Review: Magic Triumphs (Kate Daniels #10) by Ilona Andrews |《Reread》

5 stars for Magic Triumphs (Kate Daniels book 10) by Ilona Andrews |《Reread》.

My memory fails me, for real this time. I'm not sure if I should be happy or sad. The fact is, this book reads absolutely new to me. I remember reading it in that same year it was first published but the thing is, I simply cannot recall anything at all, not even a vague impression. No inkling. Nothing. Zilch. The flip side is, reading this book as a first feels really wonderful.

Kate Daniels' world is never short of action and surprises. In this last instalment of the series, she is tasked to solve the mystery of two hundred missing people. In the midst of Kate's investigations, ancient creatures start popping out of her aunt Erra's nightmares and attack them. And as if these aren't trouble enough, Kate finds out that her father is secretly mobilising his army. To make matters worse, there is a Fae assassin running around in Atlanta city hoping to kill Kate, Curran and their son Conlan.

Magic Triumphs is as good a title as its delivery of the closing arc of a grand finale. There are troops, mages, witches, the Pack, the Undead, the military, the Druids, the Order, the pagans, the Red Guard and even the Iron Dogs. Yes, all the different factions in Atlanta make their appearance and contribute in their own way to a colourful firework that signals a closure to Kate Daniels.

Review: Iron and Magic (Kate Daniels #9.5) by Ilona Andrews

Did Not Finish Iron and Magic (Kate Daniels book 9.5) by Ilona Andrews.

Iron and Magic slots right between Magic Binds and Magic Triumphs timeline-wise. It’s short but gives readers that breather with Kate and Curran before the final book throws everything at them.

When I started out on this book, I thought the story would make for a nice palate cleanser before the finale wrecks the reader in me emotionally. My tall paperback of a Magic Triumph - recently purchased via Amazon and received in good order - can wait its turn on the shelf. But in the end, my calculation misfires as I am unable to complete this novel. I struggle to make myself read at least until I reach the halfway mark. It is difficult to enjoy the story because it portrays Huge in a different light from what I perceived and wanted him to be.

Iron and Magic era Hugh is... something else. He’s one of those characters you either love to hate or hate to love. No in-between. What I like about Hugh so much is a mixed bag really. His chaos energy. His loyalty. The way he talks to Curran. The way he is attracted to Kate. Most of all, how he is turned on by Kate in their no-style fighting style. The Hugh in this book is post Roland. He is still powerful in his own way, but very much different from the earlier books. And I didn't exactly like it. But well, at least I make it a point to stop my reading at halfway mark, so if I ever want to continue with this book in future, I know where I left off.

Review: Magic Binds (Kate Daniels #9) by Ilona Andrews |《Reread》

5 stars for Magic Binds (Kate Daniels book 9) by Ilona Andrews |《Reread》.

Author Ilona Andrews did it again. This book 9 is not just a story with a straightforward, straight-out plot, but one with branches that reach out far and wide to form even more branches - subplots that run alongside the main plot, adding depth, character development and thematic richness to the story. To be able to do this, the authors have to know their magic inside out to be able enchant the branches to inter-relate. And that is an impressive feat. For the reader, it is a much simpler job. I just have to keep reading to piece everything together into a grand picture.

Magic Binds can be summarized simply into two words. "Power corrupts". Because of this, I feel that the book title is aptly chosen. It is also revealed in this book that Kate is well versed in the language of power. These are words spoken and shown in italics. This thing about the language of power.. I list it here in my review post more for my own reference, in case I decide to read this series again in the future.

Finishing Magic Binds means I have just survived the wedding + Roland mess + the whole "Atlanta will burn" prophecy. My heart needs a minute, no scratch that, a break, before Magic Triumphs drops the final boss.

Next up, book 9.5 Iron and Magic.

Review: Magic Shifts (Kate Daniels #8) by Ilona Andrews |《Reread》

5 stars for Magic Shifts (Kate Daniels book 8) by Ilona Andrews |《Reread》.

Okay.. I have a confession to make. I do not remember this story.. much.

Yes, I read this book before, in the exact same year it was published and made available. And yes, I do have an impression, vague as it is, that Magic Shifts was about a missing Shapeshifter and there was a family dinner of sorts with R. But other than that, zilch. Zero. Nothing.

