Book Review-Newer Books 48

Review—No Mercy

Sherrilyn Kenyon wrote the novel No Mercy. St. Martin’s Press published the book in September 2010; the novel has 343 pages.

            Ahhhh…New Orleans, forever known as the home for vampires. However, this N’awlins is also the home for Dark Hunter’s, those who hunt Daimons, otherwise known as vampires and keep humanity safe. It also seems to be the home of a wide variety of supernatural creatures and perhaps a few Greek Gods. One place supposedly safe for all is a club called Santuary, owned and managed by were-bears. That safety seems to be in jeopardy of late. The bears have reported to those that have power in the supernatural world that Daimons are walking in daylight. This may not bode well for those that cannot be touched by sunlight.

            Samia is a dark hunter and a fierce protector of the human race since her time as an Amazon queen. When she meets one of the bears, Dev, and gets the story of day walking vampires, more trouble heads to the haunted city and those who lead and protect. Now Sam has some special abilities that make her vulnerable. She soon discovers this bear of a handsome man could be the one safe haven for her. Both she and Dev have lived through the centuries and suffered at the hands of the fates. Nevertheless, the fates bring them new twists and turns that further leads to danger, betrayal, lust and sacrifice entering their lives. More adventure may follow, since they are forced into a journey to retrieve the ancient girdle of Hippolyta. Acheron and other Greek gods occasionally are involved by what the fates and those ruling the Daimons have started.

            Sherrilyn Kenyon has written many Dark Hunter novels, and this one is just as entertaining. The characters are quick with the quips and repartee, and enjoyable to follow. There is action, danger, and romance, in addition to the never-ending hint that more is to come. Anyone who likes serial novels and supernatural beings should enjoy this novel and the previous books, the Greek gods are an added feature.

Book Review-Newer Books 47

Review—Bullet

Laurell K. Hamilton wrote the novel Bullet. Berkley Publishing Group published the book in May 2010; the novel has 356 pages.

            St. Louis is the home of U.S. Marshall Anita Blake, who is also a necromancer and vampire executioner. She is also the lover of the Master Vampire of the city, Jean-Claude, and is part of his triumvirate of power. Yet, through her powers, her own triumvirate has developed. In the recent past, the first vampire was killed, she is also known as the Mother of all Darkness. Now Anita tries to live daily life as a normal person, yes, one with involved relationships with vampires and were-animals. Normal daily life does not come easy. Especially, as she is also the leader of several were-groups. In addition, she is linked as a victim of multiple strains of lycanthropy to these groups.

            In other cities across the U.S., there is worry that Jean-Claude and Anita are seeking too much power, but an unexpected visitor, who aims to rule not only Europe but America, lets them know that she is a force to be reckoned with. She is back, not dead and has possessed the Vampire Council. One way to fight her power is for Anita to master another tiger, one not known to exist for thousands of years. She needs to make them part of her power and bring them into their own power and that means using the arduer in the form of sex or anger. While the Mother of all Darkness reaches out and touches them, power is unleashed that leads to new horrors for Anita and those she cares for. This leads to new decisions to be made and alliances to be forged. Some of these new friends may just have to realize that St. Louis is the place with the power and the alternative is much, much worse.

            Laurell K. Hamilton has written many vampire hunter books, starring Anita Blake. The novels evolve the characters and emotions of relationships, as well as dealing with the powers and weaknesses of various supernatural beings. Many of these novels will lead the reader to read the other and future books. These are very adult books and should be limited to adult readers.

Book Review-Newer Books 46th

Review—Sizzling Sixteen

Janet Evanovich wrote the novel Sizzling Sixteen. St. Martin’s Press published the book in June 2010; the novel has 320 pages.

            Trenton, New Jersey, a hot bed of crime? Who would have thought it? Stephanie Plum is back to work chasing down bail jumpers. She is a local bounty hunter, and has a stack of people to round up and take back in to reset court appointments. This is how she tries to gain the cooperation of those who have skipped on their bail. Through all of this her boss and cousin, Vinnie, has disappeared. Connie runs the office and Lula does the filing since she gave up her previous career of being a HO. A ransom demand soon arrives, and no local police for these girls, especially since Stephanie’s on-again/off-again relationship with detective Joe Morelli is currently off. Brainstorming for these women is like watching a train wreck in slow motion; yet, they devise a plan and try various avenues to free Vinnie. Sometimes Lula’s past and Stephanie’s dumb luck pave the way to bits of success, but will Vinnie ever be rescued?

            Another piece of the puzzle is Stephanie’s friend and mentor, Ranger. He runs his own security agency and someone is messing with his clients. Stephanie sometimes works for him and does so again. He is just another bone of contention in her relationship with Joe as Ranger seriously flirts but will probably never commit. He does seem to have a never-ending supply of transportation, a lucky benefit for Ms. Plum, as she seems to have an aversion to keeping vehicles drivable. Every now and then, her grandmother comes along for the ride, adding to the confusion and excitement. Stephanie also has to deal with her nemesis in relationships and the bounty hunter business while trying to save Vinnie, in addition to helping Ranger solve his mystery.

            Janet Evanovich, has written this series of Stephanie Plum novels and each book is laugh out loud funny in the characters and situations in which they get involved. No need to start at the beginning, but after reading one, most readers will go back for more. There is attitude, action and romance in the mix of the hunting. 

Book Review-Newer Books 45th

Review—Fang

This is s James Patterson book for young readers. James Patterson wrote the novel Fang. Little, Brown Books published the book in March 2010; the novel has 336 pages.

            The bird kids are back and they will take you from Africa to Vegas and Los Angeles. Maximum Ride and the gang are currently on a mission in an impoverished area of Africa. While there, they discover kids with differences and one new bird kid, who claims he was made just for her. Fang is her boyfriend and partner in leading this group of kids created in test tubes with their DNA combined with avian DNA. Flying is just one of their many talents. Each of these kids has special gifts. Their lives have always been fraught with danger, from birth to the current time people have tried to use them or capitalize on their uniqueness.

            After being born to live in crates their freedom has come at high costs. However, now with the backing and support of a humanitarian group they can move across the globe with less risk. Africa brings them in contact with a new powerful man intending to make them part of his plan for the future of the world. Max declines the offer, leading them into another dangerous situation and being chased abroad. They head to a place known as home only to find that trouble follows. Max and Fang try to teach the younger kids more about needed education and the world while maintaining their safety. Angel, the youngest and the one child with the most unique and powerful gifts intends to become the leader. This causes a new rift in the group but also leads Max and Fang to realize their relationship could be a problem to the continued unity of the other kids. From Africa to Montana, Vegas, and LA, the group seeks the answers that will keep them safe and together.

            This is one of several books by James Patterson for young readers based on this amazing group of bird kids. Even adults should find their journey entertaining. Though a few of the books tend to preach a little too heavily about global warming and the evils of big corporations, the majority of the series just provide good stories about kids overcoming a difficult beginning. Max and Fang have proved to be a good pair through each book and each of the other kids are enjoyable to follow.