I have such a mixed opinion on this series. On one hand I think the vampires here are an interesting concept. I like the humor Next on "drama-rama"...
I have such a mixed opinion on this series. On one hand I think the vampires here are an interesting concept. I like the humor and lack of supernatural angst, making it kinda laid back there.
Problem is, though, the plot and drama is pretty much split between insatiable bloodlust, petty relationship issues, and extremely poor judgment creating unnecessary problems.
So, it's funny and frustrating I guess...I dunno. I'll give it three stars and leave it there....more
Man, this series definitely belongs on my "dramarama" shelf because that is seriously the driving force of these books.
Still a funny read, I think theMan, this series definitely belongs on my "dramarama" shelf because that is seriously the driving force of these books.
Still a funny read, I think the vampire mythos here is interesting. Would like more substance to the plot - like a story arc or compelling antagonists - rather than "we make all our own problems" relationship drama.
That said, I keep turning pages and enjoy myself so a lot more is going right than wrong. And I'll be continuing on to the next....more
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
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 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
The World of Darkness almost begs for coteries to take road trips now and again. Between the dozen-some major cities that serve as strongholds for thiThe World of Darkness almost begs for coteries to take road trips now and again. Between the dozen-some major cities that serve as strongholds for this supernatural creature or that, there is a A LOT of weird to encounter on back roads and in the boonies.
So that's Midnight Roads - filling in those gaps in travel time with adventures all its own. Some adventures are a better fit for certain supernatural creatures more than others but there's something for everyone, especially Limited Edition game lines like Promethean, Sin-Eater and Hunter which can hurt for material sometimes. ...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
Based on this book having 1800+ ratings on the DAY of release I'm guessing this is going to be one of the big titles of 2015, if not a phenomenon in tBased on this book having 1800+ ratings on the DAY of release I'm guessing this is going to be one of the big titles of 2015, if not a phenomenon in the making.
I've been anticipating it for months and - two chapters in - I'm REALLY excited to see what's shaping up here. Happy to be on this bandwagon as it's pulling out of the station....more
Great backstory! Really kept me turning pages and summed up how the story came to be in a fascinating way, especially since I wouldn't have guessed alGreat backstory! Really kept me turning pages and summed up how the story came to be in a fascinating way, especially since I wouldn't have guessed all that was involved.
The hook at end seems like a great chance to change up the series, so something to look forward to in the next book....more
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