Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews

Title: Magic Bleeds
Author: Ilona Andrews
Copyright: 2010 (Ace); 349 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-441-01852-9
Series: Kate Daniels # 4
Genre: Urban Fantasy
**** SPOILERS ****

From the back:  Kate Daniels works for the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid, officially, as a liaison with the mercenary guild. Unofficially, she cleans up the paranormal problems no one else wants to handle — especially if they involve Atlanta’s shapeshifting community. When she’s called in to investigate a fight at the Steel Horse, a bar on the border between the territories of the shapeshifters and the necromancers, Kate quickly discovers there’s a new player in town. One who’s been around for thousands of years — and rode to war at the side of Kate’s father. This foe may be too much even for Kate and Curran, the Beast Lord, to handle. Because this time, Kate will be taking on family.

**** SPOILERS ****

1. Reason for choosing this book:
I chose this book because it’s my #1 favorite Urban Fantasy series.

2. Reasons for liking/disliking this book:
The characters. Kate’s a strong person, but she still can be hurt, both physically and emotionally. Same with Curran — Gordon’s Curran POV for this book illustrated how much Kate means to him.

Some observations/thoughts:

• After reading the prologue, way back before the book came out, I speculated that the reason Curran was a no show was due to loups. It was the first thing that made any sense to me. I never believed for a moment that he’d stand her up on purpose: he won a bet involving food and a scantily clad Kate — he’d been hauling rocks for weeks and he’s had plenty of time to fantasize about the evening. Nothing short of his duty to the Pack and injury/death would keep him from attending.
• Did Mahon have a hand in the two challenges that prevented Curran from going to Savannah? I can’t see him deliberately goading his people into challenging Curran — that would be throwing aways lives, plus one might have gotten REALLY lucky and beat Curran (I know, impossible, but still…). Yet, it seems too coincidental to be a random, unrelated thing.
• Even if Curran had gone to Savannah, some variation of the breakfast table conversation that takes place later in the book would have occurred — and with the same results.
• It’s good to know that I wasn’t wrong about Roland targeting the Pack because they’ve become too powerful. Makes me even more interested to know the details behind why and how Greg gained Friend of the Pack status. Did he know about Curran’s background?
• Aunt B explains it all. Again!! One of my favorite scenes in the book.
• Some interesting new characters: Barabas, Jezebel, and Naeemah. I wonder if we’ll be seeing Naeemah again in future books. And Grendel.
• Still don’t like Saiman. Still don’t trust him.
• Good to see Dali again.
• Great antagonist! And what a hoot. The scene in Kate’s apartment is great. Calling the apartment a hovel! Giving relationship advice. Too funny.
• Looking forward to seeing what happens with Andrea and the Order.

3. Reasons for recommending this book:
There’s a little of everything in it: action (okay, maybe more than a little of this), romance, humor, great characters (as I type this, I can’t help thinking about Peter Falk’s character in The Princess Bride movie — the book gets a number of mentions/references in Magic Bleeds)

Favorite Quote:
“We should clap or something,” Curran said. “She’s trying so hard.”
“Maybe we could scrounge up some panties to throw.”
– Curran, Kate

Rating:

LOVED IT !!

Started: 16 May 2010
Finished: 16 May 2010

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Other books in the Series:

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Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

Moon Called (Patricia Briggs)

Title: Moon Called
Author: Patricia Briggs
Copyright: 2006 (Ace); 288 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-441-01381-4
Series: Mercy Thompson #1
Sensuality: N/A
Genre: Urban Fantasy

From the Back: Mercy Thompson’s sexy next-door neighbor is a werewolf. She’s tinkering with a VW bus at her mechanic shop that happens to belong to a vampire. But then, Mercy Thompson is not exactly normal herself . . . and her connection to the world of things that go bump in the night is about to get her into a whole lot of trouble.

~&~

I saw this format on the Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell’s blog. She, in turn, got it from Jenny at Jenny Loves to Read. I think I’ll give it a try.

1. Reason for choosing this book:
Seen it recommended by readers who were fans of Ilona Andrew’s Kate Daniels series.  I hadn’t planned on reading it just yet — but lo! — one of the GoodReads groups had picked Patricia Briggs to be the featured author for November. I’ve had Cry Wolf in my TBR since it first came out, but decided to start from the beginning.

