3.5 Star
Review: Black London Series by Caitlin Kittredge
Black London Series
Caitlin Kittredge
Buy Books: here
Rating: 3 to 4 Stars
Street Magic – 3.5 stars
Her name is Pete Caldecott. She was just sixteen when she met Jack Winter, a gorgeous, larger-than-life mage who thrilled her with his witchcraft. Then a spirit Jack summoned killed him before Pete’s eyes—or so she thought. Now a detective, Pete is investigating the case of a young girl kidnapped from the streets of London. A tipster’s chilling prediction has led police directly to the child…but when Pete meets the informant, she’s shocked to learn he is none other than Jack. Strung out on heroin, Jack a shadow of his former self. But he’s able to tell Pete exactly where Bridget’s kidnappers are hiding: in the supernatural shadow-world of the fey. Even though she’s spent years disavowing the supernatural, Pete follows Jack into the invisible fey underworld, where she hopes to discover the truth about what happened to Bridget—and what happened to Jack on that dark day so long ago…
Demon Bound – 4 stars
Thirteen years ago, Jack Winter lay dying in a graveyard. Jack called upon a demon and traded his soul for his life… and now the demon is back to collect its due. But Jack has finally found something to live for. Her name is Pete Caldecott, and because of her, Jack’s not going to Hell without a fight.
Pete doesn’t know about Jack’s bargain, but she does know that something bigger and far more dangerous than Jack’s demon is growing in the Black. Old gods are stirring and spirits are rising–and Jack doesn’t stand a chance of stopping them without Pete’s help.
I already had Caitlin Kittredge’s Nocturne City series on my “to read” list, but I was looking for something quick in between review books and The Mighty Buzzard suggested this series as he was really enjoying it. With only 2 books released so far, it was perfect. I was looking for a good urban fantasy that wouldn’t tear my heart out and this was just what I needed.
First things first…. what I loved about these books? The characters. I liked and related to both Pete and Jack from the first chapter. Pete is smart and independent, but also stubborn. Jack is a tortured, cocky, moody bastard. He is cynical, dirty, and dangerous…all things that attract me even tho I know better.
The first book, Street Magic, is narrated by Pete and focuses on her investigation into the disappearance of young girl. The investigation lands her in the middle of a supernatural world she is hesitant to accept and connects her with a long lost friend she believed was dead, Jack Winter. She fights to keep a drug addicted Jack clean in order to save the missing girls while Jack struggles to stay sane and keep Pete safe from monsters from their past. It manages to move the romantic subplot along without taking away from the urban fantasy story line.
Demon Bound, book 2, is narrated by Jack and is all about a decision he made 13 years ago coming back to haunt him. Because of his growing feelings for Pete, Jack tries to keep her out of the dangerous tasks he has to do, but he can’t save himself without her help.
I enjoyed both characters and enjoyed both books, but I found myself liking Jack’s narration more than Pete’s. It felt more honest and realistic. I liked being inside his twisted head and was surprised to find his book was heavy on emotion. Street Magic had definite romantic tension between Pete and Jack, but it was very low key and I assumed it would take books to develop. Instead Demon Bound is filled with Jack’s struggle to accept his emotions for Pete and find a way to keep her safe, even if he loses his fight.
My biggest complaint about the series is the world building, its lacking. Street Magic barely touches on the rules of the world and a few times I was left feeling confused as to how things worked or what was going on. Demon Bound did make an attempt to rectify this and added a few layers of depth, but in general I still feel unsure as to what Caitlin Kittredge’s supernatural Black London world really entails. I also wasn’t a fan of the ending of Demon Bound, tho I give the author credit for not doing the predictable thing. I am willing to be open minded and wait to see what book 3 has to offer us.
If you like urban fantasy with rich characterization, dark plot lines, and a bit of British slang, you’ll enjoy the Black London series.
FTC Disclaimer: These books were purchased by me
Review: Lover Mine by J.R. Ward
Title: Lover Mine (Black Dagger Brotherhood, book 
Author: J.R. Ward
Release: April 27th, 2010
Purchase this book: Amazon | Book Depository
Goodreads Entry: here
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Rating: 3.5 Stars
John Matthew has come a long way since he was found living among humans, his vampire nature unknown to himself and to those around him. After he was taken in by the Brotherhood, no one could guess what his true history was- or his true identity. Indeed, the fallen Brother Darius has returned, but with a different face and a very different destiny. As a vicious personal vendetta takes John into the heart of the war, he will need to call up on both who he is now and who he once was in order to face off against evil incarnate.
