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Kitty Norville #11
Kitty Rocks the House
On the heels of Kitty's return from London, a new werewolf shows up in Denver, one who threatens to split the pack by challenging Kitty's authority at every turn. The timing could not be worse; Kitty needs all the allies she can muster to go up against the ancient vampire, Roman, if she's to have any hope of defeating his Long Game. But there's more to this intruder than there seems, and Kitty must uncover the truth-fast. Meanwhile, Cormac pursues an unknown entity wreaking havoc across Denver. And a vampire from the Order of St. Lazaurus tempts Rick with the means to transform his life forever.
Audiobook
First published March 1, 2013
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About the author
Carrie Vaughn
280 books4,540 followersCarrie Vaughn is the author more than twenty novels and over a hundred short stories. She's best known for her New York Times bestselling series of novels about a werewolf named Kitty who hosts a talk radio advice show for the supernaturally disadvantaged. In 2018, she won the Philip K. Dick Award for Bannerless, a post-apocalyptic murder mystery. She's published over 20 novels and 100 short stories, two of which have been finalists for the Hugo Award. She's a contributor to the Wild Cards series of shared world superhero books edited by George R. R. Martin and a graduate of the Odyssey Fantasy Writing Workshop.
An Air Force brat, she survived her nomadic childhood and managed to put down roots in Boulder, Colorado, where she collects hobbies.
Visit her at www.carrievaughn.com
For writing advice and essays, check out her Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carrievaughn
An Air Force brat, she survived her nomadic childhood and managed to put down roots in Boulder, Colorado, where she collects hobbies.
Visit her at www.carrievaughn.com
For writing advice and essays, check out her Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carrievaughn
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 337 reviews
January 5, 2019
This continues to be a go-to read for those times when I just need comfort. Sure, it's about maintaining pack-leader status as the Denver Alpha werewolf, but I REALLY DON'T CARE. Protecting what's yours and revisiting old (and interesting) characters is a treat if they're very interesting.
You know, like Catholic Vampires who believe. Little details like that usually spark my interest. :)
Let's dethrone the queen, shall we? Nope. She has all the might of right on her side. Family, doing the right thing and protecting the innocent? Nothing can beat that, right?
Again. This is a comfort read and I'm quite happy to take comfort where I get it. :)
Then again, that cliffhanger is awesome. I want to see the series go in this direction. So fun!
You know, like Catholic Vampires who believe. Little details like that usually spark my interest. :)
Let's dethrone the queen, shall we? Nope. She has all the might of right on her side. Family, doing the right thing and protecting the innocent? Nothing can beat that, right?
Again. This is a comfort read and I'm quite happy to take comfort where I get it. :)
Then again, that cliffhanger is awesome. I want to see the series go in this direction. So fun!
November 3, 2024
I’ve been approaching every new instalment of this series with increasing amounts of pessimism. To be fair to me, I’ve given this series more than enough time to flourish since book four and grab my attention again.
But to be fair to this series, I can’t keep harping on the same old failings for the millionth consecutive time. I’m continuing because I’m struggling with a bad case of the sunk-cost fallacy rather than any real hope it’ll dramatically improve.
That said, Kitty Rocks the House addresses one of those failings with the introduction of Darren, a suspicious lone wolf looking to join Kitty’s pack. Ever since Kitty became alpha of the Denver pack that role and the pack itself has had almost no page-time. Something so monumental should have a distinct effect on Kitty and the overall narrative, but its been a loathsome afterthought up until now.
What I appreciate about Darren is how he feels like a natural consequence of Kitty’s negligence. Vaughn does a decent job of addressing this and making Kitty rectifying it the crux of the story, even if I wish the story got more time. All the fuss around Rick, the Vatican vampire and Cormac dilutes a story with a lot of potential.
All these distractions mean that the challenge to Kitty’s authority isn’t as explored as I’d like, and the resolution is borderline parody. Becky’s betrayal and the resolution is good in theory, but its execution needed a lot more time. Kitty talks Becky out of her attempted coup in a single paragraph. This was the opportunity to hash out Kitty’s inadequacies as a leader, but it glossed over with platitudes.
Adding to my bone-weariness is the reveal that Roman is taking orders from someone else, someone who has fallen angels at their behest. Given the five minutes of page-time Roman's had since his introduction, whoever this bigger bad is has no hope of making the slightest impression in the next two to three books.
Kitty Rocks the House is fine. If it wasn't for Rick leaving, it'd be completely inconsequential, and — at the risk of repeating myself — this series needs to find some momentum, or entertaining stakes, if it has any hope of ending on a high note. With how long its taken me to read this one, I don't know if I'll even get there to find out at this point.
But to be fair to this series, I can’t keep harping on the same old failings for the millionth consecutive time. I’m continuing because I’m struggling with a bad case of the sunk-cost fallacy rather than any real hope it’ll dramatically improve.
That said, Kitty Rocks the House addresses one of those failings with the introduction of Darren, a suspicious lone wolf looking to join Kitty’s pack. Ever since Kitty became alpha of the Denver pack that role and the pack itself has had almost no page-time. Something so monumental should have a distinct effect on Kitty and the overall narrative, but its been a loathsome afterthought up until now.
What I appreciate about Darren is how he feels like a natural consequence of Kitty’s negligence. Vaughn does a decent job of addressing this and making Kitty rectifying it the crux of the story, even if I wish the story got more time. All the fuss around Rick, the Vatican vampire and Cormac dilutes a story with a lot of potential.
All these distractions mean that the challenge to Kitty’s authority isn’t as explored as I’d like, and the resolution is borderline parody. Becky’s betrayal and the resolution is good in theory, but its execution needed a lot more time. Kitty talks Becky out of her attempted coup in a single paragraph. This was the opportunity to hash out Kitty’s inadequacies as a leader, but it glossed over with platitudes.
Adding to my bone-weariness is the reveal that Roman is taking orders from someone else, someone who has fallen angels at their behest. Given the five minutes of page-time Roman's had since his introduction, whoever this bigger bad is has no hope of making the slightest impression in the next two to three books.
Kitty Rocks the House is fine. If it wasn't for Rick leaving, it'd be completely inconsequential, and — at the risk of repeating myself — this series needs to find some momentum, or entertaining stakes, if it has any hope of ending on a high note. With how long its taken me to read this one, I don't know if I'll even get there to find out at this point.
November 23, 2015
3.5 stars. I'd round up, but I've rated all of the other books in the series at 4-stars, and this one wasn't quite as good as those.
I enjoyed it, but there was just something off this time around. It seems like several subplots sprouted up and never found a way to connect. Still, it was enjoyable to read these, just a little jarring with the shift from one to another. Maybe that was the point - showing how Kitty is getting close to the point of being overwhelmed with everything going on in her life. It just made for a story that wasn't always smooth.
I enjoyed it, but there was just something off this time around. It seems like several subplots sprouted up and never found a way to connect. Still, it was enjoyable to read these, just a little jarring with the shift from one to another. Maybe that was the point - showing how Kitty is getting close to the point of being overwhelmed with everything going on in her life. It just made for a story that wasn't always smooth.
October 23, 2016
2.5
I’m waffling about this book. I truly am waffling. It is one of those border books; you know the ones that could go either away. A two star seems to low, but a three star seems a bit high. And it’s impossible to say why without some type of spoilers.
First, as one reviewer here as already pointed out, this book feels like chapters of a book, instead of a whole book. At no time was there any sense of urgency or any real sense of danger. When something finally happens, my reaction was “that’s it?”
Second, while Vaughn does attempt to fix some of the problems that have occurred with the revelation of the Long Game, like having Kitty tell Hardin about it (finally, that should have occurred how many books ago?), some of this feels like been there and done that. For instance, Kitty gets called on her lack of support and time in terms of both pack and family life. And this is true. Kitty herself as thought about in previous books. While it gets more treatment here, there is also the feeling of, haven’t we seen this before. It’s true that we are all selfish and that this flaw is a very human one, but also we grow, change, and try to address the flaws – lip service only goes so far. Kitty’s solution to the problem with Cheryl is too pat and quite frankly, lets Kitty off the hook. Additionally, if Kitty is concerned about how her father is taking the death of his mother, why doesn’t she call him? This lack actually backs up Cheryl’s complaints, which might stylistically speaking be the reason for it, but it doesn’t seem to indicate that Kitty is going to change.
The pack problem is better done then the family one, though again we are faced with Kitty vowing to spend more time with the pack. Kitty and Ben have to overcome power struggle within the pack that comes from two members. I felt conflicted about this plotline for a couple reasons. The first is that the only werewolf not to automatically support Kitty and Ben is the only other female werewolf in this book, Becky, and it looks like all she needed was a shag to be disloyal. Would it have been so difficult to have one other female werewolf in the novel, even just like a throwaway name, as loyalty? There are other female wares in the pack.
However, the handling of Becky is rather well done. She might be the disloyal one but her complaints are just, and there is an attempt to show that new werewolf made her happy. And Vaughn does the whole conflict thing better. If this was an Anita Blake story, Becky would be vilified, seen to be a slut, to be stupid, and to deserve getting shot by Anita Blake at the end of the novel. Kitty handles the power conflict much differently and actually shows leadership skills. Furthermore, Becky does not come off as a damsel in distress.
And that is why I am conflicted about this one. The series hasn’t jumped the shark for me yet, though.
I’m waffling about this book. I truly am waffling. It is one of those border books; you know the ones that could go either away. A two star seems to low, but a three star seems a bit high. And it’s impossible to say why without some type of spoilers.
First, as one reviewer here as already pointed out, this book feels like chapters of a book, instead of a whole book. At no time was there any sense of urgency or any real sense of danger. When something finally happens, my reaction was “that’s it?”