2. Reasons for liking/disliking this book:
I have to say, I wish I had picked this book up sooner. Mercy does remind me of Kate, though different enough that it’s not like I’m reading the same character. She is perfectly capable of taking care of herself, and she has  a penchant for driving hot, Alpha men crazy.  Mercy has had a comparatively normal life.  She has a small circle of family and friends, some who are part of the pack, though generally she avoids attracting the attention of the wolves.  There are vampires, though they’re not any more date-worthy than Ilona’s. However Stefan, the VW owner, seems different from the rest of his group.

I was comfortable with the world-building is this book.  I wasn’t confused or frustrated with how the information was conveyed to the reader.

I also loved Mercy’s sheep.  Too funny.

3. Reasons for recommending this book:
I would recommend this book to readers who are new to Urban Fantasy. The series isn’t long  — the sixth book comes out in hardback in 2011, so there is time to get caught up.

Favorite Quote:
“I forgot to tell you that I joined the secret society of villains while I was away,” I told Samuel, exasperated. “I am now trying to put together a harem of studly, muscle-bound werewolves. Please. Remember, I didn’t know Mac until he dropped in my lap sometime after the villains screwed up his life.”
– Mercy

Started: 1 November 2010
Finished: 17 November 2010

Rating:

LOVED IT !!

Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

Bayou Moon by Ilona Andrews

Title: Bayou Moon
Author: Ilona Andrews
Copyright: 2010 (Ace); 447 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-441-01945-8
Series: The Edge #2
Sensuality: Warm
Genre: Paranormal Romance

After helping Declan and Rose defeat Casshorn, William Wolf, a.k.a. Lord William Sandine, has spent the last two years working in the Broken (the real world) and living in The Edge.. Though he has his freedom to come and go as he pleases, William is lonely. Hearing from Jack and George, Rose’s younger brothers, only re-enforces the fact. So when the Adrianglian secret service comes to him with a mission to take down an old enemy, known as Spider, William jumps at the chance.

Cerise Mar is a native of the Mire, a swampy part of the Edge that borders Louisiana. The sprawling Mars family has been feuding with another clan — the Sheeriles — for decades. With the sudden disappearance of her parents, Cerise is left in charge of the Mars clan. It’s her duty to find out what happen to her parents, and take action against the responsible parties. Cerise is strong and capable. She’s an excellent swords woman and can use her flash in conjunction with her weapon. She’s smart and resourceful, too. But as strong and capable as she is, Cerise also feels lonely. Influenced no doubt by the examples of her loving parents and grandparents, Cerise would like to find someone she could love and who would love her in return, despite her eccentric family and their Mire ways.

Cerise and William’s paths cross while traveling between the Broken and the Edge. Cerise thinks that William is a Weird blue blood and believes he doesn’t stand a chance in the Mire. When things go wrong on the trip, they end up having to cooperate with each other, and each learns there is more to the other than each initially thought. A mutual appreciation for each others’ skills and abilities develops and, from there, a deeper attraction grows. Their timing couldn’t be worse for exploring a relationship. As much as William wants her, he doubts whether Cerise would want to be his mate. It doesn’t help that she might misconstrue his motives — Spider has taken an interest in her and her family and William doesn’t want her to think he’s using her to get to Spider. As for Cerise, she’s been burned before, and carrying the burden of responsibility for the Mars clan isn’t making things easier.

Comments:  As much as I loved the other books written by this couple, I struggled with this one. “Struggled” may not be the right word. I went days without reading it, and then I would only read a few pages before putting it down again. It isn’t the characters. I actually loved both Cerise and William better than Rose and Declan, and my favorite parts of the book are scenes with just the two of them. Cerise’s family was interesting and I liked several of them. I thought Spider with a great antagonist and I wish there had been more of him in the book — in some cases, spending too much time with the villain is a bad thing, but I don’t think this would have been the case with Spider. Oh, and I absolutely loved the courtroom scene.

Ilona is a great story teller. Even when she’s just relating something funny about her family, the pets, or life in general on her blog, I enjoy her writing. It’s been a real head-scratcher trying to figure out why this one didn’t hold me like the rest (the only reason my thoughts on Magic Bleeds hasn’t been written up yet is that I have a very bad habit of either going off on tangents or reading the book, not writing anything coherent). I did have a hard time picturing what Spider’s henchmen looked like, so in my mind’s eye, William and Cerise were usually being attacked by vague-looking things — not the least bit scary or threatening. I’m sure that’s just me, though, because that will happen with other books that I love (still not sure if I’m imagining the warrior form correctly when I read the Kate Daniels series).

