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Shadows Of Asphodel (2013)

by Karen Kincy(Favorite Author)

3.71 of 5 Votes: 1

ISBN

1492790117 (ISBN13: 9781492790112)

languge

English

genre

Romance

publisher

Createspace

series

Shadows of Asphodel

review 1: I really enjoyed Shadows. The characters were fun and interesting, the story was intriguing and the world building was well done. However, there were a few points that bothered me. These points are the reason I'm giving it 4 out of 5 stars instead of a full 5. However that missing star I really don't think should stop you from giving this first book in the series a chance. Let's start with what I did like. The characters. I loved Ardis and Wendel! I know, they are the main characters, so obviously I'm going to hopefully like them right? But really I enjoyed everything about them. They are funny and addicting. I loved watching their verbal sparring. It was just plain fun. I also enjoyed the other characters as well. The supporting characters, like Konstantin, were interesti... moreng as well. I also really liked how all the characters just worked together and with the rest of the people in the world that Kincy has built. Sometimes in a novel a lot of the interactions between main characters and the rest of the characters in the world just seems stilted or padding, but the author really fit them in well. If anything at all, I wish that maybe I could have gotten to know some of the extra characters a bit more. But considering that this is the first book in the series, I'm gonna assume that I will get the chance in future installments. I loved the story! I read A LOT of books and sometimes I find it easy to predict what is going to happen. Some things I did expect, but there were a few things that I didn't. Which was nice. For example, and I don't want to give anything away, but I did think one thing was going to happen in the romance department and it soooo didn't. It was a REALLY nice surprise. I'm not going to say what, like I said I don't want to spoil the story and the romance is a big part of it. I also really liked that while it is a romance, it isn't JUST a romance. There is lots of other stuff going on. There's action, adventure, mystery. The world! I like the alternate history that Kincy has created. Interesting to see a world that doesn't use guns not because it doesn't have them, but because it can't anymore. I can't wait to see more of the world in the next books. What I had issues with. Ok. So maybe some of these are just me. And yes, I know that a few might seem a bit petty. But they bothered me. Just to get it out of the way let's start with the pettiest. The cover. I liked the cover when we first saw it, I still do. However I don't think that the description given of Ardis in the book, matches the woman on the cover in one main way. Her hair. In the book it says she has "tawny lion-colored hair". But on the cover the woman's hair is black. I know this shouldn't bother me so much. But in the book Ardis's appearance is important. Her mixed heritage is constantly something that people notice. Especially the contrast between her hair color and the shape of her eyes. I pictured her with the lighter hair. So seeing a character with an obviously different hair color on the cover, well, it just bugs me. Like I said it's the pettiest reason, which is why I just wanted to get it out of the way. I know, I know, don't judge a book by its cover, and if the cover difference was the only issue I wouldn't have taken the star, I would have mentioned it since the cover is one of the main things that attracted me to the book in the first place, but I wouldn't have taken a star. Ok on to my other issues. There are two. There are some spoilers here, so I apologize, but these things really bugged me. The first is the insta-love/lust between Ardis and Wendel. The first few chapters really pushes the fact that Wendel being a necromancer is considered one of the worst things possible in the world Kincy has created. There is even a point where Ardis refuses to help Wendel up simply because he is one and she doesn't want to touch him. Yet, then she turns around and is attracted to him. I'm not saying that as a character she can't grow and overcome a prejudice. I understand it's needed to move the romantic part of the storyline along, however it just seems to happen REALLY quickly. So sorry it bugged me. The second is the ending. I have a love/hate thing going on with it so please forgive any spoilers as I try to explain my view. Ok. Loved it because I love Ardis and Wendel. Things happen at the end to them and I'm glad they did. I also understand that the reason it ends the way it does is because it is the first book in a series. Honestly I think it is left in such a way to set it up for another book to happen. However. The ending just seemed rushed. After everything that had happened so far everything that happened at the end was just squished into the final pages. Again, personal opinion. There those are my reasons good and bad for giving Shadows 4 out of 5 stars. I think overall it is a solid book. The ending prevents it from being a completely stand alone novel, too many strings left hanging and all that. But the characters are fun and the story is just great. I would definitely recommend this one. I will put in a disclaimer that this book isn't for kiddies though. Only recommending to 18+. Reason? Sex scenes. Well written and fun sex scenes, but still sex scenes. So please don't buy it for your kids. But definitely buy it for yourself!
review 2: What I thought of the plot:This takes place in 1913, you could close your eyes and as the Zeppelins take flight so will your imagination. This is a different kind of story then I usually read, it liked it and how it takes diesel punk and makes it awesome! A hot as hell necromancer *seriously delicious* and a kickass assassin, both who are sarcastically funny. Their story is one of unexpected love, lust, and longing ... and several OMFG..NO.WAY! moments (read the book, you'll understand). What I thought of the Characters:• Ardis, she can be ruthless and merciful all in mere minutes. Hilariously sarcastic and guarded with her heart, when Wendel and her collide it's all passion and lusty goodness. I love to have gotten an insight to her thinking/emotions, because she is not all that meets the eye. Ardis is one badass cookie, and her ferocity shows just how much her feelings for Wendel have multiplied when tested (you mess with her man, she'll kick your ass...I love it).• Wendel , seriously sexy necromancer... equally funny and sarcastic, he makes Ardis as well as readers panties melt. Wendel does some questionable/scandalous things, but it makes sense in the end. Wendel and Ardis made my kindle was steamy from their encounters and to hear his story make your heart ache (talk about being put through the ringer a few times). You feel his emotions through the pages and you understand his quest for vengeance. He makes the dead do his bidding and is almost ashamed but understand what needs to be done. He kicks a little ass then takes names after. Mr. death can handle himself, but with the help of Ardis they are a powerful duo. Things I loved:• The female character being bad ass not some damsel in distress, she can take care of herself and then some.• The way the author made this story come to life, the detail to everything form the Zeppelins to the landscapes to the clothing and emotions of every character it was beautifully done. • The playful banter between Ardis and Wendel, it had me giggling to myself (which caused me to get, lots of odd looks from others).• Ok I have to say I loved the cover, it's beautiful and follows along with the nature of the story.• I'm a dork but I have to say I loved the tech side of this story the automatons, I know...I know, but they are pretty kick ass in the story. • That there is a cliffhanger for more.Things that I didn't love/Annoyed the Beejeezus out of me:• I can honestly say that and if anything, it would be the pace. But once it got passed a few chapters it's was rolling. • The length of the book, for me was a little short . I devoured it in a day, I needed more in the end... book 2 please.Favorite quotes:"My name is Wendel," he said. ... "Thank you," she said. "I will make sure it goes on your grave.""We're all broken," she said "one way or another."In a Nutshell:I recommend this book, pick it up even if you are like me and never read a steam punk kind of book, they are worth the try. Both of these characters are strong people who need each other, the love they find is a joy to read. Their bedroom scenes are freaking HOT! Who knew screwing someone who can rise the dead can be so insatiable? This is defiantly and entreating read, and you will not be able to put this book down. So go ahead and get your hands on this book, you will be glad you did. Happy Reading!**Read as part of Fun Fab and Tantalizing Reads** less

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