Review: Bad Moon Rising by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Good morning everyone! How are you doing? It's a rainy day here, but nothing can dampen my mood LOL :) I had a nice relaxing week-end and am ready to start the week... Especially since my supervisor is away :) Yay! Like I said, freedom!!!

I did a little bit of everything this week-end: read, sleep, eat yummy stuff, clean my room, vacuum, shelve my books and add books to my excel spreadsheet. Productive week-end, of course, I'd have preferred to read a little bit more. LOL, but I feel there's going to be plenty of time for that this week :)


Bad Moon Rising by Sherrilyn Kenyon
published by St.Martin's Press in August 2009

A stunning and suspenseful new landscape emerges in the thrilling Dark-Hunter world - a world where nothing will ever be the same again...

Fang Kattalakis isn't just a wolf. He is the brother of two of the most powerful members of the Omegrion: the ruling council that enforces the laws of the Were-Hunters. And when war erupts among the lycanthropes, sides must be chosen. Enemies are forced into shaky alliances. And when the woman Fang loves is accused of betraying her people, her only hope is that Fang believes in her. Yet in order to save her, Fang must break the law of his people and the faith of his brothers. That breech could very well spell the end of both their races and change their world forever.

Genre: paranormal romance
Series: Dark-Hunter series, Book #28 (according to Fantastic Fiction) but Book #17 according to Ms Kenyon's website.

The Story: Ugh, talk about a vague back blurb! Bad Moon Rising takes us back in time and begins in 2003 when Fang and Vane along with their pack arrived to New Orleans (Night Embrace - Talon's story) and basically catches up to the present. Of course, it only focuses on events relevant to Fang and Aimee - such as Fang and Vane coming to the Sanctuary for the first time and meeting Aimee. Then, Anya - Fang and Vane's sister - dying during a Daimons attack basically resulting to Fang and Vane getting kicked out of the Pack and left for death. Another Daimons attack which left Fang comatose... His recovery to his stay at the Sanctuary afterwards. Then, Fang getting banned from Sanctuary for "kidnapping" Aimee and saving Wren's life, etc. to now.

Of course, Ms Kenyon doesn't only re-write these scenes to present Aimee and Fang's point of view. She has to add a twist to it, if not, why go back, right? Well it turns out that Fang wasn't really in a catatonic state after his sister's death and the daimons' attack: his soul was stuck in another dimensions and was hunted and tortured by demons. The only way to save him was to kill those 9 Daimons that got a bite at him... Only, Vane didn't respond to Fang subliminal message in dreams, so Fang had to turn to Aimee who ends up saving him. Of course, Fang ended up paying a price in order to keep Aimee safe, he became a Hellchaser - another elite group of warriors (ugh) and during some of his work as a Hellchaser, he gets possessed by a demon... and let say it's not fun...

Aside from adding the demons tidbits, Ms Kenyon also shows us the unshown scenes between Fang and Aimee, i.e. how they met, their connection from the beginnging. Ever wondered what Fang and Aimee were doing before they bursted out of Aimee's room when Wren came to attack Nicolette in Unleash the Night? Yeah... Readers also make an interesting discovery about the the Peltiers: Nicolette Peltier is the Katagari Regis for the bears, but she is mated to an Arcadian bear! This is kept under wrap or else, it could jeopardize her seat. We also discover why Aimee is so important - aside from being the only daughter in the family, she's also Nicolette's heir since the werebears are a matriarchal clan. Of course, Aimee has an even bigger secret: she was born Katagari, but turned Arcadian at puberty... not only that, but she's an Aristos, i.e. the highest level of magic user among the Weres... Yes, uh oh. So she's been keeping this secret to herself, in fear that it would get her killed by her mother. Her hope is to find a mate, give birth to a couple of baby girls that will remain Katagari and who could inherit the Regis seat, passing over her generation. Of course, there's the danger that her Katagari mate, upon discovering her identity as an Arcadian would want to kill her, but details, details... Only problem, she has to find a mate, but she's not attracted to any of the bears that are introduced to her. Instead, the one who makes her blood hot is Fang - a wolf!! Totally unsuitable and impossible match! How can a wolf and bear mate? Despite logic, Fang and Aimee can't ignore their feelings and sneak around. However, everything starts crumbling when Aimee defies Savitar by saving Fang from his death warrant resulting in Savitar revoking the Sanctuary's limani license so the bar is no longer a sanctuary... and becomes the target of all of the Peltier's enemies...

