Iced (Dani O’Malley #1) by Karen Marie Moning – Review+Giveaway!

Review

This controversial spin-off of the Fever series switches from the point of view of MacKayla Lane’s to her former sidekick, Dani “Mega” O’Malley.  After a tragic revelation, Dani goes from friend to foe.  On the run from Mac, Dani does what she does best–survive.  Of course her super powers make her a target for bigger and badder supernaturals, namely Ryodan, the immortal nightclub owner, and Christian, an Unseelie prince in the making after a shocking turn of events from the original novels.  Her abilities are particularly useful after certain parts of the already ravaged city turn up frozen, killing innocent people for no apparent rhyme or reason. To save her city, she begrudgingly joins forces with these guys, though her mere compliance may not be all they have in mind.

To be honest, I wasn’t really sure if I’d like this book.  Dani was fine for me as a supporting character, but I wasn’t quite sure if she could be main character material.  After actually reading it I’m still not quite sure, but the final product turned out better than I thought.  Moning adopts a completely different voice for Dani and she is every bit the obnoxious teen that we’ve come to love or loath. I try to cut her some slack; she facing the most awkward time of her life with little to no support system, and she still wants to do good things and protect people.

Moning can do the love triangle thing pretty well. Normally I don’t like them, but the Barrons/V’Lane thing was an exception.  In this instance, it’s got an extra little statutory dimension that’s bound to ruffle a few feathers.  The book walks a fine line for me, but I can see how it could cross it for other readers.  I just keep in mind that these guys are immortal and they are enamored with the woman Dani will be, not the girl she is now. But again, it’s a fine line. Her human buddy, Dancer, is also another good prospect (and probably the healthiest), but 3 potential love interests obviously makes things a bit crowded.  Someone’s gotta go.

The mystery wasn’t that great to me. It was interesting the first couple of times, but it felt a little repetitive after a while as they stumbled upon scene upon scene.  However, a new recurring villain is introduced, and boy is she freaky! I loved reading those scenes and I felt genuinely scared!

I wish there was more Mac and Barrons presence, but I wasn’t expecting that so it wasn’t too disappointing.  Cruce is also back, tormenting the Sidhe Seers in their dreams.  I don’t know about anybody else, but I hope there is a more permanent solution to get rid of him for good.  Not a big fan of rapists and I don’t care to read about them on an on-going basis if it doesn’t include their deserved castration…A little much? Sorry…

All in all, there were flashes of brilliance that reminded me why I love the original Fever novels (they’re my #2 or #3 fave), but it wasn’t quite as addictive for me.  I read all 5 Fever novels in 6 days.  This one took me a few days, but I will definitely continue reading.  This world is just too good to resist.

*Review copy provided by the publisher.

Giveaway

I am collecting entries through Saturday, November 24th. I will announce the winner the next day.

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1. Follow this blog via email (THIS IS REQUIRED)
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