So, in the end, there were many little things I truly loved about the book, but I can’t really articulate what wasn’t working for me. I plan on reading the next book in the series.

Started: ??
Finished: 31 October 2010

Rating:

Enjoyed it!

Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

The Hellhound King

Title: The Hellhound King
Author: Lori Devoti
Copyright: 2010 (Harlequin); 280 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-373-61829-3
Series: Silhouette Nocturne #82; Unbound #5
Sensuality: Warm
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Spoilers for the 4th Book!

Her: Marina Adal. Elfin princess – and a witch. Tired of being a political pawn of the royals in Alfheim, she fled to Gunngar. Her reign of terror there was nothing more than an act to keep the elf lords – a different group of elves than the royals – believing that she is on their side. Raf was the first, and only, person who made her feel she was wanted for herself, and not who she was or what she could do for him.

Him: Raf Dolg. Hellhound. Marina’s former lover. His need to avenge his family brought him to Gunngar and to the employ of the elf lords. Raf needs something they possess and all he is asked to do is spy on Marina. The last thing he expected was to start caring about her.

Elfin Politics 101: Alfheim was once ruled by royals. Marina is, it seems, the heir presumptive. However, the elf lords took power after her parents were killed. The elf lords are tech savvy and have introduced technology to Alfheim. Don’t be surprised when you see a car or a computer. Since no elf lord can claim the throne – it will only accept the true heir – they are willing to be the power behind it and they want Marina on their side. The royals, naturally, are traditionalist and want things returned to the old ways. In the power struggle to control the elfin princess, Marina’s uncle Geir has the advantage. He uses Marina’s younger sister, Ky, as leverage to keep her from fleeing Alfheim again.

What to do, what to do? Raf still needs what the elf lords have and that means he’s got to convince Marina that she’d be better off with them. However, it doesn’t take long for Raf to realize that Marina wouldn’t be any better off with the elf lords. If he turns his back on his chance for vengeance, and Marina abandons her sister again, they could leave Alfheim and start a new life together. But Raf can’t walk away and neither can Marina.

Forbidden: The elves have little tolerance for other beings, so it no big surprise that a hellhound has no business consorting with the princess. Right from the prologue, it’s established that Marina’s never met one before and that she’s fallen for Raf, big time. It breaks her heart to learn he was spying on her and she has him imprisoned. Raf is the typical hellhound — though it takes him a bit to realize that he’s in love, once he’s acknowledge it, he’ll doing anything to keep her at his side.

What I liked: Raf. I still love Ms. Devoti’s hellhounds (and garms). Like the last book, this one is also set in another world, though it does start off in our world. The dragon, the same one from Dark Crusade, makes an appearance, and if I’m not mistaken, the 6th book will feature him.

What I didn’t like: Marina. It was hard for me to reconcile the fact that this was the same character from Dark Crusade. In Dark Crusade, she’s a strong character — and the antagonist. In this book, she a helpless prisoner. If you read the two books back-to-back, you might feel disoriented. Other than that, I had no other real issue with the character. She is in a difficult position and she can no longer see a way out without help.

Recommended to: Fans of her previous books and fans of shape-shifters.

Started: 20 January 2010
Finished: 26 January 2010

Rating:

Enjoyed it!

Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

Dark Crusade

Author: Lori Devoti
Copyright: 2009 (Harlequin); 271 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-373-61809-5
Series: Silhouette Nocturne # 62; Unbound #4
Sensuality: Hot

Who: Heather Moore (witch) and Kerr Vikk (garm)
Where & When: Gunngar

Dark Crusade is the fourth book in Lori Devoti’s Unbound series. Though the books are written to stand alone, the story picks up right after the events in Guardian’s Keep. I would highly recommend reading Guardian’s Keep first to get a better understanding of Heather Moore, the heroine of Dark Crusade. A note about the hero: Lori decided to change the name of the leader of the rogue garm (wolf shape-shifter). See comments in this post.  Post may be considered a spoiler.

This story takes place entirely outside the human world. Kerr Vikk and the other rogue garm were banished to Gunngar after their attempts to gain control of a portal. Shortly after arriving, Kerr is picked to be Marina’s protector. The elfin princess and leader of the Jagers — light elves that seemed to rule this world — is on a crusade to rid Gunngar of witches. Kerr doesn’t question the Jager’s mission. He’s responsible for Marina’s safety. Her cause is her business. That changes when realizes someone he knows is in Gunngar: Heather.