My Opinion: I was really excited to get this book. I mean, we've all been waiting so long for Aimee and Fang story... but to me, it was a bit of a disappointment :( I haven't read any Sherrilyn Kenyon's book since Upon the Midnight Clear. Oh, I have Acheron, but didn't feel like reading it... and I did read Fury's story, but that doesn't count because it was a novella. Bad Moon Rising reminds me exactly why I've decided to stop reading this series.

As a whole, Fang and Aimee story wasn't so bad. I enjoyed having glimpses of their regular lives, when they were not doing anything dangerous or on the run. Seeing Aimee interact with her brothers was really a highlight for me. Talk about a dysfunctional family, seriously!! Everyone keeping secrets from each other... however, there's no doubt that they all love each other. It's weird because I was eager to read Bad Moon Rising to see Fang interact with his brothers, Fury and Vane... and there weren't that many scenes of them together :( It felt like Vane and Fury already got their stories, so no need to focus on them anymore. It felt wrong to me, because there were so much emphasis in their brother relationships... I was eager to see how Fang would adapt to the discovery that Fury was his brother... and it didn't really happen... which bring me to another problem I had... Fang and Aimee's characterizations.

Fang comes across at very angry - which I guess, I understand. He feels like his brother has let him down and he is jealous of the bond that was formed with Fury. Then, there's the fact that Fang should have become the leader of the Pack, not Fury. So angry, I can understand... but at the same time, I felt he was very whiny. It seems like he felt Vane and Fury owned him and so, he lashed out at them, had tantrums, ignored their feelings and sulk. As for Aimee, I felt her characterization wasn't very consistent with previous books... The confident bearswain was gone, instead, you had a heroine that was perpertually afraid, scared and strangely vulnerable. However, whenever Fang needed her, she'd stepped up to the plate. Use those powers that she was afraid to use. Then all the guilt about causing her brothers' deaths... I just wanted her to stand up for herself, assume responsibilities, take her own decisions... instead of cowering from her mother.

To me, Bad Moon Rising would have been much better if it focused on solving the issues. I mean, the story did focus on Fang and Aimee, but I felt nothing really got resolved. The big brouhaha in the first half of the book was how could a wolf and a bear mate? What would be the repercussions? What kind of children would that produce? Well the answers are not in this book. At the end, Fang and Aimee finally have sex and tada, the mating sign appears on their hands and they bond. Okay, so what was the big deal, aside from diluting the bloodline? I mean, there's a scene where Aimee goes to Carson, the vet, and asks him if it was normal to feel attracted to another species... and he answers he's never heard about it, never heard about such a mating... and suddenly, it happens just like that? Also, I could have done without all the demons business and going back in the timeline to explain why Fang was comatose. I mean, yes, it was fun to see some of the scenes from Fang and Aimee's point of view, but it didn't really help their story. Ms Kenyon has already spent so much time buidling Fang and Aimee's relationship, readers didn't really need a review of it. It would have been more productive to give readers new material.

Aside from that, I really didn't care about the rest of the story. Demons, Hellchasers? Bleh. Just another excuse to expand the series and introduce new characters - all more badass than the previous. Varyk, Zeke, Wynter? Also, Ms Kenyon is adding a lot of new thread and expanding the storylines of some of the recurring characters which we don't know if they'll ever have their own books and when - Sascha, Constantine. The sequel baiting is getting really old and tiring. Like I said previously, it'd be good if Ms Kenyon was tying up some loose ends before introducing new ones.

My Grade: C. Overall, Bad Moon Rising was okay... but somehow, I feel cheated out of Fang and Aimee's story. Also, I think this is going to be my last book by this author... the series just doesn't do it for me anymore :(

Review: Shadows of the Moon by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Quite frankly, I think I've given up on Sherrilyn Kenyon's dark-hunters and dream-hunters series. I mean, when I hear of her upcoming books, I just can't sum up any excitement. Sadly, Acheron is still sitting on the shelf and it seems less likely that I'll ever read it... However, it's an entirely different story when it comes to the were-hunters. Especially, the ones that she has already introduced. Ever since the release of Night Play 4 years ago, I've been waiting for Fury and Fang's stories... separately if possible :P

Well I got my wish, because Fury's story came out or actually, will come out this week in the anthology Dead After Dark. Booooo because it's only a short story :( And apparently, Fang and Aimée's story will be her next full-length were-hunter book... I think. So yesterday, got my hand on the anthology and quickly devoured Fury's story. Here's what I thought...


