Customer Reviews

Bloodfever (Fever Series)

5 star:		(152)
4 star:		(40)
3 star:		(18)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

I read Darkfever and in my previous review I admitted it was a near miss. I almost put it down - the kiss of death for me. Luckily I stuck with it and I was not disappointed. But with the new installment of the fever series, Bloodfever, I discovered that the occasional slow pace in Darkfever was absent in Bloodfever. Bloodfever moved fast with action everywhere: more twists were introduced, more characters with complex hidden agendas appeared, old characters returned with scores to settle. Nonoe of the issues raised in Darkfever were resolved - should they have been? I don't think so. This is a series and there needs to be something in the rest of the installments. I disagree with the reviewers that claimed this story didn't advance. True, we still don't know who or what Jerricho is but then we were given clues to chew on and contemplate. Mac becomes stronger and more complex. Her pink clothers are disappearing, her nails are a mess, and she still doesn't know who to trust but she does learn who she can rely on - and she starts doing shots. I'm starting to think she's better than Buffy.

But there are no easy answers in this story. Darkfever was billed as a romance but Bloodfever is anything but (IMHO) with no knights in shining armor rushing to Mac's rescue without first proposing a bargain. Mac is pushed into doing things nobody could have guessed at in order to save herself. The evolution of the relationship between Mac and JB is raucous and funny. The sexual tension between the two does grow and come (almost) to a head. But mostly what we see is Mac growing and changing to fit this new role, this new personna. It was an amazing, exciting, wonderful read. If you are looking for sexually charged romances typical of Karen's previous work then maybe you should pass (and that would be too bad for you) but if you want to witness the growth of a writer into new territory and enjoy a great read then I strongly recommend Bloodfever.

So I just finished the book last night - finished it in about 8 hours. In my review of Darkfever, I stated that Mac had a lot of growing up to do; she was much to `spoiled valley-girl like for me. I couldn't identify with her, I really didn't like her or feel much empathy for what was happening to her. However, I told myself to wait and see how/if Mac changes in this book, and let that determine if I will continue reading this series. Well, KMM has pulled it off, and Mac's character has definitely grown, and developed to the point that I really truly like her now. She has become more serious and spunky. She's thinking for herself, and not letting anyone walk all over her. She's matured from the 22 y/o manicure-obsessed brat she came across as in DF.

In this stage of the story, KMM has added more characters, thrown in some interesting twists, and developed just a bit more of the relationship with Mac, Barrons and V'lane, and there could be a third love interest that KMM introduces. Mac can't trust anyone because there are no clear motives and everyone's in the game for their own reasons. But Mac's motives don't appear to be entirely pure either. I wonder what Mac really plans on doing with the Sinsar Dubh, if she manages to get her hands on it?

KMM has tied up very few loose ends, and has created even more. She hasn't resolved any of the issues brought up in DF, and created more. This is exactly what I look for in a series - if all the questions are answered too early, why bother to continue reading? Anyone expecting resolutions will be disappointed. For those looking for a bit of the romance between Mac and Barrons, there are two scenes that show more of the sexual tension - one of which is positively explosive. We get a brief shot of a softer side of Barrons than we previously had, making me think that Barrons isn't so tough and unemotional afterall. Anyone expecting gratuitous sex is going to be disappointed. From the sparks flying, I don't see how KMM can keep it from happening in the next book though.

There is more than enough fodder in this book to keep my fever going for the next year while waiting for the next installment. I was hoping for at least an excerpt, but it wasn't forthcoming.

SPOILER: It appears that V'lane sifts Mac away before she can meet the druids. I wonder why he chose that exact moment? Very intriguing. We also now know what Barrons is not, but gives a few ideas as what he could be.

Personally I loved the book and was disappointed when it ended. Mac grew stronger and more sure of herself. I thought Mac and Barrons relationship moved along quite nicely. His interest in her and jealousy concerning her were evident. Even her interest in him is more apparent. New players were introduced and the world became more defined.Some old characters surfaced(sort of). And the mystery concerning what exactly Barrons is is fascinating. It definitely adds to the storyline for me. Will Mac ever be able to say "It doesn't really matter what he is. He's proven himself to me over and over again."? The only thing I'm unhappy about is that it'll be a while before I can get my hands on Faefever.

I can honestly say that this was even better than the first...and thats saying a lot since the first one has made me salivate for this second book! Mac and Barrons are explosive together. I'm really HOPING that they do end up together because they sure make me tingle. LoL. As for the storyline there is definitely MORE now. The first book left me with a multitude of questions..I'm not saying it'll be answered in this book (obviously since there are other books in the works) but we definitely see an unraveling here! I started reading at 4PM and 3 hours later I've devoured the whole book! I practically whimpered when it ended. I can't believe I have to wait so long for the next installment!

BloodFever is fantastic! Karen Moning's new series kept me riveted during my read-a-thons. She has strong plots & subplots which tie in with tiny details that come together seamlessly at the critical moments. She hasn't written 'to pattern' in the Fever series and her growth as an author is obvious. Mac's character is developing in direct relation to the trauma, shock and reveals that she experiences. Barrons character is sexy and mysterious. I'm looking forward to reading the next three books in the series to have all questions answered and finding out who Mac ends up with.

Whilst I will always love Karen Marie Monings highlander books (boy do I love em) this new series shows her growth as a writer. She has gone from writing a complete story in one book and stretched herself into the realms of the epic saga. Darkfever felt like a great prologue and opening chapters and Bloodfever has continued into the first section of the story. Mac's development and ... I want to say seduction .. underpinned this segment in what is obviously going to be a fabulous series. I did not see some of the developments coming which is such a treat these days and I felt I was not reading fast enough to keep up with the story. Well done Karen, I adore seeing your new darker side.