No, I do not recall the creatures, the fighting, the reanimative metamorphosis, MR for short, the Arabian mythology, the giant incident near the Casino that was in effect an incident with a giant in it, and definitely not the big crisis that Kate undergone. I doubt I even dropped tears when I read about this critical turning point then, but I did this time. It is heart-rending what with Kate's emotionally charged insistence to go home. I cried.

Memories aside, after the large-scope story in book 7 Magic Breaks, I am glad for the change to focus on a small scale story in this book. Here, readers finally get to see Curran with Kate more often. After going through so much together, Kate and Curran deserve to have more screen time side by side. I cannot be more happy that there is finally no deliberate plot to lure the ex Beast Lord away from action for the better part of the story.

In Magic Shifts, Curran is mostly at Kate's side. Where Kate goes, Curran follows. How nice! But the cherry on the sundae is not just the two of them appearing shoulder to shoulder, it is their quick-wit banter and the sharp edge of humor that flutters my heart so.

Next up book nine Magic Binds.

Review: Magic Breaks (Kate Daniels #7) by Ilona Andrews |《Reread》

5 stars for Magic Breaks (Kate Daniels book 7) by Ilona Andrews |《Reread》.

Among all the Kate Daniels books to date, this book 7 is second to book 4 Magic Bleeds in terms of thickness. And it is second to Magic Strikes in terms of my preference where book cover is concerned. The models on both covers do great justice to portray Kate. But if I really have to choose one, I'll go for the cover in Strikes because that one came first. And first impression makes the deepest lasting imprint.

This book 7 is basically a story that bangs on a race against time. The person who imposes this timeframe is none other than Roland's Warlord, Huge d'Ambray, the preceptor of the Order of the Iron Dogs. Since book 6 Magic Rises, I actually quite like d'Ambray even though he is one of the so-called bad guys.

Hugh + Kate banter is elite chaos energy. When they actually get to go toe-toe, it’s chef’s kiss. Magic Breaks gives us glimpses but not the full showdown we want. Autho Ilona Andrews knows exactly how to tease us with them though. The tension between those two is unreal even when they’re not fighting.

The way I see it, there is much potential to be had with this character. His medmage capabilities is astounding and he is relentless in his pursuit of Kate. He could have been a major challenge to the Beast Lord where matters of the heart involving Kate is concerned. There could have been more scenes for adrenaline heart-stopping moments where Huge and Kate face off, especially just the two of them alone, but no - and sadly no - the authors obviously have other plans for Huge. Towards the end of the book, I kind of feel sorry for d'Ambray because I just have the feeling that he will no longer be a major presence in the subsequent instalments. And I like him so.

As with the earlier books, there is much plotting, fighting and bloodshed in this book; the chief difference in Magic Breaks is that all these here culminates in a big showdown. It is impressive how the authors have everything in control. Well played indeed!

I think I may have mentioned this previously but I want to say it again. Everything makes so much sense now what with the back-to-back reading. I did not realise how big a difference each gap year makes until now. Reading the books in succession makes for a smooth glide from scene to scene and book to book, and gives so much more clarity, depth and insight to the entire Kate Daniels series.

Next up book eight Magic Shifts.

Review: Magic Rises (Kate Daniels #6) by Ilona Andrews |《Reread》

5 stars for Magic Rises (Kate Daniels book 6) by Ilona Andrews |《Reread》.

Magic Rises is another of my favorites. It rank right up there after book 3 Magic Strikes.

This book small on the outside but big on the inside, is a book worth all my time to read and reread. This novel certainly packs a lot of punch. The key word here is panacea. I would say, this book gives a good, well-deserved break to all the rest of happenings in Atlanta. It is a refreshing and welcoming change from the usual. In fact, this book is so well crafted that the story can be read as a standalone. But of couse, I will still recommend starting the series from book 1.

There are so many things to like in this book, the good and even the bad - the doubts that slowly surface and rear its ugly head, and the anger that gradually simmer before boiling over - are all part and parcel of the grand scheme of things. I will say, even the badass Hugh d’Ambray comes across as a highly attractive bloke.

Hugh + Kate banter is elite chaos energy. When they actually get to go toe-toe, it’s chef’s kiss. Author Ilona Andrews knows exactly how to tease us readers with them. The tension between Hugh and Kate is unreal even when they are not fighting. Their back-and-forth is just perfect - the timing, the insults, the barely-contained murder vibes... they are delicious.

