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crystalstarrlight's review against another edition
2.0
Anita gets a call early one morning (does this woman ever get calls during normal business hours?) - it's Larry. His pregnant wife, Tammy, is going into premature labor, and he can't fly out to Philadelphia to raise a zombie for a case. Anita agrees to go, and to restrain the pesky ardeur, she brings along Micah.
If I had spent money on this audiobook, I'd be asking for a refund right about now. Unabridged, this "novel" is a mere 4 hours long. Ellen Degeneres' [b:Seriously...I'm Kidding|11230081|Seriously...I'm Kidding|Ellen DeGeneres|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1344266013s/11230081.jpg|16156051] is the same length, and I think I may have liked that one better.
Anyway, after the atrocity that was [b:Incubus Dreams|30271|Incubus Dreams (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, #12)|Laurell K. Hamilton|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1362831466s/30271.jpg|2963636], a largely plotless book that spent more time with Anita hopping in an out of guys' pants than any crime, I wasn't sure I'd ever return to this series. But I needed something a bit lighter than I had been reading, and I figured that the teenie-tiny "Micah" couldn't be as bad as "Dreams".
Turns out, I was right! I found this book to be a great improvement over "Dreams". Gone are the five hour long arguments over who is going to sleep with Anita when and in what position. Gone are the constant fights with authority figures. Gone are the endless meanderings of Anita about her relationships. Gone are Anita's hatred for women. This book focuses intensely on Anita and Micah and their relationship. And in that regard, this book is a winner. We actually have time to look at the two and feel their chemistry. And as long as you forget the rape-y shower scene in [b:Narcissus in Chains|30248|Narcissus in Chains (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, #10)|Laurell K. Hamilton|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1329665046s/30248.jpg|2644676], you might find yourself liking Micah quite a bit more.
But just because this book is better than "Dreams", doesn't mean it's fabulous and I'm an Anita Blake fan. I mean, dirt is better than kitty poo, after all. This book has plenty of flaws along with our favorite LKHisms:
1. I found myself being OK with Micah - right up until this exchange:
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! How am I supposed to listen to that with a straight face? How did the NARRATOR read that with a straight face?
2. How big is too big?
Wow, how does Micah have sex with anyone with a schlong like that? I'd think he'd send women to the HOSPITAL with a Wang like that!
3. Just in case you thought Anita might actually start acting and talking like a feminist - no worries! She's the same sexist, misogynistic a-hole as ever! When Larry calls needing help, Anita volunteers, no questions-asked, no hard feelings. But last book, when Ronnie called up drunk, despairing over a broken relationship, Anita got upset that Ronnie made her go to a club to save her and "threaten" her delicate Wangs.
"I probably overshared. That girlness again." -> Yucky girlness! It's not like GUYS ever overshare or that women DON'T.
"It felt weak and very girl-ic and I didn't like it." -> Because doing anything remotely associate with being a woman is BAD. And "girly" is now too bleh of a word to use, so let's invent a new one!
"How many women had hurt him?" -> What about all the women he caused to bleed when he jammed his Wang into them? No, we can't possibly have compassion to them! They are just horrible because they are born with Woohoos that aren't big enough for His Bigness.
4. The ardeur (pronounced humorously as "ar DOOR") is back! Fortunately, it only appears once. Unfortunately, the sex scene is your typical squickiness we've come to know and love from LKH, filled with endless repetitions of "F- me!", "So wet, so tight", and "OMG, is it even going to fit?!"
5. Fox and later Franklin both take offense at Anita, as cops in this world are wont to do whenever she appears. Because women in the law enforcement fields in the naughties is so uncommon. Fox quickly though comes to the Light Side when Anita tells him that no, she didn't flirt with a guy from Obsidian Butterfly and everything is totes OK. The other guy makes an excellent point, which Anita steamrolls over. Because while others can't twist the laws to their wills, Anita better'd be able to, gorrammit!
6. The last 20 min of a 4 hour audiobook wrap up the book. More time is spent with Micah and Anita talking or having sex than the so-called plot.
What is sadly absent are endless pages of clothing descriptions and truly execrable writing. LKH does detail what Micah and Anita wear, but for once, it was rather brief and not that flowery. As for the writing quality, it wasn't half bad - much like the beginning books - with the exception of the items from #4.
This is definitely not the worst of the series; yes, it's not great, but at points, it wasn't half bad. And having it so short was a plus - at least we didn't have 80 repetitive sex scenes and police p!ssing contests! However, I would definitely not recommend buying this; spending full price for this extremely short book is a waste of trees and paper. Pick up a copy used (shouldn't be a problem finding one) or at the library.