Shadows of the Moon by Sherrilyn Kenyon
published by St. Martin's Press in December 2008

Angelia has fought her entire life to make herself strong. Now, with her patria under fire, she has to protect her people from Fury and his werewolf clan. Vowing to bring him to justice, Angelia sets out alone…until the hunter becomes the hunted, and the only way for her to survive is to trust the very wolf she’s sworn to kill.

Genre: paranormal romance
Series: Dark-Hunters/Were-Hunters, book #?

The Story: Ugh!! I've just read the back blurb now and that is bull!!! This is probably the worst synopsis I've ever-read... So misleading and untrue!!! Seriously, did the person writing the blurb even read the story? So here is the actual story...

Fury is at the Sanctuary doing a favor to Fang (helping to smuggle a note to Aimée - awww) when he learns of a Katagari were-lion who was attacked and shot by a tessera of Arcadian were-hunters. The problem is that the Arcadian were-hunters are using a new weapon and once shot, the Katagari were is stuck into his based form (animal) and no longer able to use its magick.
Fury offers his help to track down the attackers and is sniffing the lion for scents when he catches one that is very familiar to him... a wolfswan that he's been trying to forget for centuries. At the same moment, Dare (Fury's brother) and Angelia - the wolfswan - appear at the Sanctuary. Fight ensues and long story short, Fury is "kidnapped" and tortured for information. Angelia is unable to withstand the view of Fury being tortured and "saves" him. Fury then turns on her and brings her back to Vane's house.

My Opinion: I have mixed feelings about this one. On one hand, I totally loved it for Fury. He's such a great character :D Still as sarcastic as usual and tough... he mouth is quick to deliver insults and his attitude... just priceless. He was a great hero. He is still getting used to having a family and people that will stand by him no matter what. Loved the interactions between the three brothers: Vane, Fang and Fury. His interaction with Bride and his nephew Trace were as cute LOL :) Uncle Furry!! That was definitively priceless!!

What I liked less? Angelia. She's an okay heroine, but I'm not sure she deserves Fury. She made some very bad decisions in her life... and I thought she was a bit selfish. She put herself first - in the past and even in this story... However, what annoyed me most is that she found excuses... well to excuse herself. To justify why she did what she did and seriously, I thought she was stupid. Worst is that a lot of it was due to ignorance and it was kind of appalling. She tried to be this tough chick, but in the end, Bride was tougher and smarter. Also, I don't like how she got out free from the whole tessera thingie. She was part of the tessera, she should have been punished. No discussion. Personally, I don't care if she didn't shoot. She was part of them, helping them do whatever they were doing. Of course, in the end, it's Fury that saved her derriere... my problem is that I don't think she felt much remorse... and not being punished for her actions, well it feels like there was no regret on her part.

Another thing that annoyed me is when Ms Kenyon writes about the Katagaria and Arcadian's behaviors. I think that she got it right when she describes what's animal behavior and what's human... The problem is that she will say that animals don't do this because they're animals and it's actually a human trait. Then, two lines later, the animals will be doing exactly what she said they didn't do and rationalize it a different way. Example is that it is said that Katagria don't attack or kill for revenge... Then, you had the whole situation between Fury and Dare where Dare told everyone that Fury was a wolf as soon as he found out and then, they brutalized Fury and almost killed him. Fury is still very bitter about that and he'd like to give it back to Dare ten-fold. Ugh, sorry, but that sounds like revenge to me? Or the lions are out for blood and are tracking down the Arcadians that killed one of theirs and injured another... I'm sorry, but even if you say it's in order to protect their families, well it still sounds like revenge for me. So Ms Kenyon walks a very fine line and again, tries to rationalize some actions... but it just ring false.

What about the love story between Fury and Angelia? I think it was kind of sweet... Fury and Angelia grew up together and you can tell that Fury was smitten by Angelia... but then, she turned on him when she discovered he was a wolf and although she has psychological reasons, Fury definitively has all the rights to be bitter. So they meet centuries later and it's pretty much tug and war between them, with Fury doing a lot of sweet things for Angelia... She keeps rejecting him till she falls in bed with him. Conclusion? I didn't buy it. I know that deep down, Angelia probably loved Fury as well, but I didn't buy that she could throw away all her beliefs after half a day, sleep with Fury and discover that they're supposed to be mates and not go bonkers... At least, feel something like denial or refusal for it.

