Yikes. I read this and I never added it to my currently reading shelf. I think I read this in the winter, Februaryish. I found this really slow. I thiYikes. I read this and I never added it to my currently reading shelf. I think I read this in the winter, Februaryish. I found this really slow. I think it's more an expansive introduction to the characters in Geralt's life, such as Yennefer and Ciri. It's very talky. While I like dialogue and character development, I was jarred by how different it was from The Last Wish. I haven't watched the tv show yet, but I imagine it's nice to have this introduction into the world.
I'm not a big fan of political maneuverings in my readings, and that's a huge part of this book. Also it's sort of a coming of age as a big focus of the book is Ciri. Ciri's story is tragic, yet she is giving a second family of sorts, and an adoptive father figure in Geralt.
I don't know if it was just me, but I felt like Geralt wasn't in this one as much. That's a big part of why I was disappointed. I also missed the folklore bits. There's more stuff about magic systems and the religious practices, and of course, the political maneuvering. I missed the monster hunting and fighting a lot.
I am still excited about this series and will definitely keep buying and reading the books, but sadly, I found this one a little dry....more
So I finally started this series. Overall, it was pretty good. The one word I'd use to describe this book is weird. I am a huge fan of ghost stories, So I finally started this series. Overall, it was pretty good. The one word I'd use to describe this book is weird. I am a huge fan of ghost stories, true and fictional, so that's always a big draw for me. And I enjoy Simon R. Green's quirky and very British humor and writing sensibilities. Having said that, there was something a bit off for me with this book. I think it was a little too smug in a mean kind of way in how it was written. It's hard to clearly describe what I mean, as it's a feeling I have. I guess it's about the very jaded view of contemporary life, with very little optimism and joy as well. Also, I was disappointed at how brief the narrative is. I also feel that the explication just scratches the surface. Perhaps I have gotten into the mode of reading books with lots of strong description and moments in which the reader is allowed to explore and immerse themselves into the narrative.
Additionally, I wanted to go in deeper to understand what made the characters tick. Strangely, Happy was in many ways the most developed character. Drug use is rough subject matter for me. I tend to cringe when I read a book or watch a tv show with a character who is steadily using drugs. In this case, Happy is constantly popping pills. The pills help him to modulate his ability to see and interact with ghosts and to interpret paranormal phenomena. Even knowing the reason why, the thought of the harm the drugs are doing to his system makes me cringe. Despite that aspect, I did connect to the angst associated with Happy's ability and how he needed drugs to be able to deal with it.
Melanie was probably the least developed character. Little was revealed to me about her other than her penchant for a vigorous sex life, her love of technology and her devices, and the fact that she didn't mince words with her coworkers. I hope her character is explored more in the next books.
JC comes off as being enigmatic, but I honestly don't find it him all that magnetic. I don't know why he stands out as the leader and what makes him the heart of the team. I think he needs more development as a character before I can buy that with any authenticity. I was not fully convinced by the instalove angle very much. I mean, I believe in love at first sight, but I needed more to buy into it in this book.
I did enjoy the twist on who the villain(s) were and the unlikely (albeit temporary) alliance that was made. I thought ultimately the Big Bad was a bit of a let down and wasn't well established.
This book has a lot of gore and grue, so if that isn't your thing, steer clear. It was in some scenes almost over the top. Green does have a tendency to get pretty descriptive with gory imagery, so that's something that I expect about his books. Having said that, some of it was off-putting.
One thing I really liked was the opening and how the primeval nature of England was explored. I tend to believe that old places have a lot of spiritual relevance and power associated with the land.
I don't have much to say about the audiobook narration. It's good. Not excellent, but serviceable.
