Deja Demon
Julie Kenner
Berkley Trade
July
ISBN 0425221903
Urban fantasy
******
Life can be complicated for your average suburban housewife, this is true, but for Kate Connor, that is triply true, maybe more. First of all, she lives a double life, juggling being a wife and mother with keeping the world safe from demons. She also has her daughter, Allie, to train as a potential hunter and a faux grandfather-in-law retired hunter helping her. Kate's other partner in demon hunting is the major complication in her world; though the world knows him as David, a mild mannered high school science teacher, she knows he is her first husband, her soul mate, Eric, back from the dead in a different body and wanting his family back. She does love her present husband, but the old attraction is there. All this drama is going on, along with her present husband's attempts to be elected to public office, trying to keep her activities and her other husband secret from him, and dealing with zombies, a demon war, and ancient prophecies.
This is easily among the very best of urban fantasy. There is a lot to laugh at, but the serious events are what will hold your attention and make Kate Connor's world beloved. The issues she wrestles with are so compelling that it is frustrating for a book to end. I can hardly wait to learn more. Each one gets better and better and Deja Demon will have you on the edge of your seat with suspense, laughing, and crying all in the too brief time it takes to finish it.
Showing posts with label romance/vampire urban fantasy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label romance/vampire urban fantasy. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
BLOOD NOIR ANITA BLAKE
Blood Noir
Laurrell K Hamilton
Berkley
May
ISBN 0425222195
Urban fantasy
****
To help out Jason, one of her many men, Anita Blake agrees to exaggerate their relationship and accompany the young werewolf home so he can hopefully reconcile with his dying father. Yet, once there, it is clear that her efforts are not only in vain, but may have put Jean-Claude, the Master of St. Louis, in danger from those who crave his power. On top of that, Anita's powers are continuing to evolve and grow, making her the focus of attention for Jean-Claude's rivals, not to mention the fact that the Mother of Darkness is still obsessed with the necromancer. However, it is another, completely unexpected enemy that will nearly cost Anita a piece of her heart.
Despite a few gratuitous sex scenes, which are easily skimmed past if you are among those who love Anita's world except for that angle, this is a fantastic story where character development is the main focus. Jason has been an intriguing man who lingered on the edge while the Alphas of various forms took center stage. Now, featured in his own right, he truly comes to life and is revealed to be a more complex, vulnerable and very loveable soul. The continuing cold war with Marmee Noir remains one of the more fascinating sub-threads to this saga, and I anxiously await its full blown treatment.
Laurrell K Hamilton
Berkley
May
ISBN 0425222195
Urban fantasy
****
To help out Jason, one of her many men, Anita Blake agrees to exaggerate their relationship and accompany the young werewolf home so he can hopefully reconcile with his dying father. Yet, once there, it is clear that her efforts are not only in vain, but may have put Jean-Claude, the Master of St. Louis, in danger from those who crave his power. On top of that, Anita's powers are continuing to evolve and grow, making her the focus of attention for Jean-Claude's rivals, not to mention the fact that the Mother of Darkness is still obsessed with the necromancer. However, it is another, completely unexpected enemy that will nearly cost Anita a piece of her heart.
Despite a few gratuitous sex scenes, which are easily skimmed past if you are among those who love Anita's world except for that angle, this is a fantastic story where character development is the main focus. Jason has been an intriguing man who lingered on the edge while the Alphas of various forms took center stage. Now, featured in his own right, he truly comes to life and is revealed to be a more complex, vulnerable and very loveable soul. The continuing cold war with Marmee Noir remains one of the more fascinating sub-threads to this saga, and I anxiously await its full blown treatment.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Night Huntress II, One Foot in the Grave
One Foot in the Grave
Jeanine Frost
Avon
April
ISBN 0061245097
Paranormal
****1/2
To save the man she loves from the government, Cat Crawford left Bones years ago. In the meantime, she has adapted to her new life, exacting justice on rogue vampires as an agent of the United States. Thanks to Bones, who is himself a vampire, she is among the most adept at what she does, which makes her a target for assassination. Once again, she needs him in her life, although everyone else says it's a doomed relationship and he should be avoided. Bones is possibly the only person better at what Cat does than she is, and he does bring out her best. Though Cat planned on keeping things professional, Bones had other ideas.
If you want to read a book that follows a formula and is virtually indistinguishable from the last urban fantasy romance you read, or reads like a standard romance, except for the fact that the hero or heroine has fangs, fur, or both, then look elsewhere. The Night Huntress series is fresh, though it does have some of the hallmarks of the genre. Cat and Bones are a fantastic pair, perfectly simpatico, even when they are at odds. What's more, he's one of the most compelling heroes since J.D. Robb's Roarke. Don't just take my word for it though, read the books.
Jeanine Frost
Avon
April
ISBN 0061245097
Paranormal
****1/2
To save the man she loves from the government, Cat Crawford left Bones years ago. In the meantime, she has adapted to her new life, exacting justice on rogue vampires as an agent of the United States. Thanks to Bones, who is himself a vampire, she is among the most adept at what she does, which makes her a target for assassination. Once again, she needs him in her life, although everyone else says it's a doomed relationship and he should be avoided. Bones is possibly the only person better at what Cat does than she is, and he does bring out her best. Though Cat planned on keeping things professional, Bones had other ideas.
