Book Review: Kate Daniels series books 7-9

TITLE: Kate Daniels series
Book 7: Magic Breaks
Book 8: Magic Shifts
Book 9: Magic Binds
AUTHOR: Ilona Andrews
CATEGORY: Adult
PUBLISHED: 2014, 2015, 2016
GENRE: Urban Fantasy
PREMISE: Kate continues her relationship with Curran despite things such as the return of her father.
MY REVIEW: So the past year or so, I've been playing catch up with the Kate Daniels series. There was no particular reason I stopped keeping up with it. Things just sort of happened that way. Too many books on the TBR list.
But this past year, I've been catching up on series, and this is one of the series I was determined to catch up on and I'm so happy I did. Because, wow, have things gone down in these past few books. I can't help but compare this series to Mercy Thompson, where after her getting together with Adam, things have gotten boring. That is not so in the Kate Daniels series. Things are still happening, and Kate's character continues to develop beautifully. Thank you authors for remembering that character development doesn't just magically stop when people get together. So many long series tend to forget that little detail.
If you have read the first few Kate Daniels books, absolutely continue the series. Even if you've gotten to Curran and Kate getting together. I promise, the fun doesn't just stop because they're together now. The chemistry is still there, and plot is still there. I can't wait for the next book as always.
WHO SHOULD READ: Those that have read the rest of the Kate Daniels books, Mercy Thompson series fans, Urban Fantasy series fans
MY RATING (for series): Four out of Five bad-ass women leads

Book Review: Written in Red

Title: Written in Red
Book 1 in the Others series
Author: Anne Bishop
Category: Adult
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Published: 2013
Premise: A human prophet finds refuge in a area designated as protection from human law under the species known as The Others.
My Review: I've been meaning to read Bishop for YEARS. I keep hearing how awesome her stuff is. Reading this one, I'm definitely looking into more of it and get why she has a huge following.
This series is a bit simple at first. It's a bit like True Blood where supernatural creatures are known to humans and the world is different as a result. Only it's about ten times more darker then True Blood (no sexy vampires. The fantasy creatures here are treated as legit scary and not romance fantasy fodder). The world is much more complex and the relationship dynamics are less romance focused and more character relationship focused. So...it might be a tad slow moving for some. I admit, it slightly stalled in some places.
But overall, I'm kind of in love with this series now. I'll definitely be looking into more Anne Bishop in the future.
WHO SHOULD READ: Anne Bishop fans, urban fantasy fans, True Blood fans
MY RATING: Four out of Five awesome world settings

Book Review: Jackaby

TITLE: Jackaby
Book 1 in the Jackaby series
AUTHOR: William Ritter
PUBLISHED: September 2014
CATEGORY: YA
GENRE: Historical Fantasy
PREMISE: A girl arrives in New England and finds a job working for a mysterious man who deals with things like faeries.
MY REVIEW: If you've heard about this book (which is probably not many, for some reason it wasn't one of the huge buzz books last year), you've likely heard the Sherlock meets Doctor Who comparisons. While I do think the Sherlock (canon Sherlock Holmes anyway, not the Moffat version) is apt, I think it's more comparable to Dresden Files then to Doctor Who.
Luckily I like all three of these things so I dug this book quite a bit. Also luckily, it treats its female characters much better then all of those things. I love Sherlock but some of the things they do with the female characters makes me want to bang my head against the wall. It's one of the many reasons I actually prefer Elementary. But that's another rant for another day. Back to the book. It's just fun. It pretty much is a rehash of familiar territory. Main character getting a job for a mysterious employer and discovering magic world is a much loved trope, but it's well done nonetheless. This is a good intro to the world, there's a fast brisk pace to it, and it's just all around entertaining.
If you're looking for fun historical fantasy mystery this book definitely fits the bill. I can't wait for the next one.
WHO SHOULD READ: Sherlock Holmes fans, Dresden Files fans, historical fantasy fans
MY RATING: Four out of Five murders to solve