Heather helped the garm, not because she believed in their mission, but because she was after power. Growing up, Heather had nothing. She betrayed a friend and mentor in order to gain something she could call her own. As punishment for her part in the rogues’ plans, Heather was banished to Gunngar. Like the garm, Heather had hoped for a fresh start. However, she learns right away that witches are being hunted. Arn, the tavern owner that gives her sanctuary, is very anxious to help her escape Gunngar. Unfortunately, the portal that brought Heather is a one-way, roving entryway. Gunngar’s portal was sealed by the Jagers. Heather’s only hope lies with her being able to persuade the garm to find and open the portal.

At first, Kerr is reluctant to help. His sense of responsibility for the other garm is strong. Since coming to Gunngar, and finally having something to guard, Kerr’s focus has been on doing his duty and certain things have escaped his notice. Heather’s arrival has opened his eyes to the fact that something isn’t right, that there is more to the story behind the witch hunt and the closed portal. Kerr also realizes that his feelings for Heather have grown stronger. The longer she stays in Gunngar, the more danger she’s in, and Kerr is afraid for her safety. He is determined to save both the other rogues and Heather.

Throughout the story, Heather grows as a character. Not necessarily a bad person, she’s just someone who made the wrong choices for selfish reasons. By the end of the book, Heather is willing to sacrifice herself to protect others. Kerr also develops as a person. From the beginning, Kerr has been a noble and trustworthy being, but his mission to find a place where all garm have something to guard has blinded him to the fact that sometimes it’s a good idea to questions others’ motives. Not everything is worthy of being guarded by a garm.

I’m afraid to say to much more about the story, for fear of spoilers. I continue to enjoy this series and the world-building. Heather and Kerr are both likable characters and the romance is believable. Heather finally has something she can call her own — Kerr’s love; and Kerr has something worth guarding — Heather. They have each other and they’re happy.

Lori introduces other characters that I hope to see more of in future books.

Started: 11 March 2009
Finished: 16 March 2009

Rating:

LOVED IT !!

What Others Have Said:
All About Romance

Books in the series:

Wild Hunt

Author: Lori Devoti
Copyright: 2008 (Harlequin); pgs. 276
Series: Silhouette Nocturne #41; Unbound #3
Sensuality: Warm

Who: Geysa (Valkyrie), and Venge Leidolf (hellhound)

The horn has long been the tool of the ErlKing, used to call his pack to the Wild Hunt. The Erlking and his pack would steal and destroy the souls of fallen warriors meant for Valhalla. The last victim of the Hunt was a Valkyrie. After her death, the ErlKing disappeared and the Hunt was no more. Now, someone is using the horn, and the Valkyrie — guardians and keepers of the souls at Valhalla — are determined to get the horn and stop the Wild Hunt forever. The only problem: they can’t hear the horn. Their plan: follow the hellhounds and spy on them.

Venge Leidolf is a hellhound, formerly bound to the witch, Lusse. Life in Lusse’s kennel was horrible for her pack, particularly for Venge, who was brought into existence to be used against Risk, her pack’s alpha and Venge’s father. Venge has known only rejection, humiliation, and torture. Even when he was made aware of the fact, Risk had little choice but to show no interest in the fate of his son. He wanted Venge to live and eventually be free of Lusse, and he couldn’t allow Lusse to use that weakness against him. With this background, it is no wonder that Venge cares for nothing and no one, with only one goal in life: killing Risk. Venge goes from place to place among the nine worlds, not caring if he lives or dies, acquiring skills and weapons he hopes will help him achieve his goal. When he hears the horn’s call, Venge answers it more out of curiosity than anything else and sticks around just in case the horn can be of use in his quest to commit patricide.

Geysa is half-Norn, half-Valkyrie. Norn are fortune-tellers, but Geysa’s never shown talent in that area like her sister, Runa. Though she has the inborn talent of the Valkyrie, the ability to lure men’s souls, Geysa doesn’t feel much like a Valkyrie, either. To complicate matters more, the luring ability has an unexpected effect on the hellhounds, so Geysa must keep her emotions shielded. In an unguarded moment, she snares Venge.

