There are so many things I did not like about An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson that I don’t even know where to begin.
My problem, not for There are so many things I did not like about An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson that I don’t even know where to begin.
My problem, not for the first time, is a cast of two characters. Who aren’t even that interesting.
The main character, Isobel, starts out fine enough. She’s a renowned painter who knows the dangers of dealing with fae folk. Caution is something she has in spades. She also cares deeply about her family. Then she meets the prince. And somehow, she loses all traces of personality after that meeting. Except for the part of her that is obsessed with the prince. Or, rather, is apparently in love with him. After what feels like a single conversation.
(The prince is even more boring. There is absolutely nothing unpredictable or memorable about him. But I gotta give credit where it’s due: his vanity did make me laugh a time or two.)
So what do you get when you put these two characters together and don’t provide any others to support them? Many romance cliches described in the most cliche ways. And such dramatics!
Which I think is my biggest issue with this book: supposedly, the romance is so forbidden it will unavoidably result in death. Supposedly, because everything is told and nothing is shown. So it feels like Isobel is just being annoyingly over-dramatic. Especially since the book is in first person POV.
(Not to mention that the rule just did not make sense. How do the faeries know if one of them is in love? Does the universe just kindly inform them of the fact, like a Gossip Girl? Or is it the true love’s kiss that indicates it? In which case, just don’t kiss, dammit. Unless, you know, it’s worth dying for.)
What I did love about An Enchantment of Ravens is the world. Specifically, the unusual take on faeries.
Rather than being wicked and lovely, they are rotten to the core. Worse, they cover the ugly with glamour. Because they cannot create. At all. That is why they need humans: they are obsessed with craft. And I do mean obsessed.
So, yes, faeries save the day. Or the book, in this case.
Sadly, very little of the world is actually experienced. At least half of the story is spent on Isobel being dragged to the fairy lands. Which in reality means Too Much Moaning about her fatal attraction. While being stuck in the same damn forest. With nothing captivating about it.
So much for magic and grotesque.
Someone else might love An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson. I disliked everything except the world, which didn’t even get the attention it deserves.
The plot is non-existent. The characters are boring. The romance is 90% despairing how they can’t and 10% actual communication and getting to know each other. Instant attraction I understand. But love at first sight? Only if we’re talking Laini Taylor.
Truth is, there are many books that have the same cliche forbidden love that is too instant to ever be interesting. But I love many of such books. Because they have something that works for me, be it characters or the world or the plot. An Enchantment of Ravens has nothing. But that’s probably on me....more
First things first: CHARLES AND BRAN AND SAMUEL. I have no words. Only feelings. AT LAST. All three. In the same space. Interacting. So beautiful. I'mFirst things first: CHARLES AND BRAN AND SAMUEL. I have no words. Only feelings. AT LAST. All three. In the same space. Interacting. So beautiful. I'm tears.
The entire Aspen Creek pack in general, to be honest. I'm forever sad we only ever got a glimpse of it from Mercy's side but... This is definitely better than nothing. And makes me even thirstier for more.
Another AT LAST point is witches. There have been some in the universe so far, but never to this extent. It was... interesting. And not just because of Bran. Though, that, of course, was the highlight. (Also, Bran's past. Bran and Leah. Just, Bran. #UnapologeticBranFan)
Quite fast paced and not particularly plot heavy, more romance than fantasy, and a nice treat that shows a different side of the Mercy Thompson world. I didn't like it as much as the main series, for various reasons but... Still pretty good. Even the instalove wasn't that bad due to the circumstances. Looking forward to more (Bran)....more
To be honest, the main reason I picked the Alpha and Omega series is Bran. After seeing glimpses of him in Mercy Thompson novels, I needed more. So muTo be honest, the main reason I picked the Alpha and Omega series is Bran. After seeing glimpses of him in Mercy Thompson novels, I needed more. So much more. I didn't expect to get hooked on Anna and Charles as well.