If I had spent money on this audiobook, I'd be asking for a refund right about now. Unabridged, this "novel" is a mere 4 hours long. Ellen Degeneres' [b:Seriously...I'm Kidding|11230081|Seriously...I'm Kidding|Ellen DeGeneres|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1344266013s/11230081.jpg|16156051] is the same length, and I think I may have liked that one better.
Anyway, after the atrocity that was [b:Incubus Dreams|30271|Incubus Dreams (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, #12)|Laurell K. Hamilton|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1362831466s/30271.jpg|2963636], a largely plotless book that spent more time with Anita hopping in an out of guys' pants than any crime, I wasn't sure I'd ever return to this series. But I needed something a bit lighter than I had been reading, and I figured that the teenie-tiny "Micah" couldn't be as bad as "Dreams".
Turns out, I was right! I found this book to be a great improvement over "Dreams". Gone are the five hour long arguments over who is going to sleep with Anita when and in what position. Gone are the constant fights with authority figures. Gone are the endless meanderings of Anita about her relationships. Gone are Anita's hatred for women. This book focuses intensely on Anita and Micah and their relationship. And in that regard, this book is a winner. We actually have time to look at the two and feel their chemistry. And as long as you forget the rape-y shower scene in [b:Narcissus in Chains|30248|Narcissus in Chains (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, #10)|Laurell K. Hamilton|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1329665046s/30248.jpg|2644676], you might find yourself liking Micah quite a bit more.
But just because this book is better than "Dreams", doesn't mean it's fabulous and I'm an Anita Blake fan. I mean, dirt is better than kitty poo, after all. This book has plenty of flaws along with our favorite LKHisms:
1. I found myself being OK with Micah - right up until this exchange:
"What was the first straw?"
He looked down, and I realized he was embarrassed. "What?" I asked.
"I was too big."
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! How am I supposed to listen to that with a straight face? How did the NARRATOR read that with a straight face?
2. How big is too big?
Long enough that he could touch his own belly button without using his hands. Thick enough that I couldn't get finger and thumb completely around him when he was at his thickest.
Wow, how does Micah have sex with anyone with a schlong like that? I'd think he'd send women to the HOSPITAL with a Wang like that!
3. Just in case you thought Anita might actually start acting and talking like a feminist - no worries! She's the same sexist, misogynistic a-hole as ever! When Larry calls needing help, Anita volunteers, no questions-asked, no hard feelings. But last book, when Ronnie called up drunk, despairing over a broken relationship, Anita got upset that Ronnie made her go to a club to save her and "threaten" her delicate Wangs.
"I probably overshared. That girlness again." -> Yucky girlness! It's not like GUYS ever overshare or that women DON'T.
"It felt weak and very girl-ic and I didn't like it." -> Because doing anything remotely associate with being a woman is BAD. And "girly" is now too bleh of a word to use, so let's invent a new one!
"How many women had hurt him?" -> What about all the women he caused to bleed when he jammed his Wang into them? No, we can't possibly have compassion to them! They are just horrible because they are born with Woohoos that aren't big enough for His Bigness.
4. The ardeur (pronounced humorously as "ar DOOR") is back! Fortunately, it only appears once. Unfortunately, the sex scene is your typical squickiness we've come to know and love from LKH, filled with endless repetitions of "F- me!", "So wet, so tight", and "OMG, is it even going to fit?!"
5. Fox and later Franklin both take offense at Anita, as cops in this world are wont to do whenever she appears. Because women in the law enforcement fields in the naughties is so uncommon. Fox quickly though comes to the Light Side when Anita tells him that no, she didn't flirt with a guy from Obsidian Butterfly and everything is totes OK. The other guy makes an excellent point, which Anita steamrolls over. Because while others can't twist the laws to their wills, Anita better'd be able to, gorrammit!
What is it about her? She blinks those big brown eyes and everyone just looks the other way as she breaks a dozen rules am bends the very law we're sworn to uphold?
6. The last 20 min of a 4 hour audiobook wrap up the book. More time is spent with Micah and Anita talking or having sex than the so-called plot.
What is sadly absent are endless pages of clothing descriptions and truly execrable writing. LKH does detail what Micah and Anita wear, but for once, it was rather brief and not that flowery. As for the writing quality, it wasn't half bad - much like the beginning books - with the exception of the items from #4.
This is definitely not the worst of the series; yes, it's not great, but at points, it wasn't half bad. And having it so short was a plus - at least we didn't have 80 repetitive sex scenes and police p!ssing contests! However, I would definitely not recommend buying this; spending full price for this extremely short book is a waste of trees and paper. Pick up a copy used (shouldn't be a problem finding one) or at the library.
kathydavie's review against another edition
5.0
Thirteenth in the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter erotic urban fantasy series starring Anita Blake in an alternate St. Louis, Missouri. Although, this story plays out in Philadelphia.
