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nyxshadow's review against another edition
3.0
http://nyx-shadow.blogspot.fr/2012/08/skindancer-t1-frost-moon-anthony.html
drey72's review against another edition
4.0
drey’s thoughts:
I should’ve read Frost Moon back when I got it. But then I wouldn’t be able to pick up Blood Rock when I finished it!
Dakota Frost is a tattoo artist, but not just any tattoo artist–she inks magical tattoos. She’s tall, brash, and full of spit and vinegar. Yes, I like her. *grin*
In this first Skindancer book, Dakota is dragged into were business, vamp business, and plain ol’ homicide investigation. With a heaping side of the feds. Whew! But she has no choice–someone’s been skinning the magical tats off people, and they think the perpetrator is heading to Atlanta. Of course Dakota has to help… Doesn’t hurt that the fed is quite yummilicious!
There are multiple plot lines in this story, and all of them seem random until the end. But Dakota isn’t all work and no play, and there’s no shortage of friends willing to help her out. Unfortunately for her, some of them don’t quite survive the experience.
I like tattoos, I like urban fantasy, and I like Anthony Francis’ melding of the two. Give Frost Moon a whirl if you haven’t already. I’m going to pick up Blood Rock as soon as I can.
drey’s rating: Excellent!
I should’ve read Frost Moon back when I got it. But then I wouldn’t be able to pick up Blood Rock when I finished it!
Dakota Frost is a tattoo artist, but not just any tattoo artist–she inks magical tattoos. She’s tall, brash, and full of spit and vinegar. Yes, I like her. *grin*
In this first Skindancer book, Dakota is dragged into were business, vamp business, and plain ol’ homicide investigation. With a heaping side of the feds. Whew! But she has no choice–someone’s been skinning the magical tats off people, and they think the perpetrator is heading to Atlanta. Of course Dakota has to help… Doesn’t hurt that the fed is quite yummilicious!
There are multiple plot lines in this story, and all of them seem random until the end. But Dakota isn’t all work and no play, and there’s no shortage of friends willing to help her out. Unfortunately for her, some of them don’t quite survive the experience.
I like tattoos, I like urban fantasy, and I like Anthony Francis’ melding of the two. Give Frost Moon a whirl if you haven’t already. I’m going to pick up Blood Rock as soon as I can.
drey’s rating: Excellent!
blood_rose_books's review against another edition
3.0
In his debut novel Anthony Francis bring the reader on a wild roller coaster ride in the edge world of the city of Atlanta where one woman is about to act as the go between for the police and the things that go bump in the night, whether she wants to or not.
Dakota Frost is the best magical tattoo artist in the Southeast of the USA. People flock to get a "Frost Bitten" tattoo. The magic tattoo can range from protection symbols to a simple butterfly that can move around one's body. But tattoo magic is not fully understand and my be more powerful than anyone ever expected, especially when there appears to be a serial killer collecting these tattoos from his victims while they are still alive. Dakota is caught in the middle between wanting to help the Feds but the werewolf and vampire worlds are more complicated and to warn everyone is going to take every favour she has, but all those favours cannot protect Dakota when it appears when more than one person wants her dead.
I really enjoyed this book. I fell into this world, it is not that Francis has created a world that is completely unquie but just unquie enough to capture and hold my attention. The storyline is also well done, I think that Francis took more risks that some authors in this genre. This book could have very quickly turned into a paranormal romance but Francis was able to hold off writing something that (i think) is more popular with the masses right now. So Thank you Anthony Francis for not taking the easier route. That said, there are several possible "love" interests for Dakota but they are not extensively explored, they are very secondary to the overall story.
I have not read a book before where tattoos were able to come to life off of the skin and had magical powers that could be stored within the tattoo. I am interested in more exploring on this topic. I believe that The Iron Hunt by Marjorie M. Lui has something similar but I have not read that series yet, so I am unable to properly compare the two. Though after reading Francis' book it makes me want to pick up Lui's book, as I am really intrigued about the magical tattoo aspect. Francis give great visual description to the tattoo I really felt like I could see Dakota with her tattoos, and them moving about the body. It really made me want a magical tattoo. Also how Dakota was able to draw the tattoos on herself and her ability to transfer to others was also really neat. And finally the power of the tattoos, you begin to see how powerful they really can be and I look forward to seeing Dakota discover more about the tattoo's powers.