Book Review: Sinner

TITLE: Sinner
Book 4 in the Wolves of Mercy Falls series
AUTHOR: Maggie Stiefvater
PUBLISHED: July 1rst, 2014
CATEGORY: YA
GENRE: Urban Fantasy, Werewolves
PREMISE: Isabel and Cole continue their messy romance in LA.
MY REVIEW: I have...mixed feelings about this one. For one, remember how this series used to be about werewolves? It pretty much isn't anymore. It's strictly romance and I'm sorry, but I pick up werewolf books expecting the werewolf factor to be a relevant thing. Here, it's just a thing that Cole has that maybe is a bit of an inconvenience, but otherwise it's completely ignored.
But if you're picking this up for the romance factor, you're golden. It's all about Isabel and Cole and their messed up relationship where I kind of wish Isabel would tell Cole where to go with his self pity act. But I guess I'm just not a romantic that way. If you are a romantic, this book will please you. If you were hoping for character development or some major reveal...this book will be very dull for you like it was for me.
So I'm torn. On one hand, Steifvater clearly did this for Cole/Isabel fans. For sure, those fans will probably be very pleased with it. It ends happily. But...it's not exactly a ground-breaking book or even one that was entirely necessary. It honestly felt like a bit of an afterthought book to me that could have been done in one of those fifty/one-hundred page novellas that authors do so much of nowadays. I honestly think, it should have been a novella. But that's just me. So...this book isn't really a must read to me. If you're a die-hard Mercy Falls fan, go for it. Otherwise...don't bother.
WHO SHOULD READ: Wolves of Mercy Falls fans (who really liked Isabel and Cole)
MY RATING: Three and a half out of Five indifferent feels

Book Review: What's a Witch to Do?

TITLE: What's a Witch to Do?
Book 1 in the Midnight Magic Mystery series
AUTHOR: Jennifer Harlow
PUBLISHED: 2013
CATEGORY: Adult
GENRE: Mystery, Romance, Urban Fantasy
PREMISE: A witch tries to figure out who's trying to kill her while nursing an injured wolf, preparing for her sister's wedding, and taking care of two kids...
MY REVIEW: I had picked this one up not realizing that it is actually a bit of a spin-off series of another series called F.R.E.A.K.S. However, the author does give enough info where you can figure out the gist of the world so it doesn't really matter if you haven't read that series.
As far as these cozy mysteries go, it was cute. I got a kick out of the humor. The MC wasn't irritating. It's readable. It's just...very stuck in the cozy mystery formula so I'm not sure how much it's worth continuing because this formula can get stale fast.
But if you're in the mood for a cute romantic story featuring witches and hot werewolves and need your fix, this one should do the trick.
WHO SHOULD READ: cozy mystery fans, F.R.E.A.K.S fans, urban fantasy romance fans
MY RATING: Three and a half out of Five flustered witches

Book Review: Frost Burned

TITLE: Frost Burned
Book 7 in the Mercy Thompson series
AUTHOR: Patricia Briggs
PUBLISHED: March 2013
CATEGORY: Adult
GENRE: Urban Fantasy, Werewolves
PREMISE: Mercy and the gang deal with an attack on their pack.
MY REVIEW: You know how sometimes you get the feeling that a series is stalling and the author is just making deadlines but really should have ended the series long ago? That's what I've been feeling with the Mercy Thompson series. I hate feeling that way, I love Mercy. But sometimes things need to come to an end.
That feeling hasn't gone away with this book, sadly. It was fine, don't get me wrong. Mercy was badass as always. I just wasn't very invested in the plot because it didn't really move any larger plot forward. I actually did consider giving this series up last book, but I saw this one in the library and couldn't resist. But with this one...I think I'm done, you all. I literally yawned my way through it.
So if you're a Mercy fan who hasn't been burned out from the series, carry on. But if you're like me and was hoping for a reboot for the series to make it worthwhile to keep reading...it doesn't really do the trick.
WHO SHOULD READ: Mercy Thompson fans (still interested in the series)
MY RATING: Three and a half out of Five yawns