My favorite moment in this book is the "Uncle" scene. That “Uncle” moment is EXACTLY chef’s kiss. The way Kate pushes him to it, the way Hugh hates every second of saying it, and the reader in me can feel Curran grinning in the background even though he is not there. Pure perfection. That’s peak Hugh + Kate energy right there. Him being forced to submit, her enjoying it way too much. Authors Ilona Andrews certainly know what they are doing.

For an Urban Fantasy novel, Magic Rises sure checked all the right boxes and then some.

Action checked.
Magic checked.
Horror checked.
Mystery checked.
Suspense checked.
Paranormal checked.
Fantasy checked.
Humour checked.
Desire checked.
Romance checked.
Revelation checked.

Next up book seven Magic Rises.

Review: Magic Slays (Kate Daniels #5) by Ilona Andrews |《Reread》

5 stars for Magic Slays (Kate Daniels book 5) by Ilona Andrews |《Reread》.

It has been a long time; I need to get this off my mind. Of all the book covers since the series started, this one portrays Kate in the most unflattering, undignified manner. I always wonder why this picture was chosen to grace the book cover of Magic Slays. Perhaps this is the best among the rest, but even so, I feel that Kate deserves something better. The title is sleek and well chosen yet the cover is anything but. The good thing is, other than this minor slip-up of the outside, the inside is all well and good.

Once again, the authors deliver an amazing story. I thought the last book 4 was spectacular, yet the authors manage to outdo themselves again. In this book, the magic elite of Atlanta put aside old rivalries to form a common alliance. Mages, witches, druids, volhvs, shamans, the People, the Pack, and the mercenary Guild, all come together to fight a cause worthy of fighting.

As usual, when it comes to Kate and the beast lord, there are always those bear-your-heart-out scenes that makes me so emotional that tears roll down my cheeks as I read. And mind you, those are not fanciful conversations, just simple, practical, heart-to-heart talking, yet they make the world go round in Kate's world.

Next up book six Magic Rises. Another of my favourites.

Review: Magic Bleeds (Kate Daniels #4) by Ilona Andrews |《Reread》

5 stars for Magic Bleeds (Kate Daniels book 4) by Ilona Andrews |《Reread》.

Reading book 4 Magic Bleeds again feels like revisiting a dear old friend. I say it again. This series just keeps getting better with each new book. In this new instalment, shapeshifters who never fall sick (due to the Lyc-V virus) caught deadly plagues, the People (the Masters of the Dead who navigate the vampires) unexpectedly asked the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid for assistance, and undead creatures make an appearance and used elemental magic.

It feels great to be reading a completed series. No waiting. No longing. No hangover. Having to wait like one year for the next book to be written and published is such a killjoy. I remember vividly as if it was yesterday when I specially patronized a certain library branch to borrow the first two books because they were available only in that particular library. I was lucky then that I didn't have to wait long for book 3 Magic Strikes to be out. And then, the pain came. It came right after I finished reading book 3, and it repeated itself every year after. Those were terrible times.

Also, it feels wonderful to be holding and reading Kate Daniels in the dead tree version. I bought the books some years ago and I specially went for the original covers it came in (first edition covers which I read in previously). So, even though I am rereading the series now, the books I hold in my hands are proudly mine and in mint condition. So happy!

While book 3 Magic Strikes, my all-time favourite, is a book that reaffirms that this series is worth all my time reading and following, book 4 Magic Bleeds is a book that cumulates all that have been said and done in the previous three books and then... reveals and reduces it to three mere words "all or nothing".

If you are a fan of Urban Fantasy, this is s series not to be missed.

Next up book five Magic Slays.

Review: Magic Strikes (Kate Daniels #3) by Ilona Andrews |《Reread》

5 stars for Magic Strikes (Kate Daniels book 3) by Ilona Andrews |《Reread》.

Magic Strikes. My all-time favourite. It feels so good to re-live this story again. Not only that, everything becomes so much clearer. Names and characters that I have glazed over the first time round get my full attention now.

Most books take one year to be written, edited and published. The same goes books in a series. In this sense, the authors did a great job to provide an excellent summary of Kate's world within the first couple of pages in Chapter one. Memory refresh is important because most readers would have lost touch during the year and need some prompting to be reminded of the base story again.

