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thisjustem's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars. Okay I was a bit disappointed with this one. After the first two I anxiously awaited this because they were just so good. This one wasn't nearly as funny and there were definitely not as many lighthearted scenes which I loved in the first two.
It was a bit of an uphill battle with this book and I would've only given it three stars if not for the last seventy pages. Not really feeling the love between Rynn and Alix...they seemed more like partners on a dog than they did as a romantic pairing. Honestly I felt more of a connection between Carpe and Alix at some points (despite Alix's insistence against it).
Speaking of Carpe; I was rooting for him to do the right thing all through the book and really redeem himself. Hopefully we will see more of that from him in the next instalment. Forever loving Captain--that cat kept me involved in the story when I wanted to put it down! Haha.
I am still invested in the series, although I really hope the next book will be more like the first two and not quite as dark and moody as this one.
It was a bit of an uphill battle with this book and I would've only given it three stars if not for the last seventy pages. Not really feeling the love between Rynn and Alix...they seemed more like partners on a dog than they did as a romantic pairing. Honestly I felt more of a connection between Carpe and Alix at some points (despite Alix's insistence against it).
Speaking of Carpe; I was rooting for him to do the right thing all through the book and really redeem himself. Hopefully we will see more of that from him in the next instalment. Forever loving Captain--that cat kept me involved in the story when I wanted to put it down! Haha.
I am still invested in the series, although I really hope the next book will be more like the first two and not quite as dark and moody as this one.
karireads's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mxsallybend's review
4.0
The third book in The Adventures of Owl is, in a word, the most significant entry in the series to date. So much of what's been hinted and teased comes to the forefront here with a story that offers up equal measures of character building, world building, and plot development. Kristi Charish has really upped the ante here, and it pays off.
The first thing you'll notice about Owl and the Electric Samurai is that it is neither as frantic nor as fun as its predecessors. This is a slower, more deliberate tale, and one that carries a heavy weight in terms of its stakes for all involved. For that reason, it's also neither as friendly nor as romantic. Sure, the usual cast of supporting characters is there, namely Rynn and Carpe, but there is an emotional distance between them all that is borne out of fear, paranoia, and desperation.
Not only does Owl have lingering tensions with Lady Siyu to deal with, but International Archaeology Association (IAA) is playing hardball, the elves have put her in an impossible position, and the cursed (possibly sentient) armor know as the Electric Samurai has placed its own claim on our heroine. Placed in an impossible situation, it seems as if any action she takes to deal with one issue only increases the pressure of the others.
In terms of world-building, Owl and the Electric Samurai has a lot to offer. We get insights into Rynn's past, as well as his history with the elves; we learn more about supernatural politics than you'd ever imagine possible; and we get some significant revelations about World Quest and its creators. Readers who have been waiting for answers will find many of them here but, of course, they will also find new - and often bigger - questions as a result. The real-life archaeological set-pieces are a bit simpler this time around, but they are balanced with the fantastical details of Shangri-La. Heavy the story may be, full of plots and threats around every corner, but Charish never loses her ability to astound.
The climax here is everything fans could hope for, but it comes at a steep price. There are hard choices and real threats in the final chapters, all leading up to a major development for one character, and an even bigger cliff-hanger. Owl and the Electric Samurai may promise a lot, juggling all its myriad conflicts, but it also delivers. This volume feels like a real game-changer, and I suspect the upcoming Owl and the Tiger Thieves will take things even further.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
The first thing you'll notice about Owl and the Electric Samurai is that it is neither as frantic nor as fun as its predecessors. This is a slower, more deliberate tale, and one that carries a heavy weight in terms of its stakes for all involved. For that reason, it's also neither as friendly nor as romantic. Sure, the usual cast of supporting characters is there, namely Rynn and Carpe, but there is an emotional distance between them all that is borne out of fear, paranoia, and desperation.
Not only does Owl have lingering tensions with Lady Siyu to deal with, but International Archaeology Association (IAA) is playing hardball, the elves have put her in an impossible position, and the cursed (possibly sentient) armor know as the Electric Samurai has placed its own claim on our heroine. Placed in an impossible situation, it seems as if any action she takes to deal with one issue only increases the pressure of the others.
In terms of world-building, Owl and the Electric Samurai has a lot to offer. We get insights into Rynn's past, as well as his history with the elves; we learn more about supernatural politics than you'd ever imagine possible; and we get some significant revelations about World Quest and its creators. Readers who have been waiting for answers will find many of them here but, of course, they will also find new - and often bigger - questions as a result. The real-life archaeological set-pieces are a bit simpler this time around, but they are balanced with the fantastical details of Shangri-La. Heavy the story may be, full of plots and threats around every corner, but Charish never loses her ability to astound.
