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A review by dieslaughing
Of Blood and Honey: A Book of the Fey and the Fallen by Stina Leicht
2.0
More like two and a half stars, I think. I finished the last half of this book - which I have been trying to get through for the past week - this evening and... Well. It's not a badly written book, but I can't say I enjoyed it all that much.
The idea of an urban fantasy set during the Troubles is intriguing, but the oversimplification of the conflict was a constant shadow looming over proceedings. I couldn't help feeling that the author's grasp of her setting (Northern Ireland and its politics) was tenuous at best and, in a few places, downright cringe-worthy. I don't think this was at all malicious on her part but the final chapters really brought all of my problems into clear focus. And that's aside from the fey/Fallen element being frustratingly underdeveloped and left (mostly) out of focus.
And what is it about urban fantasy (and paranormal fantasy) that requires protagonists to endure an insane amount of physical trauma? I'm at the point where I'm so numb to horrific injuries that I just get bored and wonder where the character is supposed to be under all of the broken bones, burns, and general battery.
That all being said, I wish I'd liked the book more because there are a few interesting ideas floating about amidst the rubble.
The idea of an urban fantasy set during the Troubles is intriguing, but the oversimplification of the conflict was a constant shadow looming over proceedings. I couldn't help feeling that the author's grasp of her setting (Northern Ireland and its politics) was tenuous at best and, in a few places, downright cringe-worthy. I don't think this was at all malicious on her part but the final chapters really brought all of my problems into clear focus. And that's aside from the fey/Fallen element being frustratingly underdeveloped and left (mostly) out of focus.
And what is it about urban fantasy (and paranormal fantasy) that requires protagonists to endure an insane amount of physical trauma? I'm at the point where I'm so numb to horrific injuries that I just get bored and wonder where the character is supposed to be under all of the broken bones, burns, and general battery.
That all being said, I wish I'd liked the book more because there are a few interesting ideas floating about amidst the rubble.