Monday, June 2, 2014

Forged (The World of the Nightwalkers #4) by Jacquelyn Frank

Series: The World of Nightwalkers #4
352p.
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Source: From LibraryThing's Early Reviewer
From New York Times bestselling author Jacquelyn Frank comes a seductive new paranormal romance set in the World of the Nightwalkers, as a battle-scarred bodyguard and a sensitive beauty risk their lives—and their hearts—in the face of evil.

When Katrina Haynes discovers a large man lying wounded in the snow, she fears he is at death’s door. But as Kat tends to his injuries, she quickly realizes that they’re the least of her worries. With an irresistible Scottish brogue and a strange ability to harden his chiseled body like a statue, the stranger awakens a desire she is unable to resist—and a fascination about the intriguing world he exists in. 
As a proud Gargoyle, Ahnvil must safeguard the Nightwalker to whom he’s sworn fealty. But as this bewitching woman nurses him back to health, arousing an almost uncontrollable hunger within him, he is possessed with the fierce impulse to protect her as well. And he will have to shield her—for by coming to his rescue, Kat has placed herself in the middle of a supernatural war . . . and exposed herself to dark, powerful magic. As human and Gargoyle forge an unbreakable bond, Kat will discover that despite his intimidating strength and size, one thing Ahnvil does not possess is a heart of stone.
My thoughts:
 Yes, I did it again. I started a series in the middle. I did read the blurb which said a new paranormal so I really thought I was starting at the beginning. However, like a lot of PNR, I was not lost and any background information was provided that I needed.

I have to say that at first I didn't like either character. In fact taking the book as a whole the characterization felt very uneven. At first, Ahnvil was abusive and a jerk to Kat who was trying to save his life. Kat, in turn, kept instantly forgiving him without cause and actually was instantly attracted to him. Later there was an excuse for his behavior (the healing process kicked in some nasty behavior) and she finally told him where to take his attitude. He also started treating her with respect and she starting getting an attitude (which was a good thing). However, both behaviors seemed to come out of the blue. Even so, I did start to enjoy the story when this started happening.

The part about Kat learning about herself and the adventure that came with it was very interesting. Unfortunately we don't get too much of it. I would have almost like it to start at the point where she was learning about herself (well, with a little background or it wouldn't have made sense) and then continue with the story arc that is going throughout the series.

I was torn between giving the book a 2 1/2 or a 3, but I do think I'll give it a 3 since I do think that the series might be better on the whole and I'm and ending girl. Despite the ending feeling "short" (like it was just getting started and then it ended) I did like it better than the beginning. I do recommend this series for those that like PNR. I have a feeling those that are attracted to PNR much more than I am will really enjoy this series.

LibraryThing Early Reviewers

30 comments:

  1. Ooh, a gargoyle? As I have a fascination with gargoyles for this reason alone I need to read this despite your rather humble rating.

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  2. I don't know how you start series in the middle, Melissa, but I admire that you can! PNR is a genre that I keep trying but just doesn't work for me, so I'll likely steer clear of this one. Fantastic review!

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  3. Paranormal Romance is one of the rare genres that allows just jump in at any point in the series, and thank goodness for that! Ooh, and your review reminded me that I haven't checked out LibraryThing's offerings for a while; I'd best get on that.

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  4. I'm going to take a pass on this one. The uneven characterizations is what would make me drop this book very quickly.

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    1. I came close to it, but I trusted the author enough to go on.

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  5. Ah, love it when you just start in the middle of the series. :)
    If only I could do that. Sounds like it's a great read for Paranormal fans.

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  6. I've read a couple by Jacqueline Frank but they never really struck a chord with me, unfortunately. They're fantastic covers! And I'm laughing at you starting another book mid-series 'cause I do that all the time. It just can't be helped, I think.

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    1. I didn't mean to do it! LOL :) At least I'm not alone... ;)

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  7. I'm not so sure these characters would work for me. I do want to read this author though!

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  8. Ugh, I hate it when I get a book with unlikable characters. Do you think you would have liked it better having read the other books?

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    1. I did like the characters in the end. It was a character thing, not a series one. I just wish she started with their personalities as they were at the middle of the book or so..

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  9. Hmm, not sure about these characters.I do love your June blog theme though..adorable!

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  10. I have never started a series in the middle, less of all paranormal, i feel like i'd get even more lost in that genre if i were going too, lol! I'm not so sure about the characters in this one since i don't think i'd particularly like them and i need to like my characters or i end up dropping the book!Great Review, though :)
    Lily

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  11. I'm sorry it wasn't for you, I was really attracted by the series. They released it in French too but well... not sure. I agree with you out oforder with PNR is OK, I'm reading the last of a fantasy series and here it's quite difficult...

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  12. Oh cute new background!!!

    I am all for a Scottish brogue!! Gargoyle stories have not been winning with me lately. Maybe it's that made of stone thing, but I haven't found one I like. That being said, I do have a couple I haven't attempted yet. We'll see. Glad the ending brought this one up for you. Hope you like other books in the series!!

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  13. I fall for accents hardcore. Like no joke. LOL

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  14. I struggled a touch with a couple books in this series Melissa, so I'm bummed to see that some of the issues I had are still present in this fourth book. I'd hoped some of the kinks might work themselves out with each couple, and maybe they still will after these two:)

    Also, love the new look!!!!

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  15. Nice review Melissa, you series jumper! I do have this series, and have read two other related series which I really loved. One day soon I hope to pick up the first book in this one. But, Gargoyle! That is new to me from this author.

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  16. Girl, you get me starting in the middle of the series! I think it would be harder to connect with characters overall without the first book build up.

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  17. I haven't been as into PNR lately as I normally am, so when I do read another one I probably will read one that you recommend more highly. Still glad you enjoyed some of this. And I'm continually in awe of your start in the middle strategy. :-) Great review!

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  18. What is New Paranormal? All these new sub classes and I'm getting lost. lol. Thanks for sharing the story!

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  19. I hate when the blurb leads you to believe it's NEW, as in the first book. I've done that a couple times, but always went back and read the previous books first. No way can I start a series like this in the middle.

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  20. I don't know . . . I think I might pass on this one. I'm not a HUGE PNR fan, and I'm really getting sick of the gargoyle thing. They seem to be everywhere these days. Even if the series as a whole is better . . . yeah, pass. Great review though ;)

    Jessica @ Rabid Reads

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