Liviania’s review of Blackout (Cal Leandros, Book 6) by Rob Thurman
Urban Fantasy published by Roc 1 Mar 11

It seems like many romance readers hate the amnesia plot. Urban fantasy readers complain about it less, likely because it is used less. But I think Rob Thurman used it well. Despite being the sixth book in the Cal Leandros series, Blackout is accessible to new readers since Cal is discovering who he is and what his world is like. (Hint: It’s filled with things that go bump in the night.)

Cal wakes up on a beach. He’s surrounded by dead giant spiders, armed to the teeth, and carrying three fake IDs. There’s only one thing to do: get a haircut and work as a waiter. Okay, that’s what he does due to the generosity of the people in Nevah’s Landing, South Carolina. But pretty soon a man claiming to be his brother shows up – accompanied by a monster.

Readers of the series know that Niko is his brother, Robin is his best friend, and Cal isn’t usually that polite. The personality that Cal develops in the absence of his memories is intriguingly normal, considering that Cal became noticeably insane around Deathwish or Roadkill. Thus, new Cal pulls off two tricks. First, as mentioned before, is introducing new readers to the series. Second, older readers empathize with Niko’s dilemma. Does he help Cal to regain his memories or does he allow Cal to remain ignorant and happy? Old Cal is missed, but new Cal has his good points.

I enjoy character driven novels, so I got a kick out of Blackout. One of the reasons I love the Cal Leandros series so much is the chemistry in the ensemble. At the same time, others might be less satisfied with this entry than me. Blackout focuses much less on the action. Overall, the novel moves somewhat slower. When action scenes do occur, they’re less explosive. I found the trade-off acceptable and certainly won’t skip Blackout when rereading the series. At the same time, if I’m just revisiting one book in the series, it’s not likely to be Blackout.

Rob Thurman’s dialogue and narration remain snappy. Cal might be less prickly and sarcastic in this book, but he’s still a smartass. Not a romantic smartass, however. For those who like a dash of romance with their urban fantasy, another series might be better. Cal’s relationship with Delilah was always more about sex than romance, and at this point it’s definitely over. (Well, aside from one of them potentially killing the other in the future.)

Blackout may not be my favorite book in the series, but I thought it was a good change of pace. The characterization is strong, the story is fun, and the emotional beats work. There’s a reason I look forward to the newest entry in this series every year.

Grade: B+

Summary:

Some things are better forgotten.

I was alone, and I was lost. I didn’t know where I was; I didn’t know who I was. It doesn’t get more lost than that. Knowing what I knew and not knowing anything else at all, why would I want to be in the darkness where monsters hide?

Because killers hide there, too…

Half-human Cal Leandros has always walked a bloody line between keeping his mortal soul free and clear (sort of) and unleashing the horror of his otherworldly heritage. The one thing that’s always saved him is the memory of his brother, Niko, his friends, and those he loves… until now.

Cal wakes up on a beach littered with the recently slaughtered remains of a variety of hideous creatures that were obviously looking for trouble. The fact that he was the one doing the slaughtering doesn’t bother him. The fact that he feels like a natural-born killer doesn’t either. What bothers him is that Cal doesn’t remember Cal anymore…

And he’s not sure he cares.

Read an excerpt here.

Other books in this series:

Liviania‘s review of Deathwish (Cal Leandros Series, Book 4) by Rob Thurman
Urban fantasy released by ROC 3 Mar 09

The thing about really loving a series is that when the new book comes out you’re either elated, or frustrated when it doesn’t meet the expectations you’ve been building for a year.  There’s no hate like hate for a disappointing book in a series you love.  Luckily for me, Deathwish didn’t let me down and I shall once more wait on eggshells for the next release in my favorite series.  (And I shall once more go to multiple bookstores until I find one that has it.  Why has this happened to me twice with this series?  The universe is taunting me.)  Seriously, if Rob Thurman writes a disappointing book I’m probably going to become depressed.

Deathwish‘s gimmick is that we get more than Cal’s point-of-view; the chapters alternate between him and older brother Niko.  We learn two very important things from this format: Niko isn’t as zen as he seems on the outside and Cal doesn’t exaggerate as much as you might assume when he refers to himself as a monster.  (Cal is an unreliable narrator.  Niko seems slightly more reliable, though perhaps he simply lies better.)  Plus, this series wouldn’t be half of what it is without their intense relationship so it’s nice to see the other side of things.

