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marlobo's review
DNF 24%
I like futuristic but this is not my cup of tea. I don't know why but "contemporary" urban fantasy is difficult to me.
I like futuristic but this is not my cup of tea. I don't know why but "contemporary" urban fantasy is difficult to me.
missawn's review
4.0
I started this series in the summer of 2018 and burned through the first two books -- only to have to wait nearly half a year for the third book in the series to be released. In anticipation of the third book, I went back and re-read the first two. The three books in these series are closely related and I hesitated to give this book a rating until I completed the series. In short, this series is really good -- one of my all-time favourites when it comes to world building and interesting MCs that have a way of getting under your skin. There is also a very lovely slow-burn romance that stretches across all three books and that was a major factor in my enjoyment of these books -- nice chemistry and nice complexity. It was hard to put these books down both times through. This author has been hit-or-miss for me in the past -- but when she gets it right, she really gets it right -- and this series is definitely a hit for me! Recommended ...
dosymedia's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
It grew on me. I've been looking for a queer-led urban fantasy series that could serve as a comfy escape and while this series doesn't currently have a large number of books, it does hit the character/plotting/worldbuilding trifecta well enough to fit my criteria. My main gripe is that the last fourth of the book felt like a tacked on adventure; ti'd felt like the book ended much earlier, but here we were, being dragged back in for one last thing. Lore and character-wise, it was a big addition, but something about the flow between these two sections didn't totally work for me.
myzanm's review
4.0
A near perfect book.
There were only a few minor things that bothered me. The first one was that we never got an explanation for all the things said in the elvish language, or rather nearly all. Also the mention of Kai's past abuse in the hands of his father bothered me. It was thankfully nicely done without details, but it still got to me. It also bothered me that we never met Ryder's sister.
What I did enjoy was so much more!
The world building! The characters! Newt!
I actually loved that there was a bit of heat between Kai and Ryder, but that Kai never let it get far. I was not disappointed that they didn't fall into each others arms at the end. It felt like a believable ending and a great starting point for the next book.
There were only a few minor things that bothered me. The first one was that we never got an explanation for all the things said in the elvish language, or rather nearly all. Also the mention of Kai's past abuse in the hands of his father bothered me. It was thankfully nicely done without details, but it still got to me. It also bothered me that we never met Ryder's sister.
What I did enjoy was so much more!
The world building! The characters! Newt!
I actually loved that there was a bit of heat between Kai and Ryder, but that Kai never let it get far. I was not disappointed that they didn't fall into each others arms at the end. It felt like a believable ending and a great starting point for the next book.
threefathoms's review against another edition
4.0
Holy shit, it is so good. I love the first person narrator, Kai is wonderful and a dick. His comments and talking to himself makes him feel so alive. The world is interesting and just explained enough that I’m not worried about the author backing themselves into a corner. The fact that everyone wants to fuck Kai feels a little Mary Sue, but it doesn’t detract from the story. Good double crosses, things get revealed as they are needed. All in all, exceptional.
janetted's review against another edition
4.0
Wow, what an action-packed, exciting, urban fantasy thriller! Rhys Ford tells an incredible story with such amazing detail, as if painting a vibrant picture with just her words. Her imagination is incredible - I remain in awe of the skill it takes to create such an enchanting place.
I love the combination of the human and sidhe worlds; the melding of dimensions in what we know as California makes for some interesting topography. It also adds some serious complications, making something as simple as traveling from San Diego to Los Angeles treacherous. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't just a tad bit creeped out by some of the inhabitants; this story is definitely not for the faint of heart. I'm especially creeped out by the fake-sidhe impostors, or humans who are altered to resemble the elfin races. After more consideration, however, I see this as a very realistic detail. It's not uncommon in society for people to attempt to emulate those they admire. In this case, it's the sidhe-obsessed humans trying to resemble the more beautiful, enchanting sidhe.
Another interesting facet of this world is the political climate created by humans and sidhe coexisting side by side. There're always so many rules among the sidhe, something I'm reminded of practically every time Ryder opens his mouth. Kai's living as human, a somewhat more mundane existence, and it's clear his sidhe brethren don't entirely understand why. I'll admit to not really understanding his reason for rejecting that part of his heritage at first, however, as his character evolves, we discover the truth.