Personally, I feel that if the book has been a full novel instead of a novella, there's no doubt that Ms Kenyon would have pulled it off. However, as a short story, the love story happened way too fast to be believable and satisfying. I think that Ms Kenyon had a great original idea and kudos for being able to develop the story as much as she did... however, it was just not enough. What definitively saves the story are all the scenes with Bride, Vane, their son Trace and Fang as well as Fury's personality.

For those who want to know who appear in the book... well we have the whole Peltiers family, Carson and his nurse, Sasha (Astrid's wolf companion), Zarek, Savitar, Paris Sebastien as well as almost the whole Kattalakis family. My question is when did Zarek becomes so close with Vane and his family? I am really happy that Fang and Aimee will finally have their story (hopefully, full-length novel)... and I'm very intrigued by Sasha. I would like to learn more about him as well :D

My Grade: This is a tough one to grade... For enjoyment, this is definitively a B. Love Fury after all :) Objectively though, the grade should be much lower... but who cares about objectively, right? In the end, it's how much did you enjoy it :P

PS. For those who wonder, no I'm not planning to read the rest of the anthology.

Review: Upon The Midnight Clear & Dream Chaser

In the past week, like everyone else, I'm sure, I've been assaulted with promotional e-mails for the release of Acheron by Sherrilyn Kenyon. The leader of the Dark Hunters is finally getting his own book on August 4. Although I lost interest in the series, I still feel like reading Ash's story... and so I thought it'd be nice to catch up a little...


Upon the Midnight Clear by Sherrilyn Kenyon
published by St. Martin's Press in October 2007

Ever think Scrooge had it right before the ghosts ruined his life? Meet Aidan O’Conner.

At one time he was a world-renowned celebrity who gave freely of himself and his money without wanting anything in return...until those around him took without asking. Now Aidan wants nothing of the world—or anyone who’s a part of it.

When a stranger appears at his doorstep, Aidan knows he’s seen her before…in his dreams.

Born on Olympus as a goddess, Leta knows nothing of the human world. But a ruthless enemy has driven her from the world of dreams and into the home of the only man who can help her: Aidan. Her immortal powers are derived from human emotions—and his anger is just the fuel she needs to defend herself…

One cold winter’s night will change their lives forever…

Trapped together in a brutal winter storm, Aidan and Leta must turn to the only power capable of saving them—or destroying them both: trust.

Genre: paranormal romance
Series: Dream Hunter, book #2

The Story: Aidan O'Conner was once the Brad Pitt of our world, but after being betrayed by all his friends, family and lover, he became a reclusive Scrooge who hides from everyone. Unfortunately for him, his brother Donnie who is in prison for trying to murder Aidan, somehow got access to an artifact and was able to summon Dolor, god of Pain.

Leta is a Oneroi, a dream hunter. Centuries ago, she fought Dolor and was able to send him away. She put herself in stasis, to be awakened only when Dolor is released. Knowing that Aidan is his prey, Leta gets close to Aidan in order to use him to fight Dolor.

My Opinion: Okay, I'll be blunt... I think this book should never had been published. There's so many things that are wrong with this book... I'll start with the most obvious: the format of the book. The first thing that hits you when you open Upon The Midnight Clear is the size of the font. Double what it is usually! Most time, I don't really care about stuff like this, but seriously, when it's so big? It was bothersome. Also, the length of the story... Was this a joke or what?!? I've just read on Ms Kenyon's website, minutes ago, that this book was 'longer than a novella but not quite as long as a book.' Well no kidding! It also says on her website that this story was very dear to Ms Kenyon and that she's been wanting to tell it for a while... which makes me feels bad, but at the same time, that's not written anywhere besides her website! I think that Ms Kenyon should have work on it a bit more, flesh it out to turn it into a decent, regular novel. If not, she should have published a book of anthologies or something... Simply put, as it is, Upon the Midnight Clear feels like a rip-off to me...

