda Jones
Third Grave Dead Ahead
Author: Darynda Jones
Release Date: Jan. 31, 2012
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Charley Davidson #3
ISBN: #978-0312360825
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Hardcover (320 pgs), Paperback, e-book
Book Source: Purchased with my own funds
About the book:
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Paranormal private eye. Grim reaper extraordinaire. Whatever. Charley Davidson is back! And she's drinking copious amounts of caffeine to stay awake because every time she closes her eyes she sees him: Reyes Farrow, the part-human, part-supermodel son of Satan.
Granted she did imprison Reyes for all eternity, but how is she supposed to solve a missing-persons case, deal with an ego-driven doctor, calm her curmudgeonly dad, and take on a motorcycle gang hell-bent on murder when the devil's son just won't give up on his plan of seduction..... and revenge?
What I’m talking about:
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The third outing in the wonderful Charley Davidson series kicks off about two weeks after the conclusion of Second Grave on the Left. Things ended pretty crazily the last time around when Charley bound Reyes to his mortal body to prevent him from killing himself. In addition, Charley reconnected with her estranged sister while bonding over the fact that her father basically set Charley up to be killed by a murderous stalker (honestly, it wasn’t as bad as it seems!). This time around, Charley is being haunted by Reyes every time she falls asleep. Reyes visits her, seduces her, but doesn’t want to be there. It’s making Charley miserable.
Things go from bad to worse as Charley’s dad continues to act weird - asking her... no demanding that she quit her work as a private eye solving crimes. In addition, Reyes is being, well... pardon my French - a total ass. Plus, Charley has taken on a missing persons case, with the likely culprit the husband that hired her; Reyes demands that she find his supposedly dead father; she’s got trouble with some gang members; and well... seriously, could more happen to her?!
The first thing I noticed while reading Third Grave Dead Ahead is that Charley is evolving. She’s gotten over her fears of being hurt by those she loves when she reveals the truth that she is more than a “ghost whisperer,” but the Grim Reaper herself. Right from the get go, Charley confides in her sister, the same one she only started talking to about 2 weeks ago. She also begins to expand her trust in Garrett, the hunky freelance skiptracer. In addition, she opens up to some of the biker gang members who own the creepy asylum where Charley talks to Rocket and learns if missing persons are dead or alive.
We finally get to meet the mysterious “Madame Marigold” who has been emailing around looking for “the Grim Reaper.” She is a delightful character and provides clues as to where things are headed with Charley, Reyes and an apparently looming battle between Heaven and Hell. She is a true prophet and I enjoy how her character interacts with her surroundings and Charley.
Reyes, on the other hand, is a huge disappointment for me this go around. Sure he’s upset with Charley, but his actions in this book are beyond awful. His constant anger weighs down the story. In addition, he is continually telling Charley that she has to learn “what she is capable of,” and the repetition of this vague message got on my nerves. I am not going to give away spoilers here, but Reyes broke my heart more than once. I could go on and on, but you’ll just have to read the book yourself (and then come back so we can chat)!
I also noticed a few continuity errors in the story, which were mildly distracting. There were only a handful, but it was enough for me to take note. Additionally, there were other repetitious thoughts and/or phrases that after a while, annoyed me - like the constant reminder that “Reyes is the Son of Satan.” I know... move on.
Another thing I feel I need to mention is that Third Grave Dead Ahead contains some pretty horrific and violent torture scenes. Charley is tough, but this went above and beyond the normal “action scene” of the first couple of books.
Overall, Third Grave Dead Ahead was a gripping tale; however, I didn't like it as much as the first two books. There was just too much pain and suffering for Charley without much of an upbeat ending. I was riding this series based on a couple of set perimeters ... and neither of these things held true in this book. It really brought me down.
With that said, it is a good tale, although there was too much going on during parts of the book. I liked the missing wife mystery and trying to solve the crime. Finding Reyes’ dad was also a good story--one needed in order to progress Reyes’ story forward. In addition, I liked the plot involving the biker gang, especially because good things came from it; however, I’m a little leery of where it is headed.
In the end, even with the "negatives" I had with Third Grave Dead Ahead, it was still a captivating book and I look forward to seeing what will happen to Charley. There are a lot of loose ends this time around, and I need some closure!
