Tuesday 27 September 2011

Review: Darkfever - Karen Marie Moning

Series: fever #1
Genre: (as I felt it) Urban Fantasy romance hybrid
Pages: 336
Published: September 8, 2011 (2006)
Publisher: Gollancz
Source: For review


MacKayla Lane’s life is good. She has great friends, a decent job, and a car that breaks down only every other week or so. In other words, she’s your perfectly ordinary twenty-first-century woman.  Or so she thinks…until something extraordinary happens. When her sister is murdered, leaving a single clue to her death–a cryptic message on Mac’s cell phone–Mac journeys to Ireland in search of answers. The quest to find her sister’s killer draws her into a shadowy realm where nothing is as it seems, where good and evil wear the same treacherously seductive mask. She is soon faced with an even greater challenge: staying alive long enough to learn how to handle a power she had no idea she possessed–a gift that allows her to see beyond the world of man, into the dangerous realm of the Fae….
As Mac delves deeper into the mystery of her sister’s death, her every move is shadowed by the dark, mysterious Jericho, a man with no past and only mockery for a future. As she begins to close in on the truth, the ruthless Vlane–an alpha Fae who makes sex an addiction for human women–closes in on her. And as the boundary between worlds begins to crumble, Mac’s true mission becomes clear: find the elusive Sinsar Dubh before someone else claims the all-powerful Dark Book–because whoever gets to it first holds nothing less than complete control of the very fabric of both worlds in their hands…

My thoughts:
I have heard a lot about these books, and then I mean a lot. It was all Barrons this and Barrons that. And now I finally got the chance to try it out for myself. 

Mac leaves for Ireland to investigate since she feels that the cops are not doing enough to solve a case. Let's just say that I would have left it for the cops to handle. There she meets a mystery man called Barrons and is soon neck deep in fae and magical objects. 

Now did I see the attraction between Mac and Barrons? Nope, not at all, I guess that comes later. Did I think Barrons is an ass, yes! There you have it, I join that little minority that does not like Barrons. I know others like him even though he is a jerk, but I just do not like guys like that (think Ethan in the Chicagoland vampires series). Was I still interested in Barrons? YES. Arghh, it drove me freaking insane! He is someone, Fae seem to be weary of him, but what and who is he? Do I get answers? No no, I am sure that will take the entire series. And I want to know now.

There is also this question what this book is. I do not want to call it urban fantasy cos honestly there was no asskicking at all, well a tiny amount. And there is no real romance either. So you know what, I am just calling this a urban fantasy romance since it to me feels like a hybrid. And I do like it as the hybrid I feel it is. 

Ok yes I know I said no romance, but there is lust. One sexy as hell scene, but which also was very creepy. The person that is lust and sex and orgasm by death is V'Lane and you will know when you meet him. 

What I am left with at the end is answers I really want to find. So the book did not rock my world at once, but neither did the Kate Daniel book. It took book 2 to get me from like to addiction. And this one does have that certain something that might make that happen.

It is a good book and it made me want more. And considering how crazy people are about this series I guess it gets better and better. And I think I could get quite addicted. It is the questions, they just suck you in. 

Conclusion:
It was a good start to this series and an introduction to strange new world. And the Fae has never been nastier.

Rating:
Nice

Cover:
I like the stones



45 comments:

  1. OMG YOU'RE READING FEVER!!!!! Yes, Mac and Barrons attraction comes later. And yes, you want to hate Barrons because he really is a jerk, but you can't. You want to lick him. And the questions...oh the questions! Can't wait too see how you do with the next books. I love witnessing the first time someone gets sucked in to this series! :)

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  2. Finally you've arrived in Fever country and liking it. My blog world is "zen" again ;)

    PS: Barrons appeals to my dark side ;)

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  3. I have this book! I am so darn excited by it. I bought it a while back and must read it soon. This series so appeals to me.

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  4. Like you I've heard a lot about this series and Barrons, but not read it. I would like too and like you say, some of the best series take a couple of books to get going - Kate Daniels, Harry Dresden and Mercy Thompson in my opinion had ok book ones but after that they really started to pick up. I was curious before and now I'm even more curious! :)

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  5. Like you, I was actually quite disappointed with this book too. And book 2....

    I first knew Karen Marie Moning as a paranormal romance author with the Highland series. The Fever series is an offshoot series from the Highland one. I like it that I get to revisit old characters. But I did not like the urban fantasy noir direction the story took. However the story telling quality remains superb though.