Second, while Vaughn does attempt to fix some of the problems that have occurred with the revelation of the Long Game, like having Kitty tell Hardin about it (finally, that should have occurred how many books ago?), some of this feels like been there and done that. For instance, Kitty gets called on her lack of support and time in terms of both pack and family life. And this is true. Kitty herself as thought about in previous books. While it gets more treatment here, there is also the feeling of, haven’t we seen this before. It’s true that we are all selfish and that this flaw is a very human one, but also we grow, change, and try to address the flaws – lip service only goes so far. Kitty’s solution to the problem with Cheryl is too pat and quite frankly, lets Kitty off the hook. Additionally, if Kitty is concerned about how her father is taking the death of his mother, why doesn’t she call him? This lack actually backs up Cheryl’s complaints, which might stylistically speaking be the reason for it, but it doesn’t seem to indicate that Kitty is going to change.
The pack problem is better done then the family one, though again we are faced with Kitty vowing to spend more time with the pack. Kitty and Ben have to overcome power struggle within the pack that comes from two members. I felt conflicted about this plotline for a couple reasons. The first is that the only werewolf not to automatically support Kitty and Ben is the only other female werewolf in this book, Becky, and it looks like all she needed was a shag to be disloyal. Would it have been so difficult to have one other female werewolf in the novel, even just like a throwaway name, as loyalty? There are other female wares in the pack.
However, the handling of Becky is rather well done. She might be the disloyal one but her complaints are just, and there is an attempt to show that new werewolf made her happy. And Vaughn does the whole conflict thing better. If this was an Anita Blake story, Becky would be vilified, seen to be a slut, to be stupid, and to deserve getting shot by Anita Blake at the end of the novel. Kitty handles the power conflict much differently and actually shows leadership skills. Furthermore, Becky does not come off as a damsel in distress.
And that is why I am conflicted about this one. The series hasn’t jumped the shark for me yet, though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2015
As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve found it difficult to enjoy some of the previous books in this series because of my fixation on what happened to Cormac and wanting and expecting his situation to be fixed. I have now, sort of, gotten over it. I’m not sure if it’s because of that fact, or the plot of this book in general, but KITTY ROCKS THE HOUSE goes back to what I originally liked about this series!
Basically we have a new vampire in town, and a new wolf. The vampire is…. a priest, and he’s looking to recruit Rick into their order. The new wolf wants to be part of the pack, or does he really? And in the meantime, they are all still waiting to deal with The Roman.
Kitty is not so much into her conspiracy theories this time around, and is also having to deal with the consequences of her lack of attention to her pack and to her family. She’s still learning to be alpha and sometimes she gets it right, sometimes she makes mistakes. But in this book I believe she solidifies her connection to the pack. I have to also admit that Ben steps up a bit as her mate and as a strong alpha when needed, even though he’s more beta than I like. But I’ve come to the conclusion that him being the way he is works perfect with Kitty, who is also not the take charge wolf either.
Cormac on the other hand was a big help and some of his old personaility came through just a bit. He does seem to be growing into his connection with Amelia and maybe this is something that can just help in the future.I am looking forward to seeing more of that and more of the old Cormac.
This was an extremely easy and fast read for me but had me gripped enough that I didn’t put it down until I finished.
*ARC provided by publisher
April 3, 2013
I can summarize my thoughts by observing that I looked away to do something else just as a flipped a page and did a double take when I glimpsed the next chapter title "Epilogue". Huh?
What I mean here is that just as stuff started happening, the book ended.
That said, one thing I like about this series is that the author has not attempted to make each book more extreme than the previous, pumping up all the abilities and introducing jump the shark ideas so I really thank her for making this a series of stories.
But, this felt really just like a chapter in a book and not a whole book.
I can't say much about the plot because it would give too much away, but it takes place all in Denver and there is a lot of interaction with Rick (the head vampire for Denver, who uncovers a bit more about religion). Kitty's authority & leadership is questioned and she talks her way through it (backed up by a bit of muscle).
Kitty's sister enters the picture in some kind of sideway fashion that isn't particularly resolved.
Cormack and Amelia play an interesting role and continue evolving. Unclear if for the better.
We learn a couple more tidbits about the long game although I didn't think it was all that telling.
If you like the Kitty series you'll want to read this.
What I mean here is that just as stuff started happening, the book ended.
That said, one thing I like about this series is that the author has not attempted to make each book more extreme than the previous, pumping up all the abilities and introducing jump the shark ideas so I really thank her for making this a series of stories.
But, this felt really just like a chapter in a book and not a whole book.
I can't say much about the plot because it would give too much away, but it takes place all in Denver and there is a lot of interaction with Rick (the head vampire for Denver, who uncovers a bit more about religion). Kitty's authority & leadership is questioned and she talks her way through it (backed up by a bit of muscle).
Kitty's sister enters the picture in some kind of sideway fashion that isn't particularly resolved.
Cormack and Amelia play an interesting role and continue evolving. Unclear if for the better.
We learn a couple more tidbits about the long game although I didn't think it was all that telling.
If you like the Kitty series you'll want to read this.
April 12, 2013
Looks like a lot of the other reviews for this one are positive, but it was really dragging for me. I'm not sure if I'm just getting tired of this series, or it was something about this book in particular.
Plot wise, we're home in Denver. Kitty is facing a lone wolf who's challenging her leadership in the pack. In the meantime, Rick meets an older vampire who shakes up his view of the world and tempts him to leave Denver.
There's also a couple of sweet moments. One of the werewolves introduces his new (human) girlfriend to the pack, and Kitty and her sister try to reconnect.
******
Not so much about this book .... But, has urban fantasy/paranormal peaked? Or am I just reading a lot of longish series that are reaching their natural end. And maybe a few trying to extend beyond it.
Roughly in order of first published (dates are when the first book was first published):
* Tanya Huff's Victoria Nelson (aka "Blood Ties") - 1991 / 6 books (+ 4 book spin-off) - ended
* Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake - 1993 / 21 books - jumped the shark around book 17
***
* Laurell K. Hamilton's Merry Gentry - 2000 / 8 books - infinite hiatus?
* Charlaine Harris' Sookie Stackhouse (aka "True Blood") - 2001 / 12 books - ending soon, maybe a tad after it should have
* Kelley Armstrong's Women of the Otherworld - 2001 / 13 books - ended
* Kim Harrison's The Hallows/ Rachel Morgan - 2004 / 11 books - ending soon, feels like it should end about now
***
* Eileen Wilks' World of the Lupi / Lily & Rule - 2004 / 9 books - still going strong
* Carrie Vaughn's Kitty Norville - 2005 / 11 books - jumped the shark?
* Patricia Briggs' Mercy Thompson - 2006 / 10 books (+ 3 in the spin off series) - still going strong
***
* Richelle Mead's Georgina Kincaid - 2007 / 6 books - ended at the perfect point
* Rachel Vincent's Shifters/ Faythe Sanders - 2007 / 6 books - ended
* Jenna Black's Morgan Kingsley - 2007 / 5 books - still going strong?
* Richelle Mead's Dark Swan / Eugenie Markham - 2008 / 4 books - ended too soon?
* Kelly Gay's Charlie Madigan - 2009 / 4 books - just getting started
* Diana Rowland's Kara Gillian - 2009 / 5 books - jumped the shark with book 5?
* Linda Robertson's Persephone Alcmedi - 2009 / 6 books - jumped the shark?
* Anne Aquirre's Corine Solomon - 2009 / 5 books - ending (or rather ended - but I haven't read the final book yet)
* Allyson James's Stormwalker / Janet Begay - 2010 / 4 books - jumped the shark?
* Michelle Rowan's Living in Eden / Eden Riley - 2010 / 3 books - ended
* Kalayna Price's Alex Craft - 2012 / 3 books - just getting started
Plot wise, we're home in Denver. Kitty is facing a lone wolf who's challenging her leadership in the pack. In the meantime, Rick meets an older vampire who shakes up his view of the world and tempts him to leave Denver.
There's also a couple of sweet moments. One of the werewolves introduces his new (human) girlfriend to the pack, and Kitty and her sister try to reconnect.
******
Not so much about this book .... But, has urban fantasy/paranormal peaked? Or am I just reading a lot of longish series that are reaching their natural end. And maybe a few trying to extend beyond it.
Roughly in order of first published (dates are when the first book was first published):
* Tanya Huff's Victoria Nelson (aka "Blood Ties") - 1991 / 6 books (+ 4 book spin-off) - ended
* Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake - 1993 / 21 books - jumped the shark around book 17
***
* Laurell K. Hamilton's Merry Gentry - 2000 / 8 books - infinite hiatus?
* Charlaine Harris' Sookie Stackhouse (aka "True Blood") - 2001 / 12 books - ending soon, maybe a tad after it should have
* Kelley Armstrong's Women of the Otherworld - 2001 / 13 books - ended
* Kim Harrison's The Hallows/ Rachel Morgan - 2004 / 11 books - ending soon, feels like it should end about now
***
* Eileen Wilks' World of the Lupi / Lily & Rule - 2004 / 9 books - still going strong
* Carrie Vaughn's Kitty Norville - 2005 / 11 books - jumped the shark?
* Patricia Briggs' Mercy Thompson - 2006 / 10 books (+ 3 in the spin off series) - still going strong
***
* Richelle Mead's Georgina Kincaid - 2007 / 6 books - ended at the perfect point
* Rachel Vincent's Shifters/ Faythe Sanders - 2007 / 6 books - ended
* Jenna Black's Morgan Kingsley - 2007 / 5 books - still going strong?
* Richelle Mead's Dark Swan / Eugenie Markham - 2008 / 4 books - ended too soon?
* Kelly Gay's Charlie Madigan - 2009 / 4 books - just getting started
* Diana Rowland's Kara Gillian - 2009 / 5 books - jumped the shark with book 5?
* Linda Robertson's Persephone Alcmedi - 2009 / 6 books - jumped the shark?
* Anne Aquirre's Corine Solomon - 2009 / 5 books - ending (or rather ended - but I haven't read the final book yet)
* Allyson James's Stormwalker / Janet Begay - 2010 / 4 books - jumped the shark?
