Customer Reviews

Darkfever (Fever Series, Book 1)

5 star:		(233)
4 star:		(116)
3 star:		(63)
2 star:		(38)
1 star:		(55)

 

 

Let me start out by saying I've been reading romance novels for ever 10 years now. I'm always on the the hunt for a new exciting story/author. I was delighted to to find both of these in darkfever. To say this story is simply a romance would be wrong. It's a mystery, thriller, suspense with a healthy dash of romance. All of this adds up to a wonderful story. Tried of reading romance novels with predictable endings? This is what you've been waiting for. Darkfever in a nutshell is the story of Mac and her journey to avenge her sister. This story does contain a lot of paranormal elements, however it does not overpower the plot. You find yourself caring for the characters and falling in love with them. Ms. Moning does such a good job, that you don't care if they're human/fae/devel, you root for them anyway. I loved them this book. There are five books in this series. There are cliffhangers at the end but it makes you actively think about the story and it only adds to the fun. Honestely what book have you read and you're still thinking about weeks/months later?? Trust me, challenge yourself if this is not your usual 'cup of tea'. Pick up this book, take a chance, you will NOT regret it.

...and then it stopped. Literally.

I knew going in that this was a five book series, in her blog Ms. Moning warned us of that fact. I did not realize this would be a classic cliffhanger with a "tune in next time..." last page. If this is the kind of thing that bugs you, as much as it does me, I suggest you wait until all five books are published before you start. In the past the author has taken up to a year or more between books, so it could be a long wait.

Back to our story - as much as was there, in any event. A young college student is murdered in Ireland. The local police are stumped, the family is devastated. A cryptic message from the victim is left on the voice mail of the younger sister's cell phone, and she comes to Ireland to try and find out what happened. The Dark Fae look to be responsible, and our characters need to deal with it. The story twists, turns, starts to come into focus - and then the cliffhanger.

The characters are... okay, awful. The heroine, sister of the murder victim, is supposedly a twenty-two year old sidhe-seer, and most of the time comes across like a twelve year old Junior Miss Pageant winner. She uses the word "pretty" a lot (you will learn to hate the word). She has pretty little tanned legs, pretty blond hair, pretty skin, pretty clothes, pretty little shoes, and (my personal bugaboo) pretty Ice Princess Pink Blush nail polish on her pretty little fingers and toes. Naïve and immature doesn't begin to describe MacKayla. We are expected to believe she is a product of her pretty little small town, and over protective background. Not buying it. If you are from a small town, and I am, you will be insulted by the inference. About the time MacKayla starts to mature to about a thirteen year old personality, here comes that cliffhanger.

Our hero, Barron (I think he's the hero, the jury's still out), is dark, brooding, ultra masculine, handsome, rich, patronizing, and somewhat brutal. At first he tries to get rid of MacKayla by physical intimidation, then decides to use her untrained Sidhe-Seer talents to help him fight the Unseelie Sidhe and find their "Dark Book". After awhile, Barron starts to feel some gentler emotions toward MacKayla - and then the cliffhanger.

There is no actual sex in the book, but, be warned, there are some rather brutal almost rape encounters with MacKayla and the Fae. Because MacKayla is so very young and immature mentally, these scenes seem even more horrific than usual.

(Note to the author: If and when, sometime in the next four books, this turns into a romance between the two main characters, which I suspect it will, I sincerely hope you have MacKayla mature a whole lot, or Barron is going to come across as a rather creepy pedophile. At that point, you will lose me as a reader. Some lines can't be crossed.)

Three stars because -Actually, I don't know why. Two are too few and I did finish the book in an evening. Four stars are too generous for a mere chapter in an incomplete story with characters that are less than stellar. I will be reading the next book in the series because...

... oh, hell. because it's a cliffhanger, and I'm weak.

This is one of my all time favorite Urban Fantasy series. I have a thing for faeries, whether they are good or bad faeries, I don't care bring them on! Moning, in her wonderful MacKayla Lane series, has created a world both entirely creepy and wonderfully compelling. She blends bare bones human emotion with fantastical and horrifying creatures. Her creations, Mac & Barrons are one of the most resonating characters that I have had the pleasure of reading. If you haven't partaken of this series...what is holding you back?

REVIEW: MacKayla Lane's ordinary world is suddenly thrust into the extraordinary with one phone call. A cryptic voice mail left by her sister right before she dies changes Mac's life forever. Desperate to find answers to her sister's murder and figure out the odd message, Mac journeys to Ireland. Immediately she realizes that something is not quite what it seems.

As her own life becomes threatened and creatures from her nightmares take shape into reality, Mac is thrust into the path of Jericho Barrons, another mystery. Not quite sure whether he is there to help or hinder, Mac must align herself with someone, because she can't do this on her own. The problem, Barrons has one focus and Mac seems like the ticket to that conclusion: Find the Sinsar Dubh - the object that will control both the mortal world and the world of the Fae. Just what will he use it for?

