I received a copy from Netgalley.

Since The Hollows is one of my favourite urban fantasy series, and probably one the series that got me hooked on urban fantasy in the first place, a prequel to the Hollows was a must have. I put in a Netgalley request as soon as I saw it. (Even though I’m only up to book 7 in the series).

Though after reading it, I can’t honestly say I liked it all that much. It was okay, somewhere between a two and a three star read for me. The first half of the book was full of science stuff that I found incredibly boring and a slog to get through. I’ve never DNFed a Kim Harrison book before, so series and author love made me determined to finish it.

 I found it quite confusing, it didn’t help also that I could have sworn there was a Trent Kalamak in the Rachel Morgan series. It was only when I was reading reviews on Goodreads and saw the questions about this book section that someone else had asked the same thing that was puzzling me. Not the same character, two different characters (though there was a ding! moment towards the end of the book that made me go aaaah, that’s why).

One or two familiar characters also popped up, demon Algaliarept (who’s name I can’t pronounce to save my life) was his usual delightfully obnoxious (and somewhat amusing in a snarky way) self and Quen.  One of the vampires makes an appearance towards the end as well.

This is all about two dark elf scientists who are fighting it out for funding, Trent and Trisk, both of whom hate each other, Trisk’s created a genetically engineered tomato that will supposedly end third world hunger. Forced to work together each have their own separate agendas. As I said, the first half was all very technical and the two of them playing off each other to get to their own goals. (I had to keep reminding myself this was set in the 60s as well). Favourite classic songs are on the radio as new music.

But of course, jealousy rears its ugly head and one thing leads to another, something goes hideously wrong. This resulting in a wide spread disease that nearly wipes out the human race, bringing out the fear and repercussions of a bunch of vampires, witches and other species trying their best to get head of it and survive as well.  While at the same time Trisk and a companion, the Dr who created the virus in the first place, there’s links to her genetic tomato, and Trent trying to keep on top of things.

The second half was much more exciting as things went from bad to worse and Trisk and her friends try to fix the problem. There’s something – satisfying is not the word I’d use – but there’s definitely a so that’s how it all happened feeling about now knowing how The Hollows all started, but it’s certainly not a favourite novel. Though I am glad I read it, and would certainly recommend to Hollows fans.

Thank you to Netgalley and Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books for approving my request to view the title.

I received a copy from Netgalley.

Not for me. DNF at page 69. Initially the blurb in this one got my attention, I haven't come across any new adult urban fantasy in a while and this sounded pretty good. I didn't realise that it was the second book in a series (but then again I've gone in on book 7 of urban fantasy series before and just about got the gist of what was going on). I did end up purchasing a copy of the book as well because by the time I got around to reading it, the kindle file I had from netgalley had weird formatting and title had already been archived.

It was certainly one of the most creative and diverse urban fantasies I have come across in a long time. Highly original concepts and characters and a brilliant sense of place and setting. Unfortunately, I just don't like it. As good as it is, and brilliantly as it's written it feels like there is far too much going on and I can't seem to connect or get a particular liking for any character enough to continue.

So DNFing. Definitely an author I would read again, I already have another book of his to read at some point in the future, but this particular series is not for me.

Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for approving my request to view the title.

A great start to a series.

This book has pretty much everything I look for in an Urban Fantasy. Kick ass heroine, great mythology and world building, murder mystery side plot, sex on legs love interest, and sizzling romance. 

Check, check, check and double check on the love interest and romance. 

Janet has a strange superpower from iffy origins...she's a Stormwalker, she can control storms - rain and lightning, etc. The whole thing is steeped in the most wonderful Navajo mythology. On again/Off again boyfriend Mick is sexy and mysterious with a wickedly hot superpower of his own.

Starting off with an action packed punch, Janet is renovating an old hotel not far off from where she grew up. Along with being asked to come and investigate the disappearance of a Police Chief's daughter. Right off there's magical trouble, the reader is dropped right into the book's mythology and world building. Which lands her in hot water with the new local Sheriff. 

I loved the mythology, the way the magic is weaved into the plot and how normal it is in these people' lives. The only character I really did not like was Nash Jones, the new Sheriff in town. The man is an asshole right from the start and doesn't let up. Refuses to believe Janet no matter what, even when magic and superpowers are used right in front of him. It got very frustrating.

Janet and Mick's relationship was well written, intriguing and not without emotional background drama which made the book all the more compelling. Mick has plenty of supernatural secrets and powers of his own. All which come into play as the novel progresses. And there were some deliciously hot sex scenes. 

There were parts towards the end of the book where the magic and world building did get a little ludicrous and made me giggle a lot because it got to be so silly. Still, a solid start to a series with great characters. Definitely a series I will be looking forward to continuing.

Crosses off a Square for Spring 2015 Bookish Bingo - Rain or Storm in title. 

I got a copy from Netgalley as I have auto approval from the publisher. I seem to have lost interest in this series. I liked the first book but was less than impressed with the second though I did initially want to know how it ended.

However at 24% I am just not feeling interested in this book. It's the same plot...only different demons and I have no I interest in Ellie's whining over should I be with David or Collin. And what's pissing me off most us she is STILL referring to her father as 'Daddy. She's in her fucking 20s!! It's just wrong and creepy for a grown ass woman to call her father daddy.

So thank you to Netgalley but this book is not for me.

I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this one. This story captured my attention immediately. I'm not usually a fan of novellas. I don't really bother with them, I like my books to be at least 200 pages. If I had come across this whilst browsing I would have been intrigued by the plot, but if I had seen the number of pages would have probably ignored it thinking that a good plot and romance can't be done in such a short novella. And I'm so pleased to say I was totally wrong on that! (This is actually the second novella I've read that's completely blown me a way, so I may have to start paying more attention to shorter books!)

The blurb sounded good which was what got my attention when I saw it on Netgalley. Right off I loved the tone of the story, the style of writing and the characters. It wasn't until about half way through when I was looking at some other reviews I found out it was the second in a series. The plot was well crafted that I could easily pick up on the general idea of what happened as it was a big part of the story in the second book. The world building was top notch. Demons and hunters. 

The characters were fascinating, both Darcy and Jaral were strong in their own respects, each with their own goals and clear personalities. The main characters were well put together, they both developed brilliantly throughout the story. The chemistry between Jaral and Darcy was sizzling, the romance and sex scenes were beautifully written and the will they won't they vibe between them created quite an emotional punch.

A fantastic mix of action and romance and all within 160 pages! So huge thanks to Netgalley and Carina Press for granting me access to view this title. I loved it.