If you want to read a book that follows a formula and is virtually indistinguishable from the last urban fantasy romance you read, or reads like a standard romance, except for the fact that the hero or heroine has fangs, fur, or both, then look elsewhere. The Night Huntress series is fresh, though it does have some of the hallmarks of the genre. Cat and Bones are a fantastic pair, perfectly simpatico, even when they are at odds. What's more, he's one of the most compelling heroes since J.D. Robb's Roarke. Don't just take my word for it though, read the books.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
A must read
Halfway to the Grave
Jeaniene Frost
Avon
Nov
ISBN 0061245089
Paranoraml
*****
One half vampire and the other half human, Cat started life as being out of the ordinary. Ever since, she's tried to live up to that label and made it her mission in life to destroy the monsters. However, when her amateur Buffy act goes awry, she finds herself saddled with a mentor/partner who is supposed to be her enemy. Bones has been a vampire for over two centuries, and finding Cat is a trial and a treasure for him. With her help, the undead bounty hunter will be better able to off the monsters himself, but first, she needs training and they both need to learn to work together and trust. The latest job is one more deadly than either anticipated and will prove to be the ultimate test of the bond they reluctantly, then passionately forged.
Do not walk, run to your car or keyboard and get this book immediately if you love a good urban fantasy. Cat and Bones' explosive chemistry sizzles off the page, but is never graphic and does not go too far, as so many of the books lately are wont to do. There is also a thread of genuine Christian faith running through it that is not preachy, but adds depth to the story. Julie Kenner is the only other urban fantacist I've encountered who weaves that in so well. Aside from the well drawn characters, this book as nonstop action and a fantastic plot. I can hardly wait for more!
Jeaniene Frost
Avon
Nov
ISBN 0061245089
Paranoraml
*****
One half vampire and the other half human, Cat started life as being out of the ordinary. Ever since, she's tried to live up to that label and made it her mission in life to destroy the monsters. However, when her amateur Buffy act goes awry, she finds herself saddled with a mentor/partner who is supposed to be her enemy. Bones has been a vampire for over two centuries, and finding Cat is a trial and a treasure for him. With her help, the undead bounty hunter will be better able to off the monsters himself, but first, she needs training and they both need to learn to work together and trust. The latest job is one more deadly than either anticipated and will prove to be the ultimate test of the bond they reluctantly, then passionately forged.
Do not walk, run to your car or keyboard and get this book immediately if you love a good urban fantasy. Cat and Bones' explosive chemistry sizzles off the page, but is never graphic and does not go too far, as so many of the books lately are wont to do. There is also a thread of genuine Christian faith running through it that is not preachy, but adds depth to the story. Julie Kenner is the only other urban fantacist I've encountered who weaves that in so well. Aside from the well drawn characters, this book as nonstop action and a fantastic plot. I can hardly wait for more!
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Confessions of a Werewolf Supermodel - Ronda Thompson
Confessions of a Werewolf Supermodel
Ronda Thompson
Oct
ISBN 0312949251
Paranormal/Chicklit/Contemporary Romance/Comedy/Mystery
****1/2
Lou Kinipski has the most unusual beauty secret of any of the top models on the catwalk. In fact, given what it is, you probably should not refer to the runway as the catwalk. Until seven years ago, she was drop dead ugly, then she turned into a werewolf. Once she bruises from an attempted rape that triggered the change heal, she's gorgeous. Because she killed her would be rapist, she went on the run, got a new identity, and became a star model. Life is good, with only a few concessions to her condition required until someone begins killing women who look like her and Lou's past starts to become an issue. Making things even more complicated are the four men now in her life; a sleazy, but still somewhat charming PI, the photographer she's had a crush on for years, the policeman who is the lead on the case, and a vampire. At least two of them could be handy, considering that she's definitely on the killer's list of victims. Romance is not Lou's biggest concern, however. Worry about her past and if she has a future are vying for that role.
I loved this! Suspense and fun are mixed so well that you are on the edge of your seat and laughing at the same time. Seeds of wonderful stories that should be told are scattered throughout the pages, making you want to revisit Lou and her world again. This is a definite keeper.
Ronda Thompson
Oct
ISBN 0312949251
Paranormal/Chicklit/Contemporary Romance/Comedy/Mystery
****1/2
Lou Kinipski has the most unusual beauty secret of any of the top models on the catwalk. In fact, given what it is, you probably should not refer to the runway as the catwalk. Until seven years ago, she was drop dead ugly, then she turned into a werewolf. Once she bruises from an attempted rape that triggered the change heal, she's gorgeous. Because she killed her would be rapist, she went on the run, got a new identity, and became a star model. Life is good, with only a few concessions to her condition required until someone begins killing women who look like her and Lou's past starts to become an issue. Making things even more complicated are the four men now in her life; a sleazy, but still somewhat charming PI, the photographer she's had a crush on for years, the policeman who is the lead on the case, and a vampire. At least two of them could be handy, considering that she's definitely on the killer's list of victims. Romance is not Lou's biggest concern, however. Worry about her past and if she has a future are vying for that role.
I loved this! Suspense and fun are mixed so well that you are on the edge of your seat and laughing at the same time. Seeds of wonderful stories that should be told are scattered throughout the pages, making you want to revisit Lou and her world again. This is a definite keeper.
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