* Michelle Rowan's Living in Eden / Eden Riley - 2010 / 3 books - ended
* Kalayna Price's Alex Craft - 2012 / 3 books - just getting started
July 12, 2020
Notes:
Low end of 3 Stars
I'm glad my library has most of the audiobooks, because I don't have the patience to read this series. The annoying parts would dig in like tenacious thorns. Small enough to punch into layers of skin but big enough to hurt. Concepts are cool but there are way too many TSTL bits.
Low end of 3 Stars
I'm glad my library has most of the audiobooks, because I don't have the patience to read this series. The annoying parts would dig in like tenacious thorns. Small enough to punch into layers of skin but big enough to hurt. Concepts are cool but there are way too many TSTL bits.
April 9, 2013
Although nothing major in the ongoing war has happened, I feel this book gave a good start to the next direction the series is going and prepared Kitty for it.
I love books filled with action, but that doesn't mean I love upheaval and spectacular stuff all the time. I think this series is good in a sense it is not the "end of the world" again and again. Yes the Big Bad is looming on the horizon but people are people and they have lives. This book reminds you of that. Kitty sees the big picture and she has been pursuing that for a while. On the other side the little things like finding a house, doing a wacky radio show and keeping up with the pack and her family have been a bit neglected. Those thing all catch her unaware literally in this book. I love that she is able to talk it out mostly and that Ben is the foundation she relies on.
Outworldly nothing "major" like a battle happen but internally Kitty was able to reconfirm what makes her herself and that I think is pretty major.
I was sad at the end but optimistic everything will work out as it should in the near future. Looking forward to reading more.
I love books filled with action, but that doesn't mean I love upheaval and spectacular stuff all the time. I think this series is good in a sense it is not the "end of the world" again and again. Yes the Big Bad is looming on the horizon but people are people and they have lives. This book reminds you of that. Kitty sees the big picture and she has been pursuing that for a while. On the other side the little things like finding a house, doing a wacky radio show and keeping up with the pack and her family have been a bit neglected. Those thing all catch her unaware literally in this book. I love that she is able to talk it out mostly and that Ben is the foundation she relies on.
Outworldly nothing "major" like a battle happen but internally Kitty was able to reconfirm what makes her herself and that I think is pretty major.
I was sad at the end but optimistic everything will work out as it should in the near future. Looking forward to reading more.
January 6, 2024
I can't quite put my finger on it, but this one didn't seem to be as good as the last few. There was lots that I liked, so I don't know what is up.
I really thought with this one being back in Denver things would be great, but for the most part I ended up feeling sort of like Kitty's pack, but on the opposite side. With all of her adventures the pack is feeling a little neglected, I get that. I even loved how one member when about trying to get help, it sure opened Kitty's eyes. There were definitely times I wanted to throttle the pack. Yes Kitty has been busy, but most of them were around for Carl and Meg, why couldn't they remember how bad things were. But when it mattered they were there for Kitty, I think that will help her not shove them to the side so much.
I am getting a little tired of Kitty whining about not being an alpha or not sure that she should be pack leader. It's time to suck it up! She has a need to want the best for people and if you want them to have that, then you have to do something about it. I did love Kitty's freak out! I think she has needed something like this for a long time. With her curious nature she ends up taking on more than she can chew, which is part of the problem with the pack. I loved that this time around Ben was there to talk her back.
I like where things are going with Cormac and Amelia. At one point Kitty mentions that it is like they are married and she is right, they just share the same body, which is...weird. I do like that Cormac is embracing the magic and all that Amelia knows. I think he will be a great asset in the larger wars that seem to be coming.
I loved seeing Hardin back. I like how she wants to treat all the supernatural stuff as normal, or as normal as she can. I was surprised by who she hired to help her, an odd pairing for sure, but it makes sense.
I didn't like Rick's part of the story at all. I really like the friendship that the two of them have. It is almost like Rick is Kitty's big brother, watching out for her. So to have him go AWOL, was bad all around, worse even when you realize what he is doing and the path it put him on. Yes, it does bring him back to the part that he missed as a human, but that part is long gone.
With how this ended I am not sure about the future for Kitty. She is firmly entrenched in the long game, but her allies are deserting her and the some of them don't seem to trust her and are causing her more problems, when instead they should be focused on Roman. Guess we will have to see how things shake out from here.
I really thought with this one being back in Denver things would be great, but for the most part I ended up feeling sort of like Kitty's pack, but on the opposite side. With all of her adventures the pack is feeling a little neglected, I get that. I even loved how one member when about trying to get help, it sure opened Kitty's eyes. There were definitely times I wanted to throttle the pack. Yes Kitty has been busy, but most of them were around for Carl and Meg, why couldn't they remember how bad things were. But when it mattered they were there for Kitty, I think that will help her not shove them to the side so much.
I am getting a little tired of Kitty whining about not being an alpha or not sure that she should be pack leader. It's time to suck it up! She has a need to want the best for people and if you want them to have that, then you have to do something about it. I did love Kitty's freak out! I think she has needed something like this for a long time. With her curious nature she ends up taking on more than she can chew, which is part of the problem with the pack. I loved that this time around Ben was there to talk her back.
I like where things are going with Cormac and Amelia. At one point Kitty mentions that it is like they are married and she is right, they just share the same body, which is...weird. I do like that Cormac is embracing the magic and all that Amelia knows. I think he will be a great asset in the larger wars that seem to be coming.
I loved seeing Hardin back. I like how she wants to treat all the supernatural stuff as normal, or as normal as she can. I was surprised by who she hired to help her, an odd pairing for sure, but it makes sense.
I didn't like Rick's part of the story at all. I really like the friendship that the two of them have. It is almost like Rick is Kitty's big brother, watching out for her. So to have him go AWOL, was bad all around, worse even when you realize what he is doing and the path it put him on. Yes, it does bring him back to the part that he missed as a human, but that part is long gone.
With how this ended I am not sure about the future for Kitty. She is firmly entrenched in the long game, but her allies are deserting her and the some of them don't seem to trust her and are causing her more problems, when instead they should be focused on Roman. Guess we will have to see how things shake out from here.
April 17, 2013
Kitty is settled in Denver for the first time in a long time, and there’s a lot of things she has to address. Not least of which is a challenge for leadership of her pack which she has been neglecting with her various battles against Roman. She has to re-build those bonds to see off the challenger.
And then a vampire in town comes looking for Rick – and they sequester themselves behind magical shields, leaving Kitty to soldier on managing Denver, her family, her pack and the fight against Roman alone.
I’m tempted to say this book is a filler – and in many ways it is. There’s little advancement of the meta plot despite a revelation at the end. There’s little coherent central plot to be advanced. There’s a series of random stuff happening, a lot of it isn’t resolved. We see Kitty with her family, we see a couple of her radio shows that aren’t really linked to anything, including a long, vaguely interesting debate between 2 academics and an equally long ramble about a crystal skull.
It doesn’t really go anywhere, it doesn’t really develop anything, it doesn’t bring much in the way of new information, it doesn’t advance Kitty’s life at all. Really, we finish this book no further along than when we started it.
On that score I’d slap 2 fangs on this book, file it under “meh” and move on.
And I’m still tempted to do that – it wasn’t fascinating or immense fun. It was fun and vaguely amusing, but certainly not more than that.
But, when looked at in the context of the entire series, it makes a bit more sense. Kitty has been letting things slide in the last few books. Not her battle against Roman, but her more at home issues. Her pack, her family, the city of Denver – she hasn’t been around, In fact, in the last 2 books (putting aside the short stories) she hasn’t even been in the city – she’s been in London and San Francisco. She has let things slide and she’s supposed to be an alpha werewolf, she’s supposed to have a job and she’s supposed to have a family including a mother who is just recovering from cancer and a sister stressed out about the whole thing.
There needed to be some patching that, there needed to be some consequences to that. Kitty has responsibilities and home that she has been neglecting – at very least we needed to see her touch base
So we needed to see her sister angry at her – and no, it wasn’t resolved, but should it be? This isn’t an easy thing to fix so quickly and easily.
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And then a vampire in town comes looking for Rick – and they sequester themselves behind magical shields, leaving Kitty to soldier on managing Denver, her family, her pack and the fight against Roman alone.
I’m tempted to say this book is a filler – and in many ways it is. There’s little advancement of the meta plot despite a revelation at the end. There’s little coherent central plot to be advanced. There’s a series of random stuff happening, a lot of it isn’t resolved. We see Kitty with her family, we see a couple of her radio shows that aren’t really linked to anything, including a long, vaguely interesting debate between 2 academics and an equally long ramble about a crystal skull.
It doesn’t really go anywhere, it doesn’t really develop anything, it doesn’t bring much in the way of new information, it doesn’t advance Kitty’s life at all. Really, we finish this book no further along than when we started it.
On that score I’d slap 2 fangs on this book, file it under “meh” and move on.
And I’m still tempted to do that – it wasn’t fascinating or immense fun. It was fun and vaguely amusing, but certainly not more than that.
But, when looked at in the context of the entire series, it makes a bit more sense. Kitty has been letting things slide in the last few books. Not her battle against Roman, but her more at home issues. Her pack, her family, the city of Denver – she hasn’t been around, In fact, in the last 2 books (putting aside the short stories) she hasn’t even been in the city – she’s been in London and San Francisco. She has let things slide and she’s supposed to be an alpha werewolf, she’s supposed to have a job and she’s supposed to have a family including a mother who is just recovering from cancer and a sister stressed out about the whole thing.
There needed to be some patching that, there needed to be some consequences to that. Kitty has responsibilities and home that she has been neglecting – at very least we needed to see her touch base
So we needed to see her sister angry at her – and no, it wasn’t resolved, but should it be? This isn’t an easy thing to fix so quickly and easily.
Read More
September 15, 2015
Kitty Norville, one of the world's most recognized female werewolves - not to mention a successful nighttime talk radio show host - returns home to Denver from London. A new werewolf is in town and "threatens to split the pack by challenging [her] authority at every turn." And that is just the beginning of Kitty's troubles.
