Tag Archives: On the Hunt

The Collector by Shannon K. Butcher

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Collector
Author: Shannon K. Butcher
Series: Sentinel Wars #3.5
In: On the Hunt (Gena Showalter, Shannon K. Butcher, Jessica Andersen & Deidre Knight)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Demons, Paranormal romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2011

Thoughts

As I normally do with novellas, I found that this was the first story I read in the Sentinel Wars series. And now I’m excited to read more! I love the idea of Fated Mates at the best of times, but I also like that there is a whole supernatural bent on just how much that “fate” means to both of them. The fact that this is an antique collector and a supernatural warrior… just made it all that much more fun and impossible to put down.

Neal and Vivian are a little bit instalove (which isn’t surprising as this is a whole fated mates, meant to be together thing). But, even if they are immediately drawn to one another, they still manage to take most of this story getting to know one another. The mental and emotional attributes are what ultimately draw them together, even after the physical ones drew them towards each other in the first place.

There is a lot of action in this story without much angst. It all occurs in a ridiculously short amount of time too. Neal and Virginia are in a race to try and find a gadget which will save his friend’s life. But, alongside that, they are racing the demon-like creatures which are also hunting Virginia. The high stakes and the quick pace meant that this novella was over far too quickly for my liking.

<- Ever NightCrystal Skull ->

Image source: Penguin Random House

Crystal Skull by Jessica Andersen

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Crystal Skull
Author: Jessica Andersen
In: On the Hunt (Gena Showalter, Shannon K. Butcher, Jessica Andersen & Deidre Knight)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Mythology, Paranormal romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2011

Thoughts

The Crystal Skull had a bit of an Indiana Jones kind of vibe to it. But with a paranormal spin. It made it very easy to dive into it, and the novella length meant that I really didn’t have to stress too much about the fact that I didn’t want to put this down. The action, the archaeological dig and the finding of things that go bump in the night were wonderfully enjoyable in and of themselves. Then, add in the romantic angle, the forgiveness and the hints of a greater world out there, and you have yourself a story that is incredibly difficult to put down.

JT and Natalie are obviously going to end up together from the very beginning. And overall, they manage to build a fairly good relationship. Although, it was kind of quick. I mean, they started off as a fling, split up, and then all of the paranormal drama of this story brings them back together. And they quickly realise how much they love each other and start their happily ever after. There’s a whole lot of action in between, but I do like that, ultimately they support each other in their somewhat ill-advised compulsive moments (alright, Natalie’s somewhat ill-advised compulsions).

I remember the whole scare of the world ending (using the Mayan Calendars), and I like that this is obviously part of a series that was created in the build up to this. However, even though the premise was enjoyable, I don’t think that it’s one that I’ll continue on with. It was a well-written and good story. But, the idea feels a little bit dated now that we are almost ten years past this point. Maybe I’ll just have to dive into something else written by Jessica Andersen (that I can find in eBook form).

<- The CollectorRed Angel ->

Image source: Penguin Random House

Ever Night by Gena Showalter

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Ever Night
Author: Gena Showalter
In: On the Hunt (Gena Showalter, Shannon K. Butcher, Jessica Andersen & Deidre Knight)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Medieval fantasy, Paranormal romance, Time travel
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2011

Thoughts

At the beginning of this novella, I was a bit… disturbed by the idea that Rose was going to fall for the weird abductor guy. I mean, it was a bit Stockholm Syndrome-y and made me start this story with a feeling of total ick. But then, as I got to know the two characters, I decided that I actually loved this. There was something kind of fun and cute about this story, and, even though the beginning was uncomfortable, I settled into this and was really disappointed that it had to end.

I thought that the idea of being forced to transport oneself into an alternate world every year on your birthday was brilliant and incredibly imaginative. I ended up really loving the world building in this and seriously enjoyed this novella. I love that its two worlds built around somewhat familiar ones. Yet, fear and misunderstandings have led to murder and mayhem throughout the two groups of peoples. An thoroughly enjoyable world that left me smiling and wanting more and more after I turned that final page.

Honestly, although I knew just who Rose would end up with the end, I didn’t quite expect how they were going to end up. Neither did I expect their conflict resolution at the end. It was a really great way to tie up a romantic and lustful novella. This is the first story I’ve read by Showalter, even if I have multiples of her stories on my shelves. And, I’m glad to say that I’ve got more of her stories to continue on with. Now to dive into them and the rest of my TBR.

<- On the HuntThe Collector ->

Image source: Penguin Random House