Gwen’s review of Bloodfever (Fever Series, Book 2) by Karen Marie Moning
Contemporary paranormal fiction mass market paperback released by Dell 26 Aug 08
(Delacorte released hardcover 16 Oct 07)
Moning has started a different kind of series with the Fever books. They’re part urban fantasy, a (very) little bit young adult (so far), some paranormal romance, and lots of adventure. They’re the saga of a young woman’s journey thru some rather horrific events. A journey she takes with a gorgeous man who is a complete mystery to her, who saves her life time and again, and whom she cannot trust as far as she can throw. At least, that’s what she thinks at the beginning of this second book…
I love Moning’s writing. Her Dark Highlander series are some of my favorite paranormal romances, with Beyond the Highland Mist my absolute favorite of all. We’re very fortunate that the Fever books are told in the same world as the Highlander novels. We even get to meet, briefly, one of the MacKeltar‘s in Bloodfever (I just got a shiver – eek!) and there’s foreshadowing of more to come from him. I canNOT wait to see how that turns out.
In the Fever series, Moning departs from her typical writing style and gives us a first person telling from the heroine’s POV. Normally, I intensely dislike first person writing. It’s just so difficult for an author to do well. However, KMM makes it work with this series. The first person writing gives the action a sense of freshness and tension you probably wouldn’t feel if it weren’t told this way. Part of that is how incredibly funny and approachable I find the heroine, Mac. She approaches her predicaments with humor, courage, and a modern girl’s sensibilities.
The male lead – I hesitate to call him “hero” – is Jericho Barrons. We learn quite a bit more about this mysterious man in this book, but we still don’t know his motivations or history. There IS one very hot scene where he and Mac almost manage to get in each others’ pants. VERY steamy and classic Moning, but still no cigar, so to speak. 😉 I love Barrons as a hero. He’s an anti-hero hero. My favorite kind.
The story of what Mac is here to do with Jericho takes some forward steps in Bloodfever, but the story’s master plan still evolves slowly. We’re still left learning what is going on in this adventure. I could wish the plot moved a bit faster – same desire I had with the first book. According to Moning’s site, there are to be five Fever books. I hope the plot is like a snowball, gaining momentum as we reach the apex and start to go “downhill” in book three, Faefever. Regardless, it’s still very entertaining and there are a couple of interesting plot twists in Blood.
I can recommend this eminently readable book to anyone following this series, fans of Moning, and fans of contemporary paranormal fiction. I think it could stand alone – it has been quite some time since I read the first and I’ve forgotten (apparently) quite a bit of it, but I was still able to follow along.
Brava, KMM. I’m looking forward to book 3, Faefever, coming in September. Bloodfever releases in mass market paperback 26 Aug 08.
Grade: A-
Summary:
Mackayla Lane’s ordinary life underwent a complete makeover when she landed on Ireland’s shores and was plunged into a dark, deadly realm unlike any she ever imagined. In her fight to stay alive, Mac must find the Sinsar Dubh—a million-year old book of the blackest magic imaginable that holds the key to power over both the worlds of Fae and Man. Pursued by Fae assassins, surrounded by mysterious figures she knows she cannot trust, Mac finds herself torn between two deadly and irresistible men: V’lane, the insatiable Fae, who can turn sensual arousal into an obsession for any woman; and the ever-inscrutable Jericho Barrons, a man as alluring as he is mysterious.
For centuries, the shadowy realm of the Fae has coexisted with that of humans. Now the walls between the two are coming down, and Mac is the only thing that stands between them…
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
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Book 4, Dreamfever, tbd | Book 5, Shadowfever, tbd |
I’m not a fan of KMM’s Highlander books (I loathed Dark Highlander and found Immortal Highlander “OK, but forgettable”), so believe me when I saw I’ve been shocked by how much I’ve enjoyed this series. Unlike you I adore first person (love it, love it, love it!), and I think KMM writes it extremely well. I also appreciate her characterization of Mac. I’m not sure why, but so many authors try to write “young” characters and they come out as “too stupid to live.” Mac isn’t stupid, she’s just “young.” I like that.
I did think this book was more of a place holder though, and I do think the author has to start giving readers some answers in book 3. I’ve enjoyed this series so far, but I also don’t want to be strung along indefinitely.
Wendy – I’m right there with you. So far, I feel like everything that has happened so far could have fit into one book, with appropriate editing. It’s all moving along sooo slowly.
I’m so surprised you didn’t like the Highlander books! I’ve loved them. Have you tried Beyond the Highland Mist yet?
Gwen: As much as I’ve enjoyed the first two books – yeah, I’m just going to need some answers and more forward movement in book three. Although given how much I’ve enjoyed KMM’s writing style in this series, I can see myself hanging on even if I start to get a touch annoyed.
I just haven’t been able to muster up much enthusiasm for the Highlander series. So strong was my dislike for Dark Highlander, that I never would have picked up another one if not getting Immortal Highlander for review. I did enjoy that story, but it’s one of those books where all of the details have flown out of my head (with exception of the hero’s name oddly enough). Usually that’s my cue for “not for me.” But I know many, many, many readers who love those books.
People seem so mixed about KMM. There aren’t too many romances on Audible (often the only time I can “read” romance is in the car or on my run or while folding laundry!) but they have a lot of KMM. But then I go and read reviews and so many people just HATE her. Maybe I’ll try the paperback first.
Thanks for the review!
Jessica: What I’ve noticed about KMM is there is no “in between.” Readers either love, love, love her books or strongly dislike them. I’ve read four now (over the two series) and my reactions have been hate, OK, love, and love.
Which, um, I guess doesn’t help out your predicament at all 🙂
Jessica you should try matching up with a reviewer you generally agree with…
Unlike wendy I adored her time travels but wouldn’t touch this stuff with a stick.
::shrug::
Ten to one Sandy M likes point this and the time travels *g*
Oh, good, this is finally out in paper :). I preferred this to KMM’s paranormal romances (of course I only read 1 of those).
So – I added a widget for the free podcast of the first book of this series on our front page in the bottom left. It’s pretty cool.