I feel like my review was pretty harsh, and to be honest, this was a decent read. I think it expect more from the author, and wanted more. I hope that this series gets better as it goes along. The concept is really strong, and I like each of the trio's unique skill sets and I want to see their relationship working together more explored and delved into. I love a plot-focused book, but honestly, I am interested in character and relationship and I feel that genre fiction has plenty of opportunities to explore those nuances, even in a heavily plot-driven narrative. I hope that the author explores the potential inherent in this series in future books.
I absolutely love this series. These books go hard from page 1 to the end. Joe Ledger is such an interesting character, in my opinion. He's got layersI absolutely love this series. These books go hard from page 1 to the end. Joe Ledger is such an interesting character, in my opinion. He's got layers: the aggressive killer, the thinking detective, the loving man who cares about his friends, family and lover. He's not just a roided up tough guy who takes out the bad guys. I mean, Joe is not a guy you want to go up against. He's lethal. But that's not all he is.
It's not just Joe for me. I like the world of this book, I mean, not the evil people harming others, but the concept of Joe's team with the Department of Military Sciences. It's extremely larger than life. The villains are like James Bond level villains bent on world domination. There are some plot points that would just seem to over the top and silly that generally if you heard about it, you'd roll your eyes. But it totally works in the book.
There's plenty of bad guy point of view, and I think that is a good idea. Because of the fact that the villains are so over the top, it helps to get into their head and see them as characters. Having said that, I really despised what the villain stood for and they were so gross. I don't want to spoil anything, but I think I'm okay saying there are multiple villains. The other villains were super extra. Like I said, James Bond but with a Millennial twist.
Hard to believe things could get more dire since Patient Zero, but Maberry managed it. It was quite a ride. There is so much emotional trauma in this book, it's hard to read about, quite frankly. However, it's also unputdownable. That's the dilemma. I really love this series....more
Reread completed in October to November 2021 on Audiobook
I have been listening to these on audiobook, narrated by the excellent Ray Porter, and I deciReread completed in October to November 2021 on Audiobook
I have been listening to these on audiobook, narrated by the excellent Ray Porter, and I decided to go back to and listen to the first book in the series, because I wanted to experience it audibly. I loved listening to it. Honestly, the audiobook upgrades this to a five star. I really love this series.
I love how over the top it is. I love the characterization. I love the action. I love the science mixed with the James Bond type villains. I especially love how highstakes the plots are, and how there's very little slowdown of the story. Yet, the writing still allows for character development and emotional resonance. I would love to see these as a tv series one day!
I could go on and on about things, but I'll keep it simple. I'm really glad I took the time to reread/listen to this one. I think I might go ahead and listen to Extinction Machine since it's been a minute. Jonathan Maberry really knows what this action reader craves, because when I pick up a Joe Ledger book, it keeps me on my toes and I know I'm in for a wild ride.
* I don't like zombies, but I like this book!
I bought this one a while ago because I was intrigued by the idea of an action/adventure series about a special government agency which handles strange science threats. It's been sitting on my shelf, not because it didn't look interesting. I was just reading and doing other stuff.
Glad I was able to read it for the February group read for the Action/Adventure Aficionados group. A very strong selling point is that this one hits the ground running. I hate being bored, so I appreciate a book that doesn't give me opportunities to get bored, and also engages my intellect. This book did both. I felt that I was drawn into the action early on, and the fact that the characters have to think on their feet adds to the sense of urgency. This book is built quite heavily on that sense of urgency, and it succeeds. This was a book that never slowed down, despite the high tech science elements. I feel that the author wrote a book here that is intelligent, but also action-packed. He took zombies and gave them a 21st century update, which makes it even more scary. To think that someone is crazy enough to make a pathogen that would turn people into zombies, and to unleash it on innocent citizens, for any reason, is absolutely frightening.
Mad scientist stories interest me. And this one has a whopper! I did think the actual identity of the mad scientist was quite interesting, although I found their reasons to be a let-down. Not that there was any good reason to do what that person was doing, but the reason didn't ring true to me. Unless it's just sheer craziness.
