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acesarrows's review against another edition
2.0
When did Merry Gentry turn into a glorified Anita Blake Vampire Hunter novel - only with fae?
What happened?!!???!?
This series has always been better than the Anita Blake novels - better characters, less angst, more politics, more creative. Except for this one. Which could have easily been an Anita Blake novel - and that isn't a compliment.
Absolutely nothing happens in the first 90% of this book, and then everything at the end is rushed through. And in a wildly unsatisfactory way.
Spoilers ahoy:
I am wildly disappointed in this book. The Merry Gentry series should have ended with book #7, [b:Swallowing Darkness|2798094|Swallowing Darkness (Merry Gentry, #7)|Laurell K. Hamilton|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1405633869s/2798094.jpg|2823886] - which was one of the best in the series.
Also, a shoutout needs to go out to Hamilton's editor and copyeditor. Because this was terrible. There is no need to repeat word for word things that were said in the previous chapter. Or the previous book. Or things that have been mentioned in every goddamn book in the series. Yes, we know that Doyle was the Queen's Darkness and that she would say "Where is my Darkness? Bring me my Darkness. And then someone would die." We know that Sholto was the "Queen's Perverse Creature." It's been said in every. single. book. in. this. series. It's frustrating to read, and doesn't speak highly of Hamilton's editor, or her own writing practice.
There were also some strange inconsistencies in this novel with people's ages and how long they had lived or ruled - things that I think have been mentioned in previous books and then ignored in this one.
Also, the slight plot line from the last book about Merry's ability to walk through dreams and have her soldiers speak to her would have been interesting to explore more - but, no. It's mentioned once, almost as an afterthought... and that's it.
And I think I may have had enough of both Anita and Merry describing every single thing everyone wears. Why do I care? I don't. Not unless it has to do with a plot device, or it can be written in such a way that the book doesn't become fashion porn.
I'm utterly upset that this book was so terrible, and generally annoyed at the repetitive plot structures, bad writing, and unsatisfactorily wrapped up storylines.
What happened?!!???!?
This series has always been better than the Anita Blake novels - better characters, less angst, more politics, more creative. Except for this one. Which could have easily been an Anita Blake novel - and that isn't a compliment.
Absolutely nothing happens in the first 90% of this book, and then everything at the end is rushed through. And in a wildly unsatisfactory way.
Spoilers ahoy:
Spoiler
What the hell?! Sholto has always been one of my favorite characters in these books because he is so conflicted and interesting. He was one of the first to like Merry for what she was -- and now he's dead. And, despite the fact Meredith called up the Wild Hunt for the death of her grandmother, Sholto's death is mostly ignored. There is no discussion of what kind of injury it was, or how it could have killed a Sidhe. There is no talk of who the new King of the Sluagh is, how this will affect Meredith and her babies, or even Sholto's funeral. Or, even any other discussion about Frost and what is going on there. For someone who is so blessed by the Goddess, I simply don't understand these actions. The entire issue with Tanaris is also equally ridiculous. I don't understand why more of this book wasn't taken up with the politics, or the ramifications of these actions - instead of fitting everything into the last chapter.I am wildly disappointed in this book. The Merry Gentry series should have ended with book #7, [b:Swallowing Darkness|2798094|Swallowing Darkness (Merry Gentry, #7)|Laurell K. Hamilton|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1405633869s/2798094.jpg|2823886] - which was one of the best in the series.
Also, a shoutout needs to go out to Hamilton's editor and copyeditor. Because this was terrible. There is no need to repeat word for word things that were said in the previous chapter. Or the previous book. Or things that have been mentioned in every goddamn book in the series. Yes, we know that Doyle was the Queen's Darkness and that she would say "Where is my Darkness? Bring me my Darkness. And then someone would die." We know that Sholto was the "Queen's Perverse Creature." It's been said in every. single. book. in. this. series. It's frustrating to read, and doesn't speak highly of Hamilton's editor, or her own writing practice.
There were also some strange inconsistencies in this novel with people's ages and how long they had lived or ruled - things that I think have been mentioned in previous books and then ignored in this one.
