Helpful Score: 12
Dela Reese is in China for a visit when she picks up a strange riddle box at the Dirt Market. Soon afterwards a strange man who Dela mistrusts instantly tries to take it from her, but she escapes. Later when she opens the box Hari appears and tells her that he has been cursed to be the slave of whoever opens the box for 2000 years, and expects her to issue a command. Added to this is the fact that more than one person wants to kill Dela but she does not know who or why. And on top of THAT are Dela's pyschic abilities, Hari's shapeshifting abilities and Dela's crimefighting pyschic family of misfits. A little cheesy-romancey (i make up words) on the descriptions of these two falling in love, but I generally do not read pure romance novels so that is a matter of what I like. I did like the concept that Marjorie Liu created in this series and there are plenty of interesting satellite characters surrounding Dela and Hari who will probably get their own stories told. Definately recommended if you are in the mood for a romance and like paranormal romances. Its not hard to find yourself halfway through the book the first time you pick it up.
Helpful Score: 6
Liu became one of my favorite authors as soon as I began reading I read Tiger Eye, her first novel. She is a relatively new author, all of whose books so far involve characters who work for Dirk & Steele, an undercover paranormal organization / detective agency. Primary characters in this book will turn up in supporting roles in subsequent books and vice versa. One reviewer didn't like that. I had no problem with it. It was nice to learn more about the other characters in subsequent books. Most of the paranormals are shape changers and Liu throws in a bit of her own variety of magic, more in this book than in some of her later ones.
Helpful Score: 3
This book, which is the first in a series and the first I've ever read by Liu, is surprisingly enjoyable. It is the tale of a shape-shifter named Hari who has been trapped in a sort of genie-in-a-box situation as a slave for two thousand years. He falls into the hands of Dela, a woman of unusual psychic talents. Naturally, romance ensues. But Dela is a marked woman, having been targeted by mob members seeking revenge for a crime she had little to do with, and it falls to Hari to help protect her.
What I enjoyed about this book was the fast paced plot--I was never bored or tempted to skim. I also found the cast of characters to be extremely amusing.
The only flaw as far as I'm concern was that the main villain, the Magi, was a bit hokey. I just didn't understand his reasons or motivations. However, I don't feel this detracts significantly from the quality of the story.
What I enjoyed about this book was the fast paced plot--I was never bored or tempted to skim. I also found the cast of characters to be extremely amusing.
The only flaw as far as I'm concern was that the main villain, the Magi, was a bit hokey. I just didn't understand his reasons or motivations. However, I don't feel this detracts significantly from the quality of the story.
Helpful Score: 2
This is a must read and a true keeper for those who love a mixture of paranormal, fantasy, urban myths and romance all rolled into fast action and truly endearing secondary characters.
From the first page until the last...Marjorie M Liu keeps you spellbound with the fantastic Dela and Hari....talk about wild and unfettered...this story rocked! And I can only hope that Ms Liu will continue the saga with the other sexy members of Dirk and Steel....everything from magic, shapeshifters, the gifted and secular world of those who are born "different"..."gifted".....to the awesome love that grows between Hari and Dela....for those of faint heart...beware....the fact that a hint of beastiality is here...it is beautifully done...Brava, Ms Liu...I look forward to more.
From the first page until the last...Marjorie M Liu keeps you spellbound with the fantastic Dela and Hari....talk about wild and unfettered...this story rocked! And I can only hope that Ms Liu will continue the saga with the other sexy members of Dirk and Steel....everything from magic, shapeshifters, the gifted and secular world of those who are born "different"..."gifted".....to the awesome love that grows between Hari and Dela....for those of faint heart...beware....the fact that a hint of beastiality is here...it is beautifully done...Brava, Ms Liu...I look forward to more.
Terrific book. Great imagination! Shape-shifters, magi, and x-men like talents. I really enjoyed the story line and just ordered the 2nd book, that I hadn't even realized followed this one, today. Hope Liu writes another good one!!
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