The husband and wife tag-team authors did it really well. They reminded readers about technology and magic, how they typically switch at least once every couple of days, usually more often than that. And then, about the three enforcement agencies that regulated life - the Military Supernatural Defense Unit (MSDU), the Paranormal Activity Division (PAD) and the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid (Kate's illustrious employer). This is followed by the power brokers of Atlanta - the People (the Masters of the Dead who navigate the vampires) and the Pack (the Shapeshifters). Finally, a reminder about the various characters the series cannot do without - Jim, Kate's partner from her days when she worked for the Mercenary Guild, who is also alpha of the cat clan and the Pack's chief of security; Saiman, a shapeshifter of sorts who has an encyclopedic knowledge of magic, a magic expert in short; and Derek, Kate's one-time teenage werewolf sidekick.

It is very easy to like Kate. She is a great kick-ass heroine. She packs a mean punch, fights well and is powerful in her own ways. She is a tough girl with a heart. The heart part did it for me. The author shows readers that no matter how tough Kate is or aspires to be, deep down, she is just a girl, a human girl who is not without fear, just that she masks them well.

By revealing Kate's inner conversations and thought processes, the authors bring Kate closer to readers and show us how she covers up her fears and weakneses through anger and blabbing. To quote "The man made an odd hooting sound that raised the tiny hairs on the back of my neck.." Another quote "This one was old. No sign of it ever walking upright remained. It waited on all fours, like a dog that has somehow sprouted humanoid limbs tipped with stiletto claws. The lasting lingering echoes of its humanity had faded long ago. It had become a thing, so revolting alien and frightening it sent shivers down my spine." As to Kate's witty blabbing to cover up her discomfort especially in the presense of the Beast Lord, it will not do to quote them here. Readers have to read them by themselves in the context of Kate Daniels vs Your Majesty, otherwise, I will be doing injustice to Kate.

This book revolves around Hindu mythology. I wonder if the authors are already well-versed in the different mythologies prior to writing Kate Daniels series. If not, I cannot imagine the amount of research they need to do to spin such a beautiful story.

Next up book four Magic Bleeds.

Review: Magic Burns (Kate Daniels #2) by Ilona Andrews |《Reread》

4 stars for Magic Burns (Kate Daniels book 2) by Ilona Andrews |《Reread》.

I still remember vividly the first time I read Magic Burns. I did not like this book. I struggled with the story so much that I almost wanted to give up. It is hard to like this book. Serious. Looking back, I think it is a wonder that I persevere long enough to reach the end of the book and even more so, waited for book 3 to be published and kept a lookout for its availability. The rest as we know it, is history.

Reading Magic Burns a second time now, the feeling is different yet somewhat same. Different because I no longer find it so difficult to read. I actually enjoyed reading it. Same because I have finished reading the entire Kate Daniels series and I know that of all the books, this is still the one that I like the least; no change there, not now nor any time in the future.

This book involves coven and druids but it revolves mostly around Celtic mythology and its rituals. Reading it slowly helps in understanding. And where required, read the same sentence again and again.

Next up is book three Magic Strikes. My all-time favourite.

Review: Magic Bites (Kate Daniels #1) by Ilona Andrews |《Reread》

5 stars for Magic Bites (Kate Daniels book 1) by Ilona Andrews |《Reread》.

Recently, I re-watched a Chinese drama series titled "Go Ahead" |《以家人之名》. It features three families with no blood ties but the children, two boys and one girl, grow up together under the care and guidance of two dads. Fast forward some years; the three children have grown up. One of the boys falls in love with the girl. The reason he gave for wanting to be with her and to form their own family unit subsequently, is that he is exhausted from the family dramatic happenings and has run out of capacity on wanting to know other girls. He is just happy to live with what he is familiar with and be with this girl whom he has been calling sister since young.

This drama series brought to mind, my own reading situation. I think I have run out of capacity, at least for now, on the desire to explore new books. Lately it is getting worse. It is taking me forever to finish reading a new book. But then... give me an Urban Fantasy series that I have read before and loved, specifcially the Kate Daniels series, I will find every chance I have to read the book.

This also brought to my mind "The Price Is Right", a long-running American television show game where contestants guess the prices of products to win cash and prizes, currently hosted by Drew Carey. For me, it is the equivalent of "The Book is Right". Yes, having the right book makes such a big difference in whipping up my reading appetitie.