Venge frustrated and confused by Geysa. One moment he’s irresistibly drawn to her and can smell her emotions, and the next — he still finds her attractive and her scent compelling, but he can’t read her at all. Venge still finds himself falling for her, something he’s never felt for anyone else, and is afraid to admit those feeling or dare to hope that the feelings are returned. For her part, Geysa feels guilty for entrapping him, not realizing that his desire for her — after the shields are back in place — is real. Geysa’s mother was the last prey of the Hunt, so her hatred for hellhounds is more personal than the general enmity between the two races — yet she still wants to be with Venge, even if it means never returning to Valhalla.

I really enjoyed this book. The world building, based on Norse mythology, is fun. I have to say, hellhounds are not very observant — I mean, they weren’t a teeny bit suspicious of the fact that only Nordic warrior women seemed to live in the town. I loved the ending, and it seems that Lori left a few plot lines open for her future books. I think we haven’t seen the last of Sigurd or the Valkyrie.

Started: 19 May 2008
Finished: 26 May 2008

Rating:

LOVED IT !!

Guardian's Keep

Author: Lori Devoti
Copyright:2008 (Harlequin); pgs. 282
Series:Silhouette Nocturne #32; 2ndin the Unbound
Sensuality: Warm
Violence: quite a bit of fighting, but nothing graphic

Who:Kelly Shane (witch) and Kol Hildr (garm — human/wolf shape-shifter)

From the Back:Kol Hildr had spent the last century battling hellhounds and warlocks who sought to usurp his portal’s magic. A mighty shape-shifter with the ability to change into wolf form, Kol made accessing the powerful gateway nearly impossible — unless you were a witch of Kelly Shane’s talents. She had a score to settle and would do anything to close the portal that led to her unearthly prison. Though an alliance with her compromised Kol’s very purpose, something about the little witch overwhelmed his fierce, battle-worn soul. But when Kelly’s life might be in jeopardy, could Kol put aside the one thing he thought he valued most — the portal — to journey to the other side and save her?

Comments: Loved it. From the Passages Pro software (is it Vista compatible?) to Kelly’s uninvited house-guests. I don’t think we’ve seen the last of Kelly’s assistant. I’m thinking she’s the heroine of the fourth book. Lori has stated in October (on her blog) that the main characters of book four know each other already when the story starts. I first thought she meant Fenrir, but I hadn’t finished the book and saw the potential for a story in Heather’s predicament. Either way, I’ll be eagerly looking out for it. For now, waiting ever so patiently for Wild Hunt.

Started: 18 January 2008
Finished: 27 January 2008

Rating:

LOVED IT !!

Unbound

Summary: Risk Leidolf was a hellhound — a legendary, otherworldly creature who was both man and beast. For centuries, he’d been bound to do the bidding of a cruel witch queen. But after being ordered to destroy novice witch Kara Shane, the man within him rebelled. And the beast within him was held at bay — for now. Fiercely drawn to each other, Risk and Kara soon formed a passionate alliance as they set out to find her missing sibling — and the key to his salvation. For the power unleashed by twin witches could free him from the witch queen’s bondage.

Comments: As much as I loved Dark Gate, I have to admit this Nocturne is probably my favorite so far. I loved Risk. Trapped and manipulated by Lusse, a witch who steals other witches’ powers in order to prolong her life, Risk more than anything wants to be free of her. The only benefit of being the alpha of her pack is that it allows him the freedom to move about in the human world, — even if it means doing her bidding. He is sent to retrieve Kara, and for the first time, he is hesitant. He even goes so far as protecting her from another of Lusse’s hellhounds, sent as assurance that Risk is following orders.

The fact that Kara has a twin sister, Kelly, allows Risk to contemplate the possibility of finally being free of Lusse. For the first time, he allows himself to have hope. This opens the doors to other things that could put his plans in jeopardy: his growing attraction to Kara and the fear for her safety. His unpredictable and manipulative boss has made the stakes higher for Risk by revealing a little secret she’s kept from him. More than just his freedom hinges on finding Kelly.

Risk also knows that he must explain to Kara about what he is and what his initial interest in the twins is all about. Risk’s attempt to make Kara understand fails. Horrified and heartbroken, Kara orders him to leave. Not wanting to hurt her more, he leaves, determined to rescue Kelly and keep the sisters safe from Lusse, no matter the consequences.

Even though Kara starts off a little on the helpless side, she gains confidence in herself when she learns that she is a witch and becomes more comfortable with her powers. Without Risk’s help, she finds out what happened to her sister and boldly sets out to rescue Kelly, literally one step ahead of Risk and Lusse.

I’m looking forward to Kelly’s story, in January, and Venge’s later in 2008.

LOVED IT !!