Okay, onto the actual story and characters. Not much to say, except that the story and characters were not very well developed. The story was too short, not many twists as we're accustomed with Ms Kenyon's novels. It was quite straightforward, not very original and I think that her ending concerning the heroine has been overused. In most novellas, because of the shortness of the story, you often don't connect with the characters. That's what happened here. I couldn't connect with either Aidan and Leta. Yes, poor Aidan... betrayed by everyone... what I didn't really understand is why? I needed more than 'I hate you!! I've always hated you' from Donnie... but even if I was ready to accept that reason, what about Aidan's best friend? Leta was meh... Her lines just came out corny and phony to me.

Another problem is the number of secondary characters Ms Kenyon added. There were just so many... Also, Robert, Richard, Ronald?!? Granted, those weren't very important characters, but couldn't their names be a bit more different? It was just confusing! Not to forget a couple more Gods were introduced. I just felt overwhelmed by everything... the characters, the story and even the ending.

My Grade: D. One word to sum it all up, bad.


Dream Chaser by Sherrilyn Kenyon
published by St. Martin's Press in February 2008

Hades doesn’t often give second chances...

Xypher has one month on Earth to redeem himself through one good deed or be condemned to eternal torture in Tarturus. But redemption means little to a demigod who only wants vengeance on the one who caused his downfall.

Until one day in a cemetery...

Simone Dubois is a medical examiner with a real knack for the job. Those who are wrongfully killed appear to her and help her find the evidence the police need to convict their killers. But when a man appears and tells her that she’s more than just a psychic, she’s convinced he’s insane.

Now the fate of the world hangs in her hands...

It was bad enough when just the dead relied on her. Now’s there’s the seductive Dream-Hunter Xypher who needs Simone’s help in opening a portal to the Atlantean hell realm to fight insatiable demons. The future of mankind is at stake—and so is her life. The only question now is: Who is the bigger threat: the demons out to kill her, or the man who has left her forever changed?

Genre: paranormal romance
Series: Dream Hunter, book #3

The Story: Xypher is half demon, half dream hunter (read god) who's gone stoki and tortured by Hades the past couple of centuries. After helping out Katra and Sin in Devil May Cry, he bought himself a month on Earth where he has a chance to redeem himself through good deeds. Instead, all Xypher has on his mind is revenge on Satara, Stryker's sister, who addicted him to feelings and turned him stoki.

Satara knows that Xypher is after her and is finding ways to eliminate him. She comes up with these Atlantenean cuffs... if one of the two persons handcuff dies, the other does as well. In addition, they cannot leave be more than 20 feet apart or they'll both die as well. Simone Dubois is the unlucky recipient... lucky for Xyper however is that she is used to 'paranormal.'

My Opinion: I picked Dream Chaser right after Upon the Midnight Clear. My thinking was if I don't pick up it right away, I might never... It was definitively better than Upon the Midnight Clear, but that wasn't hard to do. You definitively feel Ms Kenyon's writing in this one and it follows like most of the Dark Hunter books in the series.

Xypher follows the mold of all the previous heroes in past book and Simone, of all the heroines... but it has been a winning recipe and it still works. Some of the banter between the two were entertaining... One of my problem though is some of the feelings that Xypher felt, such as longing and loneliness, came off as phony to me. It's just hard to describe, but in simple words... I just didn't feel or believe it. I think Ms Kenyon is trying tos hard to make her characters flawed with tragic past... After 10+ books, it is just too redundant... but then, at this point, you don't really read the books for the characters; more for the story.

Speaking of story, it was okay, nothing ground-breaking. You have the handcuffs part that reminds me of Night Pleasures (Kyrian and Amanda) and actually, Xypher and Simone are very similar to Valerius and Tabitha. Overall, the story was entertaining with lots of guest appearances from previous books: Ash, Simi, Julian, Katra, Carson and so on.

I have to admit, I'm getting tired of this series... the freshness is gone. Another problem is how Ms Kenyon keeps introducing elements to make this series complex. At this point, I feel like she should be resolving some of the storylines, not introducing more. We continue from Devil May Cry with the introduction of the gallu and dimme demons... and this time, you add in half-demons, Charontes in liberty, cross-breeding between the races and Jaden, the mysterious lord of demons... it's just too much.

My favorite parts? Jesse, Simone's ghost companion. He was cute and fun to read, especially his interactions with Simone and some of the stuff he would say to Xypher :)

My Grade: C... I think that's it for me. I'm going to read Acheron and voilà. By the way, next book is One Silent Night and it's Stryker story!!! Who wants to read about Stryker?!? (with the introduction of another villain). Thanks but no thanks.