Roman (aka 'Dux Bellorum'), a 2000-year old vampire bent on gaining full control of all the vampire communities and humanity worldwide as part of his "Long Game" strategy, looms in the shadows. Kitty has had 2 brushes with him previously, and barely survived with a whole skin. This time, a vampire by the name of Father Columban comes into town and stops off in the New Moon, a bar/restaurant owned by Kitty and her husband Ben (a lawyer who is also a werewolf) that also serves as a haven and meeting point for Denver's werewolves for whom Kitty is the alpha female of the pack. Columban wishes to meet with Kitty, who has earned a hard-won respect over the past several years among the vampires of the city. (Usually there is no love lost among lycanthropes and vampires.) Columban is several centuries old, freshly arrived from Europe, who wishes to meet Rick, the Master Vampire of Denver, to undertake a special mission with him.
As the story goes on, Rick mysteriously disappears with Father Columban. This could not have happened at a worse time as a visiting Mistress Vampire from Buenos Aires is due shortly to arrive in Denver to help coordinate with Rick a way for the vampires not under Roman's control to resist his latest efforts to expand his power base. In the meantime, Kitty has to deal with two urgent matters that pose a threat to the Denver vampire community --- as well as to the life she's managed to establish for herself: (1) the challenge posed to her authority by the new werewolf, who thinks he knows better than her what the pack needs in terms of leadership and guidance; and (2) finding Rick.
There's lots of action, and like the other novels in the Kitty Norville Series that I've read, "Kitty Rocks the House" will keep the reader guessing as to whether or not Kitty and her friends survive or lose it all.
Roman (aka 'Dux Bellorum'), a 2000-year old vampire bent on gaining full control of all the vampire communities and humanity worldwide as part of his "Long Game" strategy, looms in the shadows. Kitty has had 2 brushes with him previously, and barely survived with a whole skin. This time, a vampire by the name of Father Columban comes into town and stops off in the New Moon, a bar/restaurant owned by Kitty and her husband Ben (a lawyer who is also a werewolf) that also serves as a haven and meeting point for Denver's werewolves for whom Kitty is the alpha female of the pack. Columban wishes to meet with Kitty, who has earned a hard-won respect over the past several years among the vampires of the city. (Usually there is no love lost among lycanthropes and vampires.) Columban is several centuries old, freshly arrived from Europe, who wishes to meet Rick, the Master Vampire of Denver, to undertake a special mission with him.
As the story goes on, Rick mysteriously disappears with Father Columban. This could not have happened at a worse time as a visiting Mistress Vampire from Buenos Aires is due shortly to arrive in Denver to help coordinate with Rick a way for the vampires not under Roman's control to resist his latest efforts to expand his power base. In the meantime, Kitty has to deal with two urgent matters that pose a threat to the Denver vampire community --- as well as to the life she's managed to establish for herself: (1) the challenge posed to her authority by the new werewolf, who thinks he knows better than her what the pack needs in terms of leadership and guidance; and (2) finding Rick.
There's lots of action, and like the other novels in the Kitty Norville Series that I've read, "Kitty Rocks the House" will keep the reader guessing as to whether or not Kitty and her friends survive or lose it all.
May 15, 2013
Seriously, I don't know what to make of these Kitty Norville books anymore. Like the last installment, Kitty Steals the Show, nothing much happened in this book to advance the central conflict of the series - the opposition against Roman (a.k.a. Dux Bellorum), the evil ancient vampire planning to gain power and take over the world, literally.
Apart from Kitty hopping from one drama to another, nothing really happened in this book.
Seriously, nothing much happened.
So Kitty stayed in Denver for the entirety of this book. She was busy as ever since she was not only the alpha to the Denver werewolf pack, she was also allied with the local vampires in the movement against Roman, and she was still hosting her radio show, and there was family drama to deal with as well.
I won't go into all the details, but let's just say that Kitty was supremely busy in this book as she was pulled in different directions, different things demanded her attention and a lot of stuff was happening, but at the same time, nothing material happened either. Other than the "detour" that Rick (the Master of the Denver vampires) decided to take on and a little bit more information was revealed towards the mastermind behind the Roman conspiracy, I wasn't sure what purpose this book served.
Yup, that pretty much summed up my feelings for this book.
I was originally looking forward to some advancement to the conflict about Roman as it had been dragging on for far too long already, but I was disappointed, yet again.
Needless to say, I was not exactly thrilled about how things had turned out and I also was not sure continuing with this series as my opinion was that it had been losing steam since about two books ago and it was definitely heading towards a decline.
I'd give this book 2 stars only (and even then it felt too generous).
Apart from Kitty hopping from one drama to another, nothing really happened in this book.
Seriously, nothing much happened.
So Kitty stayed in Denver for the entirety of this book. She was busy as ever since she was not only the alpha to the Denver werewolf pack, she was also allied with the local vampires in the movement against Roman, and she was still hosting her radio show, and there was family drama to deal with as well.
I won't go into all the details, but let's just say that Kitty was supremely busy in this book as she was pulled in different directions, different things demanded her attention and a lot of stuff was happening, but at the same time, nothing material happened either. Other than the "detour" that Rick (the Master of the Denver vampires) decided to take on and a little bit more information was revealed towards the mastermind behind the Roman conspiracy, I wasn't sure what purpose this book served.
Yup, that pretty much summed up my feelings for this book.
I was originally looking forward to some advancement to the conflict about Roman as it had been dragging on for far too long already, but I was disappointed, yet again.
Needless to say, I was not exactly thrilled about how things had turned out and I also was not sure continuing with this series as my opinion was that it had been losing steam since about two books ago and it was definitely heading towards a decline.
I'd give this book 2 stars only (and even then it felt too generous).
April 2, 2013
I finished this in 3hours. *Big eyes wonder* I still can't believe it. ALmost 400 pages and I didn't even skipped a page. One of the good things about familiar and firm-founded series, I suppose. It was much like all Kitty Norville books. No great love, no tortured heroes, and the big quest is still given in tiny drops. Not much development in that area as usual. I suppose, one can get bored with how long it's taking and the tiny, tiniest hints every installment but as I've said there isn't much in the way of greatness in this series so you can get pissed about it big time either.
I've place a few series in the 'chore' list the past couple of years. Books that won't disappoint me but can't stir great passion from me any longer either. I do hope I'm just this is a mere stage and it will pass on. Sure, the ever so tiring anticipation is stressful when your high on passion esp. last year when I've been bombarded with cliff-hangers and disappointing game changes with some series I'm following but sometimes, I still need the excitement. Not just crossing out my to-do-list.
I've place a few series in the 'chore' list the past couple of years. Books that won't disappoint me but can't stir great passion from me any longer either. I do hope I'm just this is a mere stage and it will pass on. Sure, the ever so tiring anticipation is stressful when your high on passion esp. last year when I've been bombarded with cliff-hangers and disappointing game changes with some series I'm following but sometimes, I still need the excitement. Not just crossing out my to-do-list.
July 13, 2015
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*My Thoughts*
Kitty Rocks the House (Kitty Norville # 11) finds Kitty back in Denver, and trouble not more than a page away. Whenever Kitty is around, you have to ask yourself how much more can this girl take or get into before she breaks. She has the capability of asking way too many questions, and getting into trouble at the drop of a hat. Up until now, Kitty's major worry has been the movements of her archnemesis Roman, aka Dux Bellorum.
*Full Review Posted @ Gizmos Reviews 07/13/2015*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
Published: March 26th 2013 by Tor Books
*Rating* 3.5-4
*My Thoughts*
Kitty Rocks the House (Kitty Norville # 11) finds Kitty back in Denver, and trouble not more than a page away. Whenever Kitty is around, you have to ask yourself how much more can this girl take or get into before she breaks. She has the capability of asking way too many questions, and getting into trouble at the drop of a hat. Up until now, Kitty's major worry has been the movements of her archnemesis Roman, aka Dux Bellorum.
*Full Review Posted @ Gizmos Reviews 07/13/2015*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
Published: March 26th 2013 by Tor Books
August 14, 2013
Not to be missed for sure just love these two and of course they have more troubles to be taken care of that came their way. I really like how they get along with the master of the city Rick. Comedy lines included also especially reactions she gets whenever she asks a vamp how old they are. That Cormaic is one strange dude though wouldn't have it any other way for these stories in this series. Kitty can seriously kick some butt. Ben not so bad either. Read this one if you want to know if they can still take care of their pack (new wolf comes to town) and handle trouble the priest brings when he comes calling on Rick.
April 9, 2013
I enjoy this paranormal series, with Kitty the alpha werewolf trying to keep a balance between her day job, her pack duties, the local vampires, and the supernatural risks to herself and those around her. This book didn't have a major impact on the balance of events, other than moving one major character offstage. (Hopefully temporarily because I like him.) A decent middle book, not the best of the series but with moments of fun, excitement and good characters. Although I wouldn't have cut Cormac the slack that she does.
May 7, 2013
Eleventh in the Kitty Norville urban fantasy series about a brash young werewolf taking it to the airwaves. Based in Denver, Colorado.
My Take
The underlying theme in this story is death and temptation, and Vaughn sets the mood from the start with Grandma's death. But there's more than one kind of death, and "Bob"’s call-in to the radio show points this out to Kitty. There are also temptations: religion and the desire for its protection and that of power.
One of those temptations provides Kitty the opportunity to put her philosophy to the test, a set of beliefs completely opposite to that of the original Denver alphas ( Kitty and the Midnight Hour , 1).
Whoa, Kitty's getting quite a reputation as we discover when she and Ben encounter Andy and Michelle, the alphas for the Phoenix pack. And I think the pressure is starting to get to her as she tries to balance everything in her life.
Hey, it appears that Edward Alleyn from Kitty Steals the Show , 10, has taken Kitty's advice and written his memoir. There's a debate on Kitty's show between two academics that will stroke your inner cynic.
Cormac has a much larger role at last, although he seems too brash in this. With all the evidence that's drifting up, I can't believe that Hardin and Cormac are still intent on pushing in, ripping into the church and its protections. It just doesn't make sense. But what we do learn...oh, lord. It's just gonna get worse.