It is a mysterious thing that perhaps only avid readers can understand and relate. Revisiting an old series does not bore me, no matter how many times I have read it already. This is probably my third or fourth time reading Magic Bites. Yet, it still blows me away. I find it deeply enjoyable as I refresh my memory to live through the story once more through Kate's eyes. It is also a great pleasure to (re)discover the finer details which I may have overlooked in my earlier readings.

As a debut novel, this book is extraordinarily well written. The fact that I have already completed the entire series astounds me even more on the brillancy of the author in building Kate's world and crafting the story for book one.

Authors who differentiate themselves from the mediocre ones are those who plan way ahead and have an ace up their sleeves. In author Ilona Andrews' case, it is definitely many more aces. To date, I have yet to find another author who can match author Ilona in weaving an equally spectacular Urban Fantasy series. Indeed, Kate Daniels is one of a kind.

Next up is book two Magic Burns.

Review: Angels' Blood (Guild Hunter #1) by Nalini Singh

Did Not Finish Angels' Blood (Guild Hunter book 1) by Nalini Singh.

While deep in the throes of urban fantasy novels involving vampires and lycanthropes, I decide to try the Guild Hunter series. This series has fifteen books written to date and if I am not wrong, is still an ongoing series. So, if the story is my cup of tea, I will have no worries on books to read, at least for a long while.

The protagonist is this book is a 28-year-old vampire hunter Elena Deveraux. The unusual thing about the vampires here is that, they are not the exotic powerful sexy vampires protrayed in most books, but rather, they are slaves to angels, the price paid for exchanging their mortality for servitude. Elena is tasked with an odd job this time, instead of a vampire, she is to track an Archangel..

I can't say much more about the story and the writing as I give up reading at the 15% mark. I can only say that the story is not my cup of tea. It is sad because there goes my fifteen potential reads. I hope this is not a sign that I have grown too jaded to enjoy a murder mystery amidst steamy sexual tension in urban fantasy novels.

Review: Demeter's Tablet (Nia Rivers Adventures #2) by Ines Johnson

3 stars for Demeter's Tablet (Nia Rivers Adventures book 2) by Ines Johnson.

While readers visit China and learn about ancient Chinese history in book 1 Dragon Bones, we are transported to Greece this time to acquire a knowledge of the Ottoman Empire. Greece was under Ottoman rule for over four hundred years.

In this book, the protagonist, Nia Rivers goes on an adventure to investigate the mysteries of an ancient cult that promises everlasting life. The rumors of the cult went back for hundreds of years - it invited all into its ranks, rich and poor, male and female, philosophers and slaves. The rituals that the initiates undertook to get into the cult had never been revealed. All any outsiders knew was that, once accepted, the initiates were promised everlasting life, riches, and knowledge. Basically, Nia's job is to search for the missing tablet that depicts the sacred rites of this group, if it ever is true and can be found.

As with most, if not all Greek stories, this book involves not just the Olympians, but also their Titan parents. While it is interesting and exciting to read about Greek mythology once again, I cannot help but feel that something is missing. I find it hard to pick up the book to continue reading after each and every break. The gist of it is, I do not look forward to reading where I last leave off. I think the reason is the issue with Nia's memory loss. She is constantly trying to recall her past, to regain anyone and everyone's past that has been lost to her. Though she is visited by time-lapsed visions, they are not enough to reveal the person she is or used to be. Her inability to recover her lost memories grates on my nerves after a while.

Nia is an immortal that remains forever unchanged physically but mentally ancient. But the real story behind is still much unknown as the author dangles a carrot in front of readers to entice reading. This is where I get put off - too many missing pieces to the puzzle. And based on whatever is revealed of Nia, it all points to a promiscuous lifestyle in her past which for the life of her, she cannot remember. It gets tiring reading such a story. I am going to stay away from this series, at least for some time.

Review: Dragon Bones (Nia Rivers Adventures #1) by Ines Johnson

4 stars for Dragon Bones (Nia Rivers Adventures book 1) by Ines Johnson.

This book comes recommended by an author in the newsletter that I receive every now and then. I thought to give the book a try since it has been such a long time when I last read an Urban Fantasy novel. To tell the truth, I am not much impressed by the book title and cover. So, it comes as a surprise, when I got hooked to the story right from page one.

The protagonist in the book is a certain Dr. Nia Rivers, Doctor of Antiquities, who has a love of Greek history. She makes her living in ruins all over the world as an archaeologist.

