Hot off the press, the fabulous Sullivan McPig weighed in on HUNTED BY THE OTHERS:
I love this book. It’s well written, has a great, fast-paced storyline and tons of cool characters. I really like the world Haines created, which, even though comparable with lots of other Urban Fantasy worlds, is still unique by small details Haines added to it. Shiarra is a character I can relate to: she has her fears and doubts about herself and the people/creatures around her, but where in some books these fears are often unrealistic or not explained, Haines gives enough background and insight in Shiarra’s mind that you share her fears which for me lead to a deeper involvement in the story. Which leads me to the one negative thing I could say about this book: I’m eager for more, but the release of book 2 – Taken by the Others (January 2011)- is much too far away in my opinion!
Also, the lovely Natasha of Wicked Little Pixie fame (hope those computer woes are over soon!) had some nice things to say about HUNTED BY THE OTHERS:
Hunted By Others is the first book in Jess Haines H & W Investigation Series and while I expected to enjoy it, I didn’t think it would turn into a five hour cover to cover marathon! I love when I get so involved in a book that time seems to fly by and it totally did while I was reading.
Right from the start I was drawn in, especially since Shiarra has all sorts of issues with Others. The Others came out of the “closet” right after 9/11 and while most of the population is okay with them, some are still pretty nervous around them, Shiarra included. The timing of the Others coming out made a lot of sense, they came out just after 9/11..the Weres to help find victims of the WTC attacks and vamps/mages to help with the financial impact 9/11 had. That alone made it a little bit more realistic to me as not many books deal with what people think of all these paranormal creatures coming out into the open. Shiarra has a hefty dose of fear that most of us would have, especially when she finds out her ex-boyfriend is a Were. Of course he chose the worst possible time to come out to her and she was scared to death.
Speaking of that ex, Chaz is a great character but I could feel all sorts of sexual tension between Alec Royce (vampire) right from Shiarra and his first meeting. I can’t wait to read more about how their relationship or lack there of turns out. There are a bunch of great characters in the book, even a magical belt…where can I get me one of those?
Thank you, guys, your reviews were great and very much appreciated!
You can also check out a guest post by me on the subject of editing over at Dawn Chartier’s blog. Thanks for having me, Dawn!
I’m almost done with WARRIOR SOUL, and will post a review on it soon. What’re the rest of you up to this week? Read any good books lately?
I reviewed Bryant & May On the Loose yesterday and I’m awaiting a book direct from the publishers (not sure which one, but it’s one of two anyway). for the continuation of a Summer Reading Challenge. Of course, I have Taken By The Others here too, which I’ll be starting shortly.
Well, you got yourself to thank for the great review as you’re the one who wrote such an amazing story
I must say I love Shiarra! I had feared she might be a bit of a bitch as so many UF heroines are (in my honest opinion), but luckily she turned out to be my kind of heroine.
Nikki-ann: I saw that review, I am a bit curious about the story and series. Hadn’t heard of them either until you posted it. Also, that picture of the cornflower was gorgeous!
Sullivan: You’re totally making me blush over here. Thank you so much!! I did my best to write her the way I figured a “normal” 20-something woman who didn’t care for anything supernatural might react in such a situation. She’s got her moments, but I wasn’t looking to make her SuperBitch, either. *g* Glad I pulled it off!
<3,
-J
Thank you Jess! Unfortunately, the weather has turned bad here, so I don’t know when I’ll be able to get out and take some more.
Having read Bryant & May On The Loose, I’ll certainly be trying another book in the series (maybe I should start at the first!). I’d recommend giving it a go, anyway.