The climax here is everything fans could hope for, but it comes at a steep price. There are hard choices and real threats in the final chapters, all leading up to a major development for one character, and an even bigger cliff-hanger. Owl and the Electric Samurai may promise a lot, juggling all its myriad conflicts, but it also delivers. This volume feels like a real game-changer, and I suspect the upcoming Owl and the Tiger Thieves will take things even further.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC of this title from the publisher in exchange for review consideration. This does not in any way affect the honesty or sincerity of my review.
blodeuedd's review
4.0
I listened to book 1 on audio, then I read book 2, and now I am back to audio and I guess because I started it on audio I just prefer the audio. I need those voices.
Owl does not have it easy. The IAA is after her (and it was never her fault to begin with). She is under the employment of a dragon and the worst, someone has her cat. Noo, not Captain. I do love a good cat sidekick. He is just there you know, and his growls plays a big part.
I like Owl, she is snarky (sure maybe too much for her own good but who cares). She loves cats and history. Gotta love that.
Anyway, in this one she must find two guys for the IAA and that is just the beginning. In comes the mystery of the electric samurai. And it does become a great adventure. Action, snark, danger and suspense.
Narration by Christy Romano
I do like how she plays the different part and I enjoy listening to her voice. I think she does a good job narrating this one.
I never know what to say when it comes to narration, I mean, I liked her voice and that is all I need.
Conclusion:
I am reeeeally looking forward to book 4 now cos omg that ending. Dang! That was intense and something bad happened. Something that will alter everything. I can't wait to see how it works out. I need it now
Owl does not have it easy. The IAA is after her (and it was never her fault to begin with). She is under the employment of a dragon and the worst, someone has her cat. Noo, not Captain. I do love a good cat sidekick. He is just there you know, and his growls plays a big part.
I like Owl, she is snarky (sure maybe too much for her own good but who cares). She loves cats and history. Gotta love that.
Anyway, in this one she must find two guys for the IAA and that is just the beginning. In comes the mystery of the electric samurai. And it does become a great adventure. Action, snark, danger and suspense.
Narration by Christy Romano
I do like how she plays the different part and I enjoy listening to her voice. I think she does a good job narrating this one.
I never know what to say when it comes to narration, I mean, I liked her voice and that is all I need.
Conclusion:
I am reeeeally looking forward to book 4 now cos omg that ending. Dang! That was intense and something bad happened. Something that will alter everything. I can't wait to see how it works out. I need it now
biteintobooks's review
3.0
I do not feel any regret for sticking with the audiobooks in this series. The narrator is amazing with the accents and voices she does and that makes it so easy and fun to listen to.
I think that this is my favorite book in the Owl Series so far. If I gave half apples, I would have given this one 3.5.
This review wast first posted @ BiteIntoBooks
The story was easier to follow, although I did feel like the ending was a bit of a mumble jumble of things and I didn't want to keep rewinding, so I just listened through. I feel like the books might need a bit of an edit, because I can't count how many "baleful meows" the cat did and there were more repetitions like this in the book.
I was a bit sad that Nadia wasn't too much in this book, but the ending was so good, that I'm really pumped for the next book. Hopefully I can end this series with a 4 star rating?
I think that this is my favorite book in the Owl Series so far. If I gave half apples, I would have given this one 3.5.
This review wast first posted @ BiteIntoBooks
The story was easier to follow, although I did feel like the ending was a bit of a mumble jumble of things and I didn't want to keep rewinding, so I just listened through. I feel like the books might need a bit of an edit, because I can't count how many "baleful meows" the cat did and there were more repetitions like this in the book.
I was a bit sad that Nadia wasn't too much in this book, but the ending was so good, that I'm really pumped for the next book. Hopefully I can end this series with a 4 star rating?
wilmaknickersfit's review
5.0
This series is going from strength to strength. Excellent addition to the Urban Fantasy genre.
lilyelement's review
4.0
Owl and the Electric Samurai is book three in The Adventures of Owl series. I've really enjoyed all the action and adventure we've seen in this series so far so I knew I had to grab this book. A little refresher for this series is that Alix aka Owl is an antiquities thief, and she works for a dragon. He sends her on missions and she generally gets into a ton of trouble along the way.
We start off with Alix Hiboux on the hunt for an artifact. When she brings it back to Las Vegas and talks with her boss she finds out the elves are seeking her services in finding a piece of armor that has a nasty streak. Her missions are getting more and more difficult due to The International Archaeology Association (IAA) wanting her to find the designers of the video game she adores. They're the ones in charge of not letting the supernatural artifacts getting leaked to the public. They've already screwed Alix over before, though and they're now sending mercenaries because she's not doing as they bid. All roads are seeming to lead to Shangri-La and with the mercenaries tailing them everywhere they go it's not going to be an easy mission.
