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aster1123's review against another edition
4.0
This series is great! fantastic world building and amazing characters. it's dark and gritty though.
The only problem I have is that spellings change from one book to another, and people's last names magically change from one book to another. I loathe inconsistencies like that, and it's super distracting from the storytelling, so be warned. god forbid an editor or beta reader actual catch issues so they can be fixed...
The only problem I have is that spellings change from one book to another, and people's last names magically change from one book to another. I loathe inconsistencies like that, and it's super distracting from the storytelling, so be warned. god forbid an editor or beta reader actual catch issues so they can be fixed...
scarletine6's review against another edition
4.0
Colour me amazed. I LOVED this book
Rhys Ford's contemporary series are hit and miss for me, primarily because of her wordiness. Sex scenes go on forever and are as erotic as a cold shower. It's a shame because there is no doubt she is an excellent writer. But, I must give credit where it's due. Rhys Ford's urban fantasy is TOP NOTCH and her descriptive writing style shines in "Black Dog Blues".
There were a few irksome similarities between MC Kai Gracen, and another character from Ford's "Sinners" series Miki St John, but they faded into the background when elfin Lord, Ryder appeared on the scene and the story took off at pace.
There is lots of UST between Kai with women and men, but it's Ryder who makes his skin sing. Amazingly, there is no sex in this story, which was good in a way as it allowed space for the extent of the world to be described and the dynamic's of the elves versus human's to be played out. The world building in Black Dog Blue's is fantastic, and Greg Tremblay's narration was first class.
I would highly recommend this book.
Rhys Ford's contemporary series are hit and miss for me, primarily because of her wordiness. Sex scenes go on forever and are as erotic as a cold shower. It's a shame because there is no doubt she is an excellent writer. But, I must give credit where it's due. Rhys Ford's urban fantasy is TOP NOTCH and her descriptive writing style shines in "Black Dog Blues".
There were a few irksome similarities between MC Kai Gracen, and another character from Ford's "Sinners" series Miki St John, but they faded into the background when elfin Lord, Ryder appeared on the scene and the story took off at pace.
There is lots of UST between Kai with women and men, but it's Ryder who makes his skin sing. Amazingly, there is no sex in this story, which was good in a way as it allowed space for the extent of the world to be described and the dynamic's of the elves versus human's to be played out. The world building in Black Dog Blue's is fantastic, and Greg Tremblay's narration was first class.
I would highly recommend this book.
see_sadie_read's review against another edition
4.0
I really quite enjoyed this. 8 hours and 50 minutes and I listed to it in one day. Seriously, I got all my laundry folded, cleaned my house, did a little knitting. It was great. I think what I liked most was Kai's sarcasm and the rough, fatherly affections of the stalkers. I appreciated how the elfin and human societies sat side by side, chafing at the edges. As well as how Kai was bisexual and the slow, slow burn of the romance.
I was annoyed with how women were represented. There aren't a lot of them and they're all cliched. The untouchable angel, the whore, the sexually aggressive cousin, the raving bitch, the manipulator and the mother (who was also disloyal). There wasn't a single non-problematic women in the book, when taken all together. Why does MM so often do this?
I also liked the narrations. I was a little iffy with the Irish lilt, given the appearance of the character on the cover. It didn't match what I would have imagined. But it worked, given his adoptive father and once I got used to it.
I was annoyed with how women were represented. There aren't a lot of them and they're all cliched. The untouchable angel, the whore, the sexually aggressive cousin, the raving bitch, the manipulator and the mother (who was also disloyal). There wasn't a single non-problematic women in the book, when taken all together. Why does MM so often do this?
I also liked the narrations. I was a little iffy with the Irish lilt, given the appearance of the character on the cover. It didn't match what I would have imagined. But it worked, given his adoptive father and once I got used to it.
poplora's review
5.0
This series is some good shit. First book is a little rough when it comes to action scenes because the way it's written it's hard to follow what's happening. It clears up as the books go on.
Again, this is some good shit. It makes me laugh, cry, and I inhaled everything that was released at the time of this review within days.
As a side note, with the book titles it gives me some Cowboy Bebop vibes.
Definitely recommend.
Again, this is some good shit. It makes me laugh, cry, and I inhaled everything that was released at the time of this review within days.
As a side note, with the book titles it gives me some Cowboy Bebop vibes.
Definitely recommend.
janetted's review
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.
cmira2027's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 - I am intrigued by this first in a new series novel. There is a lot going on here and much of it is not resolved, and I would have liked a little more background to the world. Still I am intrigued, Kai is strong character and damaged enough to make me want to know him better. Ryder needs to be fleshed out more, I didn't really get a good feel for him here, who he is, what his strengths are - why he wants Kai and why he should have him.
I like Rhys Ford and I will see where this story goes.
I like Rhys Ford and I will see where this story goes.
elementchaos's review
4.0
Much more romance than I thought. But the world is badass and I really liked Kai. I also loved the Japanese flavor randomly put in there and how many badass and strong females there were. However they all seemed to be obsessed with Kai - as was everyone actually - which is kinda cliche. Action scenes were top notch, but there was a lot of sexual violence too so not for the faint of heart
opheliajblack's review
4.0
Please note; my star rating on any book is completely subjective and limited to the label for each star.
1 Star I didn’t like it
2 Stars It was okay
3 Stars I liked it
4 Stars I really liked it
5 Stars It was amazing!
If I do actually have something to say about a book other than what my enjoyment factor was, I will write a review and share my thoughts. If I say I didn’t like a book but there wasn’t anything about it that I thought needed to be shared, then that’s it, I just didn’t like it.
If you’d like to start a discussion about a book or you’d like an actual review, ask any question you like and I’ll be happy to try and comply/respond.
Additional note; I do not feed the trolls. If you don’t have something constructive to say, or if you can’t say it in a respectful way, you won’t get a response from me. Ever.
1 Star I didn’t like it
2 Stars It was okay
3 Stars I liked it
4 Stars I really liked it
5 Stars It was amazing!
If I do actually have something to say about a book other than what my enjoyment factor was, I will write a review and share my thoughts. If I say I didn’t like a book but there wasn’t anything about it that I thought needed to be shared, then that’s it, I just didn’t like it.
If you’d like to start a discussion about a book or you’d like an actual review, ask any question you like and I’ll be happy to try and comply/respond.
Additional note; I do not feed the trolls. If you don’t have something constructive to say, or if you can’t say it in a respectful way, you won’t get a response from me. Ever.
basieasy's review against another edition
2.0
Stopped at 82%. I really wanted to like this book but so many things kept popping up that made it really hard. Like overly disgusting for no reason.