Also, the slight plot line from the last book about Merry's ability to walk through dreams and have her soldiers speak to her would have been interesting to explore more - but, no. It's mentioned once, almost as an afterthought... and that's it.
And I think I may have had enough of both Anita and Merry describing every single thing everyone wears. Why do I care? I don't. Not unless it has to do with a plot device, or it can be written in such a way that the book doesn't become fashion porn.
I'm utterly upset that this book was so terrible, and generally annoyed at the repetitive plot structures, bad writing, and unsatisfactorily wrapped up storylines.
kathydavie's review against another edition
4.0
Has to be another one that slipped when my hard drive failed because I remember crying and crying and crying in this one. For the longest time, I couldn't even bear to look at the cover lest the tears start up again.
yodamom's review against another edition
2.0
1.5 stars
I used to love LKH's writing. I read and reread her early books. Sadly, I gave up on Anita a few issues ago, she just can't stop humping everything/one and has so little story to go with it I got bored and somewhat grossed out. Merry was my last hope she has the Fae and their courts, several very steamy men, and some very complicated family issues. Then she started sexing everyone to give them power, "MORE POWER" and she started to sound just like a very sexed Anita.~ Sigh ~ Really, is there no other way to move forward in life other than using every office, every thought, every moment to act or think of "POWERING UP". What happened to the creativity I saw in the early books ? Did LKH find a formula that sold so she just quit and started filling in the blank moments with boring, endless sex ? This reader feels she has, and I am terribly disappointed after waiting so long.
What happened in this book ? She had her babies. She told us all about the stitches, the flow, the swollen breasts... and other TMI things. We found out what traits the babies shared with several of the men. We found out the babies are powerful, well duh look at the parents. We got to think about what everyone else might be thinking, how they might be feeling, Omg we got to this for more than 1/2 the dang book. Then we got to hear about how after one week she wanted sex so bad, she wanted and she got in a way that was so anti sexy in the description and just imagining after only one week of delivering triplets ?!?!?!?!? Then we got to watch one of the best characters in the series die in only a few sentences, and in such a mundane manor. I almost lost my temper here, I felt nothing but anger at her lack of feeling written into what should have been a horrible event. No it was all about, what Merry thought, what she thought others thought and.... ENOUGH ! Finally the book ended with a semi finality to her dear sweet uncle who raped her and almost nothing else except raising babies who might be super duper powerful and Merry looking forward to bedding more creatures to tie a bond with them. Yippeee, more of the same thing, I can wait, no rush Ms. LKH.
The book was dull. It was gross. The sex was cold and offered no appeal.
Will I read the next book or any book from her again? Not if I have any common sense. I'm done with this author, she disappointed me for the last time.
I used to love LKH's writing. I read and reread her early books. Sadly, I gave up on Anita a few issues ago, she just can't stop humping everything/one and has so little story to go with it I got bored and somewhat grossed out. Merry was my last hope she has the Fae and their courts, several very steamy men, and some very complicated family issues. Then she started sexing everyone to give them power, "MORE POWER" and she started to sound just like a very sexed Anita.~ Sigh ~ Really, is there no other way to move forward in life other than using every office, every thought, every moment to act or think of "POWERING UP". What happened to the creativity I saw in the early books ? Did LKH find a formula that sold so she just quit and started filling in the blank moments with boring, endless sex ? This reader feels she has, and I am terribly disappointed after waiting so long.
What happened in this book ? She had her babies. She told us all about the stitches, the flow, the swollen breasts... and other TMI things. We found out what traits the babies shared with several of the men. We found out the babies are powerful, well duh look at the parents. We got to think about what everyone else might be thinking, how they might be feeling, Omg we got to this for more than 1/2 the dang book. Then we got to hear about how after one week she wanted sex so bad, she wanted and she got in a way that was so anti sexy in the description and just imagining after only one week of delivering triplets ?!?!?!?!? Then we got to watch one of the best characters in the series die in only a few sentences, and in such a mundane manor. I almost lost my temper here, I felt nothing but anger at her lack of feeling written into what should have been a horrible event. No it was all about, what Merry thought, what she thought others thought and.... ENOUGH ! Finally the book ended with a semi finality to her dear sweet uncle who raped her and almost nothing else except raising babies who might be super duper powerful and Merry looking forward to bedding more creatures to tie a bond with them. Yippeee, more of the same thing, I can wait, no rush Ms. LKH.