Review: Devil May Cry by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Good morning everyone!!

I'm just going to go straight to the review, LOL, before I decided I'm too lazy to post and go back to bed with a book LOL :P But before, how was your week-end? Mine has been so-so... in some way, a bit depressing.

Now, the review... Seriously, I've really enjoyed The Dark Hunter series in the past, seriously... I liked Talon, Wulf, Zarek, Alexion/Danger, Vane books tremendously. However, I found the last few books of the series have been lacking. Wren book was okay, I was hugely disappointed with Ravyn's book... the Dream-Hunter book was the latest release and was only so-so... and let's not talk about the few novellas... Also I hate the twist that's been happening with Nick and I thought there wasn't enough of Ash in the last few books. So seriously, I was considering stopping the series... yes, stopping it... which is a rare thing I do... I mean, I read the black burb of Devil May Cry, about Sin, an ex-god who wanted revenge on Artemis and didn't feel a thing... I couldn't even summon any enthusiasm about it... but I still end up buying it, LOL :P See, everyone has their reading poison... For Ames, it's LKH... for me, I guess it's Sherrilyn Kenyon... However, I'm glad I bought it!


Devil May Cry by Sherrilyn Kenyon
published by St. Martin's Press in July 2007

An ancient Sumerian god, Sin was one of the most powerful among his pantheon... Until the night Artemis stole his godhood by trickery and left him one step from death.

For millennia, this ex-god turned Dark-Hunter has dreamed only of regaining his powers and seeking revenge on her. If only life were that simple.

Unfortunately he has bigger fish or in his case, demons, to fry. The lethal gallu that were buried by his pantheon are now stirring and they are hungry for human flesh. Their only goal is to destroy mankind and anyone else who gets in their way. Lucky Sin is the only one who can stop it—that is if a certain woman doesn’t kill him first.

Trust of any kind died in him the moment Artemis tricked him, but now he must rely on another woman or see an annihilation of biblical proportions. Enemies have always made strange bedfellows, but never more so than when the fate of the world hangs in the balance. Now a man who knows only betrayal must trust the one person most likely to hand him to the demons. Artemis may have stolen his godhood, but this one has stolen his heart. The only question is will she keep it or feed it to the ones who want him dead?

Genre: paranormal romance
Series: Dark Hunter series, book ?

Why did I get this book? Well, as I said, it's my poison... there's something compelling in her writing in my opinion and also, because I like to complete series ^^; Seriously though, I wouldn't have read it yet if I hadn't peek at the ending and see who's the heroine!! Notice that the heroine isn't mentionned anywhere in the blurb... also, although I've gotten the excerpts from St.Martin's press, since I wasn't planning to buy the book, I didn't read them... so I really had NO IDEA who the heroine was and it took my completely by surprise!

My impressions: I enjoyed this book a lot and it was much better than the couple last releases we've gotten from Sherrilyn Kenyon. I think the series is back on track in this one :D sure, there were still a lot of characters, but the story was quite focus on the H/H story and I didn't feel like the author was trying to plug in characters for future books... I enjoyed the characters and the story, but what I enjoyed most is that this book cleared up a lot of questions I had... also, it's really concentrated on gods and we get to see more of Ash, Artemis, Simi and Xirena and Apollymi.

The Heroine, The Hero and the Romance: So, for those who didn't know like me who was the heroine, it's... Katra! Yay! I've loved Katra ever since she appeared in Kiss of the Night as Cassandra's protector... she's also appeared in a couple of other books. I have to admit though, I'm kind of disappointed that Kat wasn't Ash's heroine, but it all kind of make sense now. Highlight if you want to know a HUGE SPOILER (highlight to see): Katra is actually Ash and Artemis' daughter. SHOCK! Maybe I was naive and should have realized sooner. Anyway, I've always been a fan of Katra and I really like her personality and though she was an awesome heroine. My one complaint is that sometimes, I thought the author made her a bith "childish," almost too naive and vulnerable. I mean, in those instances, it just didn't fit with the Kat we've come to know from her previous appearances.

As for Sin, if you've enjoyed the Dark Hunter's heroes, you're going to like him too. I can understand his reasons to hate Artemis so much and so on. One thing though is that it seems to me the "betrayals" he suffered weren't hard enough to shape him... I would have thought something more would have happened. Also, since Sin was an ex-god, he's known Ash for a LONG time... like, before the Dark Hunters were created and so on... So it's nice.