Book Review: God Save the Queen

TITLE: God Save the Queen
Book 1 in The Immortal Empire series
AUTHOR: Kate Locke
PUBLISHED: 2012
CATEGORY: Adult
GENRE: Steampunk, Werewolves, Vampires, Urban Fantasy
PREMISE: In a alternate history where vampires and werewolves rule England and the world is used to the supernatural, Xandra starts poking around when her sister goes missing and winds up with more then she bargained for...
MY REVIEW: So I picked this one on a whim when Amazon had it as one of their daily deals and I'm not sorry I did. As you guys know, I've begun a long love affair with the Steampunk genre (we're very happy together, thanks for asking), and so it's probably not a surprise to most of you that I liked this.
I will admit, Xandra is probably one of those characters readers will either love or hate. She's flawed. She's got prejudices and she admits it and doesn't go out of her way to correct them. Most of my love for this book comes from the great world-building. This is a well thought out steampunk world that is interesting and exciting and I want to spend more time in it. The mystery and twists and turns in it are also some good stuff.
So I give this one a thumbs up. Sure, there's not much originality. A lot of it reminds me of Parasol Protectorate and every other Steampunk mystery series out there. But it's entertaining as hell with a interesting protagonist who makes me want to come back for more.
WHO SHOULD READ: Parasol Protectorate fans, Steampunk fans
MY RATING: Four out of Five goblins

Book Review: Dead Ever After

TITLE: Dead Ever After
Book 13 in the Sookie Stackhouse series
AUTHOR: Charlaine Harris
PUBLISHED: May 2013
CATEGORY: Adult
GENRE: Urban Fantasy, Vampires, Werewolves
PREMISE: Sookie's enemies conspire to destroy her as her life becomes even more difficult.
MY REVIEW: Oh Sookie. You were one of the first series I started when I began this blog (wow, has it been that long? Time flies). You were my first Charlaine Harris book. You were my first foray into the large world of adult urban fantasy (I don't know whether to love you or hate you for that...). As a result of all these firsts, I will forever have a fondness for this series and Sookie herself because Sookie is awesome.
So I'm probably in the minority, where I liked this book and this ending. It brought Sookie full circle. She found a place where she wanted to be and was happy with that. I see all you Eric fans going "but she didn't end up with Eric!" and while I'm sorry for the death of your ship, that pairing was never the point of the Sookie Stackhouse series. Hell, who Sookie ended up with period, was never the point of this series. FANS made it the point of this series because that's what fans do (look at Hunger Games/Harry Potter for example). I get it (I am a multi-shipper, believe me I get it), but I get super annoyed when people act like just because Sookie didn't end up with a/b/c suitor of their choice, that somehow makes it a horrible ending. The point is that Sookie was finally happy with herself and where she was. She's comfortable in her own skin. She's found someone who's willing to accept her as is, human/strange gift and all (did I call the Sam thing or what?). That was the point of this series: Sookie's character growth. Her character grew. She's happy. I'm satisfied.
Honestly the only thing I was upset here about was the Claude thing (not giving it away because spoilers) but that was because I liked Claude and it felt weird to me. But it made for a wrap-up ending so I can't complain too loudly. So I'm satisfied with this ending. I will be looking forward to the wrap-up book and this new Harris series I've been hearing about. Farewell, Sookie, I will miss you.
WHO SHOULD READ: Sookie Stackhouse fans, True Blood fans
MY RATING: Four out of Five tissues because it's over

Book Review: The Rising

TITLE: The Rising
Book 3 in the Darkness Rising Trilogy
AUTHOR: Kelley Armstrong
PUBLISHED: April 2013
CATEGORY: YA
GENRE: Urban Fantasy, werewolves/shifters
PREMISE: Maya and her friends search for answers as they are hunted by the St. Clouds.
MY REVIEW: Once again, I'm stuck not really having much to say about a series that I've reviewed quite a lot. You guys know by now that I'm a Armstrong fan and that I'm basically all over this series.
Wasn't totally thrilled with the ending of the love triangle but since I was always Team Daniel, I'm not hugely upset by it. I'm just bothered by how Rafe basically took the choice out of Maya's hands. That bugs me. At least allow the person in the middle of the love triangle enough respect to let them make up their mind, damn it.
But the love triangle was never a make it or break it thing for me in this series so not a big deal. Other then that issue, I enjoyed the book as always with this series. Especially since we got to see Derek/Chloe.
WHO SHOULD READ: those that have read the first two books, Kelley Armstrong fans
MY RATING: Four out of Five skinwalkers