My Take
Short and fascinating, as Micah doesn't involve any other men than Micah since it takes place out of town. This one is a conflict for me. I love that Anita finally has time to spend with Micah. Just Micah. He is such an incredibly great guy who gives Anita all the space and support she needs. He even arranges for a fancy hotel so the two of them can enjoy being on their own, together, for hours. Not just the two hours or so when they go on a date. And what does Anita just have to do?? Yup, she's gotta try and ruin it. She freaks out when she has to experience another emotional "challenge" and her darkest secret is threatened.
I mean, c'mon. Micah books them into the Four Seasons and Anita gets mad because they're in a nice hotel with a nice room? She questions and badgers him. Poking and pushing, trying to prod Micah into a fight. What is her problem!?
I sure am glad Anita is getting therapy these days. I just wish it worked a lot faster. On the external side, the injuries she suffers in Micah means everybody knows. Lord knows how this will affect her working relationships.
The Story
Larry Kirkland has a crisis — his five-months-pregnant wife, Tammy, is going into labor and Larry is supposed to be on an 8am flight to Philly to raise a witness for the FBI.
Reluctantly, Anita agrees to take the assignment. She'll have to fly…damn. Worse, she'll have to take "food" with her as it will be a two-day trip. How is she supposed to explain bringing one of her men with her?
The Characters
Anita Blake is one of the most powerful necromancers in the United States, possibly the world. The vampires know her as "The Executioner"; she has more kills to her name than anyone. She's also the human servant to Jean-Claude, the Master of the City of St. Louis, and she's infected with the ardeur, a hunger for lust that needs to be satisfied every four to six hours.
Micah Callahan is the Nimir-Ra to Anita's Nimir-Raj. A leopard king to her queen. He's also the go-to guy for the Furry Coalition, which means he's as busy as Anita. Thankfully, they have Nathaniel, a stripper at Guilty Pleasures, who just loves playing house. Cooking. Cleaning. Baking. Decorating. It's the ideal arrangement for all three of them.
Special Agent Fox was the investigating agent when Micah was bitten by the rogue leopard. Now he's the agent in charge for Anita's witness raising in Philadelphia. Special Agent Franklin (from Obsidian Butterfly, 9) is his partner. The guy who has been filling his head with negativity about Anita.
Arthur Salvia is a mob lawyer and intends to question, eventually, Emmett Leroy Rose, the deceased accountant.
Animators, Inc is...
...the company of which Anita is a part. Bert is their amoral manager. Larry Kirkland is a fellow animator who just got married to Tammy, a St Louis detective (Incubus Dreams, 12).
The Cover and Title
I have no idea what the cover is supposed to be about. Obviously, it's meant to be Micah since the cover model has long blonde hair but the hair isn't curly. It's only wavy. And he just looks too big to be Micah. It also looks like he's crawling up a wall. What's with that?
The title certainly makes sense since Anita is finally having some alone time with Micah.
My Take
Short and fascinating, as Micah doesn't involve any other men than Micah since it takes place out of town. This one is a conflict for me. I love that Anita finally has time to spend with Micah. Just Micah. He is such an incredibly great guy who gives Anita all the space and support she needs. He even arranges for a fancy hotel so the two of them can enjoy being on their own, together, for hours. Not just the two hours or so when they go on a date. And what does Anita just have to do?? Yup, she's gotta try and ruin it. She freaks out when she has to experience another emotional "challenge" and her darkest secret is threatened.
I mean, c'mon. Micah books them into the Four Seasons and Anita gets mad because they're in a nice hotel with a nice room? She questions and badgers him. Poking and pushing, trying to prod Micah into a fight. What is her problem!?
"I took a deep breath and let it out, then nodded. 'It's a beautiful room, Micah.'Well, duhhh, of course it means a lot to him that she appreciates the effort he's made. Jesus, what a b*tch! I so wanna smack her sometimes…!
He smiled, and this time it reached his kitty-cat eyes. 'Just like that you'll try.'
I nodded. 'If it means that much to you, yes.'"
I sure am glad Anita is getting therapy these days. I just wish it worked a lot faster. On the external side, the injuries she suffers in Micah means everybody knows. Lord knows how this will affect her working relationships.
The Story
Larry Kirkland has a crisis — his five-months-pregnant wife, Tammy, is going into labor and Larry is supposed to be on an 8am flight to Philly to raise a witness for the FBI.
Reluctantly, Anita agrees to take the assignment. She'll have to fly…damn. Worse, she'll have to take "food" with her as it will be a two-day trip. How is she supposed to explain bringing one of her men with her?
The Characters
Anita Blake is one of the most powerful necromancers in the United States, possibly the world. The vampires know her as "The Executioner"; she has more kills to her name than anyone. She's also the human servant to Jean-Claude, the Master of the City of St. Louis, and she's infected with the ardeur, a hunger for lust that needs to be satisfied every four to six hours.