Terrorism lives up to its name. The thought of murdering people for a cause is appalling. In this book, there is also another dimension here. Maybe terrorism in its essential form isn't the whole picture. Terrorism is also good business. The thought nauseates me. But there are people in this world who happily make lots of money this way. This aspect of terrorism is examined in Patient Zero. That someone in fact uses it to create a demand and supply effect. The zombies aren't the ones with no souls in this book.
This is one of those books I didn't want to put down. Here I am, reading this book in bed when you'd think zombie books would be off the bedtime reading list. Nope. I had to keep reading.
Joe Ledger
Joe has action hero chops. Maberry lays the groundwork for why he's the man for the job, and he acquits himself admirably. I liked that Joe is a tough action hero, but he's also flawed and human. He doesn't have all the answers, nor does he have emotional wholeness, and he knows it. That's another reason he's on the frontline. I kind of liked his attitude. What can I say? A grumpy hero can work for me. And yes, the martial arts, barehanded zombie fighting was pretty awesome. I mean, that takes some guts to tackle a zombie without having a respectable fifteen feet shooting distance between them. How about breaking zombie necks with one's bare hands and other parts of the body? I'll leave that to folks like Ledger. He is a man of action and an intelligent man. A good mix.
Other Characters
I touched on the bad guys. It's hard to write a good villain. You can easily make them too campy or so mundane you're bored to tears. Both is death, no pun intended. How about a little realness thrown in with the evilness quotient? That's a good mix. I'm not sure how effective the villains were on an essential level. They did the job, but something was off. I couldn't identify with the villains. Nope. Not at all. I couldn't put myself in their shoes. To me, they were foul beyond believe. No amount of integrity despite some of them being true believers. Actions speak louder than words. I often asked myself which was worse, the true believers or the ones motivated by almighty dollar? I don't have an answer for that one.
Rudy is like Joe's heart and soul. His conscience. I honestly think having Rudy has kept Joe sane. I liked that he is the voice of reason and the voice of ethics, not that Joe isn't ethical. But he can't always weigh the tough questions in the thick of battle. It's good to know he has Rudy to bounce those off of. Good friends are scarce, so I'm glad they have each other.
As far as the team and the people who work at DMS, I think there are characters that stand out. Church is definitely one of them. He's the mystery man with long fingers, and iron hands that can crush his enemies or protect those who need it. He's a good guy to work for, but not a man to cross. I liked the idea of DMS. How they recruit the best, because the best is needed for a situation like they face in this book. Major Grace Courtland stands out as a female character who is tough as nails, but also three-dimensional. You don't get to see too many military heroines, and she's a very good one. The team that Joe picks don't get as much page time, but I hope to see more of them. They earned my respect in the many confrontations they face, shortly after or right when they find out zombies are real. I'd still be in the pinching myself phase. And then there is Doctor Hu. That was utterly priceless!
What fell short
I felt that the ending was less well-executed than most of the book. The story was so well-plotted until the end, that I just had this 'huh' moment with how it ended. I mean the final confrontation was pretty good, but some of the hows behind it, not so much. I still don't understand what happened with the one character who turned out to be a red herring. And the master plan seemed a bit campy on the part of the true believers. Other than that, I have no complaints. But this knocked my rating down in the end.
Final Thoughts
I have found a new series to follow. Maberry delivers on action and cutting edge science. I love the idea of the DMS, and a top notch action hero like Joe Ledger combined with it, will keep me coming back. While not all elements were 100%, this was a solid read that I enjoyed enormously. I have to give this one a respectable 4.25 star rating. I'll be back for more!...more
Don't get me wrong, I adore Kate and I am becoming a Curran stan, but oh, Derek, Derek, you own me!
This series gets even better with each book. Yes, IDon't get me wrong, I adore Kate and I am becoming a Curran stan, but oh, Derek, Derek, you own me!