Dakota sports a colored mohawk, wears quite a lot of leather and is covered in tattoos (including on her scalp), many of which she tattooed on herself, needless to say, Dakota tries to be the tough as nails chick where no one can hurt her, which is a typical aspect for the herone in the paranormal genre. However, I really appreciated it when her attitude gets her into a lot of trouble that she is unable to get out of. I'm glad that Francis was willing to go there. It was really refreshing when author are willing to put main characters and even secondary characters in peril and it becomes questionable whether they will survive or not.
I think my only criticism in this book is that Dakota's first thought when she someone attractive (male or female) are sexual thoughts or getting that tingly feeling. It makes me think that she has not been with someone since her last girlfriend. Although, Francis is trying to portray Dakota as Bisexual she seemed to really only be attracted to the men of the book, and it almost like she was "playing" being attracted to women, other than towards her ex-girlfriend Savanna. I think this aspect is the weakest part of the story that Francis has created, however, since Dakota's love life is secondary, it does not take from the overall enjoyment of the book.
This was a really good debut and I think Francis is a great new voice to add to the paranormal genre. I am looking forward to reading more about Dakota Frost, her tattoos and what type of trouble her or Cinnamon will get into next. I think those who enjoy the paranormal genre will like this book, those who are not used to the paranormal genre there may be too much of the paranormal aspects in the book for you to start with this one. I have read on Francis' blog that he has completed the second book, so hopefully it will be out soon.
Enjoy!!!!
Dakota Frost is the best magical tattoo artist in the Southeast of the USA. People flock to get a "Frost Bitten" tattoo. The magic tattoo can range from protection symbols to a simple butterfly that can move around one's body. But tattoo magic is not fully understand and my be more powerful than anyone ever expected, especially when there appears to be a serial killer collecting these tattoos from his victims while they are still alive. Dakota is caught in the middle between wanting to help the Feds but the werewolf and vampire worlds are more complicated and to warn everyone is going to take every favour she has, but all those favours cannot protect Dakota when it appears when more than one person wants her dead.
I really enjoyed this book. I fell into this world, it is not that Francis has created a world that is completely unquie but just unquie enough to capture and hold my attention. The storyline is also well done, I think that Francis took more risks that some authors in this genre. This book could have very quickly turned into a paranormal romance but Francis was able to hold off writing something that (i think) is more popular with the masses right now. So Thank you Anthony Francis for not taking the easier route. That said, there are several possible "love" interests for Dakota but they are not extensively explored, they are very secondary to the overall story.
I have not read a book before where tattoos were able to come to life off of the skin and had magical powers that could be stored within the tattoo. I am interested in more exploring on this topic. I believe that The Iron Hunt by Marjorie M. Lui has something similar but I have not read that series yet, so I am unable to properly compare the two. Though after reading Francis' book it makes me want to pick up Lui's book, as I am really intrigued about the magical tattoo aspect. Francis give great visual description to the tattoo I really felt like I could see Dakota with her tattoos, and them moving about the body. It really made me want a magical tattoo. Also how Dakota was able to draw the tattoos on herself and her ability to transfer to others was also really neat. And finally the power of the tattoos, you begin to see how powerful they really can be and I look forward to seeing Dakota discover more about the tattoo's powers.
Dakota sports a colored mohawk, wears quite a lot of leather and is covered in tattoos (including on her scalp), many of which she tattooed on herself, needless to say, Dakota tries to be the tough as nails chick where no one can hurt her, which is a typical aspect for the herone in the paranormal genre. However, I really appreciated it when her attitude gets her into a lot of trouble that she is unable to get out of. I'm glad that Francis was willing to go there. It was really refreshing when author are willing to put main characters and even secondary characters in peril and it becomes questionable whether they will survive or not.
I think my only criticism in this book is that Dakota's first thought when she someone attractive (male or female) are sexual thoughts or getting that tingly feeling. It makes me think that she has not been with someone since her last girlfriend. Although, Francis is trying to portray Dakota as Bisexual she seemed to really only be attracted to the men of the book, and it almost like she was "playing" being attracted to women, other than towards her ex-girlfriend Savanna. I think this aspect is the weakest part of the story that Francis has created, however, since Dakota's love life is secondary, it does not take from the overall enjoyment of the book.
This was a really good debut and I think Francis is a great new voice to add to the paranormal genre. I am looking forward to reading more about Dakota Frost, her tattoos and what type of trouble her or Cinnamon will get into next. I think those who enjoy the paranormal genre will like this book, those who are not used to the paranormal genre there may be too much of the paranormal aspects in the book for you to start with this one. I have read on Francis' blog that he has completed the second book, so hopefully it will be out soon.