No, I'm not buying Father Columban's argument, that any city Rick goes to is "just one city". If that's true, then Denver is also "just one city"...
The Story
Kitty's been in trouble ever since Kitty Steals the Show , when she was talking about the vampire conspiracy on the radio, and now Ozzie is riding herd on her. Seems a few others are taking note as well...
The Characters
Kitty Norville is a radio show host and the alpha werewolf for her Denver pack. She has explored the supernatural world with her audience and become notorious throughout the world for it. Ben O'Farrell is her werewolf lawyer husband. Her backup, her second, her lover. Cheryl is her suddenly pushy sister who is totally clueless about the restrictions of a werewolf's life
Cormac Bennett is Ben's cousin, who shares his body with a 100+-year-old ghost, Lady Amelia Peabody with magical powers. Together they're supernatural private investigators.
The Denver Pack includes:
Shaun is still managing the New Moon Café. Trey has romantic problems with Sam and needs Kitty's help. Becky is having lots of thoughts: first ones, second ones, and third ones. Tom and Wes are more pack members. The abrasive Darren is the new boy, er, wolf, in town, and he wants to become a member of the pack.
Detective Hardin is the head of the Denver PD's Paranatural Unit and becoming famous for her expertise---thanks to Kitty!
Rick is the sympathetic Master of Denver whose headquarters are at Obsidian, an art gallery. Angelo is his lieutenant and doesn't like Kitty.
Nasser is the skeptical Master of Tripoli who was also intrigued by Kitty's speech and meets with Rick and Kitty in Denver. Marid is a 2,800-year-old Babylonian vampire who calls Kitty Regina Luporum, the Queen of the Werewolves. Edward Alleyn is the Master of London and a former actor in Shakespeare's troupe.
Father Columban is a magic-wielding vampire priest with the Order of Saint Lazarus of the Shadows with an invitation for Rick.
Professor Sean Eret is an historian from the University of Michigan who debates In the Blood with Professor Amanda McAdams, a literature teacher at the University of California-Santa Barbara. It's an interesting tidbit of what historians look for in a primary text. And the lengths to which professors will go for tenure, LOL.
Gaius Albinus, Dux Bellorum, a.k.a., Roman, is the major bad guy. A vampire since his Roman general days, he's been working the Long Game for centuries and intends to dominate humanity. Mercedes Cook is the first celebrity vampire---and one of Roman's.
Ozzie is the producer of Kitty's show at KNOB, and he's not a happy camper. Matt is her sound engineer and thinks Kitty has a point.
The Cover
The cover is quietly intense with its bright orange sunset and the former church in an increasing darkness. It's a leather vest- and jean-clad Kitty caught in mid-stride with Ben as his wolf, cocky, self-assured. They'll need to be.
I must confess that when I initially "translated" the title, my inclination was to go with "shakes things up" as per the pack, and I don't see that in this story. Instead, I'm going to assume that Vaughn intended Kitty Rocks the House to reflect Kitty's resolve both in terms of rogue wolves and the historic expectations of vampires.
My Take
The underlying theme in this story is death and temptation, and Vaughn sets the mood from the start with Grandma's death. But there's more than one kind of death, and "Bob"’s call-in to the radio show points this out to Kitty. There are also temptations: religion and the desire for its protection and that of power.
One of those temptations provides Kitty the opportunity to put her philosophy to the test, a set of beliefs completely opposite to that of the original Denver alphas ( Kitty and the Midnight Hour , 1).
Whoa, Kitty's getting quite a reputation as we discover when she and Ben encounter Andy and Michelle, the alphas for the Phoenix pack. And I think the pressure is starting to get to her as she tries to balance everything in her life.
Hey, it appears that Edward Alleyn from Kitty Steals the Show , 10, has taken Kitty's advice and written his memoir. There's a debate on Kitty's show between two academics that will stroke your inner cynic.
Cormac has a much larger role at last, although he seems too brash in this. With all the evidence that's drifting up, I can't believe that Hardin and Cormac are still intent on pushing in, ripping into the church and its protections. It just doesn't make sense. But what we do learn...oh, lord. It's just gonna get worse.
No, I'm not buying Father Columban's argument, that any city Rick goes to is "just one city". If that's true, then Denver is also "just one city"...
The Story
Kitty's been in trouble ever since Kitty Steals the Show , when she was talking about the vampire conspiracy on the radio, and now Ozzie is riding herd on her. Seems a few others are taking note as well...
The Characters
Kitty Norville is a radio show host and the alpha werewolf for her Denver pack. She has explored the supernatural world with her audience and become notorious throughout the world for it. Ben O'Farrell is her werewolf lawyer husband. Her backup, her second, her lover. Cheryl is her suddenly pushy sister who is totally clueless about the restrictions of a werewolf's life
Cormac Bennett is Ben's cousin, who shares his body with a 100+-year-old ghost, Lady Amelia Peabody with magical powers. Together they're supernatural private investigators.
The Denver Pack includes:
Shaun is still managing the New Moon Café. Trey has romantic problems with Sam and needs Kitty's help. Becky is having lots of thoughts: first ones, second ones, and third ones. Tom and Wes are more pack members. The abrasive Darren is the new boy, er, wolf, in town, and he wants to become a member of the pack.
Detective Hardin is the head of the Denver PD's Paranatural Unit and becoming famous for her expertise---thanks to Kitty!
Rick is the sympathetic Master of Denver whose headquarters are at Obsidian, an art gallery. Angelo is his lieutenant and doesn't like Kitty.
Nasser is the skeptical Master of Tripoli who was also intrigued by Kitty's speech and meets with Rick and Kitty in Denver. Marid is a 2,800-year-old Babylonian vampire who calls Kitty Regina Luporum, the Queen of the Werewolves. Edward Alleyn is the Master of London and a former actor in Shakespeare's troupe.
Father Columban is a magic-wielding vampire priest with the Order of Saint Lazarus of the Shadows with an invitation for Rick.
Professor Sean Eret is an historian from the University of Michigan who debates In the Blood with Professor Amanda McAdams, a literature teacher at the University of California-Santa Barbara. It's an interesting tidbit of what historians look for in a primary text. And the lengths to which professors will go for tenure, LOL.
Gaius Albinus, Dux Bellorum, a.k.a., Roman, is the major bad guy. A vampire since his Roman general days, he's been working the Long Game for centuries and intends to dominate humanity. Mercedes Cook is the first celebrity vampire---and one of Roman's.
Ozzie is the producer of Kitty's show at KNOB, and he's not a happy camper. Matt is her sound engineer and thinks Kitty has a point.
The Cover
The cover is quietly intense with its bright orange sunset and the former church in an increasing darkness. It's a leather vest- and jean-clad Kitty caught in mid-stride with Ben as his wolf, cocky, self-assured. They'll need to be.
I must confess that when I initially "translated" the title, my inclination was to go with "shakes things up" as per the pack, and I don't see that in this story. Instead, I'm going to assume that Vaughn intended Kitty Rocks the House to reflect Kitty's resolve both in terms of rogue wolves and the historic expectations of vampires.
November 20, 2022
so angering
Wow it took 11 books before kitty actually stepped up to the plate as an alpha. It’s rather sad how much she just doesn’t do for her wolves. A series of no one knowing what’s going on. That’s what this is. Including all the players about their own history and culture.
Wow it took 11 books before kitty actually stepped up to the plate as an alpha. It’s rather sad how much she just doesn’t do for her wolves. A series of no one knowing what’s going on. That’s what this is. Including all the players about their own history and culture.
December 2, 2022
Easily put down until the pieces start falling into place. Then you will ride it to the end.
April 21, 2021
This was the worst Kitty book I've read so far. It's not awful, it's just rather dull and actionless. Not a lot happens. I'm guessing it's just a set up for the next book.
March 30, 2013
4 1/2 stars.
I haven’t read the previous books in the Kitty Norville series, but was able to seamlessly follow the story with the little background that the author provided. What I liked was that the author didn’t just throw a load of background information in the first chapter, but added one or two sentences throughout the book to explain whenever a new (new to the scene not overall) character entered the scene. Kitty Rocks the House is the 11th book in the Kitty Norville Series; Kitty is the alpha werewolf of Denver and a radio talk show host at KNOB. Kitty is still adjusting to her role as alpha, from learning that she is responsible to care and lead the pack and essentially having their lives/fate determined by her. Life doesn’t slow down when one isn’t ready and Kitty and the vampire Rick, master of Denver are scouring all over the country for allies to fight against the vampire Roman (The Long Game). Meanwhile two new strangers show up in Denver, a vampire catholic priest and a lone werewolf. The lone werewolf Darren is apparently looking to join Kitty’s pack and she agrees to let him stay with them to see how things play out, but Darren indirectly challenges Kitty at every turn. Kitty is not sure if he’s doing it without really knowing or does he have an ulterior motive? As for the vampire priest, he temps with an offer that Rick has been searching for every since he was turn but that would mean leaving the city and being master of Denver.
This book came in the mail for review, and I didn’t know if I should read it being that it is the 11th book in the series but I decided why not? I’m really glad I read it! Kitty is an awesome heroine, she funny, caring, smart, and while she’d prefer getting things resolved without violence…she’s not afraid to fight if it is the last resort. Kitty is a really understanding alpha to her pack and in general, she never thinks she’s above anyone and is just overall sensible. Between all the chaos and problems surrounding Kitty, she’s still a normal person with normal dreams and job. Dreams as in she wants to own a house, and eventually have children some day (alternatives options because weres can’t have kids). Throughout the book there were a couple of scenes with Kitty taking callers on the radio, and boy was those funny! The callers’ questions were hilarious and Kitty was definitely an entertaining hostess. Kitty Rocks the House felt like a transition between books, not a lot of action going on but I still enjoyed every single page. I wish I read this series a long time ago, just this book alone tells me that Kitty’s growth over the books is certainly not to be missed. I’m thinking about maybe starting the series with book 1, but we’ll see. Bottom line a great book, and what I think makes this series so popular is Kitty herself and her wonderful friends and family…everyone cares deeply for one another and from what I understand of the background, Kitty as alpha has made so much of a different she’s notorious far and wide. I look forward to seeing more of Kitty and her friends in the next book, Kitty in the Underworld which comes out July 30, 2013!
