Most Helpful Customer Reviews
|
|
35 of 35 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Second novel even better than the first, March 6, 2007
Rob Thurman introduced us to the brothers Niko and Cal (Caliban) last year. Cal finally met his father and learned just what his true heritage was. Unfortunately, Cal was possessed by evil and nearly lost everything he held dear.
"Moonshine" nearly takes up where "Nightlife" left off. Niko and Cal are a little better situated now. They have a real apartment in New York City and both young men are enrolled in college courses.
But, they've got to do something to keep the money coming in, so they're acting as private investigators and exterminators in partnership with the vampire Promise and of course, Robin Goodfellow, the infamous Puck. Their first job is ridding a carnival of bodachs--which are Scottish evil spirits who've dressed up as clowns.
Next, they've got to run with the wolves. Literally. The "Kin" is the appelation Thurman gives to the Werewolf Mafia. When they are contacted by one mob boss to spy on another to determine whether they really are in allegiance, the $50,000 offered for a few hours' work seems to good to pass up.
They should have, though. As a result of that first night, the psychic Georgina is captured and events are set into motion that pit the whole team against serious odds with very little time to get Georgina back.
Rob Thurman writes engaging, real, and interesting characters. She imbeds hooks sharp as cats' claws into the reader and keeps them reading--and guessing--all the way through.
You don't have to read "Nightlife" to enjoy "Moonshine," but I think you will definitely want to. Thurman's writing was good for her initial offering, but has only improved with the second book.
Can't wait for the third!
|
|
|
29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Rob Thurman does it again, March 6, 2007
Rob Thurman proves to be not just a flash-in-the-pan author with a strong follow up to "Nightlife".
After the events of the last book and years on the run, Cal and Niko are seemingly free to settle and start to build lives that include friends and even romance. But opening up to others was never Cal's strength and having friends just means more people are at risk from the monster he believes himself to be. When one of these friends is kidnapped to force his cooperation, it makes Cal's worst fear a reality and he will have to learn to accept help from those around him to get them back.
As entertaining and facinating as the supporting characters are it is still Cal and Niko's book. And although their love and support is usually expressed through sarcasm, nothing can come between the brothers. Like Nightlife "Moonshine" is full of creativity and innovative antagonists. The use of language is masterful...I wish I had as much wit and could banter as well as the characters in this book. Best of all Rob Thurman proves once again it is possible to write an intelligent, compelling and exciting supernatural book without using smut to sell it.
|
|
|
18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Caliban, Niko, Robin, Promise, and Georgina..., March 27, 2007
Rob Thurman's endearing cast of characters are all back in Moonshine, a sequel to Nightlife. Thurman has a lyrical way with words that contrasts with his dark, violent, eerie world and makes for an intense and vivid reading experience. He creates monsters that send a shiver down your spine and leave a knot of worry in your gut for the safety and sanity of his vulnerable characters. Even the most minor characters are so sharply drawn, I felt bad (or in some cases relieved) when they got their comeuppances. And what Cal goes through when Georgina is kidnapped will wrench your heart to bits.
I enjoyed all aspects of this novel, particularly the subtly powerful romance blooming between strong, quiet Niko and beautiful vampire Promise. Even more exquisite and heartbreaking is Cal and George's romance, and Cal's suffering over the love he denies himself in his effort to protect George. I'm still waiting for the moment when he finally accepts that you can't fight a love that was meant to be! Thurman does a lovely job of fleshing out Cal's feelings for George in such fragile, delicate, bittersweet shades. I have never seen it done so well in genre fiction before.
Another thing I love about Thurman's novels is the humor, dark and just laugh out loud funny. Caliban sets a sardonic tone and other characters add to the fun. Robin Goodfellow, especially, brings a lot of humor and charm to the story with his licentious view of life. And some of the otherworldly villains and bizarre creatures they run into provide some laughs to lighten the mood and add balance to some grim and frightening moments. The banter between Caliban and his brother Niko and their friend Robin is just as lively and fun as it was in Nightlife--and the underlying thread of brotherly love and friendship is just as strong and heartwarming.
If you like contemporary urban fantasy with a dark edge, surreal creatures, biting humor, and characters so alive that you can't help investing your heart and soul in their adventures, Nightlife and Moonshine are two books you just can't miss. I haven't read anything this good in a long while. I found myself wishing after I'd finished Moonshine that it was on television instead of that show Supernatural. Moonshine is better!
P.S.- I'd like to add applause for the cover artist. The covers of both of Thurman's novels are beautiful and remarkably true to the way I envisioned the characters. Really nice job.
|
|
|
Most Recent Customer Reviews
|
by Rob Thurman
by Rob Thurman
by Mark Del Franco
by Mark Del Franco
by Ilona Andrews
See all Editorial Reviews