A very intricate plot with twists and turns that left me breathless. I rooted for Mac every step of the way and as she got deeper and deeper the intrigue only worsened. The relationships Mac had with all her side characters were so in depth that I felt I knew them all personally. A well constructed novel, by far - with excellent dialogue that made me feel like I was a part of the conversation. The characters are so well structured and 4 dimensional that I would swear they are actually real. On top of the depth of the characters the range of human emotions and morality that is touched upon in the novel resonates as real real real. Moning has gift...and that gift is understanding human nature and weaving it into her stories. You aren't just entertained, you are schooled. Once again, a must read.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Adults only, has some R rated themes. This is an urban fantasy novel, with any romantic hinting, just that - a hint. Fans of Richelle Mead's Succubus or Eugenie series should enjoy.

Ok, this book should come with a warning! Or maybe it's already out there and I just didn't pick it up. Have you ever read the previous books of Karen Moning and expect the same? Well, forget it! Longing for delicious dark Fae or Highlander as a hero? Dig up your magnifying glass. Do you want romance, passion and plundering bodies? Give the snooze button another hit! For Karen Moning turns into another direction and yet you read an original Moning all the way!!

Mackayla is an average 22 year old with normal wants and needs, but with one phone call her life takes a dramatic turn. Her sister and best friend Alina was murdered in Ireland and she leaves Mackayla a message which doesn't make sense. It doesn't take long for Mac to decide to go to Ireland and figure out what her sister tried to tell her.

In Ireland the police isn't helping her very much, friends and professors at the trinity college also don't remember much and what they do remember doesn't sound like Alina at all. At night she goes into a pub for dinner and she sees a gorgeous man enter, staring at him she suddenly sees a flash of something else. Then there's an weird old lady telling her not to reveal their kind. She must be tired for she just doesn't understand. The next day Mac wants to research the meaning of the word: Shi-Sadu, for Alina mentioned it in her message.

If it's faith or something else Mac finds a bookstore and Jericho Barrons, who obviously knows something but isn't willing to reveal anything... two can play that game so Mac isn't answering his questions either. Mac isn't getting anywhere with her research and it's frustrating, but be careful what you wish for.....

With this first book in the fever series Karen Moning takes us further into the realm of Unseelie, Seelie and the Tuathé de Danaan. From the very first page I wandered into Mackayla's world, feeling her emotions, despair, grief, but also her determination to find that what destroyed her sisters light. With every page the suspense is building up, question's rise with Mac as she enters a world and you hope that she finds her answers. V'Lane and Barrons make me want more. V'Lane as a death-by-sex Fae ( God I love that expression of Mac) makes a woman throb for everything a male body has to offer ( and how can Karen Moning do this to us!! I wanted plundering wild passion, hungry devouring bodies as only she can write it. She puts us on a diet and ladies, I'm starving!) and Barrons, he's so mysterious about who he is and Karen Moning gives us just a few hints of information, talk about torture!!!

All my comments on this book is given with a wink because with her unique and rich writing style Karen Moning gives us a Fantasy/Suspense novel of world class and although I missed the romance aspect a little bit she fills it up with an amazing fast paced story, an incredible heroine and a quest of mega proportion's in a world that's just not the same anymore.
I've closed the book that leaves me wanting for more as the ending seems like it's just the beginning.

courtesy of realmsonourbookshelves

Quick & Dirty: Suspense, intrigue, and danger make this a gripping page-turner.

Opening Sentence: My philosophy is pretty simple - any day nobody's trying to kill me is a good day in my book.

Excerpt: Chapter 1

The Review:

MacKayla "Mac" Lane lives a very carefree life. With seemingly no future, Mac cruises aimlessly through life focusing on her perfect manicure, pedicure and golden tan. Her self-absorbed world comes crashing down when her sister, Alina, is murdered in Dublin, Ireland. Hitting a dead end and having no clues to go on, the local authorities close Alina's murder case. Against her better judgment and her parents' advice, Mac heads to Ireland to get answers and follow the one lead that she does have - a voicemail from her sister hours before she is murdered.

The danger begins from the moment Mac arrives in Dublin. Braving dark and derelict streets, Mac stumbles upon Barrons Books & Baubles. There, she meets the dangerous and mysterious Jericho Barrons. Eventually, they set out on a quest to find the Sinsar Dubh, the powerful Dark Book.

It took me some time to warm up to Mac. I started out thinking that she would be a weak an ineffectual urban fantasy heroine. Having never left her small hometown of Ashford, Georgia, I didn't think she would realistically be able to survive the mean and supernatural streets of Dublin. While on her journey, Mac discovers a lot about herself. She's a Sidhe-seer, which gives her the ability to see through faerie glamours, and she has other talents as well. Mac turns out to be more than a hapless southern belle. Despite being out of her element and being exposed to things she never imagined could be real, Mac rises to the challenge. She's tough, smart and ultimately a very likable character.

