Review: Pride Mates by Jennifer Ashley

Title: Pride Mates
Author: Jennifer Ashley
Graded: C+


B rating for the world building, C rating for the romance/ character interaction = C+ for this book.

I think this is the first shifter book I've read where the world has them as the underdogs, not super-humans with special powers; they are segregated and discriminated against by the human world, in a way that to me seems reminiscent of the African-American communities of the 1950's and 60's. This premise, as awful as it is, made a strange sort of sense to me in this scenario, because most humans fear and attempt to control/ belittle that which they do not understand. Worse, the shifters are collared to try to restrain their violent animal instincts. The introduction to this world is an original one in the paranormal / shifter sub-genre, and certainly piqued my interest to continue with the series.

The writing is good, the story well-paced and the plot is weaved expertly around the mystery of Brian's innocence, and the pride politics that are uncovered. I liked Kim's character from the first, her passion for her client and her beleif in him... her willingness to do what it takes and fight the law on his behalf shows her strength, and appeals to the reader. Liam also is a likeable hero, protective and affectionate, easy-going but strong. Perfect hero material.

There were certain details that tied in well with the shifters' animal instincts, but for all of that, I felt there was something a little two dimensional about the main characters' interaction. The author has gone to a lot of trouble with the world-building, but then seems to take the easy way for the H/h relationship. It all happens very quickly, and the ending seemed a little too convenient to me.

I'm hopeful for more from the next book.

Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

Title: Divergent
Author: Veronica Roth
Graded: A-
Book #1 in the Divergent series.

Let me preface this by saying first that I'm not a huge fan of the young-Adult sub-genre overall. Before my Goodreads friend recommended this book, I'd not heard much about it, and I'd found the cover off-putting - the similarity between the symbol of this book, and the symbol on the only other YA dystopian novel I've read and loved, to be too much like jumping on The Hunger Games marketing bandwagon. No offence.
BUT you know what?
I freaking loved this book!

I have lost myself in this story, in this character and to a certain extent, in this world. This was a thoroughly readable, fun, engaging story. I cheered for Tris and her fellow initiates through their challenges. I grinned a goofy grin as Four's character and relationship developed. I gasped at the consequences of butter knives, guns, chasms and simulations. The writing and dialogue are good and the pace was un-put-downable (is so a word!) Yes, you can definitely make some unflattering comparisons between this and THG, but for all the similarities, it was the differences I found engrossing.

My only complaint? That the next one isn't already available already so I can read further.