This series gets even better with each book. Yes, I am way behind in reading these. If you follow me, this is a typical occurrence. I can count on one hand how many series I am caught up on. The story of my life. But it's good because I have so much goodness to look forward to.
I never know what to expect in these books. The Andrews really know how to write. I love how each book starts, and you are like Kate. You literally have no idea where things are going to lead. I felt like that. I know whatever happens, Kate is going completely kick ass and take names. She's going to hate/lust flirt with Curran, and she's going to mess her enemies up and go ride or die with her loved ones.
I always have to preface my dislike for dystopians by saying I love Kate Daniels books. Normally I avoid most dystopians, but I love the wrecked by magic dynamic in these books. The idea of a post-apocalyptic Atlanta...whew. The mix of creatures is awesome as well.
But, it's the Derek for me. I could write a song called Derek and I'd sing his name a lot. I just love the guy. And this is a story for Derek lovers. He's in huge trouble and for most of the book, Kate and her cohorts have to keep it from Curran. And you can imagine how that goes. I honestly think that Curran would have tried to obliterate Kate if he didn't respect and lust and like her so much. I think that although Curran is the Beast Lord, it would not be as easy as you'd think to take out Kate.
This book has a gladiator angle that is quite interesting, and very brutal. I'm sure that if these were movies, I'd have to look away a lot. Having said that, I would love a Kate Daniels series on HBO Max or Netflix.
It's been a while since I read this, so I can't go into great detail. However, I loved this book. The audiobook is narrated by Renee Raudman and she is fantastic. She nails all the voice, pitches, cadence, etc. I highly recommend listening to this series on audiobook.
I hope I can get to the next book soon. I'm doing a lot of audiobooks from my library, so it's keeping me busy. But I hope to get into the next book before next year....more
I just wanted to post a quick review of my thoughts on the reread.
This book definitely stands up to Reread completed on September 17th via Audiobook.
I just wanted to post a quick review of my thoughts on the reread.
This book definitely stands up to my memory. What I am so glad about is that I forgot many of the plot twists, so it was like reading it again for the first time. I love when horror/scary elements are thrown in with fantasy. There are some very chilling moments in the book and the villain is really really bad.
I love the story of a young woman coming into her own and realizing what she is capable of. I do wish that more of the book showed Sabriel interacting with her father, however. I think there are some really important themes about family legacy and coming out of the shadow of one's parents and the expectations that go along with that. Sometimes it's not about running away from it, but embracing it and making it your own.
The magic was interesting and the world-building was intricate in how magic was integrated into every aspect of the story. The storyline shows the consequences of when the magic goes bad as well and the corruption that can result when a magic wielder is evil.
I'm not a big zombie fan, but it was well done in this book. Zombies just creep me out and it's so visceral to me and frightening to think about undead humans wandering around getting into mischief, even if they aren't explicitly trying to eat brains. However, I did like how the necromancer trope is turned around with the concept of the Abhorsen.
The narrator was good, and he definitely made the villain's part very scary. I am so glad my library had this on audiobook. I believe that they have the other two books, which I plan to integrate into my reading.
I would still give it five stars, even though I wish Sabriel had more moments with her father. I recommend this book.
This book makes me want to devour more books, and I'm glad that I am getting to the point where I can actually read and be immersed in a book again after what feels like way too long.
*** I shall write a wee bit about my thoughts on this book as I read, for I do not trust my foggy brain to keep up with them if I wait until the last minute.
*I like the juxtaposition of 20th Century (early) Ancelstierre with a medieval-esque world of the Old Kingdom. It threw me for a loop at first, how the prologue was very medieval (pre-Industrial), and the first chapter was modernesque. I was thinking, are they immortal or something? But further reading clears that up.
*I don't read as much pure fantasy (which I am working on changing), but this magic system stands out to me. The Charter concept. The magic system is based on sketching out these symbols that have a magical power behind them. They can also be whistled or sung, if bells are not available.