My Rating:
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Liked it - recommend (B+)
Reviews in the Series
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Review: The Trouble with Fate by Leigh Evans
The Trouble with Fate
Author: Leigh Evans
Release Date: Dec. 24, 2012
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Mystwalker #1
ISBN: #978-1250006400
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Paperback (368 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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I HAVE TWO WORDS FOR WEREWOLVES:
My name is Hedi Peacock and I have a secret. I’m not human, and I have the pointy Fae ears and Were inner-bitch to prove it. As fairy tales go, my childhood was damn near perfect, all fur and magic until a werewolf killed my father and the Fae executed my mother. I’ve never forgiven either side. Especially Robson Trowbridge. He was a part-time werewolf, a full-time bastard, and the first and only boy I ever loved. That is, until he became the prime suspect in my father’s death…
BITE ME.
Today I’m a half-breed barista working at a fancy coffee house, living with my loopy Aunt Lou and a temperamental amulet named Merry, and wondering where in the world I’m going in life. A pretty normal existence, considering. But when a pack of Weres decides to kidnap my aunt and force me to steal another amulet, the only one who can help me is the last person I ever thought I’d turn to: Robson Trowbridge. And he’s as annoyingly beautiful as I remember. That’s the trouble with fate: Sometimes it barks. Other times it bites. And the rest of the time it just breaks your heart. Again…
What I’m talking about:
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Hedi Peacock (formerly Helen Stronghold) has been mostly alone and “on the run” (while hiding in plain sight) for all of her adult life. After witnessing the brutal deaths of both parents, Hedi was taken in my her Fae-born Aunt Lou. They lived by scraping by and thieving when necessary (or even when it wasn’t), worried that Hedi’s former were-pack would kill her if they found out she was still alive.
Lately things have gotten a lot worse for Hedi because she is being pulled into her aunt’s nightmarish dreams, sometimes even when Hedi is awake. And after her aunt is kidnapped, things hit rock bottom. With no one else to turn to, she must trust Robson Trowbridge, the boy from her childhood that broke her heart.
The Trouble with Fate is the exciting first book in Leigh Evan’s new urban fantasy series. The story is told from first person point of view by Hedi, half Fae and half werewolf. I really like Hedi. She is FAR from perfect: she steals, has a temper and is pretty grumpy on her best day. She leaves a trail of destruction in her wake and doesn’t apologize for doing what she needs in order to survive. She isn’t nobel - she didn’t confront those that killed her parents, and when trouble arises, she looks for the easy way out, but she is loyal. And like a true UF heroine, she shines when she needs to and steps up when it counts.
The book is filled with substantial world building in the early chapters. The details are fairly extensive and intricate, but it works because of the way it is present to the reader from the first person POV of Hedi. Since Hedi is half-fae and half-wolf, the reader is brought up to speed on both sects. We are also introduced to Hedi’s magical medallion, Merry, which is a sentient being: a spirit trapped within the gold. Although Merry cannot talk, she has ways to communicate her feelings with Hedi.
Robson Trowbridge is the son of the former werewolf pack leader. Hedi has felt “more than a crush” for him, sensing there was a special connection, since she was young. So when he off and married someone else when she was a youth, it broke her prepubescent heart. We find out early on that Robson left his pack shortly after Hedi’s parents were killed because his family, to include his wife, was also killed that same night. Due to Robson’s remorse over losing his wife, it was hard for me to root for Robson and Hedi’s union at first.
However, as the pair spends time together, we inevitably find out the duo’s history, to include Robson’s relationship with his deceased wife, isn’t as black and white as we were first lead to believe. The couple have chemistry, which is at times simultaneously sexy and hilarious. I was laughing out loud when the pair consummate their relationship. The passion is high, but for the first time I think I’ve ever read, our virgin heroine doesn't feel that "exquisite pleasure pain," she hurts and wants to stop intercourse! It "ruined" the romantic and sexy feel of the moment, but it was great!
Although the couple experience passion and attraction, there is a lot of doubt in Hedi’s heart which surfaces during some of the more intimate moments. She does not like her wolf half, but doesn’t realize that she will never be whole until she accepts that the were is part of HER and not a separate entity residing inside of her. Trowbridge wants all of her... Which includes her were half. Hedi’s self-discovery is a moving journey.