Micah Callahan is the Nimir-Ra to Anita's Nimir-Raj. A leopard king to her queen. He's also the go-to guy for the Furry Coalition, which means he's as busy as Anita. Thankfully, they have Nathaniel, a stripper at Guilty Pleasures, who just loves playing house. Cooking. Cleaning. Baking. Decorating. It's the ideal arrangement for all three of them.
Special Agent Fox was the investigating agent when Micah was bitten by the rogue leopard. Now he's the agent in charge for Anita's witness raising in Philadelphia. Special Agent Franklin (from Obsidian Butterfly, 9) is his partner. The guy who has been filling his head with negativity about Anita.
Arthur Salvia is a mob lawyer and intends to question, eventually, Emmett Leroy Rose, the deceased accountant.
Animators, Inc is...
...the company of which Anita is a part. Bert is their amoral manager. Larry Kirkland is a fellow animator who just got married to Tammy, a St Louis detective (Incubus Dreams, 12).
The Cover and Title
I have no idea what the cover is supposed to be about. Obviously, it's meant to be Micah since the cover model has long blonde hair but the hair isn't curly. It's only wavy. And he just looks too big to be Micah. It also looks like he's crawling up a wall. What's with that?
The title certainly makes sense since Anita is finally having some alone time with Micah.
interrobangda's review against another edition
1.0
I love you, Laurell K. Hamilton, but I have some serious reservations about the direction this series is going in. I miss Jean-Claude. I miss ass-kicking Anita who could take the monsters down sans supernatural powers.
knod78's review against another edition
1.0
What a waste of a character. This was the book that was really going to delve in to the relationship between Anita and Micah; however, it was only sex and nothing more. And now Micah is back in the back with Nathanial and the rest. And he's probably one of the most interesting characters besides my beloved Andrew!
dajoyofit's review against another edition
2.0
Okay. Here goes.
Empty calories are all fun, but after awhile, you get malnourished, starve, and die.
I really enjoyed the introduction of Micah's character to the series. He was refreshing after reading Richard and Claude. So I had high hopes when I opened this book. I was hoping to get a better sense of Micah and to see perhaps his relationship with Anita deepen. But none of it happened. Yes, we got a little bit of a preview into Micah's background. But not much else happened other than sex. I guess I was just hoping for more of a connection; some clarity and maybe some growth. Wait, maybe some real plot. I should have known better considering the direction that Ms Hamilton has taken her series.
Like someone caught in a destructive cycle, I kept reading the series. After Micah's first introduction to the series (I picked up the series this year), when I found out there was a book titled Micah, I endured it in hopes of reading Micah's role developed. Then I get to Micah (the novella really) hoping to see Micah's role in Anita's life finally blossom more fully, but nope. None of that. Just Anita screwing.
I'm done with Ms Hamilton's series. I hope somewhere in nonfiction world, that Micah is spreading his wings, healing, finds his life partner, and is a strong and just leopord king.
Empty calories are all fun, but after awhile, you get malnourished, starve, and die.
I really enjoyed the introduction of Micah's character to the series. He was refreshing after reading Richard and Claude. So I had high hopes when I opened this book. I was hoping to get a better sense of Micah and to see perhaps his relationship with Anita deepen. But none of it happened. Yes, we got a little bit of a preview into Micah's background. But not much else happened other than sex. I guess I was just hoping for more of a connection; some clarity and maybe some growth. Wait, maybe some real plot. I should have known better considering the direction that Ms Hamilton has taken her series.
Like someone caught in a destructive cycle, I kept reading the series. After Micah's first introduction to the series (I picked up the series this year), when I found out there was a book titled Micah, I endured it in hopes of reading Micah's role developed. Then I get to Micah (the novella really) hoping to see Micah's role in Anita's life finally blossom more fully, but nope. None of that. Just Anita screwing.
I'm done with Ms Hamilton's series. I hope somewhere in nonfiction world, that Micah is spreading his wings, healing, finds his life partner, and is a strong and just leopord king.
devansbooklife's review against another edition
3.0
Why do I keep reading Laurell K Hamilton books? I mean lately it is just smutty, written porn. Literally, Anita mudt have sex and a lot of it to survive. The last book kinda had me saying I was moving on, but here I am again. But in truth, they are so easy to read. And to give credit, this book had substantially less sex. I just breeze through those scenes normally anyways.... or try to. Sometimes the repetition of words makes that difficult. This was okay. The ending was really exciting and reminded me of days past when Anita was just quirky and bad ass. I guess I will try the next book and make my final judgement on this series. I know I am a sucker...
samanyana's review against another edition
dark
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
4.25
jenirox77's review against another edition
4.0
Not my most favorite of this series but it was enjoyable.