I haven’t read the previous books in the Kitty Norville series, but was able to seamlessly follow the story with the little background that the author provided. What I liked was that the author didn’t just throw a load of background information in the first chapter, but added one or two sentences throughout the book to explain whenever a new (new to the scene not overall) character entered the scene. Kitty Rocks the House is the 11th book in the Kitty Norville Series; Kitty is the alpha werewolf of Denver and a radio talk show host at KNOB. Kitty is still adjusting to her role as alpha, from learning that she is responsible to care and lead the pack and essentially having their lives/fate determined by her. Life doesn’t slow down when one isn’t ready and Kitty and the vampire Rick, master of Denver are scouring all over the country for allies to fight against the vampire Roman (The Long Game). Meanwhile two new strangers show up in Denver, a vampire catholic priest and a lone werewolf. The lone werewolf Darren is apparently looking to join Kitty’s pack and she agrees to let him stay with them to see how things play out, but Darren indirectly challenges Kitty at every turn. Kitty is not sure if he’s doing it without really knowing or does he have an ulterior motive? As for the vampire priest, he temps with an offer that Rick has been searching for every since he was turn but that would mean leaving the city and being master of Denver.
This book came in the mail for review, and I didn’t know if I should read it being that it is the 11th book in the series but I decided why not? I’m really glad I read it! Kitty is an awesome heroine, she funny, caring, smart, and while she’d prefer getting things resolved without violence…she’s not afraid to fight if it is the last resort. Kitty is a really understanding alpha to her pack and in general, she never thinks she’s above anyone and is just overall sensible. Between all the chaos and problems surrounding Kitty, she’s still a normal person with normal dreams and job. Dreams as in she wants to own a house, and eventually have children some day (alternatives options because weres can’t have kids). Throughout the book there were a couple of scenes with Kitty taking callers on the radio, and boy was those funny! The callers’ questions were hilarious and Kitty was definitely an entertaining hostess. Kitty Rocks the House felt like a transition between books, not a lot of action going on but I still enjoyed every single page. I wish I read this series a long time ago, just this book alone tells me that Kitty’s growth over the books is certainly not to be missed. I’m thinking about maybe starting the series with book 1, but we’ll see. Bottom line a great book, and what I think makes this series so popular is Kitty herself and her wonderful friends and family…everyone cares deeply for one another and from what I understand of the background, Kitty as alpha has made so much of a different she’s notorious far and wide. I look forward to seeing more of Kitty and her friends in the next book, Kitty in the Underworld which comes out July 30, 2013!
July 22, 2013
http://www.rantingdragon.com/review-o...
Kitty Rocks the House by Carrie Vaughn is the eleventh chapter in the Kitty Norville series. The urban fantasy series follows title character Kitty, a werewolf public radio DJ that shocks the world by becoming the first paranormal celebrity. As you might imagine, there are folks who aren’t too happy with her for shining lights into their darkness.
Kitty’s back in Denver from the scientific conference in London where she warned the world about the vampire Roman’s Long Game. She and the vampire Master of Denver, Rick, are busy receiving envoys from potential allies against Roman when a strange wolf appears and attempts to join the pack. Kitty has her hands full defending her position as Alpha while Rick mysteriously disappears.
A focus on characters rather than action
Urban fantasy books can be frustrating for a reader because they feature a ton of action in a relatively small 350 or so page book. Books typically open right before trouble starts, and finish as soon as it’s ended. One of the strengths of the Kitty books is that Kitty herself is so outspoken that the reader has no trouble following her personal growth through each book. However, it’s been a while since Kitty’s had the space to sit down and reassess who she is and why she does what she does. The challenge of bringing newcomer Darren into the pack provides Kitty with a chance to reaffirm her beliefs.
Kitty Rocks the House also lets us see more of a few old characters, as well as some new ones. Spending a lot of book time around the pack lets us see them for the first time since book number eight, Kitty Goes to War. Cormac and Amelia are really starting to jell as a team, and Detective Hardin is back.
Not the highlight of the series
The really good long running urban fantasy series all seem to experience peaks and valleys in terms of books that leave you on the edge of your seat, and ones that are quieter reads. Jim Butcher’s The Dresden Files does it; Patricia Brigg’s Mercedes Thompson series also does it to a lesser extent. Kitty Rocks the House is certainly one of the lulls in action for the Kitty series. This is not a bad thing, as the slower pace and lower stakes let Kitty re-ground herself and deepen her character for the reader. However, it did not leave me reaching the end of the book dying for book twelve to find out what happens next.
Why should you read this book?
Kitty Rocks the House is not one of the highlights of this series. At book number eleven, with twelve (Kitty in the Underground) due out at the end of July 2013, it’s also not a good place to jump in having never read any previous titles in the series. That being said, it’s also not a good book to skip. Kitty does a lot of growing here, and there are some major revelations about vampire culture that will be important in future books. And while I wouldn’t list this as one of my favorite books in the series, it was an enjoyable and worthwhile afternoon read.
Kitty Rocks the House by Carrie Vaughn is the eleventh chapter in the Kitty Norville series. The urban fantasy series follows title character Kitty, a werewolf public radio DJ that shocks the world by becoming the first paranormal celebrity. As you might imagine, there are folks who aren’t too happy with her for shining lights into their darkness.
Kitty’s back in Denver from the scientific conference in London where she warned the world about the vampire Roman’s Long Game. She and the vampire Master of Denver, Rick, are busy receiving envoys from potential allies against Roman when a strange wolf appears and attempts to join the pack. Kitty has her hands full defending her position as Alpha while Rick mysteriously disappears.
A focus on characters rather than action
Urban fantasy books can be frustrating for a reader because they feature a ton of action in a relatively small 350 or so page book. Books typically open right before trouble starts, and finish as soon as it’s ended. One of the strengths of the Kitty books is that Kitty herself is so outspoken that the reader has no trouble following her personal growth through each book. However, it’s been a while since Kitty’s had the space to sit down and reassess who she is and why she does what she does. The challenge of bringing newcomer Darren into the pack provides Kitty with a chance to reaffirm her beliefs.
Kitty Rocks the House also lets us see more of a few old characters, as well as some new ones. Spending a lot of book time around the pack lets us see them for the first time since book number eight, Kitty Goes to War. Cormac and Amelia are really starting to jell as a team, and Detective Hardin is back.
Not the highlight of the series
The really good long running urban fantasy series all seem to experience peaks and valleys in terms of books that leave you on the edge of your seat, and ones that are quieter reads. Jim Butcher’s The Dresden Files does it; Patricia Brigg’s Mercedes Thompson series also does it to a lesser extent. Kitty Rocks the House is certainly one of the lulls in action for the Kitty series. This is not a bad thing, as the slower pace and lower stakes let Kitty re-ground herself and deepen her character for the reader. However, it did not leave me reaching the end of the book dying for book twelve to find out what happens next.
Why should you read this book?
Kitty Rocks the House is not one of the highlights of this series. At book number eleven, with twelve (Kitty in the Underground) due out at the end of July 2013, it’s also not a good place to jump in having never read any previous titles in the series. That being said, it’s also not a good book to skip. Kitty does a lot of growing here, and there are some major revelations about vampire culture that will be important in future books. And while I wouldn’t list this as one of my favorite books in the series, it was an enjoyable and worthwhile afternoon read.
May 5, 2013
I'm growing a little tired by this series. The Long Game overall arch needs a vampire mind to be into it. And I'm clearly not. I know it bring the series forward, but I'm not sure I care. Above all in books like this, where not much happens.
As an other reader said:
Yes, I too understand that all the thread in the previous books had to come to a point. She's alpha, but she has left the pack often. She has family and they are important and so on.
Still. I wonder if all of this couldn't have been dealt with in a novella.
I really couldn't care less for the Vamp in the Vatican thread. I'm not a religious person, and I can't really understand Rick and this drama. Nor it did anything good for Cormac. I believe many fans have disliked his new persona. But here he comes out as a total idiot (and worse one who doesn't care for his actions).
He keeps pocking at things and causes a death (plus he risks many other ones) and the worst? There's no reason outside stupid curiosity. He looked like the dumb kid at school who has to punch the emergency button to see what will happen. Dumb and stupid. (And so is the cop)
Pack. I'm sorry to say even the way this was dealt left me unsatisfied. I like the Kitty Norville series and one of the reasons is that Kitty is unusual in UF. She tries to behave as a person, not the cliched were. She's human more than wolf. She talks rather than fight. But there are times when you wish she'd blubber less and act more. That she had actually some strength.
I like the fact she runs her pack as family, rather than a strict hierarchy. I like that she avoids the violence with words. But honestly I came to think she is at times simply hypocritical. She avoids violence because the pack does the "violence" for her. So yes she gets out of trouble with words, but because other people do trust she is better and are ready to battle for her.
May I say that at times she reads as a con artist? Bluffing her way through life? After 10 books I do wish she'd get stronger and grow up.
As an other reader said:
It doesn’t really go anywhere, it doesn’t really develop anything, it doesn’t bring much in the way of new information, it doesn’t advance Kitty’s life at all. Really, we finish this book no further along than when we started it.
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Yes, I too understand that all the thread in the previous books had to come to a point. She's alpha, but she has left the pack often. She has family and they are important and so on.
Still. I wonder if all of this couldn't have been dealt with in a novella.
I really couldn't care less for the Vamp in the Vatican thread. I'm not a religious person, and I can't really understand Rick and this drama. Nor it did anything good for Cormac. I believe many fans have disliked his new persona. But here he comes out as a total idiot (and worse one who doesn't care for his actions).
