Storm Front

 

Level: Explicit Lite

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Obtained: Borrowed from a friend

Reviewed by: Nic Echo

Cover

I can't say whether I like this cover one way or the other. It's a good cover for the book. It's gritter, like the books, and has a masculine feel to it so the good news is that it will more than likely bring in those interested in The Dresden Files. The downfall is it's not eye catching, which means many would end up passing it up. At least, they chose a brighter colour for the font so that should help a little with the eye catching factor.

About the Book:

Harry Dresden is a public wizard for hire (which doesn't make a lot of money when few people believe in magic). Recently, a wife ended up hiring Harry to find her husband, who she believes ran off due to magic. Meanwhile, Harry is also helping the police on a gruesome murder case where the victims end up having their hearts explode out of their chests. Of course, his involvement in the case lands him in a heap of trouble. First, he gets a visit from the mafia and later he has a mark on his head from the murderer. To top it off, The White Council, a secret organization that monitors wizards, believes that Harry is the one responsible for the murders, and if they find him guilty, there will only be one outcome for Harry -- death.

Rating: 8/10

I have been hearing how great The Dresden Files are for years now, and I have finally started the series. Although I still liked Storm Front, I wouldn't put it in the fantastic category. However, I have also heard that the series doesn't hit the fantastic level until about book three or four. That's not to say that Storm Front isn't worth reading. It certainly has a lot going for it. One of my favourite things about Storm Front us the main character himself, Harry Dresden. Even though Harry is a very powerful wizard, he still has plenty of flaws. He has trouble making rent, for one, and has a strong tendency to treat all women like delicate flower, even if they happen not to be (even better is the book calls him out on this). Butcher also adds little quirks to his world to make it more interesting such as the fact that technology tends to go on the fritz around wizards.

The plot was fairly interesting. It's a plot we see often enough in urban fantasy, but Jim Butcher executed it quite well. At first, I found it just to be okay. It was still easily readable, but the overall feel felt like something I have come across quite often in my reading. It did have a few spots that stuck out such as Butcher's vampires and a scene where Dresden ends up naked in a thunder storm. However, I didn't start really liking Storm Front until closer until the end, and the climax certainly made up for the rest of the book (which, again, wasn't bad, just not great). Once the murderer get a lock of Harry Dresden's hair, I didn't want to put the book down. Sadly, I had little choice since there was holiday cooking that needed done. Overall, though, I found Storm Front enjoyable. The first half wasn't as gripping as I would have liked, but the climax wouldn't let go. Not a huge fan so far, but we will certainly see where my fandom ends up down the road.

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Ninth Grade Slays

 

Level: Teen

Genre: Urban Fantasy > Vampire

Obtained: Borrowed from room mate

Reviewed by: Nic Echo

Cover

Hmm ... I'm not really sure what to say. My thoughts about this cover are pretty much the same for the Eighth Grade Bites cover. It sums up the material within quite well, and it's bound to bring in readers that would enjoy the work.

About the Book:

It's a new year for Vladimir Tod, and things haven't gotten any easier. Not only is he still being hassled by bullies and having troubles with Meridith, his crush, but Vlad has a slayer after him. To add to his troubles, a fellow student, Eddie Poe, is determined to out Vlad's biggest secret.

Rating: 6/10 (8/10)

Again, I have decided to give one of the Vladimir Tod books different ratings. In case you haven't read my review for Eighth Grade Bites, the first one is my rating for a general audience, and the second rating is the the book's intended audience. If you are going to be one of those people that complain about how I am judging this book on an overall level, shut up. I already explained why in my Eighth Grade Bites review.

I have to admit that I was leery about this series, especially after reading the first book. Personally, I still found the book okay (though on the higher end of okay), but I also found myself enjoying Ninth Grade Slays much more than its predecessor. The problems that I had with Ninth Grade Slays are pretty much the same ones I had with Eighth Grade Bites: the characters were still fairly two dimensional, and the twist were, once again, quite predictable. However, I did not find them to be as predictable as before. Hell, I could see a lot of teens not even seeing some of the twists coming. I'll admit I was even a little surprised at one of the twists. The only other issue I really had with  Ninth Grade Slays was the plot seemed a bit recycled. Again, we see Vlad being bullied by Tom, being shy around Meridith, and being hunted. Yes, we pretty much got the same plot as last time. I found it to be executed a little better this time around, but I still felt a bit cheated. Now, Heather Brewer did introduce the series arc in this book so it will be interesting to see where she takes that.