The book was dull. It was gross. The sex was cold and offered no appeal.
Will I read the next book or any book from her again? Not if I have any common sense. I'm done with this author, she disappointed me for the last time.
the1daisymoon's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
avid_reader_96's review against another edition
4.0
The babies are adorable. I love them already. Andais is finally behaving herself and Taranis got what he deserved. I loved this book. I can't wait for Laurel to write the next one. I will miss Sholto though. Long live the King.
beautifuldissonance's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this book but I'm not sure why as it was quite light on plot and was much more paranormal romance than urban fantasy. Maybe it's just that I missed the characters and I prefer this world over that of the Anita books. I had to skim past a lot of useless details, I'm not sure why LKH feels the need to go into such detail about what everyone is wearing, and the constant blather about how much everyone loves everyone else... Gag.
I want to see Bryleun grow up and rule the Sluagh.
I enjoyed this book but I'm not sure why as it was quite light on plot and was much more paranormal romance than urban fantasy. Maybe it's just that I missed the characters and I prefer this world over that of the Anita books. I had to skim past a lot of useless details, I'm not sure why LKH feels the need to go into such detail about what everyone is wearing, and the constant blather about how much everyone loves everyone else... Gag.
I want to see Bryleun grow up and rule the Sluagh.
killerkakez1224's review against another edition
It was an LKH book, long time fan and while typical for a book of hers, it was a welcome bit of smutty mind candy with a bit of political intrigue.
willeh's review against another edition
5.0
I don't think I'll ever be able to say a bad thing about the Merry Gentry series. Laurell still stands as one of my favorite writers and this book reminded me why.
The book gets off to a fast start and, I felt, kept going like that. I think that is what happens after you hold a story for five years. We waited five years (not nine months) to have the babies and to see what would come of that. Given the way the book closed, we could as well wait five more. Regardless, my main concern was the character development for these babies and I'm extremely satisfied.
This book is a bigger dive into her life and that of the men, even though we once again don't get to find out much about them. Some details here and there, yes, but still not much. Magic keeps running wild and rose petals keep falling, I have to add, EXCESSIVELY everywhere. I even found myself wondering if they had a person to pick these up. There's no way that whoever is piling these petals every couple of hours can be happy about it and I imagine negative thoughts insult the Goddess so...I don't know what to make of that.
The overall plot advanced some and there is a major loss at the end, but I won't spoil. I will say it is a man and I'll add that he wasn't one of my favorites and I felt nothing like what I felt when Frost died. Having said that, it was still pretty sad given that it some pretty amazing things had happened right before. It was bittersweet leaning on the bitter.
The end...well, again, I can see her stretching another book a couple of years. My imagination explodes with ideas of where this story could go, but it isn't mine and I don't think it'll ever go where I want it to or we would've been back in faerie a while back. Laurell loved the American aspect of Merry; she never fails to remind us, but I think it's some time we start kicking ass back home and if we're not going back home, it's time to start bringing home to us indefinitely.
Props for you, Laurell. <3
The book gets off to a fast start and, I felt, kept going like that. I think that is what happens after you hold a story for five years. We waited five years (not nine months) to have the babies and to see what would come of that. Given the way the book closed, we could as well wait five more. Regardless, my main concern was the character development for these babies and I'm extremely satisfied.
This book is a bigger dive into her life and that of the men, even though we once again don't get to find out much about them. Some details here and there, yes, but still not much. Magic keeps running wild and rose petals keep falling, I have to add, EXCESSIVELY everywhere. I even found myself wondering if they had a person to pick these up. There's no way that whoever is piling these petals every couple of hours can be happy about it and I imagine negative thoughts insult the Goddess so...I don't know what to make of that.
The overall plot advanced some and there is a major loss at the end, but I won't spoil. I will say it is a man and I'll add that he wasn't one of my favorites and I felt nothing like what I felt when Frost died. Having said that, it was still pretty sad given that it some pretty amazing things had happened right before. It was bittersweet leaning on the bitter.