He keeps pocking at things and causes a death (plus he risks many other ones) and the worst? There's no reason outside stupid curiosity. He looked like the dumb kid at school who has to punch the emergency button to see what will happen. Dumb and stupid. (And so is the cop)
Pack. I'm sorry to say even the way this was dealt left me unsatisfied. I like the Kitty Norville series and one of the reasons is that Kitty is unusual in UF. She tries to behave as a person, not the cliched were. She's human more than wolf. She talks rather than fight. But there are times when you wish she'd blubber less and act more. That she had actually some strength.
I like the fact she runs her pack as family, rather than a strict hierarchy. I like that she avoids the violence with words. But honestly I came to think she is at times simply hypocritical. She avoids violence because the pack does the "violence" for her. So yes she gets out of trouble with words, but because other people do trust she is better and are ready to battle for her.
May I say that at times she reads as a con artist? Bluffing her way through life? After 10 books I do wish she'd get stronger and grow up.
June 11, 2013
3.5 Stars
You may also read my review here: http://www.mybookishways.com/2013/06/...
Our favorite werewolf with the unlikely name is back in the 11th installment of the Kitty Norville series, and after attending her grandmother’s funeral, it leaves her questioning her own mortality, and even her ability to lead the Denver pack. The poor girl has a lot on her plate. She’s juggling emissaries that could be possible allies in the fight against Dux Bellorum in the Long Game, and she’s counting on vampire Rick to back her up, but when a mysterious vampire shows up, Rick disappears, and Kitty starts floundering. Luckily, she has Ben on her side, but when a dominant male were shows up, claiming to want to join the pack, Kitty’s confidence in herself as a leader is even more threatened, and there may be more to this guy than meets the eye.
When I pick up a Kitty book, I’m always impressed with how Carrie Vaughn has managed to keep this series so fresh book after book. That said, Kitty Rocks the House wasn’t my favorite of the series. I certainly liked it, but, for me, it was one of the most introspective of the series (on Kitty’s part), and while there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, I was in the mood for Kitty-as-usual. You know, action, more action… So, yeah, it may be my fault that it didn’t blow me away. However, I will say, this one needed to be written, because Kitty’s self-doubt has been building, subtly, for a while now, and she needed someone like Darren (mysterious were that wants to join the pack), to make her realize that she is, indeed, the kick ass, strong chick that is absolutely capable of running her pack. It also made her realize how loyal her pack is, and how her leadership, so different from her predecessors, is the glue that holds them together. Ben provides his usual strong but quiet support, and Cormac plays a pretty big part of this one, and I’m always game for some Cormac *clears throat*. So, while this is less action packed than the other novels, it will make you feel closer to Kitty and certainly shows her more vulnerable side, which isn’t a bad thing at all. Really looking forward to Kitty In the Underworld, coming up in July.
You may also read my review here: http://www.mybookishways.com/2013/06/...
Our favorite werewolf with the unlikely name is back in the 11th installment of the Kitty Norville series, and after attending her grandmother’s funeral, it leaves her questioning her own mortality, and even her ability to lead the Denver pack. The poor girl has a lot on her plate. She’s juggling emissaries that could be possible allies in the fight against Dux Bellorum in the Long Game, and she’s counting on vampire Rick to back her up, but when a mysterious vampire shows up, Rick disappears, and Kitty starts floundering. Luckily, she has Ben on her side, but when a dominant male were shows up, claiming to want to join the pack, Kitty’s confidence in herself as a leader is even more threatened, and there may be more to this guy than meets the eye.
When I pick up a Kitty book, I’m always impressed with how Carrie Vaughn has managed to keep this series so fresh book after book. That said, Kitty Rocks the House wasn’t my favorite of the series. I certainly liked it, but, for me, it was one of the most introspective of the series (on Kitty’s part), and while there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, I was in the mood for Kitty-as-usual. You know, action, more action… So, yeah, it may be my fault that it didn’t blow me away. However, I will say, this one needed to be written, because Kitty’s self-doubt has been building, subtly, for a while now, and she needed someone like Darren (mysterious were that wants to join the pack), to make her realize that she is, indeed, the kick ass, strong chick that is absolutely capable of running her pack. It also made her realize how loyal her pack is, and how her leadership, so different from her predecessors, is the glue that holds them together. Ben provides his usual strong but quiet support, and Cormac plays a pretty big part of this one, and I’m always game for some Cormac *clears throat*. So, while this is less action packed than the other novels, it will make you feel closer to Kitty and certainly shows her more vulnerable side, which isn’t a bad thing at all. Really looking forward to Kitty In the Underworld, coming up in July.
April 7, 2013
Summary
Kitty the werewolf is in a bit of a rut in Kitty Rocks the House by Carrie Vaughn. She's still trying to fight Roman, the vampire who wants to rule the world, but her biggest ally, local vampire Master, Rick, is taking a religious holiday. A new werewolf with suspicious motives wants to join her pack, and she's braving the realty market while shopping for a new den. Kitty still tries to solve all her problems by talking them to death, and no real progress is made on any of the storylines. Kitty Rocks the House is still a fun diversion, but perhaps not as fun as past books. It's worth the $3.99 cover price and long time fans will be satisfied.
Fantasy World
Vampires, and werewolves, and magic oh my! The author's descriptions of what it's like to be a werewolf are still wonderful. The vampires are mysterious and the magic unique.
Tingle Factor
This is a fantasy novel and not a romance so the focus is not on the tingle. Kitty's husband Ben is part of scenery in this book and the sexual undertones with his cousin Cormac are long gone.
Romance
Zip. Zilch.
Drama
The author tries to keep the tension high with werewolf politics and questions about Rick's future support in their ongoing war against uber villain Roman. It's not as riveting as past series installments and the drama feels slightly artificial.
Heroine
Usually Kitty managing to talk her way out of trouble is entertaining, but it falls a bit flat this time. She is treading water and not accomplishing much of anything. In Kitty Rocks the House her radio show ratings are slipping because people aren't finding her as entertaining anymore and that's the way the book feels as well. The author needs to find a way to shake up the old formula and tread some new ground.
Supporting Cast
The usual suspects are all there – Rick the vampire, Ben the werewolf, Cormac and his spiritual guest Amelia. Rick's religious examinations are intriguing as is Cormac's magic demonstrations. Poor Ben gets the short straw and is left mainly hanging around waiting for Kitty to tell him what to do.
Kitty the werewolf is in a bit of a rut in Kitty Rocks the House by Carrie Vaughn. She's still trying to fight Roman, the vampire who wants to rule the world, but her biggest ally, local vampire Master, Rick, is taking a religious holiday. A new werewolf with suspicious motives wants to join her pack, and she's braving the realty market while shopping for a new den. Kitty still tries to solve all her problems by talking them to death, and no real progress is made on any of the storylines. Kitty Rocks the House is still a fun diversion, but perhaps not as fun as past books. It's worth the $3.99 cover price and long time fans will be satisfied.
Fantasy World
Vampires, and werewolves, and magic oh my! The author's descriptions of what it's like to be a werewolf are still wonderful. The vampires are mysterious and the magic unique.
Tingle Factor
This is a fantasy novel and not a romance so the focus is not on the tingle. Kitty's husband Ben is part of scenery in this book and the sexual undertones with his cousin Cormac are long gone.
Romance
Zip. Zilch.
Drama
The author tries to keep the tension high with werewolf politics and questions about Rick's future support in their ongoing war against uber villain Roman. It's not as riveting as past series installments and the drama feels slightly artificial.
Heroine
Usually Kitty managing to talk her way out of trouble is entertaining, but it falls a bit flat this time. She is treading water and not accomplishing much of anything. In Kitty Rocks the House her radio show ratings are slipping because people aren't finding her as entertaining anymore and that's the way the book feels as well. The author needs to find a way to shake up the old formula and tread some new ground.
Supporting Cast
The usual suspects are all there – Rick the vampire, Ben the werewolf, Cormac and his spiritual guest Amelia. Rick's religious examinations are intriguing as is Cormac's magic demonstrations. Poor Ben gets the short straw and is left mainly hanging around waiting for Kitty to tell him what to do.
October 24, 2013
After the exciting events of KITTY STEALS THE SHOW Kitty returns home to Denver to get down to the serious business of building a strong base of allies in the war against the vampire Roman and his plan to change the status of vampires among humans.
But even the best-laid plans seem to go awry. The local vampire master Rick--her #1 ally--is approached by a secret sect of Catholic vampire crusaders and contemplates leaving Denver. A new pack member is causing trouble in the ranks. Cormac/Amelia seem determined to be a thorn in Kitty's side in the name of "helping." And even Kitty's own dysfunctional family demand her time and attention. How is she supposed to defeat Roman if she can't even keep her own life under control?
The eleventh book in Carrie Vaughn's Kitty Norville series, KITTY ROCKS THE HOUSE is a continuation of the buildup from the revelation of Kitty's plan to bring down Roman in KITTY'S BIG TROUBLE. As a result of it being buildup this particular episode feels like filler, and even though its multiple plot threads resolve, the book felt too short. I want to get to the meat of the overarching conflict with Roman and didn't see the point of these seeming side-stories. I guess we'll have to see if they're relevant in book twelve.
At this point in the series I'd also have liked to see Kitty be more assertive in her role as pack alpha. In some ways she does show this, but it's inconsistent and she seems whiny. There also isn't enough fallout from Cormac's brash and destructive actions, and Rick seemed more wishy-washy than usual. All these issues made the plot feel forced, which was too bad because the pacing was great. Fortunately Kitty and Ben's relationship is as good as usual and we got to see more of pack dynamics.
A mediocre addition to the series, KITTY ROCKS THE HOUSE really just paves the way for what's coming. It doesn't ruin my enjoyment of the series, but I'm getting impatient for what's coming.
Recommended Age: 14+
Language: Less than five instances
Violence: Some blood and fighting, but minor
Sex: Implied
***Read this and other reviews at Elitist Book Reviews.***
But even the best-laid plans seem to go awry. The local vampire master Rick--her #1 ally--is approached by a secret sect of Catholic vampire crusaders and contemplates leaving Denver. A new pack member is causing trouble in the ranks. Cormac/Amelia seem determined to be a thorn in Kitty's side in the name of "helping." And even Kitty's own dysfunctional family demand her time and attention. How is she supposed to defeat Roman if she can't even keep her own life under control?