Book Review: Gunmetal Magic

TITLE: Gunmetal Magic
Book 1 in the World of Kate Daniels series
AUTHOR (s, since it's a writing team): Ilona Andrews
PUBLISHED: July 2012
CATEGORY: Adult
GENRE: Urban fantasy, weres, romance
PREMISE: Andrea's life is kind of crappy right now but she's dealing. Then she gets a case that leads her back to her former lover Rapheal...
MY REVIEW: Sometimes you just need a enjoyable UF and Ilona Andrews definitely delivers on that. I've yet to read a book by these authors that I haven't liked. There are only a handful of authors whom I can genuinely say that about. Yes, there are somewhat formulaic plots but who the hell cares when you just want to hang out with these characters so much?
So I was ridiculously happy when I heard there was going to be a spin-off series about the side characters of Kate Daniels because I adore the side characters. If there's justice, Julie will get her own book (or series, pretty please authors?). This one didn't disapoint because it was all about my fav gal Andrea who is possibly more badass then Kate. If that's possible. True not much went on that wasn't expected but there was the usual fun mystery I've come to expect with this series and usual great chemistry from the main couple.
This is the enjoyment I've come to expect from a Ilona Andrews book and I can't wait to read the next one (and the next Kate Daniels book which is WAY TO FAR AWAY). But seriously, can Julie get her own book?
WHO SHOULD READ: Kate Daniels fans, UF fans, shifter fans
MY RATING: Four out of Five badass female shifters

Book Review: Endure

TITLE: Endure
Book 4 in the Need series
AUTHOR: Carrie Jones
PUBLISHED: May 2012
CATEGORY: YA
GENRE: Faeries, werewolves, urban fantasy
PREMISE: It's all out war in Zara's town as she deals with becoming the thing she's learned to hate the most.
MY REVIEW: The Need series has been a up and down sort of deal for me. I really enjoyed the first book for its creativity and at the time it was written, Zara was refreshing. Then the second book happened and it was like Zara became all about Nick and that was definitely annoying. Third book was a little better but still sort of meh.
The conclusion...is also okay. It's a satisfying ending, I'll give it that. The author ties up loose ends. Brings all storylines to their logical conclusions. It's all very...neat I guess you could say. It's not horrible, but it's not overwhelming either.
For the overall series...I say a B minus if we were doing letter grades.
WHO SHOULD READ: Those that have read books 1-3, faerie book fans, urban fantasy fans
MY RATING: Three and a half out of Five iron forks
FOR SERIES ITSELF: Three out of Five

Book Review: Deadlocked

TITLE: Deadlocked
Book 12 in the Sookie Stackhouse series
AUTHOR: Charlaine Harris
PUBLISHED: May 2012
CATEGORY: Adult
GENRE: Urban fantasy, southern, mystery, vampires, werewolves, faeries
PREMISE: Sookie deals with her distant husband, her faerie relatives, as well as the usual murder mystery in Bon Temps.
MY REVIEW: Long series like Sookie Stackhouse are hard for me to review because really not all books in long series are going to be action packed with reveals a minute. For me the key is to make sure all books build on the story slowly but surely and lead into a ending eventually. So I'm probably in the minority where I think Harris does well with Sookie in that aspect. I certainly prefer her thoughtful character developement over the sloppyness that True Blood has become that's for sure.
For me, this one was all about leading up to the ending of the series because guys? The next book is apparently the last one! No more Sookie! Can you believe it? So really, I think this was all about bringing about change in the Eric/Sookie relationship (not for the better, sorry Team Eric) and bringing the ending that I've always sort of thought was coming: Sookie is going to wind up either a-strong and independant on her own (possibly leaving Bon Temps?) or b-She and Sam are going to be the end game. Which, considering I adore book!Sam is perfectly fine by me (FYI, not nearly as fond of TrueBlood!Sam even if the guy who plays him is seriously hot).
So basically this is more Sookie. I haven't noticed a drop in quality or a gain in quality. Probably by now people have figured out if this series is for them so if you're still a Sookie fan, go for it and gear yourself up for the end. Which is near my friends. Very very near ;sad face;
WHO SHOULD READ: Sookie fans who've read books 1 through 12, urban fantasy fans
MY RATING: Three and a half out of Five half naked werewolves