Their story promises a very different feel from that of Mercy and Adam's. Same world, even same characters, but very different dynamics and relationships. And this was just a novella! (Which, it actually didn't feel like. So much plot, so much structure, from such a tiny little thing... Amazing.) It manages to have action, werewolf politics, murder plots, and much romance. How even. I do not understand.
As far as introductions go, this one was damn near perfect. Sure made me want to grab the books the second as I was done. The sole reason I didn't give it five stars is the insta-not-exactly-love-but-still. I kind of understand why, but... Yeah....more
I have deliberately refused to read this book, for reasons. I wasn’t, however, fooling myself into believing that I was done with the series. Mostly bI have deliberately refused to read this book, for reasons. I wasn’t, however, fooling myself into believing that I was done with the series. Mostly because I suspect I will never be done with this series. My relationship with it can only be called complicated.
So why did I refuse to read it? Well, because it’s about Beth and Wrath, aka the couple that started it all. They are the foundation. And as such, to me, they are The Most Solid thing in the BDB universe. Of course, of course they have troubles. Of many kinds. In my mind, I know that. But in my heart, I believe in their HEA and I did not want anything to ruin that impression.
But, alas, one cannot skip a book in the series without sacrificing Precious Information about characters so here we are…
The King and The Queen. A lot happens in The King. Important stuff. The-world-will-not-be-the-same-after-this kind of important stuff. The book is named the king for a reason. And a lot happens on a smaller scale, too. But to be honest, I just didn't care about either kind of stuff. Sure, those Beth and the Brotherhood moments I had adored in Dark Lover are still just as adorable. But everything else was just meh. Just as I feared. And I do not know if it was just me, or if all those flashbacks and relationship troubles really were that boring.
And their merry band of followers. The thing that I, in my mulish foolishness, have forgotten is that BDB books are NEVER just about two characters. Ever. And as much as I occasionally grumble about Too Many Characters stealing screen time from my faves (read: Qhuinn and Blay in Lover at Last), it is also one of the things I adore most. After all, what is BDB without the Brothers.
iAm and Trez. Surprisingly - or not - these two were my brotherhood highlight. Not just as a step towards the next book, but just as two brothers. As Beth points out, we haven't seen much of Shadows so far. Especially iAm, because Trez tends to steal the show with his constant fuck ups. I liked them as Rehv's family, after The King, I like them as Trez and iAm. Plus, they introduce a whole new part of BDB world. Loved it.
Sola and Assail. Can I just. Scream. Because this is probably in the Top 3 of my BDB ships. I'm feels. I'm tears. Also, the twins? With Sola's grandmother? More feels. More tears. Especially since the next BDB book, called the Thief, will be theirs! Out in 2018. Just leave me to my crying.
Everyone else. Didn’t really matter to me in the grand scheme. Mostly because by everyone else I mean Layla and Xcor and the Bastards and I just. Don’t care about them. In fact, I just want their story to be over so they can finally go back into the background. Thanks.
And the verdict is... Not my favourite book in the series, that's for sure. Aside from the shadows and Assail's group, I didn't really care. No wonder it took me half a year to get through this book. ...more
What can I say, it is exactly what the cover looks like. With Ilona Andrews' paranormal amazingness. But I do admit that some descriptions, full of veWhat can I say, it is exactly what the cover looks like. With Ilona Andrews' paranormal amazingness. But I do admit that some descriptions, full of very common for this genre words, made me cringe and face palm and groan. It also made me want to re-read Kate Daniel. Just because....more
On the one hand, I like the whole concept of underworld, and throwing some Greek mythology into the mix is always a wOh dear, talk about frustrating.
On the one hand, I like the whole concept of underworld, and throwing some Greek mythology into the mix is always a win with me. I also quite enjoyed the atmosphere and the overall feeling of the book. You know, the constant mentions of death, stormy weather, the creepy dude dressed in black, the scary old man from the cemetery, the cemetery itself... In other words, the usual gross and creepy stuff that makes my day 'cause I'm insane like that. Not to mention the writing is pretty solid, which is always and forever one of the most important things.