The end...well, again, I can see her stretching another book a couple of years. My imagination explodes with ideas of where this story could go, but it isn't mine and I don't think it'll ever go where I want it to or we would've been back in faerie a while back. Laurell loved the American aspect of Merry; she never fails to remind us, but I think it's some time we start kicking ass back home and if we're not going back home, it's time to start bringing home to us indefinitely.
Props for you, Laurell. <3
sandygx260's review against another edition
2.0
I read "A Shiver of Light" during prep for my recent colonoscopy. There's something — fitting about the timing of reading this largely full of crap book. Aside from a few high points and one major character death, this book is mostly talk and little progress.
You know those annoying TV shows where, after every commercial, the show needs to give the viewer of something that just happened three minutes ago?
That's the way Hamilton has written this book. The book contains endless reminders of events that happened in the past, even if the reader just read about someone reminiscing about the event twenty pages ago. I swear Hamilton reminds us about Killing Frost and his beloved Rose at least six times. This happens to a few other topics.
Also, in case we forget, Merry needs to remind everyone that she can't have "intercourse" because she just popped out three babbbbeeees. Odd how she needs to remind the freakin' fathers of the said kiddos! Maybe her men aren't too hep on the uptake. Worry not— this just means there's long, technical descriptions of cock sucking and hand jobs. Skin glows, and as usual Hamilton whips out her favorite old chestnuts for describing fae sex. For example: "My hair was spun garnets and rubies wrapped around the shining white metal of his hand." 120 pages later: " My hair shone like spun rubies and garnets woven in cool fire across my face." Editing? Hamilton don't need no stinkin' editing to clean up any repetition. Hauling in boatloads of bucks tends to do that to authors.
As usual, Hamilton becomes bored and wraps up the novel in two pages, describing events that would have been more interesting to react to in "live time." No, more tell, not show.
I gave this book two stars for keeping me company when I didn't feel like reading something I cared about too much, and for actually surprising me with the unexpected character death. Not sure what Hamilton had against one of my favorite characters— maybe she's taken lessons from George RR Martin.
Not recommended.
You know those annoying TV shows where, after every commercial, the show needs to give the viewer of something that just happened three minutes ago?
That's the way Hamilton has written this book. The book contains endless reminders of events that happened in the past, even if the reader just read about someone reminiscing about the event twenty pages ago. I swear Hamilton reminds us about Killing Frost and his beloved Rose at least six times. This happens to a few other topics.
Also, in case we forget, Merry needs to remind everyone that she can't have "intercourse" because she just popped out three babbbbeeees. Odd how she needs to remind the freakin' fathers of the said kiddos! Maybe her men aren't too hep on the uptake. Worry not— this just means there's long, technical descriptions of cock sucking and hand jobs. Skin glows, and as usual Hamilton whips out her favorite old chestnuts for describing fae sex. For example: "My hair was spun garnets and rubies wrapped around the shining white metal of his hand." 120 pages later: " My hair shone like spun rubies and garnets woven in cool fire across my face." Editing? Hamilton don't need no stinkin' editing to clean up any repetition. Hauling in boatloads of bucks tends to do that to authors.
As usual, Hamilton becomes bored and wraps up the novel in two pages, describing events that would have been more interesting to react to in "live time." No, more tell, not show.
I gave this book two stars for keeping me company when I didn't feel like reading something I cared about too much, and for actually surprising me with the unexpected character death. Not sure what Hamilton had against one of my favorite characters— maybe she's taken lessons from George RR Martin.
Not recommended.
witchylevy's review against another edition
3.0
I love the characters in LKH's series but I get a bit bored when the plot feels secondary to sex. Don't get me wrong, this was a good book but she could have done better. and knowing that she is done with this series is sad. I feel that there is more she could write about Merry and the courts. If faerie is following Merry then shouldn't she be a queen of more than the sluagh? Don't know if that is spelled right. The issues with the children could have been expanded on. Also, Merry becoming a conduit for the Goddess for the soldiers could be written on. Did I miss in the book where the paternity tests came back? Bottom line - I was disappointed.