On a personal level, I didn't find much that I really liked about this book. It read at a fast pace, which was nice. Again, I really appreciated that Brewer's characters acted their age. There was also a nifty scene where we get to see a character's wound knit back together. Other than that, it was pretty on par with you typical teen novel. On a non-personal level, I think teens would probably enjoy this much more. The plot twists are less likely to be predictable, and they are bound to relate with Vlad more than I would. I still think there are better teen books out there, but many teens would, more than likely, enjoy this series. As for the parents, this series is showing Vlad as a good role model yet should still be relatable to a younger audience. To the general audience, the Vladimir Tod series is all right and enjoyable enough for a quick and very light read, but I wouldn't bother purchasing the books. 

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The Laughing Corpse

 

Level: Explicit Lite

Genre: Urban Fantasy > Vampire

Obtained: Purchased at Borders.

Reviewed by: Nic Echo

Cover

I will be one to say that I really like the sexy Anita Blake covers. I find them to be very well done, intimately appealing, and sum up the books quite well. However, The Laughing Corpse cover always seemed a little odd to me. I still find it to be better than a good chunk of book covers out there, but what is going on here? First, the green colour that they chose just makes me think she is sickly, which kinda works for a zombie book, I guess. I could say something about her throwing her head back in what looks like erotic bliss, but that's not what bothers me. What bothers me is the tree. Why is there a freaking tree crawling up her skin? I understand it's supposed to be a tree in a graveyard, but you hardly notice the headstones, just this demmed tree. As I said, it's not a horrible cover. It's just weird.

About the Book:

Something is out there in St. Louis, and this something is tearing up families and leaving little more than chunks of meat. This is when RPIT, St. Louis' Regional Peternatural Investigational Team, calls in Anita to help solve the murders. This ends up leading her into a world of voodoo, where nightmares live even in the daylight hours. Then, if having an extremely powerful voodoo priestess after her wasn't enough, Anita also has to deal with Harold Gaynor, a wealthy man who is wanting Anita to commit human sacrifice so that she can raise a centuries old zombie. The problem is that he won't take no for an answer...

Rating: 9/10

Laurell K. Hamilton manages to write another thrilling novel that is bound to capture you in its pages. She had created a new villain for Anita that may even be more terrifying than Nikolaos. Dominga certainly always has me on edge when I read about her. Even in one book, she holds a lingering presence and a strong sense of character. The murders are also quite gruesome in this one. Although I have never considered the Anita Blake series particularly dark, the murders in The Laughing Corpse might not be for the faint of heart -- especially if it comes to gore.

Now, like Guilty Pleasures, The Laughing Corpse also has its problems. To be honest, they are pretty much the same issues that were in Guilty Pleasures. It seemed to me that the repetition had worsened though. However, that seemed to be the worst of it. The author does seem to be showing that Anita is one of the best when it comes to shooting and zombies, but I didn't find this the least bit annoying since Anita still has plenty of flaws, which is one of the things that endears me to her as a character.

Once again, Laurell K. Hamilton brings us a read that may not be the most well written, but its thrilling ride is bound to make any little issues fly by with very little notice. Even with my dislike of the later books, I would still highly recommend The Laughing Corpse (among a few other Anita Blake titles). What can I say? Hamilton knows how to create intriguing characters and a gripping tale with a near perfect blend of genres.

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Guilty Pleasures

 

Level: Explicit Lite

Genre: Urban Fantasy > Vampire

Obtained: Purchased at an Archon book vendor

Reviewed by: Nic Echo

Cover

I have to admit that I have a fondness for the retro covers. What's more is I think they sum up the early books quite well. Sure, they are a little dated, but so is the book. Seriously, payphones and beepers are used. This cover gives the feel of an old horror or thriller type film, which suits Guilty Pleasures nicely. Sure, the cover is a bit cheesy. I mean, there's a giant floating head on it, but it tells you what it is. It's a cover that isn't going to suit everyone's tastes, but whether you take it or leave it, the retro covers will always have a place in my heart.