Book Review: Sisters Red

TITLE: Sisters Red
Book 1 in Fairytale Retellings series
AUTHOR: Jackson Pearce
PUBLISHED: June 2010
CATEGORY: YA
GENRE: Retelling, urban fantasy, werewolves
PREMISE: When a wolf kills their family, two girls become werewolf hunters.
MY REVIEW: Ever have a book you want to love more than you actually did? This is me and Sister's Red. Every time I mentioned I was into fairy tale retellings everyone would tell me to read this. "It's especially good if you're a feminist" was also a popular phrase I kept getting. So when it was on sale on Amazon awhile back I downloaded it. Hate to say it, I'm not impressed.
Basically this is a female version of Supernatural but with sisters instead of brothers, and they hunt only werewolves instead of different types of monsters. Oh, and the sister's are given much less character depth than Sam and Dean are. The love interest was okay but kind of boring. The action was good but there were also plotholes galore (seriously, what kind of hunter doesn't have a car or drive at all? Especially if they live a two hours walk from civilization? Makes no sense, author). The dynamics between the sisters was probably about the most interesting thing going on in a otherwise pretty average plot. As for the feminist thing...I don't see it. Sure the sisters don't break down when they see a werewolf but I don't really see anything overly feminist about this novel other then that. It just gets points for not having heroines who cry every ten seconds. Doesn't make it feminist though.
Honestly this was just an okay but average retelling. I don't get what all the buzz is about. Maybe I'm missing something? Who knows.
WHO SHOULD READ: werewolf fans, Supernatural fans, fairytale retelling fans
MY RATING: Three out of Five crossbows

Book Review: Timeless

TITLE: Timeless
Book 5 in the Parasol Protectorate series
AUTHOR: Gail Carriger
PUBLISHED: 2012
CATEGORY: Adult
GENRE: Steampunk, urban fantasy, werewolves, vampires
PREMISE: Alexia is forced to go to Egypt at the bidding of a royal who shows interest in her daughter.
MY REVIEW: I've been a fan of the Parasol Protectorate series for...gosh over a year I think. I pretty much fell in utter love from the get go and my love has not wavered one bit through to the end of the series, despite some shakyness in book 3. This series is an example of how genre fiction can just be downright enjoyable even if it's not the best literature in the world. Sometimes enjoyability can trump everything. I mean, there's a reason shows like Castle and Revenge are so popular. I love these shows in question but mind-bending tv they aren't. Although Revenge does have its wtf moments that make it worth it. Plus the wonderous character that is Queen Victoria.
So it's a little sad for me that this series is ending. Or sort of ending I guess because apparently there's going to be a spin-off series and Carriger has a YA series coming out next year that takes place in the same universe but earlier and I for one cannot wait because it sounds all sorts of awesome. So at least there's that. But even if there wasn't more coming, this would have been a decent ending. You get the sense that things are changing and that Alexia has come to an ending of sorts. It's satisfying (and I must say I'm really happy about Lyall/Biffy even if part of me will always want Akeldama/Lyall or Akeldama/Lyall/Biffy. But this is good too so no complaints).
So in conclusion the usual fun, entertaining, and enjoyable experience that I've come to expect from this series and from Carriger. Can't wait for the rest of the books. I want them NOW.
WHO SHOULD READ: those that have read books 1-4, steampunk fans, Terry Pratchett/Neil Gaiman fans, fans of snarky books, Jane Austen fans (no seriously, this series is literally what Austen would be writing today, I'm telling you).
MY RATING: Four out of Five pimped out parasols