As for the romance, it was nice :D Although yeah, I'm still a tiny bit disappointed that Katra isn't Ash's heroine... Also, I felt like Kat was too subdued in this relationship due to guilt...

Secondary characters: There was a lot of secondary characters, but as I mentioned, it doesn't seem like any is going to have their own books any time soon... so it didn't seem like the author was plugging future book in this one which well, in the case of Sherrilyn Kenyon, is rare and came as relief. So none really worth mentioning except for Ash and Artemis... and well, I don't need to comment on them right? Anyone who's read previous know Ash and Artemis.

The Story: All right, basically the story of this book is that Sin has to stop some kind of demons that have been locked up for a long time, but are now starting to roam free. The problem is that he doesn't have his powers. Kat was sent by Artemis to kill Sin, but upon knowing he's not as sadistic as he seems and he actually has a mission, she sets out to help him... That's basically the story if you take away the romance and the superfluous. I think the problem in this book is that the main "plot" kind of took the backseat, because the author took so much space of the book clearing up plot threads from previous books. I'm glad she did clear up stuff... however, I think the plot which is complex could have been better developed and more interesting if she had enough room.

What I liked: Katra being the heroine of this book :D Seriously, if it wasn't for her, I don't think I've read the book yet. Seeing a lot more of Ash and Simi... The scenes between Katra and Ash. The fact that this book clears up a lot of things between Ash, Artemis and Apollymi and even on other characters like Savitar. I mean, it's time we, readers, start getting answers instead of more questions. Hmmm, also the fact that there was no Nick. Until Nick goes back at being the Nick we've known, I'm not going to enjoy him and so I'm glad he wasn't in this one...

What I didn't like: I think the only thing I didn't like is that once again, Sherrilyn Kenyon is making her series even more complex than it should be. As if it wasn't enough that we had Dark, Dream and Were Hunters which are completely different and we have a ton of different gods and the Greek, Atlantaen and sometimes, Celtic/Nordic pantheons... now we add the Sumerian pantheon... and a new race of "demons" that are ennemies... and and Stryker just got a new best friend! I mean, come on... Now, not only they have to watch out for Stryker and the Daimons... there are now gallu demons and the Dimme... aren't you getting a headache yet? I mean, isn't it too much?

Would I recommend this book? Yes, if you've been fans of this series, this book is definitively worth it.

Grade: B+ (A- for Ash and Katra LOL :)

The Dream-Hunter by Sherrilyn Kenyon

So where to start... The Dark-Hunters series by Sherrilyn Kenyon. I have to say that I've followed this series for a bit more than 1.5 year now. I really devoured the books at first, but I've been disappointed with Dark Side of the Moon and even though Unleash the Night was good, it still left an empty feeling. Personally, I don't like the direction Nick Gauthier is taking, so I guess as long as he doesn't appear too much, I'll be fine.

The Dark-Hunters series is actually broken down into three categories: the Dark-Hunters, the Were-Hunters and the Dream-Hunters. This is the first installment of the Dream-Hunter series which is why the book was released as paperback instead of hardcover.

The Dream-Hunter by Sherrilyn Kenyon: 3.75/5
published in February 2007 by St.Martin's Paperbacks

Dr. Megeara Kafieri, aka Geary, has promised to her father, on his deathbed, to continue his research and prove Atlantis was real. At first, it was only an empty promise made to her estranged father whose quest for Atlantis has cost him his reputation as a scholar, but also almost all his family. However, when Geary hold proofs that Atlantis is real in her hands, she sets out to keep her promise.

Long ago, dream-hunters have been cursed by Zeus and are now devoided of all feelings except for pain. Arikos or Arik used to be an Oneroi - a dream-hunter whose function is to protect humans; however, because of Solin, a half-god with dream-hunter's power, also cousin of Arik, temptation, Arik turned into a Skotos, a dream-hunter who craves feelings and thus, "parasites" humans' dreams. After Arik stumbled onto Geary's dreams, he did not want to leave and so struck a bargain with Hades : Arik would become 100% human for 2 weeks, able to feel and have emotions, and when he returned, he'd had to bring back Geary's soul for Hades.