Jericho Barrons is still very much a mystery. He's powerful, dark, sexy, and very secretive. It's apparent that there's more to him than meets the eye, but it's hard to tell if this poses a real danger to Mac. Whatever the big reveal is, I'm sure it's going to be worth the wait. The attraction between him and Mac sizzles. I can't wait to see the dynamics of their relationship in the next installment.

The world of Darkfever is atmospheric, chilling and seductive. I couldn't seem to escape that air of danger and evil always lurking in the shadows. The world-building is simply fantastic. I really like the mythology and Ms. Moning has certainly laid the foundation for what promises to be intriguing supernatural politics, and a deadly power struggle. The faeries in this book are completely terrifying. The Unseelie fey are essentially what Nosferatu are to vampires. Not-so-pretty and vicious killers. The Seelie fey are of the "beautiful people" variety. Still deadly in their own right, they're sensual and seductive.

Overall, Darkfever is a wonderfully fulfilling read. This is a great beginning to what promises to be a thrilling series. The writing style is excellent. The characterization is outstanding. Its mythology is deftly woven with the supernatural, and has a delightfully deadly world that kept me captivated until the last page.

Notable Scene:

I opened my mouth to scream, but he clamped a hand over it. He banded an arm beneath my breasts so tightly that I couldn't inflate my lungs to breathe. His body was far more powerful beneath that fine suit than I ever would have guessed, like reinforced steel. In that instant, I understood that the open door had been nothing more than a mocking concession, a placebo he'd fed me that I'd swallowed whole. Anytime he wanted, he could have snapped my neck and I wouldn't have gotten off a single scream. Or he could simply have suffocated me, as he was doing now. His strength was astonishing, immense. And he was only using a small fraction of it. I could feel the restraint in his body; he was being very, very careful with me.

The Fever Series:

1. Darkfever

2. Bloodfever

3. Faefever

4. Dreamfever

5. Shadowfever

FTC Advisory: Random House provided me with a copy of Darkfever. 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.

It's nearly impossible to describe this book without making is sound as though it resembles every other Urban Fantasy pick out there. It doesn't. There is something engaging about this story that I can't quite put my finger on. It throbs with menace and mystery and is fraught with fae lore; yet, it retains a sense of reality that I have never before encountered in previous Urban Fantasy books/series. This book felt real. It's addictive and engaging, filled with grit, humor, lust, grief, mystery and mayhem.

Darkfever tells the story of MacKayla Lane, a silly, 22 year old bartender/ part time student/ full time underachiever. Her reality doesn't extend beyond fashion, music, the color pink and her family. Mac lives a sheltered, small minded and simple existence in Ashford, GA where southern manners reign and fairies do not exist. All it takes is one fateful call to turn Mac's existence topsy turvy. Mac's sister, Alina, has been murdered while studying abroad in Dublin. With no leads and no suspects, the investigative team has closed the case. Reeling from the loss, Mac's parents become despondent, withdrawing into themselves. Mac can't begin to mend the shattered pieces of her life until Alina's murderer has been brought to justice. However, in order for Mac to fill the emotional void within her, she must travel to the abyss.

While I enjoyed this story very much, I had to knock a star for the character that is Mac. She's shallow, incredibly girly, her manners are much too "nice" and she is WAY too perky. She and I would never be friends; nonetheless, I respected her. The girl's got grit, albeit that grit comes armed in pastel skirts, juicy couture purses, strappy sandals and ice berry pink nail polish. She also contains strong sense of self awareness in addition to the thoughts and motivations of others, leading me to think she isn't as obtuse as she initially appears. I grit my teeth a time or two in response to her reactions, although, I found them suiting to her character and realistic to the human condition. Thankfully, Mac developed throughout the story, and I expect that development will continue throughout the remainder of the series. She also has an intriguing co-star in Barron's. He remains shrouded in mystery, but like all good mysteries, you want to unwrap him, figuratively and literally.

All in all, I was entranced by the world that Moning has created for these characters. Darkfever wrecked havoc on my mind. I woke up tangled in my sheets, as I dreamt of this bizarre world where fae roam the night and hotties like Jericho Barrons are on the prowl. Can't wait to start Bloodfever!

Review courtesy of [...]

What do I want in an urban fantasy? A strong, likable protagonist with an as yet unrealized magical potential, a richly layered paranormal world, a well matched love interest who holds their own, and the promise of a multi-book meta-narrative. DARKFEVER has all that and more.

