2009 Reading #73: Moon Called

[snurri]

Books 1-10.
Books 11-20.
Books 21-30.
Books 31-40.
Books 41-50.
Books 51-60.
Books 61-70.
71. The Elephant's Secret Sense by Caitlin O'Connell.
72. Bloom County Babylon: Five Years of Basic Naughtiness by Berke Breathed.

73. Moon Called by Patricia Briggs. I'm trying to grok the contemporary urban fantasy phenomenon, which seems to be on the verge of taking over the genre, at least in terms of sales. I don't know that this book helped much. I like Mercy as a character pretty well, but she too often feels like a minor player in her own book, and there's a lack of urgency to the story despite the kidnappings and near-deaths. I can't decide if I'll be trying more urban fantasy soon or not, though I'm open to recommendations. (Preferably books without werewolves and/or vampires, if possible. I particularly don't grok the appeal of the werewolf thing.)

Comments

[bondgwendabond.livejournal.com]

I kind of felt the same when I picked up the first Mercy Thompson book in an airport, but now I read them immediately. Which isn't to say I think they're perfect or anything, but I get it. And her world is far less generic than many of the werewolvey ones. I really like the things she does with fae and vampire magic.

Ilona Andrews' Kate Daniels books are still my faves, though, so maybe try those? I have a feeling you would like the story/world to romance ratio in those better. Or just try some YA examples--Cassie Clare's Mortal Instruments books I heart the most and while they do have werewolves and vampires, I don't think you would mind them.

[snurri.livejournal.com]

Some of the world-building was interesting, but I'm not sure I can talk myself into trying the second book.

Thanks for the Kate Daniels rec. I didn't know Cassie's books were considered urban fantasy; I know Meghan likes them too. Putting those on the list.

[bondgwendabond.livejournal.com]

Sarah Rees Brennan's The Demon's Lexicon is another excellent YA UF. The YA versions tend to have a different feel to them than the adult UF, but there's starting to be more overlap.