After reading chapter one, if I didn't know better, I will have pegged this book a general fiction on Archeology because nothing in the story indicates that this is an out-of-the-world tale, at least not in chapter one or two. But having known for a fact - based on the recommendation - that this is an Urban Fantasy story, I am excited to read on to discover more. True enough, in no time, there comes subtle hints to indicate that Nia Rivers is not a human. To quote "I took off after him, my powerful legs eating up the ground much faster than any human runner could manage." If not for the recommendation by the author I followed, I would not have ventured out into this book at all.

The story, about immortals and their secrets, is well balanced in terms of action and romance. Interestingly, the book covers a fair amount of Chinese history. It is quite an eye opener for me to read about the Shang Dynasty, the Zhou Dynasty and the Xia Dynasty. I even googled in a bid to learn more about this part of the Chinese history - The Shang Dynasty lasted from 1600 to 1046 BCE, and the Zhou dynasty took power around 1045 BCE. It was one of the longest running dynasties. Most historians believe the Xia was a small tribe in ancient China that had thrived for a brief period before the more well-known Shang Dynasty. The Xia Dynasty was the first of many ancient Chinese ruling houses, thought to exist from around 2070 BCE until 1600 BCE. Yet the actual existence of this dynasty and culture has been debated. Given that the existence of the Xia dynasty is debated, the Shang dynasty is sometimes seen as the first of the China's dynasties.
 
Now that I have read Dragon Bones, I am keen to continue with the adventures of Nia Rivers, to see where she will bring me to next.

Review: Christmas Moon (Vampire for Hire #4.5) by J. R. Rain

4 stars for Christmas Moon (Vampire for Hire book 4.5) by J. R. Rain.

Call me superstitious or whatever, but I do not like to end the year with a book titled The Broken Road. It is a book that revolves around the theme of fate and second chance which is nothing wrong by itself, but the word "broken" just does not sit well with me. And that by itself is reason enough for me to keep searching for another book to wrap up the year with.

The Christmas Moon is a most unusual book for me. First, it is not my usual practice to start a new series by skipping the first four books. Second, it is not my usual practice to start a new series by reading any one of its short stories. Third, it is not my usual practice to read a paranormal story come year end, a story about a vampire mom, written, of all people, by a guy author with a beard. The thing is, I have trouble finding a Christmas theme story which I can sufficiently enjoy to continue with and also one which I am confident enough to finish reading by the end of December. I do not think I am in any way, a fussy reader, it is just that it is so difficult to find a good book that fit in well with the festive season. Already I have exhausted more than a few books on my reading list when I finally decide to try out this novella. The heck with book 4.5.

Amazingly, I am hooked onto the story by the end of chapter one. The story and plot have somewhat managed to captivate my attention and keep me going. I have everything I want in this book, a one-stop short story where there is mystery waiting to be solved during the Christmas season. There is also the added bonus of the story giving me a good laugh. The only downside to reading a book 4.5 is, well, the spoilers. I have yet to read book 1 to 4, but in reading this book, I have gained a good deal of information about what transpired in the earlier books through story flashback and gentle reminders of the past. Those are definitely something I do not want to know in advance.

All in all, Christmas Moon is a good short story; one that stretches from near Christmas time, to Christmas Eve, to Christmas Day. If I can disregard the spoilers mentioned earlier, this book is in fact a good start for me, to have a taste of the writing style and what Vampire for Hire series is all about. I have a feeling this post is only the beginning of more to come with this urban fantasy series.

Review: Fangs by Sarah Andersen

3 stars for Fangs by Sarah Andersen.

Fangs is a love story between a vampire and a werewolf. It tells us what happens when a bloodsucker and a wolfman start having a relationship.

Overall, this is an entertaining and relaxing graphic novel that is relatively short and easy to read. While some scenes are cute and funny, they are not meant for teens due to the adult language and intimate moments.

To give a glimpse of the funny moments, below are two of the first few comic strips that enticed me to continue reading.

Review: Death Rejoices (Marnie Baranuik Files #2) by A. J. Aalto

2.5 stars for Death Rejoices (Marnie Baranuik Files book 2) by A. J. Aalto.

This book is a bit of a disappointment after the last one. I guess ideas and expressions, no matter how good, if used too frequently, get stale after a while, cheeky banter and sexual innuendo are no exception.