Xhex, a symphath assassin, has long steeled herself against the attraction between her and John Matthew. Having already lost one lover to madness, she will not allow the male of worth to fall prey to the darkness of her twisted life. When fate intervenes, however, the two discover that love, like destiny, is inevitable between soul mates.
I have to start this review by stating that I debated whether I wanted to give this a 3.5 star rating or 4 star. Part of me says 4 stars because I think some of my issues with the book are due to my own little reading funk, but the more I think about it, the more I am comfortable with the 3.5 star rating.
Lover Mine is the eagerly waited for book featuring John Matthew (who is not yet a “Brother”) and Xhex, a sympath assassin who worked for Rehvenge from Lover Avenged. At the end of the last book Xhex is captured by the Omega’s son and former potential Brother, Lash. Lover Mine concentrates on John Matthew’s efforts to get her back and what happens after he does.
As has been the trend with the last couple of Black Dagger Brotherhood books, the main hero and heroine’s story is not the only one featured. In Lover Mine we also get a much more indepth look at the relationship between Quinn and Blay. Their story and interactions take up quite a bit of page space and were the most interesting part of this book for me. On top of that, we also get a subplot featuring Payne and No’One, as well as an oddly placed subplot about a reality show being filmed at an old mansion.
What I loved about Lover Mine? I felt that John Matthew and Xhex were true to their characters and the intimate scenes were HOT. John seems mighty capable at ripping a shirt or two and if it were me, I wouldn’t be complaining. Yet even with all their passion, in my opinion, Blay and Quinn stole this book. The tension, emotion, and suspense of their relationship was overwhelming and I found myself looking forward to their scenes and skipping parts of the book to make them come faster.
What didn’t work for me…. sigh, it’s hard to put a finger on. For John and Xhex there was just too much emotional angst in the story line, not enough action. They are both kick ass warriors, I wanted more physical action in the story and found the emotional turmoil within each of them to drag on and on. It took me a full 4 days to read this book and that is the longest I have ever spent on a BDB book, it just dragged for me.
The issue with John and sign language seemed to be too easily solved as well – he teaches her the letters of the alphabet and all of a sudden she can interpret entire paragraphs in what seems like no time at all? So he is signing each word letter by letter instead of using the actual signs for things? That’s impressive but entirely unrealistic in my opinion. On top of that, the subplot with the reality show filming was just weird. It ruined the pacing of the book and kept me from fully sinking into the story line.
Now my biggest problem? The GIGANTIC FREAKING PLOT HOLE! Exactly when did John Matthew and the Brothers find out that Lash was the Omega’s son? Was there a short story or novella that gave this away or were readers just deprived of this realization? When Xhex is taken at the end of Lover Avenged John Mathew mentions that Lash must have hooked up with the Omega somehow, yet he clearly does not know he is his son. Yet somehow in Lover Mine it seems that this is common knowledge?
For me, Lover Mine, was a tiny bit of a disappointment but I am willing to admit I may have had high expectations. This installment in the Brotherhood series was a good read, just not without it’s problems.
FTC Disclaimer: Book was purchased by me
Review: Dead To Me & Deader Still by Anton Strout
Title: Dead to Me (Simon Canderous, book 1 )
Author: Anton Strout
Release: February 26, 2008
Purchase this book: Amazon | Book Depository | Kindle Version
Goodreads Entry: here
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Psychometry-the power to touch an object and divine information about its history-has meant a life of petty crime for Simon Canderous, but now he’s gone over to the good side. At New York’s underfunded and (mostly) secret Department of Extraordinary Affairs, he’s learning about red tape, office politics, and the basics of paranormal investigation. But it’s not the paperwork that has him breathless.
After Simon spills his coffee on (okay, through) the ghost of a beautiful woman-who doesn’t know she’s dead-he and his mentor plan to find her killers. But Simon’s not prepared for the nefarious plot that unfolds before him, involving politically correct cultists, a large wooden fish, a homicidal bookcase, and the forces of Darkness, which kind of have a crush on him.
A few months back I declared my love of male written and male point of view urban fantasies, but up until that point I had only read Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files. I asked for recommendations and Anton Strout’s name was tossed my way. When Literary Escapism announced the League of Reluctant Adults challenge I knew it would be the perfect time to pick up the Simon Canderous series and dig in.