Enjoy!!!!
shelovestoread81's review
4.0
I got this book on Amazon Prime and was surprised how well I liked it. I am looking forward to the next book in this series. I loved the premise of it the flow of the writing.
thecanary's review against another edition
1.0
My first impression of Frost Moon was overwhelmingly positive. It sounded like I would be getting an Urban Fantasy written by a male author about a freakishly tall, lesbian (turns out she’s actually bi) magic-tattoo artist in a world where magic is in the open, but still on the margins of mainstream society. As the story begins, we learn that our heroine’s ex was a doctoral candidate who–to better research vampires–became one. There's also this werewolf with control issues who wants the reluctant Dakota Frost to tattoo him with a Nazi charm. Call me intrigued.
But when it comes to the actual meat of the novel, the number of stories that Frost Moon attempts to tie together leave me feeling that I didn’t get enough of any of them. The novel struggles with the breadth it tries to cover: were-animals, were-animal society in modern world, magic-tattoos, ancient cults, reality tv contests, vampires, relationship angst, serial killers, BDSM, instant-love, torture, martial arts, government agents, almost-rape, guy running around in bondage gear, stripping (x3), marginalized yet rich subcultures, emotional breakdowns, self-defense (and lack thereof), redemption-via-true-love, betrayal, adoption, police investigations, black ops helicopters, and a visit to the local Borders as it closes down.
Frost Moon races to tie these elements together, taking convenient shortcuts when needed. Prepare yourself for a story in which the heroine manages to form deep, redemptive, emotional ties with characters after seeing them roughly once. And if that sentence above sounds disgruntled, that’s because it is.
In the end, it’s a fast read that I would recommend to anyone wanting to chew on something while waiting for the next Laurell K. Hamilton book to come out.
Read my full review here.
But when it comes to the actual meat of the novel, the number of stories that Frost Moon attempts to tie together leave me feeling that I didn’t get enough of any of them. The novel struggles with the breadth it tries to cover: were-animals, were-animal society in modern world, magic-tattoos, ancient cults, reality tv contests, vampires, relationship angst, serial killers, BDSM, instant-love, torture, martial arts, government agents, almost-rape, guy running around in bondage gear, stripping (x3), marginalized yet rich subcultures, emotional breakdowns, self-defense (and lack thereof), redemption-via-true-love, betrayal, adoption, police investigations, black ops helicopters, and a visit to the local Borders as it closes down.
Frost Moon races to tie these elements together, taking convenient shortcuts when needed. Prepare yourself for a story in which the heroine manages to form deep, redemptive, emotional ties with characters after seeing them roughly once. And if that sentence above sounds disgruntled, that’s because it is.
In the end, it’s a fast read that I would recommend to anyone wanting to chew on something while waiting for the next Laurell K. Hamilton book to come out.
Read my full review here.
bhunky's review against another edition
4.0
seems like a pretty promising start, although I can totally see the difference between a male vs female author. Also why is it that it seems like just about every guy character is shorter than her, who wants to date a guy like six inches shorter than them?
rosepetals1984's review against another edition
2.0
I have a lukewarm impression of Anthony Francis' "Frost Moon" overall - not so much for the blunt content with respect to violence, language or sex (which for all three measures, this book was graphic in spurts so mature audiences ONLY), but for the rather choppy presentation and lack of directive focus with the story overall. It has potential to turn into something interesting, I'm just not sure that the story gripped me enough the whole way through to really immerse me in the story and hold my attention. I had to pick up the book and put it down several times before I really got into it. I liked the subsequent worldbuilding of an alternative culture version of Atlanta (complete with distinct dialect), where paranormal creatures are at every turn and mystic tattoos are as real as werewolves, vampires, witches and other otherworldly kin. I will say that it engaged me as far as the creative aspects of the work were concerned, and I liked the female protagonist (savvy female leads are always a plus in my book).
This is my first foray into the works of Francis, so I'm not passing judgement too soon, and I will read the ARC for the second book in this series to see how it turns out.
To give a brief summary of the plot, Dakota Moon is a mystic tattoo artist (a.k.a. Skindancer) who takes on a harrowing quest when a serial killer targeting tattooed elite clientele, and the Feds as well as the police recruit Dakota to catch the person responsible. There's a very colorful (and I do mean colorful) cast to be had in this book, but even with the way these characters come across, I feel like I'm told more about them than having a fair idea of seeing their interactions and getting into their heads in an entertaining way. There's some bits of humor here that if you're into the culture it's displaying, some of the references are actually fun (I'm kind of surprised I recognized the anime type references in this story - that was interesting), but others feel like they're thrown in there just to be edgy and it feels forced in conjunction with the work as a whole.