Mackayla "Mac" Lane is a near perfect UF heroine, and she befriended me immediately. As is a Sidhe-seer, Mac is someone who can see past the disguises, or glamours, that the fey use to hide in our world. Tenacious in pursuit of her sister's killer, Mac is thorough and smart. Yes, she's a bit cocky, which she glosses over with more than a hint of old fashioned Southern charm, but she's also resilient and quick on her feet. The first time she truly spots a fey and is in danger of being discovered, it's her quick thinking and cool under pressure that save her life.

Speaking of the fey, in DARKFEVER they are divided into two courts. The fey from the Unseelie court are the stuff of nightmares: grotesque hulking monsters who can suck the life out of humans with a touch. The fey from the Seelie court are the stuff of fantasies: breathtakingly beautiful beings whose very presence can send a human into an all-consuming erotic frenzy.

And this is Karen Marie Moning, so you know to expect romance, but it's far from conventional. The enigmatic Barrons is Mac's unwilling teacher/protector. He is harsh and demanding, bordering on cruel through out DARKFEVER, and yet, there are flashes of something more, mere glimpses of a different man beneath the brusque demeanor. The slow, smoldering attraction that builds between these too was palpable.

Overall, DARKFEVER is a near perfect urban fantasy (and yes, it is more urban fantasy than paranormal romance). A chilling mystery, a darkly seductive enigmatic love interest with questionable character, in a terrifying yet alluring world full of both scary and seductive fey. I am dying to devour the other books in the Fever series and be devoured in return.

Sexual Content: References to sex. References to masturbation. Two scenes of graphic sensuality.

I basically picked up this book becasue all of my book resources recommend this series as a standout. I am not ready to agree to that yet but I did like this book and I will read the rest of the series.

Our heroine Mac has received flack online for being 'too stupid to live' or too involved with make up and fashion. I didn't find her too stupid at all. Any mistakes she made could have been made by anyone thrust into this crazy new world. Mac goes to Dublin to investigate her sister's murder and learns what she believes led to her sister's death...both of the sisters can see the fae. Somehow the dark and evil fae are coming into our world in larger numbers. One of them, or something involved with them, has killed Mac's sister.

Mac does go on sometimes about make up and such. Its not a lot compared to some paranormal chick lit on shelves now, but for this type of book it did stand out. maybe it will be toned down as the series progresses.

I like the character of Barrons. The man is rude and mean but I was never sure if he was all good or all bad. That kept him entertaining. I also like Moning's writing. I wasn't fond of the idea of the relics and the quest for them. I personally usually find that type of story tedious. The plot could get old with this fast.

Moning does a great job of ending the story in a way that isn't frusterating but still leaves things open and the reader wanting answers. As long as the rest of the books in this series are at least this good they should be worth reading.

Karen is back! She took her time, paced the book well, it felt GREAT to be reading a book from her again that I REALLY enjoyed!

I am glad that she took into account that we are not stupid people who will be slaves to an overused formula...however successful.

My problems with her last two books was that the story was forced and plagued by scenes that were far too explicit for characters I desperately wanted to be "in love" not "in lust" with each other.

I am not even sure this is a romance novel...at least not yet. The main characters are plagued with obstacles that make romance at this time impossible...But I do like where it is going and the anticipation is spectacular. At the conclusion of the book I am left with tons of questions and I am absolutely going to buy the next in the series. (Even if the bits with V'lane were treading the slippery slope of tastefulness...its briefness made them easier to tolerate.)

I guess in the end if Moning can remember that her previous books were about falling in love and then the great sex will just happen naturally as the story and plot evolves it won't be offensive.

Karen Marie Moning is a world-building, story-telling genius! Her FEVER series consists of 5 books: Darkfever, Bloodfever, Faefever, Dreamfever and Shadowfever. The first book sets the stage for the most incredible, wild roller coaster between good and evil, human and fae, life and death, damnation and salvation, ruin and redemption. MacKayla Lane starts her journey as a pampered, pink-loving, 20-something Southern blonde, who travels to Ireland to investigate her sister's murder. When she arrives, she learns that she and her sister were born to an ancient line of women called sidhe-seers, who see and battle fae. She walks a tightrope of alliances with druids, fae (good and evil), local law enforcement and other sidhe-seers, and discovers her dark-side in the process. Will she be able to help keep the walls up between Earth and Fairy? Will she learn to embrace the darkness? Read the series and learn!

I am not the kind of person to write a review, unless I believe something is over-the-top excellent. I have recommended the FEVER series to MANY friends and colleagues, and to a person, they all become as addicted to the storyline as I have! Well, maybe not - I own the whole series in both hard cover and paperback now. :-) I've read the whole series twice, and I'm sure I'll read it again in the near future! I promise you, you will NOT be disappointed with your purchase! Just make sure you read them all in order, as the tension - and Mac's knowledge - increase throughout each. You're lucky - you can read the whole series of books back-to-back. I waited with baited breath for the release of each one as it was released!

Enjoy! And stay to the lights!