As delightful and engrossing as the first half plus of The Trouble with Fate was, there were parts that I didn’t enjoy so much. The first comes right at the midpoint of the book, when Hedi astrally projects to the land of Fae dreams, Threall. The whole trip was confusing, and the reader is burdened with even more mythology and background which doesn’t appear relevant to the story at all. I felt it went on way too long without much of an explanation of why Hedi even benefited from going there. All it did was raise questions that don’t get answered, which seemingly have nothing to do with this story.
The other part of the book that I was not overly fond of was near the climax of the book, and then at the very end. As Robson and Hedi begin to unravel the truths behind the current kidnapping and what happened all those years ago, the pair are captured and tortured. A lot. Things become overly bleak; I felt no hope at all. And it just seemed to get worse and worse, almost repetitive. There was a fabulous battle scene and some great action, but then things got dark again. I was not happy with how the book ended.
Overall, I enjoyed The Trouble with Fate, but it was a bumpy ride. The first half of the book was full of great information, and I enjoyed getting to know Hedi, Robson and their histories. However, at the midpoint, I found Hedi’s trip to Threall confusing and distracting. After the focus shifted back to the primary story and we got to watch the couple grow, I was hooked again. However, once the pair was captured, I found it to be extremely long-winded, and a tad too gruesome. I was left with little to no hope, and the story kind of ended on that note.
I certainly want to read the next book because I did enjoy large chunks of The Trouble with Fate. I hope that the second story will address some of the loose ends that left me frustrated with this book.
My Rating:
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Liked it, but I had some issues - recommend (B)
The Trouble with Fate
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Review: Charley Davidson Series (Books 1 & 2) by Darynda Jones
Charley Davidson Series Books 1 & 2
First Grave on the Right
Second Grave on the Left
Author: Darynda Jones
Release Dates: 02/01/2011 & 08/02/2011
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
ISBN: #978-0312360801 & #978-1250005915
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Hardcover, Paperback, e-book
Book Source: Gift/ Purchased with my own funds
About the books:
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In First Grave on the Right, Charley sees dead people. That’s right, she sees dead people. And it’s her job to convince them to “go into the light.” But when these very dead people have died under less than ideal circumstances (i.e. murder), sometimes they want Charley to bring the bad guys to justice. Complicating matters are the intensely hot dreams she’s been having about an entity who has been following her all her life…and it turns out he might not be dead after all. In fact, he might be something else entirely.
Following up in Second Grave on the Left, Charley continues to see dead people and solve crimes. She also works around the clock to save the man of her dreams before he disappears forever.
What I’m talking about:
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NOTE: This review covers the first two books in the Charley Davidson series, and may reveal a few “spoilers” from the first book along the way. I think any spoilers are minimal and won’t impact your enjoyment reading, but be warned! Also, this review is going to be a little different from my normal, focusing mostly on what I enjoy about the series in whole and not specifically each book.
I was introduced to the Charley Davidson series via twitter, and the wonderfully generous Marcela from The Bookaholic Cat gifted me the first book in the series. Once I picked up First Grave on the Right, I could not put it down. I enjoyed how the book opened and introduced the reader to our heroine, Charley. Bits and pieces of her life are divulged as she explains the ropes of being dead to a "newbie" ghost.
Charley is the daughter of a retired cop, and her Uncle Bob (or Ubie as Charley likes to call him) is an accomplished detective for the Albuquerque Police Department. Charley has been helping them solve crimes since she was five years old. Currently, Charley runs a detective agency, which helps with her cover and allows her to actively work with the police. Not too many people know about (or believe in) her ability to talk to ghosts, and even fewer know about her true nature as the Grim Reaper. Among her inner circle is Ubie, her dad, her best friend (and assistant) Cookie, and a handful of helpful ghosts. In the past Charley has been hurt by people she trusted with the truth, so when she decides to let in free-lance skiptracer, Garrett, it really is big deal - and a fantastic emotional journey for the reader.