*There are some genuinely creepy elements that make this story borderline horrific, if not dark fantasy in tone. There were moments that held me breathless, my stomach tight with dread. I like the manner in which Nix incorporates zombies. Zombies are not a favorite horror element of mine. But this type of zombie is scary, because the emphasis is on the dark spiritual (if you will) aspects. The ability of dark Charter mages to command spirits to come back from the realms of the Dead, binding them in service. Dark stuff. The loss of free will is a big sticking point with me. Nix succeeds in unnerving me in a deeper way, and doesn't focus on the gory, squeamish aspects of zombies that repel rather than cause the fear response.
*The author's ability to describe and propel the narrative without being too dense. I like a more natural, simplistic form of prose when I'm reading. That is what has kept me from starting some of the magic fantasy sagas, thus far.
*The welcome elements of subtle humor. Mogget is a spirit in the form of a cat. He could not be more feline in personality. I love this scene:
Mogget had no time for such introspection, mourning or pangs of responsibility. He left her watching, blank-eyed, for no more than minute, before padding forward and delicately inserting his claws in Sabriel's slippered foot..
That's exactly what one of my cats would do to get my attention. Haha.
So far, I'm enjoying this read. I didn't even turn on my computer and get on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ last night. I just read my book. And I turned off the tv to better concentrate.
That's it for now...
Update: 4/25/10
Okay, I finished this book after 1am this morning. I loved it. It was intense, it was moving, it was written in a manner that allowed the story to flow, but with a richness of detail that made it visually stunning as I read. The magic was fascinating. Intricate, but written so that the reader doesn't feel clueless.
I absolutely loved Sabriel. She's a strong girl. She went through such a harrowing experience. I mean, there are some truly dark moments in this story. Her father must have been so proud of her. I know I was.
Although the book doesn't really show Sabriel with her father, (the present Abhorsen (a person who sends the restless dead back where they belong), all that much, I loved the relationship between the two. A rich father-daughter relationship always appeals in a story, and I think readers of a similar mind will enjoy this part of the book.
For many years, I didn't read fantasy. I am sad about that, and resolved to make up for lost time. Urban fantasy and paranormal romance rekindled my childhood love of this genre. This book has truly lit me on fire to read more fantasy. I was drawn to the heroism, but also the ambiguity of this world, where the power of magic has the power to corrupt those who are not strong of mind and spirit. I'm drawn to a story where the heroine is on a journey that tests her spirit, and she comes out of it a stronger, wiser person. Sabriel definitely fits the bill for that kind of story.
Although Sabriel is the major focus of this story, I felt that Mogget and Touchstone were strong characters that added to the texture of this story. The light romantic elements between Sabriel and Touchstone were more than welcome.
Sabriel was a vivid, captivating, often scary introduction to the Abhorsen series, and my first read by Garth Nix. It will not be my last....more
Another book I forgot to add to my reading list and to rate. I read this one in the late summer and it was fantastic. It's everything that I loved aboAnother book I forgot to add to my reading list and to rate. I read this one in the late summer and it was fantastic. It's everything that I loved about the series, but the intensity was ramped up to 100. Everything that is introduced, teased about and built up is resolved or addressed to my satisfaction. Percy really learns who he is and what he's capable of. The conflict between him and the ongoing big bad is wonderfully resolved, and there is some insight into a character who has had a major arc throughout the series. Sadly, beloved characters die, which is very hard to read. But it brings home the cost of war. The action sequences are epic, vivid and dramatic but the book also has some equally successful character interactions that reveal just as much about the story. I also want to add how much fun it was to see New York City through the viewpoint of an epic battle between demigods and Titans.
Jesse Bernstein always does an excellent job narrating these audiobooks. He capably manages both the hilarious and deeply sad moments.
