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katieinca's review against another edition
3.0
Quite enjoyable. I like the way the characters are introduced and developed, and there's a lot going on here that would have made me like Laurell K. Hamilton more if it was more... this.
It's a world I have trouble visualizing and that slowed me down, but perhaps that will get better with subsequent books - not sure if it's that "Atlanta" just jars with my mental geography, or the collapsing building things, or the magic/tech waves, or what. Looking forward to binging on the next 3 or 4 during coming stretches of vacation.
It's a world I have trouble visualizing and that slowed me down, but perhaps that will get better with subsequent books - not sure if it's that "Atlanta" just jars with my mental geography, or the collapsing building things, or the magic/tech waves, or what. Looking forward to binging on the next 3 or 4 during coming stretches of vacation.
brendalovesbooks's review against another edition
3.0
Second time through:
Since I've read the whole series, I obviously wasn't as confused with the world building here. The problem is, I just think this book is a bit of a mess. The series definitely gets better starting with the next book, and then just continues to go up, but even knowing and loving this world, I just really don't love this first book.
First review:
I liked this, but it felt like it was not the first book in a series. Like it was at least the second or later book. There wasn't really a whole lot of good worldbuilding. I don't need to be spoon-fed details when I read, but I would at least like to be introduced to a world, instead of just thrown into it.
There definitely was some interesting things going on here, though. So I will continue on with the series.
Since I've read the whole series, I obviously wasn't as confused with the world building here. The problem is, I just think this book is a bit of a mess. The series definitely gets better starting with the next book, and then just continues to go up, but even knowing and loving this world, I just really don't love this first book.
First review:
I liked this, but it felt like it was not the first book in a series. Like it was at least the second or later book. There wasn't really a whole lot of good worldbuilding. I don't need to be spoon-fed details when I read, but I would at least like to be introduced to a world, instead of just thrown into it.
There definitely was some interesting things going on here, though. So I will continue on with the series.
katkatz's review against another edition
The main character’s internal monologue is racist and fatphobic, along with some other gross and outdated attitudes. Whatever else might happen in the plot, this MC is not someone I can root for.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia, Racism, and Sexism
cammylou's review against another edition
3.0
Urban fantasy is not usually a genre I go for, but I couldn't ignore this series repeatedly popping up in recommendations for me. The covers *really* do the series a disservice, though! It is a lot of fun, with rich characters and wide knowledge of myths and creatures from all over world history.
palmkd's review against another edition
The graphic audio included two chapters from Curran's POV, (Unicorn Lane and Fernando's) as well as the prequel novella, A Questionable Client
halynah's review against another edition
4.0
Pretty good - full of action, interesting paranormal world and a strong female protagonist. It's not for squeamish readers - some parts were very morbid and creepy. That's the reason I took away one star.
rlisaacs's review against another edition
4.0
More a 3.75, just FYI.
I feel conflicted here, because I liked the book... but I also wanted more from the book. More romance at least, which is why I had it on my to-read list for so long.
Kate is a badass though, I give her that. Love her. She's a bit headstrong, and at times might take some actions that get her into a little trouble. But for the most part she's smart, feisty, good with a sword, and a good person. Like, even the things she did that caused her some grief afterwards? I was still all for them. They weren't stupid choices, necessarily. Just maybe not the best ones either. But she owns up to her mistakes and her actions. She prefers to be alone and be left alone if she can, but truly doesn't have a problem working with others when the occasion calls for it.
I think my annoyance here came from the fact that there is so much already to have to remember and keep straight... and yet I also felt like there wasn't enough information provided. If that makes any sense. You've got "The People", the Merciful Knights, the Pack, and so many other things to keep straight. And yet, we don't know what the deal with Kate's magic is. Don't know why she wants so badly to stay hidden and have no one know about it.
It's a lot of mystery surrounding Kate that, by the end of the book, we still don't really have answers to. (The bonus material I read in the book lets you know that you're not supposed to though. It literally says that, in order to figure out what her deal is, you'll have to keep reading more books.)
Which, honestly, I'm fine with. I wasn't in love here, but I did like this story. And yes, eventually, I will be picking up the next one. :)
I feel conflicted here, because I liked the book... but I also wanted more from the book. More romance at least, which is why I had it on my to-read list for so long.
