Reviews

Even Vampires Get the Blues by Katie MacAlister

blueskyvibes1point0's review against another edition

adventurous funny mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

In "Even Vampires Get the Blues," Paen Scott, a soulless dark one, faces a dire situation. His mother's soul is at stake, and he must find the Jilin God relic in 5 days to repay a debt to a demon. Enter Samantha Cosse, a skilled half-elf investigator recently expelled from the Order of Diviners. As Sam’s client, their connection goes beyond the professional, with Sam convinced she's Paen's Beloved whether he wants one or not.

1. **Plot and Storytelling:** 3/5, this Dark Ones novel didn't top my favorites list. While the story offered entertainment and minor twists, the ending lacked coherence without the necessary epilogue. I wished for heightened tension and more utilization of side characters to enhance the overall narrative.

2. **Characterization:** 3/5, the characters were generally well-crafted, but side characters needed more development. Paen's redemption lacked the dramatic flair I anticipated, although I appreciated Sam's authentic attributes—her strength, flaws, and genuine portrayal.

3. **Writing Style:** 4/5, MacAlister demonstrated a commendable writing style that maintained a smooth flow. The book's length was just right, and overall, I found the writing enjoyable.

4. **Originality:** 4/5, the story's uniqueness kept me guessing. However, it didn't captivate me as intensely as some of MacAlister's other works, leaving room for improvement in the enthrallment factor.

5. **Emotional Impact and Resolution:** 3.5/5, being the fourth in the Dark One series, this book adhered to the series' basic premise. However, it lacked the emotional resonance and tension present in MacAlister's other works. The dependence on an epilogue for a meaningful ending deducted points, as a book should ideally feel complete without additional chapters.

6. **Smut:** 4/5, the spice in romantic scenes was enjoyable, with telepathic elements adding an entertaining twist. It left me intrigued, pondering how such elements would translate into my own reality.

1. **Audiobook** 5/5, I enjoyed this narrator. I felt she conveyed the characters as well and told a great story.

Overall score: 3.78/7 (or about 3/5)

If you enjoyed "Even Vampires Get the Blues" by Katie MacAlister, you might also like Dead Until Dark (Sookie Stackhouse series) by Charlaine Harris or A Discovery of Witches (All Souls Trilogy) by Deborah Harkness. These recommendations offer a mix of paranormal romance, supernatural elements, and strong character dynamics, similar to the themes found in "Even Vampires Get the Blues."

bikes_books_yarn's review against another edition

4.0

I really like Katie MaCalister's writing. Her books are funny, well written, action packed, and they have some steam heat. I am slowly reading everything I can get my hands on by her.

kkaste's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

jazzrizz's review against another edition

5.0

Another fine example of why Katie MacAlister has become a "must read" author for me.

git_r_read's review against another edition

4.0

Another funny entry to the Dark Ones series by Katie MacAlister. Not fond of the cover, but love what's in between.

holl3640's review

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes

3.5

sunnydee's review against another edition

3.0

Leider hat mir dieser Teil der Dark Ones Reihe nicht so gefallen wie die anderen. Zum einen lag das wohl daran, dass ich allgemein Vampire wenig interessant finde und mich eher selten Geschichten über sie begeistern. Trotzdem hatten es die anderen Vampirbücher von Katie MacAlister schon geschafft. Zum anderen war der Vampir hier aber wirklich sehr durchschnittlich. Die Konstellation, dass die Beziehung nur zu Stande kam weil sich beide angeblich etwas beweisen wollten und eher ein Experiment starteten, gefiel mir ebenfalls nicht.
Gut gefielen mir aber wieder die verschiedenen Wesen. Ich fand Sams Cousine Clare einfach herrlich, wie sie da immer Blumen aß, wenn sie nervös war und ständig abstritt eine Fee zu sein. Solche skurrilen Charaktere kann die Autorin einfach super schreiben.
Ich werde die Reihe auf jeden Fall weiter lesen, aber ich hoffe die Autorin wird wieder zu ihrem alten Können zurück finden.

Meine Wertung:
3,4 von 5 Sternen

hoosgracie's review against another edition

4.0

Cute addition to MacAlister's vampire mythology. This one finds a half elf detective contracted by a Dark One who doesn't want a beloved and finds that she is his. It includes a mystery involving finding out where an ancient statue is in order to save a soul.

snowbenton's review against another edition

1.0

I did enjoy the scene where she emits too much light and gets chased by butterflies. I also appreciated that the mythology was based on Chinese myths and not the standard Greek/Roman pantheon.

But. Do you really expect me to believe that a 33 year old woman who has just gained immortality would give it up in trade for basically nothing in return just because this dumb guy she has known for three days isn't ready to be in a relationship? Honestly, after three days, it would be scarier if he was!

I don't know why MacAlister's books are all like this. The hero and heroine never fit well together. The humor is forced. The pacing is terrible.

jdeternal's review against another edition

4.0

Fairies in denial, a sun elf, and Chinese gods to accompany the dark ones; the author never fails to entertain with her characters.