I wish I had been able to write the review back when I read it, because I could have written a more expansive review to give the book justice. However, I can definitely say that I have loved reading the Percy Jackson series. I'm excited to read the related series, and also the Kane Chronicles....more
Not so much a review as just some thoughts that occurred to me on this read:
I don't like the narrator's voice at aReread December 2020 to January 2021
Not so much a review as just some thoughts that occurred to me on this read:
I don't like the narrator's voice at all. Even still, I have to listen because I love the books so much.
I listened to this at night before bed, and I kept falling asleep and having to rewind. Not because it's not good, but because I dozed off. I still love the book and how different the romance plays off. I adore Saber. She is so badass. Jesse is such a sweetie when he wants to be, but also really deadly in other moments. I still love how OP his telepathic abilities are. They are a great pairing.
My favorite kind of hero is the unassuming dude who is crazy lethal. More of this please. (Shoutout to Brian and also Jesse when he's being sweet and wooing Saber).
Can I get a Brian/Patsy short story or something?? ****
Reread Completed August 2016.
I love this series, period, but this book sort of stands out because it is the most conventional setup. Boy meets girl and falls in love. But it happens that girl is an assassin with special abilities who is hiding out and boy is a special forces soldier who works for the government trying to catch traitors. Jesse comes off as being sweet but kind of crazy at the same time. I loved Jesse and Saber together. And it was great to revisit with them. I freaking love this series.
****3rd Reread between 6/16-6/19/12 My Thoughts:
I loved the unique vibe of this story. Well honestly, all the books are different, but this one starts out sort of deceptively. It's kind of a boy meets girl book. However, then you realize that these friends turned lovers are not exactly typical. They are both lethal killers and they don't want each other to know that. It was so cute how they both had feelings for each other and were just barely keeping things on a friendly level. Until those feelings exploded into something more. Boy did I enjoy watching the sparks fly!
Jesse-- This man is so adorable. He's like a deadly teddy bear. He doesn't look like one, he's all hot, hard man with a seductive smile. But he's sweet and caring and protective, like a little kid's teddy bear that they take to bed to keep the boogeyman away. But beneath that is a very lethal man who will protect those that belong to him. I loved that he wasn't willing to let Saber go, to run away from him and what they had together. That kind of hero is my favorite. The man who will do anything to get and keep his woman. They make me sigh. So he's the best of both worlds. The scene in the basement just gave me shivers. I don't like killing or violence for the sake of violence, but I honestly love a kick*ss hero like no other! His power is so fantastic, and kind of scary. He proved to Saber that she was safe with him and he could protect them both. Together they are formidable.
Saber-- I loved her character. Lethal but having the appearance of a beautiful girl-woman. Very small but fierce. She's a protector, not a destroyer as she has been led to believe. Her heart is not that of a killer. It never could be, but she fears that part of herself. To the point that she stays on the run and doesn't allow herself to get close to anyone. She thinks she's not good enough for Jesse, but she's the one woman for him. I love how she tries to protect Jesse because she thinks he needs her protection. You could see her love for him, even when she was afraid to love him. I understood her issues. Holding back out of fear. I was glad that she found that place of rest with Jesse, and came to realize that the GhostWalkers were the family she was always missing. I love all the GW women, but Saber is one of my favorite GhostWalkers, up there with Mari and Rose.
I truly enjoyed this reread. I could live in these books. They are so enjoyable and real for me. I love all the aspects of these books: fiery, beautiful romance, complex relationships between men and women, found and born families, fighting the darkness, and formidable warriors all together. Everything I love in a good fiction book. I have to wait until July to reread Murder Game, but I want to just dive in now and keep reading, so I don't have to leave the GhostWalkers behind. That's how good these books are!
Check out my .
***Listened to audiobook from 6/29/11-7/5/11. Here are my thoughts:***
I have to be honest and admit I didn't care for the narrator. His voice wasn't suited to the characters and Christine Feehan narrative. I think he would do a great job narrating noir/detective novels, though. With this story, he just didn't bring Jesse, Saber, and any of the other characters (except the sicko villain) to life in a pleasing manner. He actually made me want to reread the book again right away (and during) to get my own visuals of the characters back in my head, which I will probably do early next year.
