Deathwish: Cal Leandros Series 4

Deathwish

(Rob Thurman)

Teaser: Niko and Cal are hired by the vampire Seamus to find out who is after him. He is an ex-husband of Promise of whom Niko knew nothing about. The job pays well, but it causes a rift in Promise's and Niko's relationship. He can no longer trust her. Unfortunately, they don't really have time to discuss it because the Auphe are back and more vicious than ever. They have a plan for Caliban, and it starts with Niko's death. Cal must dig deep, even at the risk of losing himself, to protect Niko from his monstrous relatives. Niko is in constant fear that Cal may dig too deep as he watches him slowly decline into the monstrous darkness.

Short Thought: Urban fantasy genius. Pushes the envelop. Absolutely amazing. Blown away.

Expanded Thoughts: I was blown away by this. I was sure this series was crap on a stick at the beginning. I am so glad that I didn't bet anything on that. This series is brilliant. Thurman, in this novel, takes you on a ride that never slows down and isn't afraid to take everything to a new level complete with dark, delicious new twists and developments. It is almost like the novel hits you in waves. It settles down for a couple pages, and then, BAM! you get blown away over and over again.

The dialogue was not forced or annoying. Cal still had his flair (or is that Robin?), spunk, and dark humor, but IT WAS ACTUALLY FUNNY and well timed and paced. The author is very consistent with the characters and their developments and growths. Niko is slowly becoming even more intertwined into Promise's life as Caliban is slowly becoming more dark and doubting his humanity. I could go forever about how wonderful it is, and how brilliant the characters are.

One thing that has changed in this novel with respect to the series is that half the book is written from Niko's perspective instead of just Cal's. It really highlights their relationship and differences in their humanity and views. We also get even more glimpses into their past. It also keeps everything fresh and doesn't allow the reader to bore of the same humor over and over again. I thought that this took the series to another level, and made Cal's dark humor funny and better placed.

Before I start squealing like I'm at a New Kids on the Block (I feel old) concert, I end this with statement that if you are going to read a contemporary fantasy/paranormal series, this is the one. It's not too masculine, and it's certainly not feminine. It fits all twisted tastes and doesn't disappoint.

Additional Notes: This is the 4th novel in the Cal Leandros Series by Rob Thurman.

Additional Notes: This novel contains dark themes, mild language, violence, and gore.

Magic Strikes: Kate Daniels Series 3

Magic Strikes

(Ilona Andrews)

Teaser: Kate, a mercenary with a canyon sized chip on her shoulder, has found a steady job contracting for the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid. While she is out on a job, she gets called to a scene of a crime involving a murdered werewolf. When she arrives, she finds that the scene has been cleaned and that no one is willing to give up any information on the murder--not even her friends among them.

Short Thought: Mysterious and streetwise Kate, although slightly cliche, is becoming one of my favorite fantasy heroines.

Expanded Thoughts: This series is dark, gritty, and fun of sarcastic goodness. It is also a short and very entertaining read.

This book is by far the best in the series thus far. (Each book is better than the one before it.) We get introduced to more characters, but don't get overwhelmed by it. Kate becomes a deeper character as we begin to learn of her mysterious heritage and the different sides of her character.

My favorite part of the series is the relationship dynamic between Curran and Kate. The reader never really knows what going to happen, and it's glorious. There are too many fantasy (paranormal) novels with bland, predictable relationships. Just for the record, I hope Curran gets his way.

My only complaint is that the 'I'm a strong woman and not gonna listen to anybody and be stupid' thing gets annoying. Yes, it is understood that she is strong-willed and independant. WE GET IT!

Additional Notes: This is the third novel in the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews.

Madhouse: Cal Leandros Series 3

Madhouse

(Rob Thurman)

Teaser: Cal and Niko are back again, but with a new breed of enemies to add to the ever-growing list. Sawney Beane, a formerly deceased cannibalistic serial killer, is on the loose and leaving a trail of bodies behind. The brothers race to stop him from killing anyone else, but find themselves stretched in two directions when someone makes an attempt on Robin's life. All in a day's work for these brothers who never seem to catch a break.

Short Thought: Overall a good addition to the unique series. Slightly better than the two previous books.

Expanded Thoughts: This third installment into the series is more like three short stories in one. So, for the purpose of this review, I'll be discussing them separately.

First, the main plot is the resurrection of the Scottish serial killer, Sawney Beane. He is a gruesome cannibal that doesn't hesitate to leave a trail of gore and horror behind him. I'm not going to comment on this storyline much, because I didn't feel that it was anything terribly unique. It was like a horror version of a Criminal Minds episode. It was great fun, but not terribly different from other stories of its kind.

Second, there is somebody out to kill the ever-randy Robin Goodfellow. Really, how do you narrow down a suspect when the Puck has made millions of enemies of thousands of years. This was actually my favorite plot line in the whole novel. It was clever, and you get to see a different side to Robin--instead of his bare bottom in action, you get to see a vulnerability clouded in fear (and probably still in action). The ending was also brilliant. I truly never guessed who the perp was until it was revealed.