Kate is a badass though, I give her that. Love her. She's a bit headstrong, and at times might take some actions that get her into a little trouble. But for the most part she's smart, feisty, good with a sword, and a good person. Like, even the things she did that caused her some grief afterwards? I was still all for them. They weren't stupid choices, necessarily. Just maybe not the best ones either. But she owns up to her mistakes and her actions. She prefers to be alone and be left alone if she can, but truly doesn't have a problem working with others when the occasion calls for it.
I think my annoyance here came from the fact that there is so much already to have to remember and keep straight... and yet I also felt like there wasn't enough information provided. If that makes any sense. You've got "The People", the Merciful Knights, the Pack, and so many other things to keep straight. And yet, we don't know what the deal with Kate's magic is. Don't know why she wants so badly to stay hidden and have no one know about it.
It's a lot of mystery surrounding Kate that, by the end of the book, we still don't really have answers to. (The bonus material I read in the book lets you know that you're not supposed to though. It literally says that, in order to figure out what her deal is, you'll have to keep reading more books.)
Which, honestly, I'm fine with. I wasn't in love here, but I did like this story. And yes, eventually, I will be picking up the next one. :)
julieabe89's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was such an interesting book. I really found the takes on the classic paranormal creatures fascinating. It was truly unique. I would have liked a little more fleshing out of the world, but overall it was fun!
kzimm2024's review against another edition
4.0
5 stars at this time since I am all in for IA but it was a 4 at original read.
Re-read Jan 2024 and ready to do a proper review. I dragged my feet on starting a re-read of this whole series but someone made a comment on FB about being able to see Hugh's progression all the way to Iron & Magic and Blood Heir and I was like "oh no, now I HAVE to". Not sure why I was resistant since I am really enjoying this!
We meet Kate, who is a mystery really and as tough as they come:
“Gotta be tough or dumb to go down into the sewers these days. So, which one are you?”
“I’m not dumb, but if I tell you I’m tough, you’ll peg me for a bravo, so I’m going to smile cryptically.” I gave him my best cryptic smile.
Her guardian Greg has been murdered and the local Pack is drawn into the investigation as they are dealing with their own people being murdered.
Kate meets Curran in the (now) epic encounter:
Where was he? I scanned the building, peering into the gloom. Moonlight filtered through the gaps in the walls, creating a mirage of twilight and complete darkness. I knew he was watching me. Enjoying himself. Diplomacy was never my strong suit and my patience had run dry.
I crouched and called out, “Here, kitty, kitty, kitty.”
As they start working together:
"To think that I had found a kindred spirit in the Beast Lord."
and the banter is delicious:
I turned to leave and paused before the gap in the ruined wall. “One last thing, Your Majesty. I’d like a name I can put into my report, something shorter than typing out ‘The Leader of the Southern Shapechanger Faction.’ What should I call you?”
“Lord.”
I rolled my eyes.
He shrugged. “It’s short.”
Later Curran threatens to kill her:
"It scared the shit out of me, so I laughed in his face."
Kate has an admirer, Crest. He decides to stay and watch Kate "work".
See, it's these little humorous touches that elevates IA writing from the rest:
“Wake!” The dead eyes snapped open. The horrid mouth opened and closed soundlessly, contorting with impossible elasticity.
Crest fell off his chair.
More snark:
“Oh, it’s you,” Curran’s voice said quietly. “I thought it was an elephant.”
----------
Curran looked at me. He wasn't giving me a hard stare. He was just looking at me with no expression at all.
“Where’s the Crusader?” he asked. His voice was level.
“He needed some ‘me’ time,” I said. “I might be wrong, but I don’t think he’s a team player.”
----------
Mahon puffed like an exhausted plow horse.
“You are bad for my blood pressure,” he said to me.
I shrugged and jerked my head in Curran’s direction. “I’m even worse for his.”
----------
“Would you shut that thing off!” I screamed over the noise.
“No! Takes too long to warm up!” Curran roared back.
“Why won’t you ride a horse!”
“What?”
“A horse! Horse!”
Curran’s gesture plainly told me what I could do with the horse in question.
They work together with Nick, a crusader, to kill the upir (sp?) who has been doing horrible things. I guess I didn't remember this story being SO dark. But it is still such a great story.
“Just a minute.” I lowered the receiver.
“Curran?”
“What?”
“Did you get a call from PAD about me?”
“I may have.”
“What did you tell them?”
“I don’t recall. I think I mentioned your discipline and ability to follow orders. I may have said something about you being a team player.”
Derek emitted a strangled cough.
“Why?” I demanded.