As always, there are multiple plots going on for maximum action.  The detective agency is hired to protect Seamus, an old flame of Promise, who is less-than-thrilled by her current relationship with Niko.  Promise’s daughter shows up, on the run from a guy who is seriously bad business.  (And no, Niko isn’t thrilled to learn his girlfriend has a daughter.)  And don’t forget the Auphe.  (Who could, after the cliffhanger ending of Madhouse.)  They’re still unhappy and still prone to show up at really bad times.  I saw one of the reveals regarding the Auphe coming, but it’s suitably horrifying I can’t blame the brothers for being in denial.

While the brothers’ relationship is as strong as ever, their romantic relationships may not be.  Promise and Niko’s trust issues come to the fore (they have been brewing since Moonshine) and it seems Cal’s chance at even a friendly relationship with George is dead.  Of course, it seems like more than a just sex relationship could develop with Delilah, which would be excellent since she’s a total badass.  Of course, the puck Robin is ever lucky in lust and he may be lucky in love as well.

But basically, what makes these books great holds strong.  There’s tons of snappy dialogue and narration, strong friendships, and tons of action that manages to not blur into a mush.  However, my sense of “this can’t end well” greatly increased during this book.  Deathwish really hammers home the facts that Niko is a human in a world of beasties and Cal ain’t all there.  And I really want things to end well.

For those who haven’t read the first three books in the series, I think you can really start with any of the books including Deathwish.  All of them integrate the history into the story so that newbies can be caught up and oldies won’t be annoyed.  Thurman does play pretty loose with mythology which might throw some people off, but each beastie’s abilities are well-defined within the series’ world.

I want the fifth book now, but unfortunately have to wait until next year.  Luckily, the first book in a new series, Trick of the Light, comes out in September 2009.  It’s already on my to-buy list.

Grade: A

Summary
.
In a nightmarish new york city, life is there for the taking…Half-human Cal Leandros and his brother Niko are hired by the vampire Seamus to find out who has been following him—until Seamus turns up dead (or un-undead). Worse still is the return of Cal’s nightmarish family, the Auphe. The last time Cal and Niko faced them, they were almost wiped out. Now, the Auphe want revenge. But first, they’ll destroy everything Cal holds dear…
.
No excerpt available.

Other books in this series:

C2 started it off, but I’ve got a list as well!  (And my choices are way better than hers.)  2008 was a great year for books, but here’s my top 10:

The Outlaw Demon Wails (The Hollows, Book Six) by Kim Harrison
Urban fantasy released by EOS 26 Feb 2008

Kim Harrison keeps this series going storng with an entry that solves a lot of ongoing questions and to open new ones. The paperback is now available with a bonus story just in time to reread for the release of White Witch, Black Curse.

Dark Needs at Night’s Edge (The Immortals After Dark, Book Four) by Kresley Cole
Paranormal romance released by Pocket 1 Apr 08

It was a toss-up between this and Dark Desires After Dusk. With this year’s releases, Cole set the bar high for Kiss of a Demon King. Seriously, any paranormal romance fan needs these two on their shelves.

Lament: The Faerie Queen’s Deception by Maggie Stiefvater
Young adult fantasy released by Flux 1 Oct 08

This debut has faeries, violence, music, and romance. What more can one ask for?

Dreaming Again edited by Jack Dann
Speculative fiction anthology released by EOS 30 Sept 08

Australia’s literary scene rocks hardcore. Here some of its best authors serve up 35 excellent stories. This anthology contains no misses.

Generation Dead by Daniel Waters
Paranormal young adult released by Hyperion 6 May 08

Zombies, high school, and sociology come together for a humorous novel that will stay with you for awhile after you finish.

Madhouse (Cal Leandros, Book Three) by Rob Thurman
Urban fantasy released by ROC 26 Feb 08

Just read this series. Please.

Delicious by Sherry Thomas
Historical romance released by Bantam 29 July 08

Another author with two brilliant releases to choose between -this and her debut Private Arrangements. Both are terrific, but only this one makes me hungry. Food porn and romance is a winning combination.