Book Review: Hemlock

TITLE: Hemlock
Book 1 in a new series
AUTHOR: Katherine Peacock
PUBLISHED: 2012
CATEGORY: YA
GENRE: Werewolves, drama
PREMISE: Mac's friend Amy is killed by a werewolf and her death sparks a huge investigation in her small town.
MY REVIEW: Theoretically there isn't anything totally wrong with Hemlock. It's readable, it's probably relateable, and stuff does happen, and there's a clear plot. However, it's just so...uninspired. It's like the author literally had a checklist of every possible YA cliche/trope that is popular now.
Love triangle? It's there. Saw it coming in the third chapter. Angst? Loads of it. Most of it ridiculous. Token characters used to say "look how diverse I am!" but not used very much in favor of the white cast? Check. Plain Jane main character who is totally not shallow unlike popular girls of course. Check. Bitchy feminine character whois  demonized because she's feminine? Yup. Over-agressive males who fight over female lead for no real reason that is discernable? Check. Female lead who basically does nothing except maybe inquire about her friend's death? Check. "Twist" that is totally obvious? Yup. Literally NOTHING was new or that big of a surprise in this.
I'm sorry but I don't think it's over the top to ask for at least a little creativity. Cliche doesn't have to be boring. I mean Mortal Instruments is cliche as hell but it takes cliches and throws in new things and it manages to be entertaining while doing so. This? Is not entertaining. This was a big yawn and quite frankly a lazy first effort.
WHO SHOULD READ: Twilight fans, those who don't mind cliche after cliche
MY RATING: Two out of Five eye rolls 

Book Review: Taken by Storm

TITLE: Taken by Storm
Book 3 in the Raised by Wolves series
AUTHOR: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
PUBLISHED: 2012
CATEGORY: YA
GENRE: werewolves, drama
PREMISE: The pack fights to survive against other packs who threaten them...
MY REVIEW: Well...that was unexpected and bravo Barnes for daring to take it that route. More and more I am puzzled as to why predictable series like Nightshade are more popular then this series. It makes me sad.
Now yes, there is some deus ex machina going on in here like there is with most of these things. I mean the MC's gift is still kind of eyebrow raising to be honest. But the author manages to make it work for me and it helps that she focuses more on the dynamics of the pack then the slightly convenient specialness of her main character. Because the character stuff in this series is top notch and one of the reasons I wish more people read this. This is proof that you can write entertaining fast paced YA novels and still have character development (without making it all about the romance).
For some reason I thought this was the last book of the series but with that ending...I really hope it's not the last because no way can the author leave it there. Though...I guess she could if she really wanted to be evil...But this just took this series up a notch in ways I wasn't at all expecting. Bravo Barnes even if I want to glare at you for where you left off. More please?
WHO SHOULD READ: Those that have read the first two books, werewolf fans, Nightshade fans
MY RATING: Four out of Five what the frak endings

Book Review: Dying Bites

TITLE: Dying Bites
Book 1 in the Bloodhound Files
AUTHOR: D. D. Barant
PUBLISHED: 2009
CATEGORY: Adult
GENRE: Urban fantasy, werewolves, vampires, mystery
PREMISE: Jace gets pulled from our world into a different universe where vampires, werewolves, and magical beings are abundance and humans are a dying breed. But she's not there for fun, she's been asked to catch a killer...
MY REVIEW: Now if Dead on the Delta is an example of how UF can be pretty damn average. This is an example of how to make your series stand out amongst the pack and create interest.
First off, Jace is an interesting and likeable protagonist. When she says she's an FBI agent, I believe her. The author uses first person POV effectively and makes me believe this is a tough FBI agent speaking. Second, the sending her to a alternate reality thing is again, used effectively. We aren't just told it's a alternate world, we're shown it. I can tell the author has sat and thought about how things would be different. Not just in the presance of magical creatures but in things like how government works, what's on TV, how music is different, etc. The MC and ourselves are reminded time and again that this world is different and it's great reading to see how much things have changed. Plus, there's a interesting mystery and villain! Not everything is black and white. This made for a nice change of pace in a world of straightforward UF.
See, not every Urban Fantasy has to be the same. This series proves that the genre isn't totally dead. If you are a adult urban fantasy reader who has become somewhat irritated with the same old, this might be a good change of pace for you. It still has the usual suspects in there of course, but it's well done.
WHO SHOULD READ: Urban fantasy fans
MY RATING: Four out of Five guns

