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cornermac's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Great start to a new series. A lot of characters to keep track of but overall a fun adventure in a well thought out world.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Torture
pussreboots's review against another edition
2.0
Frost Moon by Anthony Francis is a paranormal mystery set in the Little Five Points neighborhood of Atlanta Georgia. Dakota Frost is a tattoo artist capable of making magical tattoos that move on the body, can actually leave the body and serve as protection. She's been called into consult on a case involving a serial killer targeting people (werewolves and so forth) with magical tattoos.
I loved the first third of the book. The setting and Dakota's asides pulled me in. I liked the descriptions of the inks used in magical tattoos and how the tattoos themselves were created and meant to be used.
But two things yanked me right out of the book. The first was the introduction of a character who was obviously behind the crime spree. The second was a lengthy passage about bondage. Having figured out who was doing the crimes and being bored to tears by the bondage, I skipped to the end to verify my hypothesis.
I won the book from GoodReads.
I loved the first third of the book. The setting and Dakota's asides pulled me in. I liked the descriptions of the inks used in magical tattoos and how the tattoos themselves were created and meant to be used.
But two things yanked me right out of the book. The first was the introduction of a character who was obviously behind the crime spree. The second was a lengthy passage about bondage. Having figured out who was doing the crimes and being bored to tears by the bondage, I skipped to the end to verify my hypothesis.
I won the book from GoodReads.
pither's review
4.0
I'm a big urban fantasy fan, and the Dakota Frost series intrigued me from the start. Magical tattoos coming alive? Sounds awesome! I'm waiting for mine to move, but nothing yet.
There was just the right amount of detail and description. You didn't feel bogged down in the mechanics of her tattooing business, but you were given enough to assuage curiosity and interest. I particularly liked the description of how the clock tattoo was done for the million dollar challenge.
Dakota Frost herself was very well-written for. She's a great character, a strong female protagonist and a believable one. She's under no illusions that she's up against vampires, werewolves, and others, and her physical strength is no match for hers. I enjoyed seeing her balance the scales with intelligence, wit, and those bad ass tattoos.
The rest of the characters felt a little flat for me. Jinx was one of the exceptions, and was a delight to read for. She seemed like some sort of delightful cross between Gaiman's characters of Death and Delirium. Cinnamon was another exception; great reading on her end, and I look forward to the YA series starring her! I would have liked to read more about Savannah and Dakota's relationship with her. That aspect was just glossed over, giving me the feeling that there was a previous book in the series I should have read to get the whole story. I didn't find out as much as I wanted, and in some ways it felt a little like a plot device rather than a character in her own right. Same goes for Special Agent Philip. I would have liked to see more, but he was trotted in when the action called for him, then a quick exit stage left. Dakota was fantastic, but I would have liked a stronger supporting cast.
Overall the action was good and Dakota was great. Would definitely recommend to urban fantasy fans of Karen Marie Moning and Kelley Armstrong. Good for those who like a bit more grit than romance. I'm looking forward to reading the second in the series, Blood Rock.
There was just the right amount of detail and description. You didn't feel bogged down in the mechanics of her tattooing business, but you were given enough to assuage curiosity and interest. I particularly liked the description of how the clock tattoo was done for the million dollar challenge.
Dakota Frost herself was very well-written for. She's a great character, a strong female protagonist and a believable one. She's under no illusions that she's up against vampires, werewolves, and others, and her physical strength is no match for hers. I enjoyed seeing her balance the scales with intelligence, wit, and those bad ass tattoos.
The rest of the characters felt a little flat for me. Jinx was one of the exceptions, and was a delight to read for. She seemed like some sort of delightful cross between Gaiman's characters of Death and Delirium. Cinnamon was another exception; great reading on her end, and I look forward to the YA series starring her! I would have liked to read more about Savannah and Dakota's relationship with her. That aspect was just glossed over, giving me the feeling that there was a previous book in the series I should have read to get the whole story. I didn't find out as much as I wanted, and in some ways it felt a little like a plot device rather than a character in her own right. Same goes for Special Agent Philip. I would have liked to see more, but he was trotted in when the action called for him, then a quick exit stage left. Dakota was fantastic, but I would have liked a stronger supporting cast.
Overall the action was good and Dakota was great. Would definitely recommend to urban fantasy fans of Karen Marie Moning and Kelley Armstrong. Good for those who like a bit more grit than romance. I'm looking forward to reading the second in the series, Blood Rock.
jolly_readability's review
1.0
I'm sorry, I just didn't like the book at all.
Too many things are - wait for it - annoying. The overuse of "wait for it" being one of them, the exclamation points orgies occuring during random passages in the book being another big one.
The main character is not very coherent. She is into everybody and everybody is into her. Actually she seems to be into almost everything, including the gogo boots her ex-girlfriend's new BDSM/African/Vampire/Fetish gear wearing playtoy.
It is hard to hold the attention of a lazy eyed rat man, a Nazi werewolf/homeless schizo, a man in black IN a stealthy helicopter, a vampire/French maid and a simple martial arts teacher...Thank goodness the protagonist can handle it all.
I am being a bit negative but this is too fast, too furious which compromises the reader's experience at times.
Too many things are - wait for it - annoying. The overuse of "wait for it" being one of them, the exclamation points orgies occuring during random passages in the book being another big one.
The main character is not very coherent. She is into everybody and everybody is into her. Actually she seems to be into almost everything, including the gogo boots her ex-girlfriend's new BDSM/African/Vampire/Fetish gear wearing playtoy.
It is hard to hold the attention of a lazy eyed rat man, a Nazi werewolf/homeless schizo, a man in black IN a stealthy helicopter, a vampire/French maid and a simple martial arts teacher...Thank goodness the protagonist can handle it all.
