Book Insider

Questions to get deeper into our Mad-Read-A-Thon books.

Today I’m here to talk about the books I’ve just finished from our MRAT (A Mad-Read-A-Thon).  These books both gave mystery and action.

The first one up is Narcissus in Chains by Laurell K. Hamilton.

Laurell K. Hamilton, author of the New York Times bestseller A Kiss of Shadows, returns to the series that started it all. Narcissus in Chains, the tenth installment in the ever-popular Anita Blake series, finds everyone’s favorite vampire hunter back on her home turf and delving into the heart of human—and non-human—darkness.

What interested in the book or series at first?

This series interested me because of the narrator on Audible which is Kimberly Alexis.  I had just finished another novel she narrated and I love how she embodies the character.

What kept me interested?

Anita and her personality.  She was a character I felt I could learn a lot from and she made me feel confident and the action scenes.

What is my favorite setting/scene inside the book and/or series?

In this book, my favorite scene

To love or not to love the main character, that is the question:

Love of course.  Narcissus in Chains was a bit of a turning book to her character and I feel that you would really have to take a step outside of your versions of values to really appreciate the turn of events.  Life isn’t always black and white.

Can I step into this world?

Yes throughout the series I have been able to step into this world and with great reservation.

My survival rate in this world (low- I would not last; medium- a good chance if I was cunning enough; high- yes, I know how to successfully maneuver around):

Medium and sometimes low because the fatalness in this world is high.  No one is safe.

Next is my stand-alone book that a very talented friend of mine created.  Welcome the novella,  Thirty by M.Sydnor Jr.:

There is no escaping the inevitable. Age comes for us all. In the shape of fruition or the form of darkness. Shala woke up to darkness. Thirty years came too fast, she wasn’t ready, she wasn’t prepared, and life was winning. She didn’t want to celebrate or party but everyone around her wanted to revel. Joy surrounded her but she saw thirty as the murderer of her youth. It was hard to accept…

What interested in the book or series at first?

The cover! It was very nicely done and contrasted perfectly against the yellow background.

What kept me interested?

The mystery surrounding the main character Shala.

What is my favorite setting inside the book and/or series?

I love how the relationship developed between Shala and her new romance.  The developing relationship was very realistic and didn’t feel pushed or forced.

To love or not to love the main character, that is the question:

Shala is a relatable character and I relate to her tenacity.  This novella was very mysteriously entertaining.

Can I step into this world?

Yes, this novella painted a very real world, it was easy to place myself in.

My survival rate in this world (low- I would not last; medium- a good chance if I was cunning enough; high- yes, I know how to successfully maneuver around):

High.  Since this was a very realistic world I think I’d be able to survive even with the crazy old woman.

Both books kept me interested and provided a step outside my reality that I enjoyed.  Next up I have been reading Burn Bright by Patricia Briggs.

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