Narrator aside, I enjoyed listening because I love this serious so darn much. I really enjoy spending time with the GhostWalkers, and I don't think that will ever change. Listening to this book in the early morning hours (and after long hard days) kept me awake on my long journey, and I'm thankful for that. I love turning over the conspiracies involving the GhostWalkers in my head, and hearing it adds a new layer. If I could change one thing, it would just be the narrative choice.
I am so tempted to go to the library and grab the other GhostWalker audiobooks off the shelf like the greedy junkie that I am.
Overall rating for audiobook: 4.25/5.0 stars
Original review below (I didn't change it because that would be unfair based on the audiobook version):
Another great Ghostwalkers book. This one had a more semi-normal tone. Boy and girl getting to know each other. Sort of, if you consider that girl is on the run from a secret agency who trained her to kill with her touch since she was a child, and boy is a super-soldier. It was sweet but at the same time, both Saber and Jess are two dangerous people you do not want to have as enemies. I thought that the direction that things went with Saber's ability was really cool. It reminded me of Rogue from the X-Men a little bit. She was such a likable heroine, and also really dangerous. I liked that she protected Jess and put her life at risk for him, even at times when she wasn't sure she could trust him. I liked how Jess fell in love with Saber early on and wanted to make a home for her and for her to feel comfortable enough to stay with him. He took things slow so that he didn't rush her. In that way, it was a sweet book. But when things start to escalate, this book is just as intense as the other Ghostwalkers book. It was great to see that things worked out for Jess, after reading about how he lost the use of his legs and how awful that was. It's funny how he played all sweet and harmless but you realize that he is far from that, even though he has to use a wheelchair. Again, not a guy I would want as an enemy. He is a powerful Ghostwalker with abilities that remind one of Charles Xavier and Jean Grey from the X-Men, which I thought was really cool. He's also a computer genius type as well. And he's hot. Did I mention he was a Navy SEAL? THUD! Where can I get one of him? It was nice to see Ken and Mari again, and to see that they are going well. And to see Lily give birth to the first of the second generation of Ghostwalkers. I am just as addicted as ever to this series, but since i only have one left, I am going to try to hold off on reading that one and read something else because I cannot imagine the void in my life with no Ghostwalker books to look forward to....more
I finally read this. Well, it was at the end of 2021. I'm finally reviewing it now. I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. What I mean is, I got I finally read this. Well, it was at the end of 2021. I'm finally reviewing it now. I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. What I mean is, I got a little burned out on the Dark-Hunter series a while ago, so I took a long break. Then about 1.5 years ago, I read Acheron, and absolutely adored it. That wasn't a surprise. I love Acheron (who is a fan of this series and doesn't love him?). But it sort of broke me out of my boredom with the series. Still, I thought I would like this one much because the lead character was the big bad of this series (not sure if he still is). Instead, I really liked this. I gave it four stars, because after Acheron, five stars is probably out of reach.
So, I won't revisit the storyline because you can read the synopsis. Instead we look into Stryker's side of the story. All along, I have been sympathetic towards the Apollites. They basically got screwed by their ancestor, the god Apollo. Doomed to a short life of 26 years, they became desperate to save their lives and those of their children. Sadly, that means taking souls. Stryker grew weary of watching his children die and decided to do what was necessary to help them live. The rest is history.
I liked that this was about more than just getting revenge on Acheron. Instead, there are layers and subplots, and folks who were enemies have to become reluctant allies to save those that they love. I was also pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed the romance between Stryker and his wife Zephyra. I really don't care too much for second chance at love stories, but this one worked for me, because their estrangement wasn't about dumb misunderstandings. I also enjoyed a look into the inner workings of Stryker's camp of warriors. At times, I forgot these folks were the bad guys.