The eleventh book in Carrie Vaughn's Kitty Norville series, KITTY ROCKS THE HOUSE is a continuation of the buildup from the revelation of Kitty's plan to bring down Roman in KITTY'S BIG TROUBLE. As a result of it being buildup this particular episode feels like filler, and even though its multiple plot threads resolve, the book felt too short. I want to get to the meat of the overarching conflict with Roman and didn't see the point of these seeming side-stories. I guess we'll have to see if they're relevant in book twelve.
At this point in the series I'd also have liked to see Kitty be more assertive in her role as pack alpha. In some ways she does show this, but it's inconsistent and she seems whiny. There also isn't enough fallout from Cormac's brash and destructive actions, and Rick seemed more wishy-washy than usual. All these issues made the plot feel forced, which was too bad because the pacing was great. Fortunately Kitty and Ben's relationship is as good as usual and we got to see more of pack dynamics.
A mediocre addition to the series, KITTY ROCKS THE HOUSE really just paves the way for what's coming. It doesn't ruin my enjoyment of the series, but I'm getting impatient for what's coming.
Recommended Age: 14+
Language: Less than five instances
Violence: Some blood and fighting, but minor
Sex: Implied
***Read this and other reviews at Elitist Book Reviews.***
March 29, 2013
Review Courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy
KITTY ROCKS THE HOUSE proves that Kitty is one tough and creative werewolf. She’s trying to be a stern but fair alpha, dealing with the vampires’ Long Game, and hosting her radio show. The Kitty Norville series isn’t just foreboding vampire and werewolf politics but also has a quirky strain of humor especially with Kitty’s radio show callers. The at times bizarre callers are one of my favorite aspects of these books and KITTY ROCKS THE HOUSE does not disappoint with the oddball questions Kitty encounters. These radio sessions act as a kind of self therapy for Kitty and I enjoy the fact that she gets some answers on how to resolve things in her life.
One of the many things I love about Kitty is that while yes, she can hold her own in a fight, she chooses to use words and wit as a first defense. This less physical and even less aggressive approach bleeds into the way she runs her pack. I absolutely loved the way she resolved the conflict with a new werewolf threatening her power by using her resources, a touch of muscle when the going got tough, and a thinly veiled threat to head out of town.
I am really fascinated by this oncoming storm brewing and numerous alliances being made in anticipation of this epic war. This ominous plot line has been gradually building up for the past few books and in KITTY ROCKS THE HOUSE more vampire allies come to aid Kitty and Rick. With so many new characters coming out of the woodwork to either help or threaten Kitty I am hoping there is some grand payoff in the next book or two in regards to the Long Game.
KITTY ROCKS THE HOUSE is an excellent addition to the Kitty Norville series and has me itching to read the next book, KITTY IN THE UNDERWORLD, out July 30th 2013 by Tor Books. No matter what happens I know it will be handled brilliantly with Kitty and her motley band of friends and family.
Sexual Content: N/A
KITTY ROCKS THE HOUSE proves that Kitty is one tough and creative werewolf. She’s trying to be a stern but fair alpha, dealing with the vampires’ Long Game, and hosting her radio show. The Kitty Norville series isn’t just foreboding vampire and werewolf politics but also has a quirky strain of humor especially with Kitty’s radio show callers. The at times bizarre callers are one of my favorite aspects of these books and KITTY ROCKS THE HOUSE does not disappoint with the oddball questions Kitty encounters. These radio sessions act as a kind of self therapy for Kitty and I enjoy the fact that she gets some answers on how to resolve things in her life.
One of the many things I love about Kitty is that while yes, she can hold her own in a fight, she chooses to use words and wit as a first defense. This less physical and even less aggressive approach bleeds into the way she runs her pack. I absolutely loved the way she resolved the conflict with a new werewolf threatening her power by using her resources, a touch of muscle when the going got tough, and a thinly veiled threat to head out of town.
I am really fascinated by this oncoming storm brewing and numerous alliances being made in anticipation of this epic war. This ominous plot line has been gradually building up for the past few books and in KITTY ROCKS THE HOUSE more vampire allies come to aid Kitty and Rick. With so many new characters coming out of the woodwork to either help or threaten Kitty I am hoping there is some grand payoff in the next book or two in regards to the Long Game.
KITTY ROCKS THE HOUSE is an excellent addition to the Kitty Norville series and has me itching to read the next book, KITTY IN THE UNDERWORLD, out July 30th 2013 by Tor Books. No matter what happens I know it will be handled brilliantly with Kitty and her motley band of friends and family.
Sexual Content: N/A
March 28, 2013
Though this is a transition story in the series, it didn't feel like filler. I couldn't put it down and I felt the pace kept things fresh and lively. There isn't a lot of action in this book but there is a lot of development- personal and plot-wise.
For example we see how others react to Kitty: her work, her schedule, how she handles the pack and her place in the Long Game. (*Spoiler alert) Nassar, a Master Vampire, is a supposed ally to Rick and Kitty but his actions show that he doesn't trust Kitty's ability to handle the situation despite the praise of his colleagues in Europe. Then we have the added layer of Hardin and Cormac. I think Cormac's obsession with the shield was a bit odd and may not bode well. It didn't bode well in the short-term but there may be long-term problems. But I see Hardin's involvement possibly being a good thing.
And I have to say I like Ben more with each installment. No, he's not the uber-Alpha Cormac is but he steps up to the plate time and time again, is empathetic and is no slouch in any department. When the Kitty and Ben first got together, I wasn't sure how I felt about it. I liked Cormac and wanted him and Kitty to be together. The "courtship" between Kitty and Ben seemed rushed and like they just "fell into" each other for lack of better options but the more I read the more I see the real love between them.
All-in-all I like that these books deal with themes of change. The old styles of relating are not working anymore. Hierarchies give way to partnerships. Might makes right gives way to talking, sharing and emotional bonds. And, on a romantic front, the uber-badass who would rather walk than talk gives way to a strong, emotionally available man.
For example we see how others react to Kitty: her work, her schedule, how she handles the pack and her place in the Long Game. (*Spoiler alert) Nassar, a Master Vampire, is a supposed ally to Rick and Kitty but his actions show that he doesn't trust Kitty's ability to handle the situation despite the praise of his colleagues in Europe. Then we have the added layer of Hardin and Cormac. I think Cormac's obsession with the shield was a bit odd and may not bode well. It didn't bode well in the short-term but there may be long-term problems. But I see Hardin's involvement possibly being a good thing.
And I have to say I like Ben more with each installment. No, he's not the uber-Alpha Cormac is but he steps up to the plate time and time again, is empathetic and is no slouch in any department. When the Kitty and Ben first got together, I wasn't sure how I felt about it. I liked Cormac and wanted him and Kitty to be together. The "courtship" between Kitty and Ben seemed rushed and like they just "fell into" each other for lack of better options but the more I read the more I see the real love between them.
All-in-all I like that these books deal with themes of change. The old styles of relating are not working anymore. Hierarchies give way to partnerships. Might makes right gives way to talking, sharing and emotional bonds. And, on a romantic front, the uber-badass who would rather walk than talk gives way to a strong, emotionally available man.
May 30, 2013
I'm very disappointed with this book in the series, after the previous one I was hoping for some growth and/or action and didn't get any.
Kitty is back in Denver, she and the Rick (vampire master of Denver) are strategizing with other vamps about how to defeat Roman. An unknown vampire appears and gives Rick another option for fighting Roman and he disappears for most of the book.
Kitty and Ben allow a stranger to come into their territory, he's a lone wolf trying to find a pack... or is he?
I found myself yelling at Kitty and Ben about Darren the new wolf and was disgusted with how it was resolved. I find myself annoyed with Kitty's whining about her stress and how she's so very busy. Bull! She has more free time than most people can shake a stick at.
I have become very disheartened with the Kitty series. There's no more meat to the stories. Everything is wah wah wah I'm a werewolf but I don't want to fight. Oh! I'm also endearingly nosy and everyone should just get along with me. I think Carrie Vaughn needs to sit down and rethink where her characters are going since I've seen absolutely no character development at all. This is book #11 after all & I'm reading about the same angst regarding Kitty and her family, Kitty and her DJ job, and Kitty fighting her werewolf side by trying to humanize the wolf. It's boring and predictable. Even her adventures have become mundane and resolutions are unsatisfying.
All in all an ok book. I didn't hate it but I sure as heck didn't like it. Kitty needs to tone down the 'inquisitive DJ' and up the alpha wolf to keep my interest. Oh, and neutering all the badass men has to stop too because I didn't feel Cormac has been written true to his character in the last two books.
Kitty is back in Denver, she and the Rick (vampire master of Denver) are strategizing with other vamps about how to defeat Roman. An unknown vampire appears and gives Rick another option for fighting Roman and he disappears for most of the book.
Kitty and Ben allow a stranger to come into their territory, he's a lone wolf trying to find a pack... or is he?
I found myself yelling at Kitty and Ben about Darren the new wolf and was disgusted with how it was resolved. I find myself annoyed with Kitty's whining about her stress and how she's so very busy. Bull! She has more free time than most people can shake a stick at.
I have become very disheartened with the Kitty series. There's no more meat to the stories. Everything is wah wah wah I'm a werewolf but I don't want to fight. Oh! I'm also endearingly nosy and everyone should just get along with me. I think Carrie Vaughn needs to sit down and rethink where her characters are going since I've seen absolutely no character development at all. This is book #11 after all & I'm reading about the same angst regarding Kitty and her family, Kitty and her DJ job, and Kitty fighting her werewolf side by trying to humanize the wolf. It's boring and predictable. Even her adventures have become mundane and resolutions are unsatisfying.
All in all an ok book. I didn't hate it but I sure as heck didn't like it. Kitty needs to tone down the 'inquisitive DJ' and up the alpha wolf to keep my interest. Oh, and neutering all the badass men has to stop too because I didn't feel Cormac has been written true to his character in the last two books.
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