Embrace the Night (Cassandra Palmer series, Book Three) by Karen Chance
Urban fantasy released by ROC 1 Apr 08

This series really hit its stride with this book. Chance also debuted anther series with the excellent Midnight’s Daughter.

Undone by Brooke Taylor
Young adult released by Walker Books for Young Readers 22 July 08

Taylor’s debut is emotionally strong, which any romance reader can appreciate.

Paper Towns by John Green
Young adult released by Dutton Juvenile 16 Oct 08

Green understands the nerd lifestyle, strong females, and what makes a good story. I don’t know if the man is capable of writing a book that isn’t made of win.

Honorable Mentions

Wicked Game by Jeri Smith-Ready
Urban fantasy released by Pocket 13 May 08

Smith-Ready makes her urban fantasy debut with a series that takes an inventive approach towards vampires and adds to the genre.

Tarnished Beauty by Cecilia Samartin
Literary fiction released by Atria 18 Mar 08

This is not self-important literary fiction. It’s simply a beautifully written story.

Shannon C.’s review of Moonshine (Cal Leandros, Book 2) by Rob Thurman
Urban fantasy published 06 Mar 2007 by Roc

I feel a little strange writing this, but after two books in this series that I have read so far, I am definitely a Cal Leandros fangirl. I would gladly have both him and Niko on my desert island o’ book hero goodness. I am such a Cal Leandros fangirl that I even put up with things that normally cause me to go into fits of rabid anger, like the fact that there’s not a whole lot of depth to Cal’s romantic interest, and that sometimes a few of the characters skirt the line of Mary Sue-dom. I love these books to pieces, and am definitely going to be reading the latest quite soon.

The premise is this. Cal, the narrator, is half-human, half-Auphe. The Auphe were once the most bad-ass of the evil supernatural creatures, and definitely not the sort of people you want reproducing. In the first book, Cal had a bit of an identity crisis, trying to figure out whether he was more monster than human. In this book, he explores that connection more deeplyand comes to grips with the fact that he needs to rely on other people besides his brother Niko. In the meantime, Cal works for a supernatural security consulting group, and he and Niko, as well as Niko’s vampire girlfriend, Promise and their mutual friend Robin Goodfellow (yes, *that* Robin Goodfellow), must seek out a crown that could confer great power upon those who wear it. If they don’t find the crown, then something Cal holds dear will be lost.

I’m really not so much of a fan of the idea of most modern urban fantasy. But this series works well for me. For one thing, the humor is exactly my type–it’s snarky and dry. This book had lots of moments where I literally laughed out loud, something that almost never happens.

But where Thurman excels is in drawing these characters and their complex relationships, all without leaving Cal’s head and making him too perceptive. Cal, of course, is a great character with plenty of other issues to resolve. But the rest of the cast is equally well-drawn, from the quiet but deadly Niko, to the mysterious Promise, to the gregarious Robin Goodfellow. We also get introduced to other characters, like a werewolf named Flay, that I hope will continue to play parts in the series.

The other thing that works well here is the plot. Thurman doesn’t pull any punches. The supernatural nasties really are nasty, and our heroes definitely suffer consequences because of their actions. This makes for extremely compelling writing, and I was only sad that I couldn’t just devour this book in one fell swoop.

The only real problem I had was with the romance between Cal and a young psychic named Georgina. I just didn’t really understand what he saw in George. She also seems to need a fair bit of rescuing, which is definitely something that irks me.

Aside from that, I’m definitely still in for the next bit of the series. I think this book might stand alone well enough, though I would strongly recommend starting off with the first book in the series, Nightlife and reading from there.
Grade: B+

Summary:
After saving the world from his fiendish father’s side of the family, Cal Leandros and his stalwart half-brother Niko have settled down with a new apartment
and a new gig-bodyguard and detective work. And in New York City, where preternatural beings stalk the streets just like normal folk, business is good.

Their latest case has them going undercover for the Kin-the werewolf Mafia. A low-level Kin boss thinks a rival is setting him up for a fall, and wants
proof. The place to start is the back room of Moonshine-a gambling club for non-humans. Cal thinks it’s a simple in-and-out job. But Cal is very, very
wrong.

Cal and Niko are being set up themselves-and the people behind it have a bite much worse than their bark…
No excerpt available.
Read my review of Nightlife here