I was disappointed by Darkfever, the first book in Moning's new Fever series. The heroine annoyed me, there was no sex, and there seemed to be a lot of running and around and emoting without a lot going on. I'm a big fan of Moning's Highlander series and I was hoping for more.

Bloodfever is more intense and more interesting. The heroine, MacKayla Lane (I hope a reason for this soap opera first name is revealed in an upcoming book) recognizes that she is becoming two women: "MacKayla Lane, bartender and glam-girl" and "Savage Mac, squatting in the dirt, stabbing her spear into the ground". Savage Mac gives MacKayla Lane some backbone and edge, which the southern belle introduced in Darkfever desperately needed. Darkfever and Bloodfever together would make a satisfying book. As is, if you are like me, don't give up! This one is really better. There's juicy sexual tension, and humor, along with some violent creepy stuff that happens to MacKayla. The creepy violence serves two purposes: it got me on her side, somewhat despite myself, and it pushes her to grow beyond her insipidity. Highlander fans will be gratified that a MacKeltar makes an appearance in Bloodfever.

I'm back on the Moning bandwagon with cautious optimism that she will take us to new and exciting realms, both faerie and human.

Quick & Dirty: This dark and riveting novel has extraordinary world-building, and deliciously dangerous characters.

Opening Sentence: All of us have our little problems and insecurities.

The Review:

MacKayla "Mac" Lane is still on the hunt. Determined to track her sister's killer and the deadly Sinsar Dubh, a powerful Unseelie artifact, Mac soon realizes that she needs help to stay alive in the process. Knowing that she can't completely trust the secretive Barrons, her "otherworldly" employer or the deadly sexy fae, Prince V'lane, Mac is constantly looking for ways to gain the upper hand. Mac struggles with ways to handle these two very powerful men and not lose herself in the process.

Bloodfever is the second book in the Fever series. This series has quickly become one of my favorites. The world-building captivated me in Darkfever and continues to seduce in Bloodfever. The hazardous world in which these characters live continues its descent into madness. Ms. Moning ratchets up the fear and danger, making you wonder if these beloved characters will survive. The unique characters and intricate plots are believable, but most importantly, the character development is outstanding. I'm really impressed with Mac's growth. Sometimes her courage may falter, but she's strong, independent, and fierce.

Barrons is still an enigma. As a result, I want more of him. There's just something about him. We do learn some interesting details about him, but it only leaves you with more questions. At least we know that Barrons is a lefty Enough said... I have no idea what he is, but I'm hoping this little tidbit will be revealed in the next book in the series, Faefever. I've really wanted to Google Jericho Barrons just to find out the answer, but I just can't bring myself to spoil the big reveal.

Prince V'lane, the infamous "death-by-sex" fae, has me all out of sorts. I just don't know what to make of him. I know he's more than Mac's creepy protector. I'm intrigued, fascinated, and drawn to his character. His powers are stunning and I really enjoyed his interactions with Mac. I can't wait to find out more about Prince V'lane.

Overall, Bloodfever more than met my expectations. Ms. Moning is a master storyteller, dishing up sexual tension, danger, and edge-of-your-seat action. This darkly compelling series has kept me up late at night, and day dreaming about the irresistible Barrons during the day. Basically, I'm hooked. Dublin here I come.

Notable Scene:

For a moment it was hard to separate the thing from the night; they were both forged of blackness. Then my vision cleared and something in my genes kicked in, and it was clearly visible. Great, dark, leathery wings flapped from a great, dark, leathery body, with a massive satyrlike head, cloven hooves, and a forked tail. Its tongue was long and bisected down the middle. It had along curved black horns with bloody tips. It was black, but it was more than black; it was absolute, utter, and complete absence of light. It absorbed the light around it, swallowed it up, took it into its body, devoured it, and spit it back out again as a miasma of darkness and desolation. And it was cold. The air paddled by its slow-moving wings churned with glittering black ice flakes, swirling beneath the great, leathery sails. It was the only Fae - besides V'lane, that first time we'd met - whose presence in our world altered our world around it. V'lane, too, had iced the air, though not so overtly or dramatically. It was powerful. It was making me feel so sick to my stomach that I almost couldn't breathe.

The Fever Series:

1. Darkfever

2. Bloodfever

3. Faefever

4. Dreamfever

5. Shadowfever

FTC Advisory: Random House provided me with a copy of Bloodfever. No goody bags, sponsorships, "material connections," or bribes were exchanged for my review. In addition, I don't receive affiliate fees for anything purchased via links from my site.

Bloodfever, KMM's second installment to her new series, is a fast paced continuation of MacKayla's adventures as a newly recognized sidh-seer romping through Ireland in search of her sister's killer. Familiar faces are seen throughout and a few new ones are introduced to the readers. As much as I was looking forward to this long awaited sequel, I have to say it did little to move the story along. I was by no means disappointed in the novel, but I longed for more information. We still don't have a clue as to who (or what) Jericho Barrons is, nor are we any closer to getting to the heart of the story and the real action.

Dani, the 14 year old lightening fast sidh-seer, was a great addiction to the cast, but she remains shrouded in mystery as well. Christian, certainly the son of one of the MacKeltar twins (my guess Daegus) was also briefly introduced, and I hope will play a more integral part in the upcoming installments. We experienced some lustful attraction between Mac and Jericho, but that is all as far as the *romance* aspect.

In my opinion, a year is too long to wait for more of this story, so I'm hoping KMM's fingers type a bit faster and her publishers agree to get Book 3 out sooner than later.

I agree this was as good or better than the first book in the series. I really enjoy watching Mac get stronger and more sure of herself. She suffers a lot in this book, but grows with the experience. The tension between her and Barrons is really great. I read this book in one sitting. Now I have to wait until late 2008 for the next one!