Be forward and wary - this is not a paranormal romance.
BLOOD TOY certainly has all the hallmarks and tropes associated with the genre; however, it's Be forward and wary - this is not a paranormal romance.
BLOOD TOY certainly has all the hallmarks and tropes associated with the genre; however, it's not a love story and it's occasional moments of eroticism are abusive and cringe-inducing. This is a dark urban fantasy with a bit of spin that hits you like a backhand at times.
Personally, I loved that. It's bold, abrasive and doesn't put a pretty face on what dalliances with monsters and dabbling in vigilantism yields. It's thankless, lonely work for the protagonist, Diane, and she's damaged goods for it.
Nevertheless, I thought her character had charm and took enough on the chin to maintain a certain gallows humor for her situation. That goes a long way to stave off total apathy and despair for the reader while keeping the events in perspective. Like many heroines, her self-destructive tendencies and pride out weigh sense and self-presentation at times. Not a deal-breaker but it causes some frustration at times.
Miss Raine has a style of storytelling I feel I see too little of in fiction lately - biting banter, snappy pacing, plot-relevant scenes and a genuine appreciation for investing in a mythos and unraveling it in a gratifying way. It's clever and imaginative while remaining accessible to readers and makes you actually curious to see what might come next.
The ending comes on quick and isn't exactly a cliffhanger, though gives a sense there's more to come and be resolved in the next book. I'm planning to continue with the series and sincerely hope more get into it. It's worth it for those who aren't afraid of the dark and remember monsters rarely play nice.
I received this novel, courtesy of the author, in exchange for an honest review...more
** I received this, courtesy of the author, in exchange for an honest review **
ALICE IN NO-MAN'S LAND is a fast-paced survival adventure that doesn't ** I received this, courtesy of the author, in exchange for an honest review **
ALICE IN NO-MAN'S LAND is a fast-paced survival adventure that doesn't skimp on the desolation, desperation and general vibe that draws people to dystopian novels. There's a decent amount of tech spliced in, so the book has a mild cyberpunk element that meshs well with the premise and keeps it futuristic.
Mr. Knapp has a great deal of personality in his style. He turns a clever phrase, establishes a compelling tone with acerbic humor while keep things gritty. It all suits and compliments the story well and made for an entertaining read.
What kept me from giving this 5 stars was the lack of affirming language and attitude towards female characters in all corners of the book. I get dystopian books aren't fair places and people are jerks in them but it got repetitive and misogynistic to have the main character be referred to as "skank", "slut" and other debasing sexual terms on a chapter-by-chapter bases. Anytime Alice was shown courtesy or compassion by male characters it seemed a sexual interest in her was the motivation for such kindness rather than any genuine decency or respect for her as an individual.
In a way, this hostility, objecifying and sexism suits and exemplifies the "No-man's land" tone. Because it worked well with an otherwise good, intriguing plot I don't think people should be discouraged but I wanted to mention it in case it's a deal-breaker.
If not, definitely give it a try if you're looking for something a bit scifi with an edge to it....more
As an avid, rabid fan of Vampire: the Masquerade when I was in high school, I had more than a few misgivings about the "New" World of Darkness and howAs an avid, rabid fan of Vampire: the Masquerade when I was in high school, I had more than a few misgivings about the "New" World of Darkness and how much of a money-grubbing gimmick re-releasing tweaked version of everything was going to turn out to be.
So wrong. Serve my words up and I'll eat them with or without a fork.
Basically, Vampire: the Requiem nailed personal horror while making these vampires stunning predators who are caught between mourning their humanity and reveling in damnation. As before, these vampires have characteristics, powers and weakness that fuel all the familiar myths but - true to White Wolf - that's never the full story.
I personally love all the tweaks and twists added to this incarnation of vampire - it sounds like a bitch to get by as a vampire with facets of the existence invoking a true feel of unease imagining how you would function if you became one.
It's basically like White Wolf kept everything that worked wonders for VtM, streamlined it, and brought in some vicious, bitter stuff to make sure players can't help but get a little messed up. It really emphasizes what a supernatural cesspool Chicago is with vampires running the show and characters are almost certain to be victimized time and again if they hope to thrive - or just survive....more
This is exactly what the World of Darkness was missing - people doing EVEN MORE MESSED UP THINGS to save themselves and keep a natural death at bay.
NoThis is exactly what the World of Darkness was missing - people doing EVEN MORE MESSED UP THINGS to save themselves and keep a natural death at bay.
Not to say every last alternative for immortality requires human sacrifices and diabolical pacts but all have a cost or drawback which would (should) give the most desperate person pause over what they're truly signing up for.
Otherwise, this is saturated with intriguing ideas and could make an amazing source of inspiration - not just to gamers but authors who want to write about immortality without bring vampires into it.
This supplement is gruesome and gushing black humor, even by the World of Darkness's general standard. Basically if you ever wanted to play (or fight)This supplement is gruesome and gushing black humor, even by the World of Darkness's general standard. Basically if you ever wanted to play (or fight) a horror movie psycho slasher-type this has everything you'll need and possibly leave some ideas in your head you'd rather not rattle around when you're home alone at night.
Not trying to over-hype it, of course, but it's pretty creepy knowing that those mentioned in this book are beyond the pale but aren't too beyond the realm of possibility....more
Of all the things the New World of Darkness got right, I think this shines as an achievement. Rather than spend each corebook rehashing common stats, Of all the things the New World of Darkness got right, I think this shines as an achievement. Rather than spend each corebook rehashing common stats, that precious page space can go to more important/unique material.
It's a shame you have to pay for basic info, of course, but even this book alone tries to make it possible to role-play a decent, engaging game. I just see it as White Wolf trying to avoid clutter and over-saturation with redundancies and it is a great indicator of how sexy and sleek the WoD is now for new blood and old fans....more
I know some people will say "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" or "never change" but part of what keeps White Wolf so classy and classic is its willingI know some people will say "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" or "never change" but part of what keeps White Wolf so classy and classic is its willingness to reinvent itself to remain relevant.
Bully to you, White Wolf - I'll never stop loving you....more
I've been watching the show since it first aired and am ashamed to admit I didn't know there was a book it was based on.
Having read this, I understanI've been watching the show since it first aired and am ashamed to admit I didn't know there was a book it was based on.
Having read this, I understand why changes were made for the show's purposes but I feel the book really did more with the characters. It was written in a style I felt was engaging and engrossing overall; however, some of the characters relied heavily on tropes and had flimsy, foolish motivations at times. For that reason the plot stretched disbelief in some places while wearing patience elsewhere.
Nonetheless, it was entertaining with a few genuine twists whether or not you've watched the show. I'll eventually read on with the series to see what comes of it but I'll say it's an exciting, interesting start so far....more
If I read Hot Gimmick and 50 Shades, then I can handle this smutty nonsense. I'll consider giving you more stars when you give me a proper plot and/orIf I read Hot Gimmick and 50 Shades, then I can handle this smutty nonsense. I'll consider giving you more stars when you give me a proper plot and/or solid character development....more
It was like twelve pieces of meth dipped in 1,020,000 calorie chocolate. That's how addicted and damaged ...I feel depraved that I loved this series.
It was like twelve pieces of meth dipped in 1,020,000 calorie chocolate. That's how addicted and damaged I felt after reading Hot Gimmick. It made me question my self-respect, my sanity and overall better judgment for men upon finishing because - frankly - I need to turn in my sociology degree for adoring this manga as much as I did.
Oh...it was a pleasure I won't soon forget or bring myself to regret....more
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