Speaking of our hero, Kai, he's strong and determined, a force to be reckoned with. His fierce demeanor is a startling contrast to his sense of humor, which was a nice surprise during some tense moments. Who else besides Kai would suggest duct tape as an implement to impede childbirth? Above all else, Kai's a fighter. In many ways it seems he's been fighting some kind of battle his entire life. Ford reveals his past in twists and turns, and I'm astonished at all he's endured. I mean, with relatives like these, who needs enemies?
If you're looking for a ton of romance, this book may leave you longing. It's heavy on the action and suspense, and though there are certainly moments of sexual tension, there's very little romance. I'm hoping Rhys Ford is simply saving that for a future story, because the chemistry between Kai and Ryder is insane. I mean off the charts insane. There's no reason to hold back an attraction like that. If only I could convince Kai... ;)
This review can be found at www.3chicksafterdark.com.
I love the combination of the human and sidhe worlds; the melding of dimensions in what we know as California makes for some interesting topography. It also adds some serious complications, making something as simple as traveling from San Diego to Los Angeles treacherous. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't just a tad bit creeped out by some of the inhabitants; this story is definitely not for the faint of heart. I'm especially creeped out by the fake-sidhe impostors, or humans who are altered to resemble the elfin races. After more consideration, however, I see this as a very realistic detail. It's not uncommon in society for people to attempt to emulate those they admire. In this case, it's the sidhe-obsessed humans trying to resemble the more beautiful, enchanting sidhe.
Another interesting facet of this world is the political climate created by humans and sidhe coexisting side by side. There're always so many rules among the sidhe, something I'm reminded of practically every time Ryder opens his mouth. Kai's living as human, a somewhat more mundane existence, and it's clear his sidhe brethren don't entirely understand why. I'll admit to not really understanding his reason for rejecting that part of his heritage at first, however, as his character evolves, we discover the truth.
Speaking of our hero, Kai, he's strong and determined, a force to be reckoned with. His fierce demeanor is a startling contrast to his sense of humor, which was a nice surprise during some tense moments. Who else besides Kai would suggest duct tape as an implement to impede childbirth? Above all else, Kai's a fighter. In many ways it seems he's been fighting some kind of battle his entire life. Ford reveals his past in twists and turns, and I'm astonished at all he's endured. I mean, with relatives like these, who needs enemies?
If you're looking for a ton of romance, this book may leave you longing. It's heavy on the action and suspense, and though there are certainly moments of sexual tension, there's very little romance. I'm hoping Rhys Ford is simply saving that for a future story, because the chemistry between Kai and Ryder is insane. I mean off the charts insane. There's no reason to hold back an attraction like that. If only I could convince Kai... ;)
This review can be found at www.3chicksafterdark.com.
hankerchiefghost's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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
“I won’t let him touch you,” he murmured. “I’ll kill anyone who comes for you. Maybe one day you’ll believe that.”
ergogretchen's review against another edition
3.0
This was a solid 'meh' for me. While Kai, the protagonist, is interesting, he's not nearly engaging enough to explain why every single character he meets wants to love him or sleep with him (or both). Seriously. Everybody Wants Kai.
Also, the plot seems haphazard and ill-conceived. Some of the long, loving descriptions of violence, injuries, and scenery could have been applied to exposition and firming up the plot. By the fifth time Kai got beaten to shreds, I was pretty much over the blood and puke.
Greg Tremblay, the narrator, however, gets five stars!
Also, the plot seems haphazard and ill-conceived. Some of the long, loving descriptions of violence, injuries, and scenery could have been applied to exposition and firming up the plot. By the fifth time Kai got beaten to shreds, I was pretty much over the blood and puke.
Greg Tremblay, the narrator, however, gets five stars!
kiiouex's review
2.0
goshh this book was a lot of things i do not like about urban fantasy in one tight package. maybe I'm woke-r than I thought but I found the 'gritty' tone mostly meant the book was full of sexist and ablest and racist little remarks (the oriental fetishism is strong). The MC is bi, which is nice, the love interest is the fucking worst for trampling boundaries and forcing the MC to work for him, and I DNF'd at about 80% when it just became a very action-y plot with a bunch of new characters and I ran out of energy for it
cooeeaus's review
5.0
This is a wonderful series and having this on Audiobook is great. I have now listened to this so many times-I just keep going back for more, I love the narrator who is so good at bringing Kai to life. You can't go wrong with this, really![b:Black Dog Blues|23607717|Black Dog Blues (Kai Gracen, #1)|Rhys Ford|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1417245344l/23607717._SX50_.jpg|25217344]