On the other hand, however, I had tons and tons and tons of issues. In fact I had so many that I have no idea where to start. I guess I'll start with the biggest one? Which is severe lack of plot. No, seriously, if you asked me what this book is about, I probably won't be able to answer. I'm not kidding. There was so much going on yet nothing at all. There's the issue of Pierce's sanity, her past "crimes", her death, her trip to the underworld, her new beginning in Isla Huesos, the whole "public high school experience" with its social problems, the relatives, the sudden crimes, the divorce of Pierce's parents... Just too effing much, most of which is not even related to the plot. But wait, the is NO PLOT. All we get during the first 95% of the book is that Pierce died, there's this creepy dude she keeps meeting and she may or may not be insane. That's it. She goes to school, faces issues there, comes home, faces more issues, goes to cemetery, gets kicked out "because it's too dangerous". Repeat. Repeat again. But WHY is it dangerous? WHY is the death of her friend Hannah so important? WHY do tussles creep her out? Is there any relevance to the plot? Wait, IS there a plot?
Apparently, there is. It appears when you get to the last three or four chapters. It comes, it smashes into your face and it laughs maniacally. Because there have apparently been clues all over the book. Except there's nothing suggesting that you even SHOULD be looking for clues. There is no enemy, there is no threat, and there is just nothing exciting. Just Pierce and her everyday life. So how the heck was I supposed to know that I should be looking for something? Or is just me and my useless brain? I don't know which is worse, that I fail to recognize somethings so important as plot or that it really doesn't exist until the very end of the story.
Then there's the thing everyone adores to bits aka instalove. The boy falls in love with the girl when she's a little kid. It's love at first sight. Ridiculous, I know. In fact it's so ridiculous that even Furies were shocked. I completely get why. The girl, on the other hand, falls in love with this creep she met at her grandpa's funeral when he resurrects a dead bird for her. Thing is, she was too stupid to realize she was in love until the third party pretty much spelled it out for her. Totally understandable. Because normally you don't fall in love with creepy strangers who have paranormal abilities, unstable tempers and lack any social skills whatsoever. And you definitely don't fall in love with strangers who tried to keep you in the underworld for all eternity.
Abandon is not the worst book out there. It's not even that bad. But I must admit I did feel like abandoning (no pun intended) it a couple of times, and some parts I just wanted to skip. Meg Cabot tried to create suspense and mystery, but sometimes the memories she used for that created confusion instead. Most of the book was messy and it was hard to form a timeline. Also, the whole thing with the teacher and the ex-best friend felt like they did not belong in the story. Personally, I feel that they are more suitable for contemporary realistic fiction. But the idea of using this popular concept in paranormal intrigued me. Too bad it did not work out. There was not nearly enough paranormal because of it, which in turn eliminated the plot and made the book strange. Even after collecting my thoughts in order to write this review, I still have no idea what Abandon is really about and why the heck most of the stuff happened.
Lots of potential, some of which is executed brilliantly, but some of which is not used at all. But because I'm a closet masochist, I'm going to check out the sequels and hope for the best....more
The thing that I liked most, right from the start, about Kiss of Steel by Bec McMaster is the world. It is exactly the kind of steampunk I adore: darkThe thing that I liked most, right from the start, about Kiss of Steel by Bec McMaster is the world. It is exactly the kind of steampunk I adore: dark, gritty, atmospheric, from the stench of the rookery to the riches of the Whitechapel (which I am so hoping to see more of in the future books).
Another thing I liked is the characters. Especially individually. They are vibrant, have stories, have personalities, and are just so much fun to read about. A delight, even.
The thing that I did not like that much is the romance. At first, because it seemed to have every single cliche scene as well as the emotional rollercoaster that went from one extreme to another in a span of a paragraph. But the characters were charming so I didn't mind all that much. Cliches can be fun, even when not spectacular or anything I haven't seen before.