Simon is an incredibly likable character. He is your typical bad guy gone good, but with an interesting twist! Simon has the ability to touch an item and is instantly transported into someone else’s experience with the object. At one time Simon misused this power, living a life of crime. Now he has turned his life around and is firmly on the side of Good, working for the Department of Extraordinary Affairs.
One of the things I like most about Simon is that he is just your regular guy, trying to do the best he can. He isn’t a super hero who can take a beating and still get back up. When he takes a hit, he goes down just like you and I would. When he uses his power, it has side effects that could be dangerous. There is a nice balance to his character and the world around him.
As much as I enjoyed Simon’s character, I also enjoyed the side characters in this book. Simon’s partner and mentor, Connor, was funny and sarcastic in all the ways I like. He is also dependable and trustworthy, even if Simon doesn’t always see it.
The plot was interesting and made fun by the government setting of the Department of Extraordinary Affairs. There is just something humorous about the idea of paranormal government agencies tied up with red tape, paperwork, and cleverly named seminars. Imagine if the forces of good had to fight evil while sticking to a budget?
My only complaint was that I think the book could have used more background, maybe a deeper look into why Simon gave up petty crime. While I enjoyed both Simon and Connor, there was something missing and I never felt like I absolutely could not put this book down. While Dead to Me may have lacked slightly in depth, it made up for in clever and descriptive visuals. Strout does a very good job of describing things in a way that is easy to visualize, while not overdoing it. Dead to Me shows a lot of promise for the series and I look forward to seeing where Anton Strout takes Simon and the DEA next!
Other Reviews:
Title: Deader Still (Simon Canderous, book 2 )
Author: Anton Strout
Release: February 24, 2009
Purchase this book: Amazon | Book Depository | Kindle Version
Goodreads Entry: here
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Since I am posting this review along with my review for book 1 I am not going to go into too much detail regarding Simon and his powers, you can read it in the review above. Deader Still picks up just a few months after the end of Dead To Me and we find Simon still with the Department of Extraordinary Affairs but also a new member of the Fraternal Order of Goodness. The F.O.G. is a kind of good guys super club, they have been around far longer than the government paranormal agencies and allow Simon to play a little fast and loose with the rules.
We also find Simon a relationship with Jane, the “agent of Darkness” from book 1 as she attempts to find her place on the side of good. And here comes my embarrassing confession….. I don’t like Jane. I really don’t like her. Maybe I am just jealous because I totally want a Simon to call my own, but I just can not seem to get over my dislike of her. I don’t know what it is about her character but I am hoping Anton Strout has some evil plan in mind for her in the future.
Unlike Jane, the character of Connor continues to intrigue me. I really do like him almost as much as Simon, especially because he is always there for Simon. I really enjoyed the tension between Simon and Connor as Simon finds himself in the awkward position of being in charge because of his position with the F.O.G.. Deader Still gives me that little bit of depth I was looking for in Dead to Me and I found myself completely absorbed in the story. The mystery is better and the writing is tighter. The references to and obvious appreciation of the tv show Buffy the Vampire Slayer only help warm my heart to this series.
Deader Still takes the Simon Canderous series up a notch, delivering on the promise that I saw in Dead to Me. The tiny cliffhanger of hope at the end of this one has me anxiously awaiting book 3, Dead Matter.
Other Reviews:
FTC Disclaimer: These books were purchased by me
Review: Fade Out by Rachel Caine
Title: Fade Out (Morganville Vampires, Book 7)
Author: Rachel Caine
Release: February 17, 2009
Buy Kindle version: here
Goodreads Entry: here
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Now Claire can actually concentrate on her studies, and her friend Eve joins the local theatre company. But when one of Eve’s castmates goes missing after starting work on a short documentary, Eve suspects the worst. Claire and Eve soon realize that this film project, whose subject is the vampires themselves, is a whole lot bigger-and way more dangerous-than anyone suspected.
As I first sat down to write this review I had a hard time writing my own quick synopsis of the story, without giving away spoilers. I can’t explain why, other than I don’t really think there was much story for the first half of the book. I enjoyed the book, as I always enjoy Rachel Caine’s writing, but this one fell short compared to previous Morganville books.
With the demise of Bishop and his clan, Morganville is a much more relaxed place. I think the entire first half of the story focused around the daily activities of the kids, there was very little action or suspense in it. It wasn’t until the second half that a new character, Kim goes missing and we get into the real plot of book 7.
As I said above, I always enjoy Rachel Caine’s writing. She is good at what she does – she somehow managed to bring me into Morganville again without skipping a beat. I didn’t have to sit and try to remember what happened in the last book, as soon I started reading it all came back. The strength of her writing is the only thing that really kept me interested in the book enough for me to get past the middle point.