Then again, perhaps not all is lost, depending on how one sees it. I do get something out of this book which translates to a few more choice words to consider in time of need. Since one never knows when said time will arise, it may be good to know that in place of the widely used "P" word, there are others to select from, such as schlong, wiener, phallus, wanger. You get my drift?

Review: Touched (Marnie Baranuik Files #1) by A. J. Aalto

5 stars for Touched (Marnie Baranuik Files book 1) by A. J. Aalto.

Going by the book title, one that sounds just so.. Young Adult, I will never have imagined it possible, but the truth is, I have a helluva time with this book!

I have to admit that it does take some getting used to the author's writing style at first, as there is always an element of sexual innuendo, making its appearance when I least expect it. Oh, dont't get me wrong, I mean it in a good kind of way, that the author has a sense of humor that is decidedly quirky. Unusual. Interesting. Appealing. And once I am sufficiently acquainted with it, I find myself really happy to be reading the story, the conversations, the internal thought processes. Yes, the lighthearted banter and dry humor tickle my funny bone to no end.

Humor and innuendo aside, this book one of the Marnie Baranuik series check all the right boxes on my urban fantasy radar. There is mystery and suspense, paranormal and romance, living and undead, power and action.

And then, there is the unconventional to the point of being endearing choice of words to describe some of the characters.

Vampire, the undead or immortal is now addressed as Revenant, or better yet, literally and figuratively, Cold Company. The human who is bonded to a vampire is known as Daysitter, or in Marnie's case, Dearheart. Special Agent Mark Batten, the vampire hunter, depending on what the situation demands, is called Kill-Notch or Brawn or Jerkface.

All things aside, I think I am smitten by a certain cultured centuries-old British aristocrat. His unflagging loyalty and devotion to the female protagonist flutters my heart as much as the way he speaks in old English. In case you are wondering, he is none other than Lord Guy Harrick Dreppenstedt of London, England, a four hundred and thirty-five-year-old revenant.

In one of my earlier posts, I briefly mention my fear of possibly outgrowing the urban fantasy world. That is an understatement. I am in fact terrified. I love urban fantasy novels and want to read as many as I can.

With Touched, I think I may have found the right urban fantasy series to revive my interest in the otherworldly phenomenon and sustain my leisurely pursuit of this alternate world once again. With eight more instalments to go, half of which are novellas, I am definitely in for a treat.

Review: Trail of Lightning (Sixth World #1) by Rebecca Roanhorse

2 stars for Trail of Lightning (Sixth World book 1) by Rebecca Roanhorse.

All thanks to this book "Stranger with My Face" which I read in my early teens, I have always had an interest in stories related to the Diné or Navajo people and their culture. So when I chance upon this book, I know I just have to give it a go.

Set in the rich world of Dinétah, the traditional homeland of the Navajo tribe of Native Americans, the Dinés are isolated from the rest of the world by a 50 foot wall which is constructed to protect the population after the Energy Wars and the Big Water. Though the story is set in a relatively small geographical area, it feels vast and unexplored, with a network of towns and villages populated by a wide variety of inhabitants.

There are witches, monsters, magic, medicine, big medicine, guns and clan powers. I think that about sum up everything. I am intrigued by the first three chapters but thereafter, it seems like a Young Adult paranormal romance novel where the moves can easily be expected.

Perhaps I have read a lot of urban fantasy novels, or that my expectation has changed over the years, I find it hard to be impressed these days. So while I am fine enough to finish reading this book, I am not sure if I am invested enough to pick up the next one. I seriously hope this is not a sign that I have outgrown the world of the urban fantasy.

Review: Grave Destiny (Alex Craft #6) by Kalayna Price

Did Not Finish Grave Destiny (Alex Craft book 6) by Kalayna Price.

I find it hard to believe that I have actually spent the better half of the year reading non-fiction on the account that I am not a great fan of this genre.

After six months of non-stop non-fiction, this is supposed to be a fun return to the urban fantasy world of Alex Craft which I so love. Sadly and unfortunately, the overuse of flowery language suppresses the story and action so much that it makes for an extremely slow and tiring read. I get the unpleasant feeling that it is a test of my patience; a test which I am doomed to fail at less than halfway mark of the book.

I have never thought I will see the day when the Alex Craft series no longer manage to sustain my interest. But alas, the day has come. I feel sad, for myself and for Alex Craft.