Once human, Arik - with the help of Solin- obtained the permits necessary for Geary for the excavation of Atlantis, as she has found its location. However, many gods are worried that Geary will release Apollymi and so, put obstacles in Geary's path. In addition, the 3 Oneroi leaders are worried that someone in the high places will find out that the curse on the dream-hunters is weakening through Arik and one of them takes matter in his hands by sending the Dolphoni/Furies to deal with Arik.

Series: The Dark-Hunters series (Book 11 - anthologies not included)
Genre: Paranormal romance

Review: Well as I mentionned already, I thought this book was a good read, better than Dark Side of the Moon. However, if someone wanted continuation of the series, you'll be disappointed. First, this book takes place in 1996, i.e. we're going back in the past, even before the series started. In addition, there is only 2 pages worth of Archeron. On the other hand, what is interesting is that it gives a lot of insight on the gods and the other "paranormal beings" besides the Dark-Hunters, such as the, well, dream-hunters, but also Chthonians (god killers) and Dolphoni and other Olympian gods. Also, we get to re-visit some other characters, such as Katra, who gets a rather big part, andM'Adoc, which appeared in Dance with the Devil as Zarek's dream-hunter.

The Characters - Let see, what do I have to say about these characters. Quite frankly, not much. Arik is like any other Dark-Hunter - tall, long hair, physically perfect, sexy, etc. - as for his personality, well not very different than the others either. The only thing is, never having been around humans, he's a bit clueless. Aside from that, I thought he lacked a bit of depth... Aside from the fact that he suffered a lot of pain, as like all the other dream-hunters, his only story is that he became a Skotos after fighting with Solin. Is that really sad? No. As for Geary, well she was a nice gal... What can I say... I did like her, but again nothing much to say. I think this book, although the characters played a big role, the story was more interesting. Or perhaps, what has to be said is that again, the secondary characters were more interesting and stole the spotlight. First, there was Katra... now that's a very complex character and everytimes she appears, we're given just pieces and bits of her past. Solin was another interesting character. He appeared as a jerk, but there's something behind him. Heck even ZT (Zebulon) was more intriguing. So, to sum it up... boring main characters, but intriguing secondary characters.

The Story & Writing - I really think something should be clear... no person is devoid of emotions and writing about those kind of chracters is really hard, especially if you want to make them realistic. In addition, when a character is devoid of feelings, then there's only one path for the author - to make this character have emotions and ultimately love. Ultimately, the premises are not bad, just very predictable. Again, it's not the main characters evolution that was interesting, but the whole story in general. The Dream-Hunter's curse, the bargain between Hades, Arik and when how Geary and Kat got Ares out of it. Also, the whole killing Arik scheme and Apollymi's presence. You also learn quite a bit about the gods story.

The Cover - I'd have preferred it if there wasn't a face taking half the space. However, I have to admit that at least, for once, the model fits the description.

Am I keeping the book? Yes. I'll decide what I'll do with the series after Ash's story, but I doubt that I'll throw them away... because there are some good stories in this series.

Anything else? Yes, what are the chances that Katra is Ash's soulmate? Seriously, she's a very complex character and she has the upper hand on Ash. I mean, she knows everything about Ash, but Ash doesn't even know she exists. Isn't that interesting? I don't understand why some ppl don't like Kat...

For 2007...

Hey everyone :D

So how was New Year? I hope everyone is well :D

So there won't be a recap of 2006 for me nor will there be any resolutions (I never keep them up, so I've stopped making them)... Let's take this year relax and easy... I say that, but 2007 will probably be one of the most imoprtant year of my life... really deciding what I'm going to do in the future. Oh well, we'll see what it brings...

So I'm in a mood lately... not a bad mood, but I guess I'm feeling restless and a lot bored. So there's probably going to be some changes soon to the blog (and my life too ^^;) First thing is going to be the layout, although I haven't started on it yet ^^; Then, there's also going to be the review format and I'll be soon working on an archive. See, I feel like I have to re-organize everything so it's nice and tidy. How long is the mood going to last, no idea :P

Well, that's enough of me :D Last thing is an offer for the Dark-Hunters fans. Author Ms. Sherrilyn Kenyon has offered a short story entitled Fear the Darkness which is supposed to gap the bridge between the Dark-Hunter series and the Dream-Hunter series (which is quite the same really). This short story was offered through internet... so if you want it, please leave a comment stating that you want it and I'll forward it to you.

Next post is going to be my review of Demon Angel by Meljean Brooks.