The first half of Fade Out deals with the kids and their daily life. They have jobs, Claire is working on her studies and with Myrnin. We also meet Kim. Claire sees Kim as a threat to her friendship with Eve and her relationship with Shane and she immediately despises her. Claire’s reactions seemed far too immature for the person she has proven to be in past novels, but maybe teenage love will do that to you? I admit it has been a while 
There is also some signs the problems with Amelie, who appears to be lost in grief for Sam still. It looks like Oliver is going to plan a takeover and that will be the major plot line of the book, but then it is dropped. I admit that Oliver is in this book fairly briefly and all of it felt like it was filler, but I imagine it is setting up the next book in some way.
When we finally did get to the big bad and the sinister plot, I have to say I was disappointed. I expected more oopfff and was left feeling…. underwhelmed. The writing is good, so definitely not a wasted read, but without having the next book in hand it felt like this one didn’t do much to move the series forward at all. There were some developments in the relationship between Michael and Eve, but I didn’t feel they needed this particular story line to create them. I think significant move in the overall storyline of the Morganville Vamps centers around what happens with Ada in this book. I do think that situation is worthy of its own novel, I just think the plot line that was created around it was weaker than Ada deserved. I wish I could be more detailed, but I don’t want to spoil it for anyone!
All in all, a decent read, just not as action packed as I am used to from Rachel Caine.
FTC Disclaimer: This book was purchased by me.
Review: Soulless by Gail Carriger
Soulless (The Parasol Protectorate #1)
Gail Carriger
Release: October 1, 2009
Buy Kindle version: here
Goodreads Entry: here
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Alexia Tarabotti is laboring under a great many social tribulations. First, she has no soul. Second, she’s a spinster whose father is both Italian and dead. Third, she was rudely attacked by a vampire, breaking all standards of social etiquette.
Where to go from there? From bad to worse apparently, for Alexia accidentally kills the vampire — and then the appalling Lord Maccon (loud, messy, gorgeous, and werewolf) is sent by Queen Victoria to investigate.
With unexpected vampires appearing and expected vampires disappearing, everyone seems to believe Alexia responsible. Can she figure out what is actually happening to London’s high society? Will her soulless ability to negate supernatural powers prove useful or just plain embarrassing? Finally, who is the real enemy, and do they have treacle tart?
SOULLESS is a comedy of manners set in Victorian London: full of werewolves, vampires, dirigibles, and tea-drinking.
I have to admit I went into this book with some high expectations, some of my favorite people loved this book. Unfortunately, I did not find myself enamored with it, tho I did find some enjoyable qualities.
Soulless is about a woman, a spinster at the ripe age of mid twenties, who was born without a soul. This unique quality allows her to basically turn supernatural beings back into human (or close to it) with simply a touch. The story is set in past London and covers the mysterious disappearances of both vampires and werewolves. In addition to finding herself mixed up in the dangerous case of disappearances, Alexia has to deal with the annoying but sexy Lord Maccon.
I started reading this because it came so well recommended and because I convinced my local book group that they should give it a try. The first four chapters of this book were really hard for me to sit down with. I kept starting it only to put it down and then grudgingly pick it back up again. Once I got past the first four chapters and into the mystery of the plot it was a bit easier to sink into.
Redeeming qualities – the characters. I really enjoyed the sense of humor and personality that the author was able to give to all of the characters in this story. Both main characters and side characters were interesting and well fleshed out. I also really enjoyed the unusual properties of the supernatural beings, including the unique theories of being soulless.
As for what I didn’t like, I am honestly having a hard time finding a way to put it into words. At times the story seemed to drag on and at times it seemed to not be quite drawn out enough. The overuse of adjectives in the writing was distracting and I often found myself using the dictionary function on my Kindle. I don’t know if it was the time period or the “steampunkness” of it, but something just did not resonate with me and I wasn’t pulled in and fascinated. I do like the idea of the world, I think I just have a time picturing and relating to it.
In the end I did enjoy the plot even with guessing who the “bad guy” early on. I also enjoyed the characters and interactions between them. I don’t regret reading it and will be picking up book two to see if I fare any better with the world after more time with it. My only regret is convincing book club to read this one as their first venture into paranormal fiction.
Book 2 of the Parasol Protectorate Series, Changeless, will be released on March 30 2010.
FTC Disclaimer: This book was purchased by me.
A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1) by George R.R. Martin
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