One of the BEST things about Charley is her perpetual sarcastic humor. She has a sharp tongue and a quick wit, poking fun at both herself and those around her. Although it is constant, the quips never come across forced or fake. Here are just a few samples of Charley’s droll disposition:
It was hard being such an utter disappointment to the woman who’d raised me, but gosh darn it, I gave it my all. I could have invented the wheel and she would have been disappointed. Or Post-it notes. Or bone marrow. (First Grave on the Right)
I toured them--also known as breaking and entering--regularly after accidentally discovering this asylum on night when I was fifteen. (Second Grave on the Left)
In the first book, Charley is busy solving two mysteries at once. First, who killed three lawyers and why? Second, who/what is her dream man (aka Reyes)? The two plots weave around one another in Charley’s stream of thought, therefore in the reader’s mind as well since we read the story from her POV.
Although Reyes only visits Charley in dreams, and later as some sort of non-corporeal being, he is every bit a solid man to Charley. Every encounter with Reyes is sensual, powerful, and engrossing. Charley has no idea what Reyes is, but she knows she can trust him, and the sexual chemistry is swoon-worthy. But Reyes is an enigma -- for example, why are other ghosts scared of him? First Charley must discover what Reyes is in First Grave on the Right, and then how to save him in Second Grave on the Left.
The opening of the second book has a different feel than first - it’s almost a bit darker, definitely a little more dire. Since Charley now knows who and what Reyes is, the reader gets more paranormal action right from the start, and Reyes is very worried about Charley’s well-being. Also, the latest mystery hits close to home with Cookie’s friend missing and a mysterious dead guy (ghost) in Cookie's car. Only one week passes between the first and second story.
The relationship with Reyes is slightly less hot and steamy in Second Grave on the Left, but mostly because Charley is determined to find Reyes corporeal body and won't let his seductive ways interfere with her search. The two spend a lot of the book at odds with each other, and I have to say that it dampened my feelings for the pair. Reyes is simply too cryptic, withholding information, and Charley is too determined to find him. They did have some quality chat time, which they didn't get much of in book one, and this allowed the reader to learn more about Reyes.
We also learn more as Charley discovers more about her powers and purpose. In addition, more people are coming into her inner circle of trust. In fact, Charley isn’t so bitter and is able to trust people and share her secrets. After a rough journey, she also has some excellent family bonding at the end of the book.
Both stories have highs and lows that create for a tremendous read. The juxtaposition of Charley’s successes with the realizations of her failures is poignant. The emotional journeys, coupled with romance, friendships, life lessons and humor, make the Charley Davidson series one I will continue to read. In the end, Ms. Jones leaves just enough of a hook to make me jonesing for the next book.
My Rating:
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First Grave on the Right
Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Second Grave on the Left
Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Review: The Guardian
The Guardian
Author: Sherrilyn Kenyon
Release Date: Nov. 1, 2011
Publisher: St. Martin’s
Dark Hunter #21
(Dream Hunter #5)
ISBN: #978-0312550059
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Paperback (345 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Library
About the book:
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As a Dream-Hunter, Lydia has been charged with the most sacred and dangerous of missions. She’s to descend into the Nether Realm and find the missing god of dreams before he betrays the secrets that could kill all of them. What she never expects is to be taken prisoner by the Realm’s most vicious guardian.
Seth’s time is running out. If he can’t hand over the key to Olympus and the heart of Zeus, then his own life and soul will be forfeit. No matter the torture, he hasn’t been able to break the god in his custody. But when a rescuer appears, he decides to try a new tactic.
When these two lock wills, one of them must give. But Lydia isn’t just guarding the gates of Olympus, she’s holding back the darkest of powers. If she fails, an ancient evil will roam the earth once more and no one...
What I’m talking about:
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For those of you that have followed me for a while, you probably know that Ms. Kenyon’s Dark Hunter series is one of my favorites; however, I have been disappointed with the last few books. I feel that the overall story arc has been lost in an ever too-expanding mythology, and that the individual stories were beginning to suffer for it. I was this close to not reading The Guardian, but then I was told by another that this story was worth the read and brought the story back to basics.
Well, I’m sad to say that The Guardian was a big disappointment to me.
Lydia is a sweet, but fierce woman. In an effort to save the only father she’s ever known, Dream God Solin, she travels to a horrible hell dimension where she is captured by the creature tormenting her father. Seth has been lied to, betrayed, used and tortured beyond any of your worse nightmares for 4,000 years. He holds Lydia in hopes that Solin will hand over the one thing that will free them all... “the key.”
