305p.
Publisher: Tor
Available: Now
Source: From Tor for review
As Denver adjusts to a new master vampire, Kitty gets word of an intruder in the Denver werewolf pack’s territory, and she investigates the challenge to her authority. She follows the scent of the lycanthrope through the mountains where she is lured into a trap, tranquilized, and captured. When she wakes up, she finds herself in a defunct silver mine: the perfect cage for a werewolf. Her captors are a mysterious cult seeking to induct Kitty into their ranks in a ritual they hope will put an end to Dux Bellorum. Though skeptical of their power, even Kitty finds herself struggling to resist joining their cause. Whatever she decides, they expect Kitty to join them in their plot... willingly or otherwise.
My thoughts:
Usually I enjoy Kitty stumbling around trying to figure the best way out of a situation thrust upon her. This time, however, I was quite frustrated with her. She became stuck in a situation in where she was the one with the greatest amount of knowledge but with the least amount of influence. I don't see Kitty actually choosing that situation. She did and so my frustration with her rose.
The action was quite good and engaging, but I had a hard time with the players in this situation. I just didn't quite buy Kumbaris as a sage vampire. In fact, he seemed quite juvenile in his behavior. I also had a hard time believing the other weres in the story we so willing to follow him into the unknown. Perhaps there is a backstory there that would explain that fully. However, despite my unusual frustration with this character and the characters surrounding her, I did otherwise enjoy my time back in this world.
I did enjoy the information Kitty did gather about the "Long Game" arc in the story. Information we sorely need to defeat this undefeatable baddie. :) Especially for that information, this book should not be missed with this series. I am looking forward to the next book and I can't wait to see how that Long Game arc plays out. I give this book 3 stars.
Are we on book 12 already? How the heck did that happen? I'm so far behind with this series, it's not even funny anymore.
ReplyDeleteSorry for disappearing on you. I missed you and R2D2!
Sorry you didn't love this one like you expected.
Well, C3PO is quite disappointed that you didn't mention him. I'm not telling you what the wookie did... :)
DeleteI get what you saying. It sucks when the main character is the key yet others/things hold her back. Or maybe its just not clicking. I do need to read this series though. Awesome review.
ReplyDeleteIt was just so out of character of her to go in knowing she knew better than the rest.
DeleteI've only read the first one but so many books in the series while I'm at the beginning...
ReplyDeleteOh I love her growth throughout the series. I hope you do as well.
DeleteI'm so behind on this series I'm nowhere near reading it, but I'm glad to know it's pretty crucial to the overall series plot. It does suck that Kitty's behavior was so frustrating. Sorry this wasn't a total win for you, but it sounds like you still had some fun with it. Great review!
ReplyDeleteIt still was fun and it is an important book. :)
DeleteThe action sounds engaging and well done
ReplyDeleteIt was. :)
DeleteMy mom loves these! Some day I might give them a whirl :)
ReplyDeleteOh I hope you do! Your mom has great taste. ;)
DeleteWow, so many books in this series! I'm sorry this one wasn't as great as some of the others, but that's good you're still excited about the series as a whole. :)
ReplyDeleteTrue. I still enjoy the series.
DeleteSo many books, but I do have book 2
ReplyDeleteDon't forget to read book 1 first. ;D
DeleteIt can get frustrating when a character doesn't act like she's supposed to or doesn't live up to previous books. At least the Long Game part of the story was satisfying!
ReplyDeleteOoo I hate when our kick-ass heroines frustrate us, I think it happens in every series. I am glad you enjoyed some aspects of this installment and hope you and Kitty kiss and make-up in the next one!
ReplyDeleteIt's been years since I read a Kitty book, I'm not even sure which one I'm on. That's too bad this one was disappointing though. One day I'll get more caught up. Maybe...
ReplyDeleteI keep meaning to read Kitty and I just haven't. And now I'm this many books behind. Aww man. I may have to just properly binge on them.
ReplyDeleteWay behind on my reading of this series. #12 doesn't sound like the strongest read in the series but as you say still an important one.
ReplyDeleteOne day I will read this series... Thanks for the review Melissa.
ReplyDeleteAw sorry she was a little frustrating in this one
ReplyDeleteSorry this one didn't live up to the others, but that happens. Hopefully the next one will be better! And if this is the first time in 10 books, that's pretty good!
ReplyDelete*duck head* It seems I'm going to play a Melissa. I've not read any of these books, but I have this one show up in my mailbox. I like the sounds of the world, but nervous about starting so far in the series. :) Sorry you got frustrated with Kitty though.
ReplyDeleteWow, this sure is a long series. Good review :)
ReplyDelete