Lastly, Cal goes to any lengths to get laid. I really didn't like this storyline. It was like a badly done Gothic version of American Pie. I felt that it didn't fit in with the flow of the rest of the series. It was almost like the author decided that she didn't like George and needed a way to write her out without killing her. It was a major turning point for Cal, but not a good one in my opinion.

This series keeps steadily getting better. I look forward to reading the next. This was definitely the best one of the series I've read so far, I almost enjoyed reading it too much. With all this dark humor and horror, I think I scared myself with how much I did enjoy it. Perhaps, I should work up a really kick butt maniacal laugh to go with it.

Additional Notes: This is the third novel in the Cal Leandros Series by Rob Thurman.

Additional Notes: This novel contains dark themes, violence, and mild language.

Magic Burns: Kate Daniels Series 2

Magic Burns

(Illona Andrews)

Teaser: Kate is back with even more attitude, but more importantly with steady employment. She is now a recognized 'friend' to the Pack, a structured gang of shape shifters, and has solid connections to the authorities. Not only does this mean more leverage, but it more importantly means steady money--something Kate is grateful for and lacked until recently.

Kate is given a job by the Pack, or rather returning a favor. She is to track down a group of valuable maps that was stolen. Little did she know that the maps would lead to a butt kicking of epic proportions that she would feel for weeks to come.

Short Thought: Even better than the first of the series. Raised my expectations of the urban fantasy genre.

Expanded Thoughts: This novel was a short step ahead of the first one. I wasn't sure that I was going to continue with it after the first one, but I'm glad that I did.

One of my main complaints with the first novel was that the main character was flat and annoying. She was the stock, bull-headed chick that crumbles to lustful ooze in the presence of an alpha male. It had been done and better. I must say this novel deviated from that quite a bit. We get to see a female character stick to her guns (well swords), get the crap kicked out of her, and not turn into putty at the hands of the one that saved her. I was beyond pleasantly surprised. I had these novels totally pegged as being as predictable as many of the other series in this genre. I dare say, this character has me intrigued in that her whole story isn't revealed yet, and I am craving for more.

Another thing I did enjoy about this novel over many of the others in this genre is that the author doesn't force character relationship or alliances. It is more like real life. People don't trust each other so quickly, nor do they have magic enchantments that make them 'made for one another.' People also don't instantly work together 'just because.'

This one could turn into a real prize, maybe even better than Mercy Thompson and Sookie Stackhouse. All Hail Kate Daniels!

Additional Notes: This novel contains scenes of mild violence.

Additional Notes (2): This is the 2nd novel in the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews.

Moonshine: Cal Leandros Series 2

Moonshine

(Rob Thurman)

Teaser: Life is never dull when Niko or Cal are anywhere to be found. The brothers are embarking on new territory as they decide to stay in New York City for the long haul. No more running away. To help to make ends meet, Niko teams up with his current lover Promise to form a bodyguard service. It seems like a great idea, and pays really well. The job lands them into even more trouble. If that wasn't bad enough, Cal is starting to exhibit more and more Auphe-like behavior. These brothers just can't catch a break to save their lives.

Short Thought: A nice continuation to the series, a bit better than the first.

Expanded Thoughts: This novel was a nice continuation and did build upon what was introduced in the premiere novel, but it didn't go anywhere new. It stayed at the same pitch, same level.

It did differ greatly from the first novel in that it was less forced and less cheesy. I love the sarcastic voice of the main character Cal, but sometimes it's too much and can become redundant. You just want to smack him. (If you didn't think he might bite you or shoot you.)

That being said, the characters proved to be much more than cardboard backing in this one. The story delves deeper into Niko's (the truly tragic character) life and character. The author also is genius at giving the perfect 'push and pull' energy between the brothers. They love each other, but the bond was built on tragedy, worry, and violence. It is very interesting to see how they play off of each each and support each other. It is truly something unique in this genre.

I can't wait for the next one!

Additional Notes: This novel contains dark themes, language, and violence.

Additional Notes: This is the 2nd novel in the Cal Leandros Series by Rob Thurman.

Magic Bites: Kate Daniels Series 1

Magic Bites

(Ilona Andrews)

Teaser: Kate Daniels is a self-proclaimed hard ass living in an alternate world Atlanta. She doesn't have a soft bone in her body, and it makes her a damn good mercenary. For this first adventure, her guardian is found murdered, and she requests the help of several local supernatural factions to get to the bottom of it. She finds herself entwined not only in a savage murder case, but also in the politics of the local shape shifters.

Short Thought: Wonderful, paranormal adventure suitable for both female and male tastes.

Expanded Thoughts: Well, I could never call this a piece of genius or great literature, but dang was it entertaining. It was like watching one of those fantasy shows on TV. If you look at it just as a entertainment piece and easy read, it succeeds. It is simple. There are no complicated characters or plots lines, and everyone adheres to a stereotype. That being said I think I am going to read the next one. Reads like this are perfect in the morning over coffee, or as a great substitute for TV. I mean I am already caught up in the potential love story (they get me every time dag nabbit).

Additional Note: This is the first book of the Kate Daniels Series by Ilona Andrews.