    I think the movie of this series is due out soon (http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118041588?categoryid=13&cs=1&cmpid=RSS|News|FilmNews). Maybe 2013?

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  6. YAY! You started this series! I agree, Barrons is a total @ss, but you can't help but fall for him. He's feral in every sense of the word but also surprisingly caring... in his own way.

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  7. Barrons is a complete a-hole, but I kind of love that about him because he doesn't pretend to be otherwise. And while he never really softens, you do get hints here and there of genuine feeling and that makes the cycle of loving him and hating him all the more interesting:) Looking forward to seeing what you think of the other books!

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  8. Did I think Barrons is an ass, yes! There you have it, I join that little minority that does not like Barrons. I know others like him even though he is a jerk, but I just do not like guys like that (think Ethan in the Chicagoland vampires series). Was I still interested in Barrons? YES. Arghh, it drove me freaking insane!

    You are completely right !!! Exactly my thoughts after the first book! Sorry, but I kind of freaked out reading it!!

    Ehem, returning to my normal sceptical self...right...the series is weird. I found the first book the best. I read the rest and some things simply didn't add up - you know me. Ok, that's it I suppose.

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  9. I can't agree more with you Blodeuedd! I read the first one a few months ago, and stil have not picked up the second one. But I really will read them all. Also, no idea why everyone is head over heels with Barrons.

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  10. I don't know, not really grabbing my attention. I like how you described the genre though. Sometimes it's so hard to fit books into categories.

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  11. I had those same feelings after book 1 and even after book 2. I am now on the last book and am SO glad I stayed with the series, it does get better. I am listening and the narrator for Barrons is soooo good that I can't help but like the jerk.

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  12. I've heard good things about these books, but not sure they are for me. Hope you contine to enjoy the series.

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  13. I've so wanted to read this! Everyone seems to love these. Now I'm just even more curious.
    And I wanna see what's this fuss with Barrons ;)

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  14. I've heard a lot about this series, but i'm not sure I would enjoy it. Glad to see that you did. It's so rewarding to get around to a book you've wanted to read for awhile.

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  15. I need to add this series to my wish list. Glad you enjoyed this one. Now youve got me curious about V'Lane.

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  16. Julie
    Wow, cool down, there is no licking Barrons in my future ;) But yes perhaps in the future...one never knows.

    Arghhh, NEED TO KNOW! Questions, it makes my head spin


    Leontine
    My Dark side, well I just like them uberalpha there, not jerks


    Vivienne
    I hope you will enjoy the series!


    Mel
    I did like Mercy from book 1, but Kate not, and then I fell fast. While some just get worse and worse some just get better and better


    Cherry
    I got the first highlander book :D I managed to get it from bookmooch but have not read it yet

    Movie! Wow, cool :D But I wonder what they will do about that sexy museum scene

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  17. Missie
    I will wait and see, he is just so arghh, dunno. But then it is better than if they fell for each other at once and were all lovey dovey.


    Jenny
    You all tempt me! Lol, I think there is a conspiracy around to make me love Barrons.


    Ana
    The first the best?
    I hope not, I want it to get better and better. Well I guess we will wait and see if I feel like you for the entire series or not. Exciting :D


    Aurian
    Yay, one more in the Barrons is an ass club :D
    They say get better, we will see.


    Carol
    I just did not want to put it in either one of them. Gotta stick with my hybrid

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  18. Nise
    Then that must be a good narrator :D I love those, especially if it makes you look past him being a jerk


    Ryan
    I hope so too :D


    Elysium
    Hihi, that was how it started for me


    MRS Q
    It feels that I have wanted to try this series forever. And I am glad I finally did

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  19. Naida
    he is a nasty one, but then they all are

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  20. Yay! You're reading the Fever series! Are you going straight into book 2 or are you spacing them out? I can't wait to hear your reactions as you go through the series ;)

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  21. oh gosh, i don't think i would like this!! loved your review though!

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  22. I liked this one, and even stuck around for the first couple books... but got so pissed off at one of cliffhanger endings that I stopped reading the series.

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  23. Trust me...you will become addicted! I loved this series and all of those lusty sex scenes!

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  24. Hm, I don't think I've heard of this book though I think I have heard of the author. The description sounds interesting so maybe I'll give it a try. I'm going to my digital library now to see if they have it.