But then there were Those Moments when Blade became the caveman we all secretly love the romance novels for. Because, yes, a streak of male possessiveness can be sexy. Except in some scenes in Kiss of Steel the consent bordered downright on dubious. And I don't know how to feel about that. No means no. It doesn't matter if the heroine may actually mean yes with that no. Because the hero can never be certain if she does. And what if she doesn't? What if the no actually means no? So, I'm not quite sure how to feel about those few moments.
And, well, indeed the roller coaster… It went such a typical route of distrust clouded with lust, then to feelings and doubts about their reciprocation, and then, of course, love was the magic of all. Cute, yes. Very much part of the romance genre. But precisely why it wasn't particularly amazing.
Thankfully, Kiss of Steel also has a great cast of sidekicks (whose stories I cannot wait to read), quite a bloody plot with some fast-paced action, a hint of mystery, a dash of drama and, all in all, it was a pretty entertaining read that makes me look forward to the rest of the series....more
Oh boy. I was so very wrong once again. I was expecting an honorable knight in shining armor and a pretty damsel in distress. Yeah right. I forgot we'Oh boy. I was so very wrong once again. I was expecting an honorable knight in shining armor and a pretty damsel in distress. Yeah right. I forgot we're talking about Ilona Andrews here.
During the previous two books, I paid close attention to Richard. I could not figure him out. One moment I'm sure he's an icicle with an iceberg sized honor, no sense of humor and very strong morales; the next, he says something funny and sarcastic. Still, I expected a knight who would think that he doesn't deserve a princess because of his background. Riiiight. In reality, underneath all that ice, is scorching fire. The things he did for his previous wife (can I strangle that bitch, btw?), the things he does for his niece and the things he does for Charlotte... Oh boy. Declan, William and Kaldar might be extremely handsome, loyal, caring and loving, but none of them can ever be a better husband than Richard. Seriously. That man is perfection. And although he seems like a creature without emotions, he just needed the right woman to uncover them. Because really, even William didn't climb a rope in a fit of jealousy...
Then there's Charlotte. She's amazing. All these heroines of the Edge before her were girls. Inexperienced, feisty, spunky. Charlotte is inexperienced, too. And she can be quite naive. But she is no girl. She is a woman. A truly feminine and elegant woman, wise and mature, astute, beautiful, graceful, caring. A perfect mother. A perfect lady. She can't hold a sword or a knife, she can't flash and she can't steal, but she will take your breath away.
And finally, there's Jack, George and Sophie. These characters neatly tie all four Edge books together and make you crave their own story. You see the edger boys mature from adorable babies into young men. You see their falls and rises, you see their growing up and you see their being affected by other characters. Sophie, on the other hand, plays a major role in some characters' development. After Steel's Edge you can't help wishing to see her own HEA.
But even more engaging than these lovable and memorable characters is the plot. So far, it is the most interesting and rich in the series, in my opinion. In the previous books, the enemy and the mission is clear. The good guys attack the bad guys because the bad guys attacked first. In this book, everything is much more complex because there is a complex slave trade network that needs to be taken down. Easier said than done. So Richard, Charlotte and the boys embark on a journey. They visit an island filled with criminals, they steal a ship, they see some vert unexpected characters from the past, they learn many things about themselves and each other, they play with identities, they come up with a mastermind plot, they enter the high society, they lie and seduce, and they pay a price for their victory.
