Reviews tagging 'Drug abuse'

Fate's Edge by Ilona Andrews

5 reviews

librarymouse's review against another edition

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adventurous funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

While this was a fun addition to the Edge universe, I'm not the biggest fan of how Kaldar is characterized. His lack of respect for clearly stated physical boundaries was not something that I necessarily enjoyed reading. I understand there is an appeal for some people, and it did fit his character in terms of aligning with his own self-interest outside of issues affecting his family, but the repeated violation of boundaries and Kaldar's falling into insta-love while doing so made this not my favorite book of the series. Which is sad, because I enjoyed his character when he was first introduced. I really enjoyed Jack and George in this book! The parts they played in the cult side quest was one of the highlights of the book.

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booksthatburn's review against another edition

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adventurous tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Kaldar leaves with Gaston on a job for the Mirror, but things get complicated when Jack and George stow away on the wyvern. They track down Audrey, a thief who's trying to leave her conning family behind and go legit, but got tangled up in one last job that ended up involving the Hand.

Jack is in the rotation of point-of-view characters this time, and it's nice to see him a littler older and trying to figuring out being a teenage changeling. Kaldar is a rogue, and the way he and Audrey play off of each other during the job is just wonderful. This builds off of the world in the first two books, but mostly takes place on the west coast in an entirely separate zone of the Edge. 

By following Kaldar and having Jack, George, and Gaston as central characters, this continues some character development which was left open at the end of the previous books. It also addresses the Hand's next steps after the conflict in BAYOU MOON. The main storyline is entirely new, bringing in the Hounds and various other entities who didn't appear in earlier books. Kaldar and Audrey's relationship is introduced and resolved, as is the particular mission that Kaldar was sent on. As with the previous books, this doesn't specifically leave anything hanging except for the possibility that these characters will have other missions later if there are more books. George in particular might be involved more in the future. The returning characters, like Kaldar, are consistent with their previous appearances (though Jack and George have definitely grown up). It might make sense to start here since what matters is explained enough to be understandable (and the plot is way more straightforward than BAYOU MOON's complicated tangle of a story). Anyone who skips the first two books would enter FATE'S EDGE more in Audrey's position (and hopefully would pick up on what the Edge is quickly enough to not be lost).

The plot revolves around gathering information and then retrieving a stolen object, with a detour to con a prosperity preacher in the middle. I love the focus on heists, cons, and grifting which make this a slightly less bloody story than BAYOU MOON. The dynamic between Kaldar and Audrey steals the show, but Jack does get a chance to develop more on-page now that he's also a main character. He and George do a great job with the con, and Gaston is a steady presence who mostly supports Kaldar's plans since he's there to learn.

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redhairedashreads's review against another edition

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3.0

Series: The Edge #3
Rating: 3 stars - I liked it

Kaldar Mar is a gambler, thief, and Mirror spy. His newest assignment is to track down a stolen item but finds himself attracted to the little thief who stole it.

This was another good Edge book. I liked Kaldar in the previous book so I was happy to see him find his HEA. Kalder is definitely a playboy grifter who is always thinking about the next job. He was a surprisingly good agent and could be serious when needed but overall he was just a cheerful thief. I liked how dedicated he was to his family and protecting the boys.

Audrey was a very interesting woman. She has lived a life on the run basically and just wants a normal life, but she also realizes how boring that would be. I like that we see her struggling with what she wants for her future. Her magical ability was quite interesting and I can see why it makes her such a successful thief.

Audrey and Kalder’s relationship was slow building. I liked aspects of their relationship, like the banter and how well they worked as a team. But, I think how Kaldar realized he was in love was weird. It was basically a switch being flipped from him just wanting her in his bed because she kept denying him to OMG I love her. I did appreciate that afterwards he went all in and was determined to show her how much he wanted her though.

Overall, this was another action packed Edge adventure. I liked Kaldar and Audrey and loved seeing them fight against the Hand. Also, I absolutely adored Ling the Merciless and wish I could have a raccoon as a pet.

TW: Brother with drug addiction; emotionally abusive family; animal abuse; homomisic slurs used;

You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.


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severelyhopefulcloud's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0


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zaralily's review against another edition

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adventurous dark tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

Not as good as the Kate Daniel series, nor as good as earlier books in this series, but I still hugely enjoyed and devoured this book.

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