Owl and the Electric Samurai is a modern Indian Jane read with paranormal bits intertwined. I've come to really enjoy this series since the leading lady is a gamer and is trying to be something other than a no good antiquities thief. There's a bit of romance mixed into the story which I love but all the places Alix travels to gives me a serious case of wanderlust. This was an excellent addition to the series, we find out more about the duo behind the video game and how it's so eerily similar to where artifacts are hiding in real life. It does leave off with a new can of worms opened so I cannot wait to see what the next book brings us. If you're a fan of paranormal treasure hunter type stories you won't want to miss this series.
We start off with Alix Hiboux on the hunt for an artifact. When she brings it back to Las Vegas and talks with her boss she finds out the elves are seeking her services in finding a piece of armor that has a nasty streak. Her missions are getting more and more difficult due to The International Archaeology Association (IAA) wanting her to find the designers of the video game she adores. They're the ones in charge of not letting the supernatural artifacts getting leaked to the public. They've already screwed Alix over before, though and they're now sending mercenaries because she's not doing as they bid. All roads are seeming to lead to Shangri-La and with the mercenaries tailing them everywhere they go it's not going to be an easy mission.
Owl and the Electric Samurai is a modern Indian Jane read with paranormal bits intertwined. I've come to really enjoy this series since the leading lady is a gamer and is trying to be something other than a no good antiquities thief. There's a bit of romance mixed into the story which I love but all the places Alix travels to gives me a serious case of wanderlust. This was an excellent addition to the series, we find out more about the duo behind the video game and how it's so eerily similar to where artifacts are hiding in real life. It does leave off with a new can of worms opened so I cannot wait to see what the next book brings us. If you're a fan of paranormal treasure hunter type stories you won't want to miss this series.
bananatricky's review against another edition
3.0
Hmmm, not sure what to say. First off, this is the third book in the series, there is absolutely no recap for those of us joining at this point. I have no idea why Alix is called Owl, NOT A CLUE.
Alix is a human, former archaeology student and antiquities hunter (some say thief). She works for a Dragon Mr Kurosawa and his Naga assistant Lady Siyu. She also participates in an online game called World Quest which appears to have some magical link to reality. Although Alix comes across as one of the good guys she appears to be almost universally loathed by most characters who believe her to be untrustworthy and a chaos magnet - maybe that was explained in the previous books. Alix has a cat with special powers, including detection of vampires, and her sort of boyfriend is an incubus.
The International Archaeology Association (IAA) is responsible for keeping all things supernatural under wraps but it appears as though it has become obsessed with its own importance and become a force for evil. The IAA is trying to force Alix to find the two creators of World Quest who have disappeared (although they are still contactable through the game), Alix is trying to find them to warn them about the IAA but the IAA is getting aggresive and trying to force Alix's hand. In addition, Alix's employer Mr Kurosawa has taken a contract from the Elves for Alix to find a mythical suit of armour which gives the wearer super powers.
I enjoyed this book but I found it frustrating that the author felt no need to give some back story, other than an off-hand comment about stealing a magic book for an Elf previously or one of the vampires trying to kill her. I know this is the third book but I expect even readers who have read the previous two books might need some reminder of what happened previously and why Alix is so heartily disliked.
The book ranges far and wide through history and across the world. One minute we are in the Japanese Circus Casino in Las Vegas, then Nepal then Shangri La. The pace is fast and engaging and I will definitely read the previous books to see whether that makes anything clearer.
I've rated this three stars - maybe it would have been higher if I had known what was going on!
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Alix is a human, former archaeology student and antiquities hunter (some say thief). She works for a Dragon Mr Kurosawa and his Naga assistant Lady Siyu. She also participates in an online game called World Quest which appears to have some magical link to reality. Although Alix comes across as one of the good guys she appears to be almost universally loathed by most characters who believe her to be untrustworthy and a chaos magnet - maybe that was explained in the previous books. Alix has a cat with special powers, including detection of vampires, and her sort of boyfriend is an incubus.
The International Archaeology Association (IAA) is responsible for keeping all things supernatural under wraps but it appears as though it has become obsessed with its own importance and become a force for evil. The IAA is trying to force Alix to find the two creators of World Quest who have disappeared (although they are still contactable through the game), Alix is trying to find them to warn them about the IAA but the IAA is getting aggresive and trying to force Alix's hand. In addition, Alix's employer Mr Kurosawa has taken a contract from the Elves for Alix to find a mythical suit of armour which gives the wearer super powers.
I enjoyed this book but I found it frustrating that the author felt no need to give some back story, other than an off-hand comment about stealing a magic book for an Elf previously or one of the vampires trying to kill her. I know this is the third book but I expect even readers who have read the previous two books might need some reminder of what happened previously and why Alix is so heartily disliked.
The book ranges far and wide through history and across the world. One minute we are in the Japanese Circus Casino in Las Vegas, then Nepal then Shangri La. The pace is fast and engaging and I will definitely read the previous books to see whether that makes anything clearer.
I've rated this three stars - maybe it would have been higher if I had known what was going on!
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.