“It seemed like a good idea at the time.” Curran resumed hammering.
“I’m sorry,” I said into the phone, sticking my finger into my other ear so I could hear. “His Majesty tends to exaggerate things. I’m not a team player. I’m undisciplined and I have a problem with authority. Also, the Beast Lord can’t hammer for shit.”
On the roof Derek was laughing his head off.
RE-READ 9-2020
The story between Curran and Kate is irresistible. Its the life blood of this series.
Love the characters and since this is all a re-read, I know how much I am going to enjoy seeing these characters again- lots of humor everywhere.
Lots of history, info and fighting, but lots of humor too.
Original read Apr 2018- no review given.
Re-read Jan 2024 and ready to do a proper review. I dragged my feet on starting a re-read of this whole series but someone made a comment on FB about being able to see Hugh's progression all the way to Iron & Magic and Blood Heir and I was like "oh no, now I HAVE to". Not sure why I was resistant since I am really enjoying this!
We meet Kate, who is a mystery really and as tough as they come:
“Gotta be tough or dumb to go down into the sewers these days. So, which one are you?”
“I’m not dumb, but if I tell you I’m tough, you’ll peg me for a bravo, so I’m going to smile cryptically.” I gave him my best cryptic smile.
Her guardian Greg has been murdered and the local Pack is drawn into the investigation as they are dealing with their own people being murdered.
Kate meets Curran in the (now) epic encounter:
Where was he? I scanned the building, peering into the gloom. Moonlight filtered through the gaps in the walls, creating a mirage of twilight and complete darkness. I knew he was watching me. Enjoying himself. Diplomacy was never my strong suit and my patience had run dry.
I crouched and called out, “Here, kitty, kitty, kitty.”
As they start working together:
"To think that I had found a kindred spirit in the Beast Lord."
and the banter is delicious:
I turned to leave and paused before the gap in the ruined wall. “One last thing, Your Majesty. I’d like a name I can put into my report, something shorter than typing out ‘The Leader of the Southern Shapechanger Faction.’ What should I call you?”
“Lord.”
I rolled my eyes.
He shrugged. “It’s short.”
Later Curran threatens to kill her:
"It scared the shit out of me, so I laughed in his face."
Kate has an admirer, Crest. He decides to stay and watch Kate "work".
See, it's these little humorous touches that elevates IA writing from the rest:
“Wake!” The dead eyes snapped open. The horrid mouth opened and closed soundlessly, contorting with impossible elasticity.
Crest fell off his chair.
More snark:
“Oh, it’s you,” Curran’s voice said quietly. “I thought it was an elephant.”
----------
Curran looked at me. He wasn't giving me a hard stare. He was just looking at me with no expression at all.
“Where’s the Crusader?” he asked. His voice was level.
“He needed some ‘me’ time,” I said. “I might be wrong, but I don’t think he’s a team player.”
----------
Mahon puffed like an exhausted plow horse.
“You are bad for my blood pressure,” he said to me.
I shrugged and jerked my head in Curran’s direction. “I’m even worse for his.”
----------
“Would you shut that thing off!” I screamed over the noise.
“No! Takes too long to warm up!” Curran roared back.
“Why won’t you ride a horse!”
“What?”
“A horse! Horse!”
Curran’s gesture plainly told me what I could do with the horse in question.
They work together with Nick, a crusader, to kill the upir (sp?) who has been doing horrible things. I guess I didn't remember this story being SO dark. But it is still such a great story.
“Just a minute.” I lowered the receiver.
“Curran?”
“What?”
“Did you get a call from PAD about me?”
“I may have.”
“What did you tell them?”
“I don’t recall. I think I mentioned your discipline and ability to follow orders. I may have said something about you being a team player.”
Derek emitted a strangled cough.
“Why?” I demanded.
“It seemed like a good idea at the time.” Curran resumed hammering.
“I’m sorry,” I said into the phone, sticking my finger into my other ear so I could hear. “His Majesty tends to exaggerate things. I’m not a team player. I’m undisciplined and I have a problem with authority. Also, the Beast Lord can’t hammer for shit.”
On the roof Derek was laughing his head off.
RE-READ 9-2020
The story between Curran and Kate is irresistible. Its the life blood of this series.
Love the characters and since this is all a re-read, I know how much I am going to enjoy seeing these characters again- lots of humor everywhere.
Lots of history, info and fighting, but lots of humor too.
Original read Apr 2018- no review given.