Honestly, I'm pretty tired of Nick's attitude. I hope that this changes in the next books. I understand why, but I really think he needs to grow up. There was some development in this score, fortunately.
I don't want to have spoilers, but I will just say that I was very satisfied with this book, and it made me excited to keep reading the series. I also have to admit that I look at Stryker in a slightly more sympathetic light.
It might have been pushed to the periphery, but Sherrilyn Kenyon still makes magic for me as a reader....more
Reread completed by audiobook in March, 2021 I probably won't write an expansive review of the reread. I'll mainly just comment on the audiobooks and tReread completed by audiobook in March, 2021 I probably won't write an expansive review of the reread. I'll mainly just comment on the audiobooks and the things that stood out to me. I still love this book, very much. While it's very quite longish, it doesn't feel that way.
Rupert has an excellent character arc over the course of this book, going from an introvert with no self-confidence, to a brave, decisive leader.
Julia isn't quite as well developed, but I like her a lot, and I appreciate that she is not just a princess, but an independent, intrepid, and empathic young woman that sees the good in people despite their flaws.
The narrator is good. I liked the different voices he used and also how he conveys the tonal shifts between humor to dark horror to poignant moments. I'd recommend listening to the audiobook if you get a chance.
**** This book is hilarious, fast-paced, and intensely well-written.It's quite long, at just under 500 pages, and there is so much going on. Yet the storytelling is so involving that you don't have time to be bored. Although this is definitely a fantasy book, it also is a story about an everyday type of hero, even a reluctant hero. Rupert is a man who was raised to live in his brother's shadow. He is the unwanted second son of the Forest Land Kingdom. His father deliberately did not encourage a close relationship between him and his son because he thought he might have to one day order his death to prevent civil war in the kingdom, as there can only be one king. Also the rather cutthroat world of court politics did not encourage him to trust. As such, Rupert is a loner by nature, his one friend his trusty unicorn.
The story begins when Rupert sets out on his quest to find and kill a dragon, as ordered by his King. Unfortunately he must travel through the Darkwood, which is a place of ancient evil and darkness. This journey starts Rupert down the road to becoming the strong, capable man that he is meant to be. Watching Rupert evolve is fascinating. I found myself falling in love with Rupert early on in this story because of his will to do what is necessary, but also his heart and ability to love and give of himself selflessly.
When he meets Julia, neither of them knows how pivotal they will be to each other. Julia is a cast-off from her own kingdom, meant to be a sacrifice to the dragon, who doesn't want to eat her, and actually would prefer if she went away with the Prince. The dragon is a jovial personality, who becomes friends with Rupert, and accompanies Rupert on his journey back home. So begins a trek that will test the mettle of the four, in every way. For the Darkwood is expanding, and the night is spreading, and the bloodthirsty demons with it.
This book has a lot of sad things happening, and a lot of people die, but there is also a lot of humor. To me, that is the best thing about Green's writing: he is very funny. But he also uses words richly but not floridly, to tell a great story. At times, this story can be bloody, but Green's humor and what I believe is his goodnatured approach to life that shines through in his stories keep the book from being depressing.
I wouldn't want to spoil anyone, but it definitely has a happy ending, or I wouldn't love it so much. For those romantics, there is a great love story between Rupert and Julia. This couple is made for each other, and you are glad to see them find love with each other.
There are magical creatures and magic throughout the book. If you like such things in a book, you would love this one. I don't know that I've read much high fantasy, but I would consider this in the vein of high fantasy, but with a sense of humor and lots of action that keeps it readable and moving along at a rapid pace.In the end, I cannot say enough how much I love this book. I definitely look forward to reading more about Rupert and Julia's adventures, which continue in the Hawk and Fisher books....more
Danielle The Book Huntress
>
Books:
2021-action-adventure-aficionados-c
(30)
Loading...