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  25. maybe not for me but great review

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  26. I haven't read the Fever series but I'm not sure I want to if Barrons is such a jerk.

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  27. I havent started on the series yet but like you, have heard so many people raving about it. I thought I was the only person left who hadn't read them lol. I want to make a start but for some reason I just keep putting it off :)

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  28. So now I'm the only person who hasn't read this book ;) Hopefully the rest of the series gets better. I'm disappointed that there is no romance. I like lust...maybe.

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  29. I haven't read this series, but I hear the most rave reviews of it. Clearly I need to start!

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  30. Oh, I think I'll like this one. I'll keep an eye out. Great review.

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  31. Well you know how I love this series. I still have to read the last one. It does get much better after the first book. The first book is slower and then it picks up and you'll want to race through the books. At least I think you will. lol.

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  32. Patti
    I am taking a break since I do not got book 2, and I do like to space things out since there are only..5 books?


    Carrie
    No? Well then you have at least read my review ;)


    Chris
    Do not say that! I hate cliffies, they drive me to madness. I can't handle them


    Staci
    If they will contiue to spice things up, then yes hot as hades in there


    Simcha
    *fingers crossed*
    Never heard of the books? And here I thought I was the last one


    Thansk Dana

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  33. Steph
    A lot of women, and then I mean a lot, still thinks he is worth it ;)


    Teddy
    Lol, well I used to be in that club, but sadly you have to be there all lone now ;) You better just come on over to the Fae side


    Alexis
    Since it has the UF feel then I get that, cos no romance there. And lust, yes! But perhaps romance comes too


    Melissa
    I sure heard the praise too, and had to try it

    Linda
    check that great library!


    Darlene
    Yay, I am glad to hear that :D

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  34. How in the heck did I miss this review???

    Oh yes, Barrons is an Ass... #1 ass in fact. There will be more times that you will want to kick his ass trust me. However, he does grow on you. And then you want that.. uh, never mind... I really hope you get the rest of the series. I also warn you she is queen of the cliffies!

    Btw, I've never written ass so many times in a comment before! ROFL

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  35. Um, you want me to lie to you and tell you there aren't any cliffhangers?! At least all the books are out now...

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  36. I'm really leery of reading this one. For some reason I don't think I will like Barrons either. I was also holding off until the end of the series because I hear there are several epic cliffhangers.
    I have the first and the last book so I'm sure I'll take the plunge one day.

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  37. Melissa
    Lol, it's like when I wrote awesome way too many time once in a comment, not my fault, the reviewer used it to make a point ;)

    So I will want to...aha, good to know ;)


    Chris
    You can tell me which cliffie is the worst so that I have the next book in hand when it comes around ;)


    Karen
    Well if you got the 1st and last then you can skip and miss teh cliffies. Lol, no that is a bad idea ;)

    But yes Barrons is an ass, but peeps seem to like him and I still liked the book even if he is an ass

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  38. I'm LOLing at all the comments of Barrons being an ass and jerk. I've only read this book and just need the time to read the next ones. I hear they get better over time so I'm going to stick with them. I really want to like Barrions as much as others do!

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  39. I don't know, since I quit reading the series! :)

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  40. I own the first two books in the fever series but I haven't read them yet. It does sound promising but I might wait until I've heard your feelings on the second book.

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  41. Well, being in the minority isn't always a bad thing. :) Thanks for the great review!

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  42. Keep reading - you will grow to LOVE/HATE Jericho Z Barrons! I read this whole series in 8 days in anticipation of Shadowfever and couldn't get enough of it. I hope you stay with it. ^.^

    ~ Monique

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  43. Tyraa
    Aye even the ones who love him thinks he is a jerk ;)
    But they do seem to say that the books get even better so yay


    Chris
    Oh that's right


    Ladybug
    You do that ;) I have no idea what will happen there


    Melissa
    it can be fun that way around too :)


    Asia
    Wow, 8 days! You sure had the FEVER ;)
    But yes I will stick to it

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  44. WOOOOOOHOOOOOOO! You're joining the Fever club. I can't wait till you read the whole series. Book 1 almost made me hesitate continuing on with the series but by book 2 I was hooked. I hated Barrons at first too, I couldn't understand why people liked him, you will later (I hope)...if not, to each their own right?!?!?! I'm so happy you enjoyed the first installment!!!

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  45. Deanna
    Ok so you felt kind of like I feel then, good to know, there is hope for me still then :D

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