Title: Storm Born
Author: Richelle Mead
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Bantam Books
Publication Date: 14th Aug 2008
Paperback: 493 pages
Rating: 8/10
Summary (Book Cover):
Eugenie Markham is a powerful shaman who does a brisk trade banishing spirits and fey who cross into the mortal world. Mercenary, yes, but a girl’s got to eat. Her most recent case, however, is enough to ruin her appetite. Hired to find a teenager who has been taken to the Otherworld, Eugenie comes face to face with a startling prophecy–one that uncovers dark secrets about her past and claims that Eugenie’s first-born will threaten the future of the world as she knows it.
Now Eugenie is a hot target for every ambitious demon and Otherworldy ne’er-do-well, and the ones who don’t want to knock her up want her dead. Eugenie handles a Glock as smoothly as she wields a wand, but she needs some formidable allies for a job like this. She finds them in Dorian, a seductive fairy king with a taste for bondage, and Kiyo, a gorgeous shape-shifter who redefines animal attraction. But with enemies growing bolder and time running out, Eugenie realizes that the greatest danger is yet to come, and it lies in the dark powers that are stirring to life within her…
Review:
This is the first in the new Dark Swan series by Richelle Mead, author of the incredibly successful Vampire Academy and Succubus novels.
Eugenie Markham (aka Odile) is a head-strong and independent character who is instantly likable. The opening few pages quickly sucked me into Eugenie’s life as a Shaman with humour and combat as she fights to banish a spirit from a haunted running shoe! This book is full of action and for the most part the plot is fast-paced and when one fight ends another one begins or passion ensues with one or the other of her lovers. The portrayal of the different worlds she travels in and out of are vivid and realistic.
Her love interests: Kiyo, a sexy shapeshifter and Dorian, a bondage-loving Fairy King, are well written with love scenes giving just enough detail to tantalise without being too explicit. The only criticism I have is that the romance between Eugenie and Kiro occured too quickly. It would have been nice to get to know Eugenie first without her being in a relationship so soon in the story. The affair with Dorian, however, flourished at a much slower pace and when they eventually got together it was more satisfying.
Verdict:
This is urban fantasy at it’s best. Strong female lead, magical lands, sexy and a plot that twists and turns until the very end, leaving you longing for more. I enjoyed this book immensely and I am really looking forward to reading more. A great start to a new series. Highly recommend it!
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Reading Next: Thorn Queen by Richelle Mead
4 Comments
Ooh, looks interesting.
I've been meaning to check out Richelle Mead's books, but for some reason haven't had a chance yet. Will have to look around and see if I can find something.
Perhaps not Vampire Academy just yet, as my vampire collection is starting to overshadow the rest of my books. I need to diversify.
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I just got this..can't wait to start. Great review!
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Looks really good I'll have to get me a copy! Great review, thanks!
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It is good so would definitely read it. Not as good as the early books in the Anita Blake series but still very good
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