About the Book:

In the modern day world, vampires and other paranormal creatures are known. However, in America, vampires are also legal citizens so if you kill a vampire, you may find yourself up on murder charges. Enter Anita Blake. She is an animator (someone who raises the dead), paranormal consultant for the police, and legal executioner for the vampires who get out of line. Recently, there has been a series of vampire murders happening, and Nikolaos, vampire Master of the City, wants Anita to look into these crimes, whether Anita wants to or not...

Rating: 9/10

I originally started reading the Anita Blake series back in 2000. I have lost track of how many times I have read the series. Personally, I despise where the series has gone and find myself grinding my teeth at the author's personal attitude, but even with a strong disliking of the author and the progression of Anita Blake, I still find myself loving Guilty Pleasures (and most of the early books).

Now, I could rant and rave about where the Anita Blake series has gone, but that's not what this review is about. I will be focusing on Guilty Pleasures, not the Anita Blake series. Honestly, I was a bit worried about reviewing Guilty Pleasures after all this time. I have to admit that I was worried that my dislike of Laurell K. Hamilton would taint these books for me so much that I would no longer enjoy them. I am glad to say that this is not the case. I still find myself falling in love with Hamilton's characters all over again. I find myself getting lost into the world she created every single time. Guilty Pleasures still has its downfalls, and it is hardly the best written book, but it is highly entertaining. Laurell K. Hamilton has me rooting for a character that I know I would despise in real life.

As I said though, Guilty Pleasures still has its issues. One would be the repetition. I lost count of how many times she used the term "tough as nails vampire hunter" (or a close variation there of). The mystery in the plot was also a little lacking (seriously, the bad guy ends up confessing to Anita; she doesn't figure it out on her own). However, the plot was a fun ride, and Hamilton gave the story a strong sense of character like no other. Hamilton's writing will have your imagination working overtime as you start to feel the St. Louis heat and fear for Anita as more and more dangers come her way. It may not be Hemingway, but it's a book that is bound to pull you in its pages and not let go. 

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BONUS COVER!!!!

I don't usually do this, but I am in love with the 2000 revamp of the Guilty Pleasures cover. As much as I love the retro covers, this one will always have a place in my heart. Maybe it is my fascination for men's stomachs and dead roses, but every time I see this cover, I cannot help but think of the Anita Blake series that I loved. It looks cold and dead yet sexy and tantalizing at the same time. It is perfect for the first half of the Anita Blake series, and it was this cover that had caught my eye all those years ago.

   

Eighth Grade Bites

 

Level: Teen

Genre: Urban Fantasy > Vampire

Obtained: borrowed from room mate

Reviewed by: Nic Echo

Cover

I remember seeing this book in Border's (I shall miss you, Borders), and it drew my attention right away so point for the cover there. The high contrast style of the art was unique to the cover world. Well, I am sure there are more out there, but it's not something you see often. The happy vampire face on his hoodie is also a great choice as it creates a symbol that will be linked with Vladimir Tod. What's more is it's a symbol you will remember. Now, the other thing I ended up thinking when I saw these covers was that it was probably going to be some emo type vampire, or, at the very least, a book that would gear to teens only. Well, Vlad isn't really overly emo, but I did find the book was suited for pretty much young teens only so the cover did a great job at marketing for its intended audience. So, all in all, I would rate this cover as fantastic!

About the Book:

Vladimir, for the most part, is your typical thirteen year old. He dislikes school, has problems with bullies, and is battling his courage so that he can talk to his crush. Oh yeah, he also happens to be a vampire. It is Vlad's nature that starts to cause problems when a mysterious man starts hunting him down. What's worse is that his aunt doesn't seem to be taking him seriously, and he still needs to finish that math homework...