Book Review: River Marked

TITLE: River Marked
Book 6 in the Mercy Thompson series
AUTHOR: Patricia Briggs
PUBLISHED: 2011
CATEGORY: Adult
GENRE: Urban fantasy, werewolves
PREMISE: Mercy adjust to being Adam's mate while on a new case.
MY REVIEW: There comes a point in time when a long running series should probably come to an end already. I think Mercy Thompson has come to the point that it should be finished. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy Mercy still. It's just...at this point I'm satisfied with the series.
I mean the love triangle is solved. Mercy and Adam just got married. Mercy has come full circle and is still her badass self and Adam has no problem with it. I am frankly happy with the ending of this book and would have no problem if Briggs didn't write another one.
But she's going too. I'm just not sure if I'm going to bother to pick it up. I just don't feel a burning desire to read any more because I'm happy with where Mercy is at this point.
WHO SHOULD READ: Those that have read books 1-5, Armstrong fans, Briggs fans, UF fans
MY RATING: Three and a half out of Five satisfied grins

Book Review: No Humans Involved

TITLE: No Humans Involved
Book 7 in the Women of the Otherworld series
AUTHOR: Kelley Armstrong
PUBLISHED: 2007
CATEGORY: Adult
GENRE: Urban fantasy
PREMISE: Jaime is a ghost medium with a hit show. She gets called in by Jeremy and the pack for help on a case...
MY REVIEW: This will be short as most of my reviews for this series will be similar. I love Armstrong's writing and ability to come up with different characters. I love how she does character growth.
In the long run this probably doesn't do much for the world in Otherworld but it does give more insight to the character of Jeremy and it's nice seeing a book series that has older characters in it for a change instead of twenty-somethings.
Basically this is more of the Otherworld as we love it. Bring on the next book.
WHO SHOULD READ: Those that have read books 1-6, Armstrong fans
MY RATING: Four out of Five pendants

Book Review: Broken

TITLE: Broken
Book 6 in Women of the Otherworld series
AUTHOR: Kelley Armstrong
PUBLISHED: 2006
CATEGORY: Adult
GENRE: Urban fantasy, werewolves, mystery
PREMISE: Elena and co. investigate a portal.
MY REVIEW: Armstrong's Women of the Otherworld is one of those long series that just continues to deliver. Elena is now pregnant but still her badass self. One of the things I really appreciate about this series is these women are badass but also are allowed things like falling in love and having family life. More often then not there seems to be this stigma in adult urban fantasy that for a female to be badass she must not want the family life or even contemplate being a wife/mother because this somehow makes her less of a woman or she gets the family life and then suddenly she's all about family only and suddenly all the things that made her awesome are gone and she's no longer independant and constantly worrying about her man only. This is not so in Women of the Otherworld and I totally approve because you can be feminist and still want things like a husband and children.
If you're a reader of Armstrong and this series, you know the drill with her books and Broken is no exception to the rule. There's adventure afoot, there's interesting additions to the fabulous world Armstrong has created, and we get some cute scenes with Elena and co. It's mostly just satisfying seeing Elena have kids.
So this is still a very solid series. Next up: No Humans Involved.
WHO SHOULD READ: Women of the Otherworld fans, urban fantasy fans
MY RATING: Four out of Five pendants