Friday, May 13, 2011

Dark Descendant by Jenna Black

Dark DescendantFrom Goodreads:

From the acclaimed author of the Morgan Kingsley, Exorcist books comes the gripping first novel in a new series about a private eye who discovers, to her surprise, that she’s an immortal huntress. 
Nikki Glass can track down any man. But when her latest client turns out to be a true descendant of Hades, Nikki now discovers she can’t die. . . .  
Crazy as it sounds, Nikki’s manhunting skills are literally god-given. She’s a living, breathing descendant of Artemis who has stepped right into a trap set by the children of the gods. Nikki’s new “friends” include a descendant of Eros, who uses sex as a weapon; a descendant of Loki, whose tricks are no laughing matter; and a half-mad descendant of Kali who thinks she’s a spy.  
But most powerful of all are the Olympians, a rival clan of immortals seeking to destroy all Descendants who refuse to bow down to them. In the eternal battle of good god/bad god, Nikki would make a divine weapon. But if they think she’ll surrender without a fight, the gods must be crazy. . . 
I really enjoyed this book. It is mostly a UF book and since this is the first in the series, those looking for a PNR will be disappointed. However, I'm sure that is coming later in the series. Those looking for action, then you will not be disappointed. I really enjoyed Nikki's character. Even though she has had a hard life from childhood, she did find love and stability when she was adopted at age 11. Because of her early experiences, she still has a hard time trusting people, but has a good heart. She turned PI and refuses the family money. While on a job she is set up and finds herself confused, hurt and immortal. Now she has to figure out who is trustworthy and who is playing dangerous games. And for the rest, I will *evil laugh* at your curiosity (oh... come on... don't look surprised!). ;)

There were times I yelled at this book. I didn't like the way the "good guys" treated her and I felt that her loyalty was still too easily given. I wanted to see them work at it a little harder. However, there were aspects of this book I throughly enjoyed. One was Blake a descendant of Eros. When we are introduced to him we find out how using sex as a weapon is not a statement reserved wholly to women. In fact, it gave a good description as to how rape is a violent act and not one of mere sex. To anyone who cannot wrap their brains around that (which seems prevalent within the legal community) I feel that they should be required to read that part and then see if they feel the same when next meeting a victim of that particular crime. Okay, politics and societal concerns aside, the gods are anything but benign and need a short leash unless they become arrogant and dangerous players in our world.

I give this novel 4 stars. I think it is a great start to a new UF series and I can't wait for the next installment.

I was given this book by the publisher, Pocket books and no compensation for my review was given.

12 comments:

  1. I want this one and I will get it! Thanks for a lovely review!

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  2. I am going to wait until you read the 2nd book and then tell me if it is a UF I will enjoy :) You know I am picky on my UF!

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  3. I'm still so torn over this book! Almost everyone really likes it, but I just can't see it as something I would enjoy!!!

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  4. I read her other works but I really need to pick this one up! It looks like something I may enjoy! Nice review!

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  5. Oooo I'm looking for a new UF series, so maybe I need to give this one a try. I do tend to gravitate more toward the romances, but I like some fantastic action now and then:)

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  6. Aiya, I agree. There needs to be work to gain thrust and that's the fun part to read.

    Thanks for the UF and PNR note. That really helps readers a lot. I love my romance but I can do without if I know there is a hint of something to come and the action is plenty enough. Just like the the first book in the Mercy series. Not much romance but lots of promise.

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  7. I'd read it :D I like the sound of it, the cover looks cool, and UF is of course a fav

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  8. Awesome review!

    I love Jenna black and this sounds amazing!

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  9. I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to seeing what kind of trouble Nikki finds herself in next. Great review!

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  10. Oooo, *shaking fist* Darn you and these books! I already have it on my WANT list since I saw it, but with reviews like this! What is a girl to do!?! lol. Thank you! And so glad you enjoyed it.

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  11. This is why I have a hard time liking UF, lots of action, little romance. *sighs* I need my smexy times!

    *be's a perv*

    Rape is a tough subject to approach, and one that never sits well with me, but I'm interested in that description you mentioned. Thanks for highlighting that for us.

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  12. @Larissa... Thx! You are sweet!

    @Samantha... oh I know... me too!

    @Melissa... well, back at ya!

    @Missie... you perv! ;D
    I just liked the way it was presented as a true weapon of agression. There was nothing in the book that would greatly disturb you, so I think you won't get upset in the way Blake used it.

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