I am being a bit negative but this is too fast, too furious which compromises the reader's experience at times.
reader44ever's review
5.0
I absolutely loved this book; it was amazing! Dakota Frost is a fabulous protagonist, her tattoos are intriguing, and her adventures made for a truly great story. Her supporting characters were cool, too: Spleen, Wulf, Lord Buckhead, the Bear-King, Lady Saffron, Lady Darkrose, Doug, Phil, Rand, Kring/L...and all the others I can't think of off the top of my head. I thought they were all great! The plot twisted and turned and I didn't figure out who the bad guy was until just before Dakota found out! It was during the climatic scene at Masquerade: when Buck called the hooded man the Archmage, I had my suspicions as to who it was. :) I loved that! :) I most definitely will read the next book in this series, [b:Blood Rock|11138508|Blood Rock (Skindancer, #2)|Anthony Francis|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1313622192s/11138508.jpg|16061887]. And I hope this one is available as a mass market paperback, because I want to own it!!
missstarlamae's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this story. I didn't LOVE it, but the characters were interesting and I did love the part about the tattoos.
eloiseinparis's review
4.0
Dakota Frost is a magical tattoo artist, a Skindancer. She get’s called in by the police to give her expert opinion. A serial killer is after people with magical tattoo’s. It turns out she may not only be an police expert but a potential victim as well. As if that isn’t enough, a crazed werewolf asks her to tattoo him so he can control his wolf. Leading her on a wild goose chase with Vampire’s, Old God’s, Witches, and weirdo’s.
Loved, loved, loved this book. An urban fantasy set in Atlanta starring a kick ass heroine. It’s fast paced, full of action, with a mystery that does not disappoint. I can’t wait to read more book’s in this series.
Loved, loved, loved this book. An urban fantasy set in Atlanta starring a kick ass heroine. It’s fast paced, full of action, with a mystery that does not disappoint. I can’t wait to read more book’s in this series.
suzjustsuz's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading more of this series.
Strong female protagonist that is well written but not invulnerable or bitchy. She's smart and smart mouthed but not as tough as she could be and she knows it and is working on it. Or at least she figured it out in this book.
Several of the secondary characters I was resistant to liking but inevitably did. The author won me over with them.
I enjoyed references to Atlanta and look forward to seeing more of it.
Most of all I like what I see of the world so far. It was obviously a world introduction and those are always a little bumpy, but this world building went down easy. I'm psyched for the next book.
Strong female protagonist that is well written but not invulnerable or bitchy. She's smart and smart mouthed but not as tough as she could be and she knows it and is working on it. Or at least she figured it out in this book.
Several of the secondary characters I was resistant to liking but inevitably did. The author won me over with them.
I enjoyed references to Atlanta and look forward to seeing more of it.
Most of all I like what I see of the world so far. It was obviously a world introduction and those are always a little bumpy, but this world building went down easy. I'm psyched for the next book.
kheya's review
5.0
Author Anthony Francis has created a fresh, unique character in Dakota Frost. In the first novel of a projected trilogy, we are introduced to Dakota Frost, a magical tattoo artist and skindancer. What is a skindancer and how are tattoos magical?---read the book and find out. I will say I now want my tattoos to be magical (pout)! Dakota is a multifaceted strong heroine she is a curiously alive character. I say this because she strikes me as very "real". I could picture meeting someone like her. ISHe is a human being with virtues and flaws. What I loved about her is the fact that she is NOT invincible. She may be tough and kick ass but she is also vulnerable to both emotional and physical pain. When put into a situation where she is in real danger she does not just brush it off, she thinks, feels, and even fears. Her psychological trauma is realistic, not just put upon to create another barrier or to make her "more" interesting.
The surrounding cast of characters is fascinating and adds color to the story. You care about them because they are not cut out figures who only serve to prop up the heroine or further the story. They each have a life of their own and their existence is essential. You want to know what happens to them, as much as you want to know what happens to Dakota.
Without going into details and ruining the plot--- If you are a fan of paranormal romance, urban fantasy or even steam punk (though this is not steam punk in setting) you will enjoy this book. If you like first person narratives, strong female protagonists or vampires and weres you will enjoy this book. If you like vivid description, a new magic system, and strong secondary characters you will enjoy this book. Soooo what's stopping you?!?!?!......RUN... don't walk... to your nearest bookstore or computer and order this book. You won't regret it!
I will say Anthony Francis is now on my must buy no matter what format (hard cover, paperback or ebook) list. So I give him five stars and am anxiously awaiting the next installment in this trilogy!
The surrounding cast of characters is fascinating and adds color to the story. You care about them because they are not cut out figures who only serve to prop up the heroine or further the story. They each have a life of their own and their existence is essential. You want to know what happens to them, as much as you want to know what happens to Dakota.
Without going into details and ruining the plot--- If you are a fan of paranormal romance, urban fantasy or even steam punk (though this is not steam punk in setting) you will enjoy this book. If you like first person narratives, strong female protagonists or vampires and weres you will enjoy this book. If you like vivid description, a new magic system, and strong secondary characters you will enjoy this book. Soooo what's stopping you?!?!?!......RUN... don't walk... to your nearest bookstore or computer and order this book. You won't regret it!
I will say Anthony Francis is now on my must buy no matter what format (hard cover, paperback or ebook) list. So I give him five stars and am anxiously awaiting the next installment in this trilogy!
frantic_vampire's review
4.0
This was a little bit of a wild card read for me. I had hopes of what it could be and I want not disappointed. It's the first in the Skindancer series. For me, it fits right in with the slightly darker urban fantasy books that I seem to be drawn to lately. Vibrant characters and an interesting plot line made this a book that I couldn't put down. It gets a solid four stars.