Rating: 5/10 (7/10)

You're probably wondering why I have two different ratings. This is because I felt that the book, in general, was merely okay, but I also think that it will hold more merit for its intended audience. Now, before you start griping to me about how this is a book for teens therefore I should judge it for teens alone, I ask you why? Why hold youth and young adult books to a lower standard? There are several youth and young adult books that can be enjoyed by those other than the books' intended audience (IE Howl's Moving Castle, The Hunger Games, and Harry Potter), and this is why I refuse to rate something for only its intended audience. Of course, that's not to say I will ignore who it is intended for either so expect this review to have both pros and cons for both teens and broader, more general audience.

With that being said, I would like to start off by saying that one of my favourite things about this book is that Vlad actually seems to act like a thirteen year old boy! Now, this makes a good chunk of the characters annoying to me, but it pleased me greatly that they acted their age. All too often you come across teenage characters that come across as either too young or too old. With Vlad seeming more like a typical teenager, this would more than likely get more teens relating to him. It is because of this that I feel many teens would end up enjoying this book.

My main annoyance with Eighth Grade Bites was the writing and depictions of the characters and the story line. Everything was overly simple, making it where I could see what was coming from a mile away. Now, this isn't always an issue. There have been several books that I have read where the plot was nothing extraordinary yet the writing style and/or the characters made up for it. Sadly, this was not the case with Eighth Grade Bites. The characters remained flat throughout the book and never filled in their basic outline. All I know of Henry is that he is good looking and Vlad's best friend. Vlad's crush, Meridith, is pretty and nice. D'ablo is dark and clearly a villain. As for Mr. Otis, well, he was a little better though I think that was due to the fact that I kept envisioning him as John C. Reilly's Mr. Crepsley from The Vampire's Assistant so it had little to do with the author's skills. Again, he was little more than an outline. In this case, we have the kooky and eccentric character type, but as I have already said, the problem is there is no colour, flair, or flesh to these characters, causing the, to be little more than words on the page.

But what about the plot? You would think that with a vampire hunting Vlad down that it would be quite interesting. Not really. It may be with a younger audience, but the problem is that you could predict nearly everything that would happen, making it where there is little tension. Now, be aware that my examples will contain

Heather Brewer introduces two characters in Eighth Grade Bites: D'ablo, a man in black who is clearly a villain of sorts, and Mr. Otis, the kooky and mysterious character that has taken an interest in Vlad. Throughout the book, Vladimir is wondering what evil Otis is up to. We also see clues that seem to point out that Otis is a bad guy. We see his hat in a deceased teacher's house and also see Otis consorting with D'ablo. However, the problem is that the book is so overridden with cliched character types that was more than aware that Otis would end up being the helpful good guy. Maybe this obviousness wouldn't be as clear to a twelve year old, but I am still certain they could see it coming.

The other bit that stood out to me was when Otis and Vlad go to save Vlad's aunt from the vampires. First, Otis tells the vampires that he has brought them Vlad, and this causes Vlad to think he was right about Otis being evil all along. A few pages later, Vlad is led to believe that Otis killed his aunt instead of saving her. Once again, we have the "person I trusted betrayed me, but it turns out they actually didn't." Again, this can work sometimes, but I say once more than this book was so overflowing with tropes and cliches that you can't help but see it coming.

END SPOILERS

Even with these downfalls, I can still see plenty of young teens enjoying this book. Another reason I could see it being enjoyed by a younger age bracket is due to the humour. The jokes were a little cheesy, in my taste, but they were also cute. You get to see Vlad drinking "tea" and his Twinkies are filled with blood capsules so that he never gets to enjoy switching lunches with other students. We also get to see Vlad dress up as Dracula for Halloween, which is bound to bring a few smiles to faces. Personally, I thought the jokes seemed to be trying too hard, but I would imagine the intended audience would enjoy them well enough. 

Overall, this book is fairly simple, but even simple things can be enjoyed. I think the fact that Vlad acts his age will endear the younger audience. As for the general whole, I would not find myself recommending this to many outside the book's intended age bracket. As for recommending it to the intended audience, I probably would, but it would be on the lower end of recommendations. Of course, this is only the first book so there is a chance that The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod could become interesting. I may not have been a fan of the first book, but I still plan on giving the second book a chance so expect another Vladimir Tod review in the future. So far though, I will be sticking with my earlier mentioned recommendations: good for teens but others should probably stay clear -- you will probably just be bored.

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