Series: Deadly Angels #6
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: August 25, 2015
Challenges: NetGalley and Edelweiss ARCs
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Blurb from goodreads:
New York Times bestselling author Sandra Hill delivers a sizzling new entry in her Deadly Angels series, as a Viking vangel's otherworldly mission teams him with a Navy SEAL who's more than his match— she's his predestined mate . . .
The fact that vampire angel Harek Sigurdsson was a Norseman in his mortal life doesn't make thawing out after exile in Siberia any easier. But things heat up when his search for evil Lucipires connects him with Camille Dumaine, a human who thrums with sensual energy that can mean only one thing: she's the mate Harek's been seeking for centuries . . .
The SEALs call her "Camo" for her ability to blend into a crowd—yet Harek's intense blue gaze singles Camille out like a white-hot spotlight. The security wiz was hired to help bring down a ruthless band of international kidnappers, but Camille senses an unspoken agenda—besides Harek's bold declaration that she's his "destiny." Just Camille's luck that the sexiest man she's ever met may also be . . . a vampire!
This was my first book by Hill and although I jumped in at book six, I had no trouble reading it out of order. Hill worked in the necessary series info without dumping it on us. I had no trouble understanding what was happening. I did have some reservations before starting about vampire angels and demon angels; I still find it odd but it's a different twist on the mythologies.
Hill has a sense of humor that appealed to me, a little silly, slightly raunchy, occasionally snarky. Both Harek and Cami had a sense of humor, which helped them deal with each other even when they annoyed each other. Harek respected Cami and her abilities even as he wanted to take care of her and keep her safe while she understood his need to protect her but also recognized that he respected her.
The story is divided up into several parts which though they do tie together nevertheless felt disjointed to me. The first 30-40% kept me interested and reading but then the pace slowed down and the story dragged; I got semi-invested again around 80-85% in . I had to force myself to keep reading that huge middle chunk. Several bloggers whose opinion I trust raved about the book but I find myself disagreeing. I kept reading, hoping it would finish. It's hard for me to pin down exactly why besides the pacing. While I liked Harek and Cami and there was some heat between them, I didn't believe in their fiery attraction or love. I did root for them somewhat but the obstacles in their way felt so manufactured and obvious that I never had any real doubt about their ending.
Although I initially had reservations about the premise of vangels (vampire angels) and lucipers (vampire demons), Hill was able to convince me of their potential. Where she lost me was in the actual story; it was stuffed full - terrorism! sex slavery! American slavery! marital dysfunction! family dysfunction!- and so on. And yet, things moved slowly, draaaaagging on and on. I did like the characters and the humor but I was bored for a large part of the book.
One of my favorite quotes:
"I'm moving closer to certainty," he told her.
"Something else is moving," she pointed out.
His damn c*** was twitching again. This was embarrassing."Sorry. It has a mind of its own."
"It's actually kind of cute."
"My c*** is not cute, and, no, I am not going to engage in an argument over the cuteness of my male part."
I like the humor of this one but all the jumping around doesn't appeal to me. Since this isn't a genre I'm really comfortable with I think I'll take a pass.
ReplyDeleteYeah, you could easily skip this one. It's not a good starting point for its genre.
DeleteBummer it was a miss for you. One of the girls in my book club LOVES this series. I've not tried her yet though.
ReplyDeleteYeah, it's a real fan favorite and I hoped I would like it. I might give her a second chance in case this one a fluke.
Deletesorry to hear this wasn't very enjoyable for you!! Glad you liked the humor though. I love this author but her earlier books are my favorites. But her books aren't for everyone.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'll try one of her earlier books.
DeleteI had some problems with the initial premise too, and even after reading this one I still have some theological quibbles with it. I enjoyed some of the humor but agree that the pacing was off and there's a little too much going on, which is a strange combination. I ended up feeling that these books just aren't for me, though I can see where other readers would have a lot of fun with them. It's funny, because normally I have no problem with fantasy or paranormal elements if they're done well. (Well, except zombies.)
ReplyDeleteThe theology didn't bother me too much though I would have liked more context. Maybe because we jumped in so late in the series?
DeleteThe pacing was definitely off and there was way too much going on. I'm not in a rush to read more by her.
Part of could certainly be that we came in to the series on book #6. But I think she's just not quite my cup of tea.
DeleteSame here.
DeleteI have this but was worried I would feel lost..guess I can add it to my queue now!
ReplyDeleteIt worked pretty well as a stand alone.
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