I think alt culture, adult urban fantasy fans might enjoy this mystery/paranormal foray, but it takes a bit of patience to get into. My hope is that it'll come across a little more organized in the second installation of this series.
Overall score: 2/5
This is my first foray into the works of Francis, so I'm not passing judgement too soon, and I will read the ARC for the second book in this series to see how it turns out.
To give a brief summary of the plot, Dakota Moon is a mystic tattoo artist (a.k.a. Skindancer) who takes on a harrowing quest when a serial killer targeting tattooed elite clientele, and the Feds as well as the police recruit Dakota to catch the person responsible. There's a very colorful (and I do mean colorful) cast to be had in this book, but even with the way these characters come across, I feel like I'm told more about them than having a fair idea of seeing their interactions and getting into their heads in an entertaining way. There's some bits of humor here that if you're into the culture it's displaying, some of the references are actually fun (I'm kind of surprised I recognized the anime type references in this story - that was interesting), but others feel like they're thrown in there just to be edgy and it feels forced in conjunction with the work as a whole.
I think alt culture, adult urban fantasy fans might enjoy this mystery/paranormal foray, but it takes a bit of patience to get into. My hope is that it'll come across a little more organized in the second installation of this series.
Overall score: 2/5
toastx2's review against another edition
3.0
Magical tattoos, christian vampires, were-creatures, and men in black. magicians, lesbians, men in dog suits, blood, gore, blind witches, karate and unanswered questions.
when i first got this as an e-book advance release from the publisher, i dipped into it and was not impressed. a month later i came back to it ans had a completely different reaction.
second chance was much better. the characters became tangible and the story more fluid.
it is a single serving book, awesome and definitely one i would refer others too, but i would never read it again. this is not a slight against the book as it is directly in line with a lot of books i read. i can state that i am anxious to read the next book in the series as it is released.
The plot of the skindancer trilogy revolves around dakota frost, estranged daughter of a police officer. she works in a tattoo parlor and inks 3 dimensional mana infused tats on people. dragons that squirm and writhe, butterflies that can leave the body and flit about a room.
a friend of her father brings her into the police station one morning and requests her assistance on a case. he has the lid of a wooden box covered with human skin inked with magical imagery. he also has a string of murders unanswered for.
Dakota traverses the dark underground of an alternate atlanta georgia, putting her fist in the personal space of a number of people. her wit is quick and sharp.
the cast of characters was interesting and varied, the text was interesting, and story fast paced. the only real drawback was that there wasnt much substance to the book. it was like watching an action film. you get a kick, you are on the edge of your seat to see what happens, but in the end, it is not much more than genre-candy.
i can see the trilogy gaining more substance as it progresses, but the author will be walking a very fine line if he can manage it. even if it stays candy, i like candy, so who cares. fast efficient and enjoyable fiction is always welcome in my home.
Worth reading, but don't analyze it, just enjoy it.
--
xpost RawBlurb.com
when i first got this as an e-book advance release from the publisher, i dipped into it and was not impressed. a month later i came back to it ans had a completely different reaction.
second chance was much better. the characters became tangible and the story more fluid.
it is a single serving book, awesome and definitely one i would refer others too, but i would never read it again. this is not a slight against the book as it is directly in line with a lot of books i read. i can state that i am anxious to read the next book in the series as it is released.
The plot of the skindancer trilogy revolves around dakota frost, estranged daughter of a police officer. she works in a tattoo parlor and inks 3 dimensional mana infused tats on people. dragons that squirm and writhe, butterflies that can leave the body and flit about a room.
a friend of her father brings her into the police station one morning and requests her assistance on a case. he has the lid of a wooden box covered with human skin inked with magical imagery. he also has a string of murders unanswered for.
Dakota traverses the dark underground of an alternate atlanta georgia, putting her fist in the personal space of a number of people. her wit is quick and sharp.
the cast of characters was interesting and varied, the text was interesting, and story fast paced. the only real drawback was that there wasnt much substance to the book. it was like watching an action film. you get a kick, you are on the edge of your seat to see what happens, but in the end, it is not much more than genre-candy.
i can see the trilogy gaining more substance as it progresses, but the author will be walking a very fine line if he can manage it. even if it stays candy, i like candy, so who cares. fast efficient and enjoyable fiction is always welcome in my home.
Worth reading, but don't analyze it, just enjoy it.
--
xpost RawBlurb.com
mtuttle82's review against another edition
4.0
This was a really good supernatural book. I find that alot of supernatural books these days don't portray the characters as dangerous as they should. I think this book did a really nice job showing a dangerous side to the supernatural that we don't usually see. It was a real nice page turner!