In general, I never felt a connection between Seth and Lydia. For me, there was no real romance - heck, they didn’t even really kiss until the book was two-thirds over. I felt that cared about one another, but I never saw a spark ignite. The sizzle factor in this book was pretty non-existent.
Seth has been held captive and misused for so long, it baffled me that he was able to deal with Lydia at all. All too often, Seth seems way too well adjusted: having normal feelings of lust and desire for Lydia, wanting to protect and care for her... It just didn’t seem plausible based on the descriptions of his torture. Then later, when the couple FINALLY get together, he knows how to be gentle and caring with Lydia. I just didn’t buy it.
Lydia had some great moments, but wow - was she a bit whiney and easily antagonized. For example, after the pair final escape from the hell they’ve been in, she gets all bent out of shape when a (stranger) woman asks Seth for directions and was flirting with him. It was ridiculous how badly she overreacted.
As for the overall story, I felt that it never really went anywhere. Malevolent god Noir wants the key to Olympus so he can kill off the Greek pantheon. Some Dream Hunters betray Solin. Bad guys want to kill Lydia. The climax and conclusion of the story was abrupt and I felt didn’t hold many satisfying answers.
I will say that there are parts of this book that were well written and enjoyable to read. And maybe a new-comer to the series would like it more than I. It could be I’m a bit harsher on this book because I loved this series and have been disappointed recently. Whatever the case may be, I have to say The Guardian was a take it or leave it kind of book for me.
My Rating:
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Finished it - take it or leave it (C)
Friday, August 12, 2011
Review: Retribution
RetributionAuthor: Sherrilyn Kenyon
Release Date: August 2, 2011
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Dark/Dream Hunters #20
ISBN: #978-0312546595
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Hardcover (432 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Library
About the book: |
Harm no human…
A hired gunslinger, William Jessup Brady lived his life with one foot in the grave. He believed that every life had a price. Until the day when he finally found a reason to live. In one single act of brutal betrayal, he lost everything, including his life. Brought back by a Greek goddess to be one of her Dark-Hunters, he gave his immortal soul for vengeance and swore he’d spend eternity protecting the humans he’d once considered prey.
Orphaned as a toddler, Abigail Yager was taken in by a family of vampires and raised on one belief- Dark-Hunters are the evil who prey on both their people and mankind, and they must all be destroyed. While protecting her adoptive race, she has spent her life eliminating the Dark-Hunters...
What I’m talking about: |
This is going to be a hard review to write. I’ve put it off as long as possible, so here I go...
According to Goodreads, this is the 20th Dark Hunter book, and if you include the novellas, it’s even higher than that. I’ve read them all. The Dark Hunters Series has been one of my favorites over the past several years. But... I have to say that I feel the series is losing steam and heading downhill. What started as an amazing series mythology and intricately spun world, has turned into a confusing stream of words and names. I was a bit mortified that Ms. Kenyon added yet ANOTHER pantheon and set of rules into her series. This series already has the single most complex set of rules of any I read, WHY add more to it?! And it seems that she has dropped several key characters and open-ended subplots for a couple books now. As a long-time series reader, I was very frustrated with these points.
However, if you take this book completely out of the series and look at Retribution on its own, the book is an enjoyable read. The Native American mythology was very interesting. I was a bit overwhelmed trying to understand how all the players fit in, but in the end, it didn’t deter me from enjoying the story.
Jess was a wonderful character. I enjoyed his dark side and strength. He was a complete cowboy gentleman, full of humor and so laid-back. I wanted him all to myself! Misguided Abigail took a little while to grow on me - I mean she started out as Jess’s enemy! The build-up of their relationship was mostly non-existent, and with only one sex scene in this book, you may feel like you got gypped in the romance department. However, they do fall in love as their growing adoration actually plays out in “flashbacks and memories” from past lives. It mostly works, but I found myself sometimes wishing for more (and slightly confused).
So, in the end, I do recommend this book to both new comers and Dark Hunter regulars. Because the mythology is a new one, it’s not a bad place to start; however, you are missing out on some AMAZING stories if you don’t go back and read the earlier books.
My Rating: |
Liked it, but I had some issues - recommend (B)
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