All in all, Steel's Edge is a perfect conclusion to the arc that neatly ties all strings together yet leaves place for more. In a way, first four books prepare a perfect stage for Jack and George. Their world is now filled with wonderful, now familiar, characters, they are beginning to realize their roles in society and they even see glimpses of romance. Those cute little boys from the first book are finally ready for their very own journey. So despite minor issues with the ending, I still say this is a fantastic read and a definite reread material for me. Amazing. Simply amazing....more
After being a bit disappointed with the second book, which is something I've never experienced with Ilona Andrews, I was a bit wary. After all, this bAfter being a bit disappointed with the second book, which is something I've never experienced with Ilona Andrews, I was a bit wary. After all, this book is about thieves and, if I'm not mistaken, this is something new for Andrews. And from what I've seen, thieves aren't exactly the easiest characters to write and so far only Ally Carter has managed to amaze me. In this book, the issue is even more complicated with magic involved. So I was a teeny bit worried. I should've known better. It's Andrews, after all. Of course my mind was blown away. Right from the beginning. And it still is.
In Fate's Edge, we meet my most favorite character of the series - Kaldar. He lies, he cheat, he steals and he never takes anything seriously. He's one handsome devil. He likes his freedom, beautiful women and his crazy family. He's awesome beyond words. Yet certain things that happened recently have damaged him and he finds himself working as a spy for one very scary lady. On one very important assignment, he meets Audrey. Then it all goes to hell.
Audrey is a thief. Or well, she used to be a thief. Now she's one very law-abiding citizen. Almost. She's a beautiful redhead, she is too hilarious for words, she flirts with Kaldar constantly and yet she refuses to sleep with him. Really, she should've known better. Oh, and she can't kick ass. How awesome is that?
And so, the most amazing couple of the series is born. They are so perfect for each other that it's scary. Not to mention dangerous. Because they will make you scream in frustration, suffer from unresolved sexual tension, laugh till you die and smile in utter happiness and satisfaction.
For a complete overkill, this awesomeness is topped with a couple of most darling characters of the series. Yes, we see Jack and George again. In all their glory. Grown up yet still as adorable as in the first book. We also see glimpses of Declan, Rose, Cerise and William. What can be more awesome than this? Oh, right, the action, the thievery and the plot. Rest assured, the Andrews duo does not disappoint. There will be heartless killers, cunning spies, sneaky thieves, pathetic drug addicts, arrogant aristocrats and many other things we all know we'll find in Andrews' books. So yeah, Fate's Edge is awesome beyond words and it has truly earned its place as my ultimate favorite. Love this book to bits, and not just because of Kaldar....more
I liked this book. I really did. Yet it also turned out to be a slight disappointment.
First of all, after being blown away with the first book, I hadI liked this book. I really did. Yet it also turned out to be a slight disappointment.
First of all, after being blown away with the first book, I had quite high expectations for this one. Not to mention William had my attention right from the beginning of On the Edge. Cerise didn't disappoint either seeing as the turned out to be a kick-ass, hilarious, witty, pretty, caring etc character, aka my favorite type of female protagonist. The plot, of course, is off the charts. Which is nothings new when it comes to Andrews. Lots of magic, lots of gore, lots of action. Then there are awesome villains, stupid minions and unforgettable side characters. And of course, plot twists. Lots and lots of plot twists.
What's the problem then? Well, my one and only problem is that this book is too much like the first one, yet fails to be as awesome. Let's see... We have a poor powerful girl taking care of the family. Said girl also has on broken sibling in a serious need of help. She also has one mega awesome grandmother. The girl's heart was once broken by a bastard of male variety. Then she encounters an alpha male. Who sorta kinda tricks her. She falls in love. She's afraid. She gives herself to the man any way. They fight the bad guys. They have their happily ever after. Yay!
Now, I'm not saying this plot line is bad. It's just way too similar. Sure, the whole Hand and Mirror angle is completely new, and Declan and William are like polar opposites, but overall, the feeling is the same. Especially because Rose and Cerise are very, very similar. I love them both, and their husbands, but I wish there was more originality seeing as originality is the first aspect of the Andrews duo that I came to appreciate.
Still, this is an engaging read, filled with equal parts humor, romance, fluff and sadness. And characters. Don't forget the characters. 'Cause they're damn awesome (Yes, Kaldar, I am looking at you right now.) and there's nothing quite like the Mar family. So yeah, Bayou Moon is definitely worth reading....more
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