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Unplanned Princess #2
Gangland Politics
What is the difference between ignorance and stupidity?
Zaena's story continues as she continues to learn that her knowledge of humanity is closer to the twentieth than the present day twenty-first century.
She's got attitude, magic, and a sacred armor pendant and she needs to save her people!
Zaena's story continues as she continues to learn that her knowledge of humanity is closer to the twentieth than the present day twenty-first century.
She's got attitude, magic, and a sacred armor pendant and she needs to save her people!
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2021
209 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 29, 2021
There is a fun start to the book, but it is pretty much downhill after that. Even though I initial liked Zaena and her ignorance of modern San Francisco was ‘endearing’, it turns out she is basically stupid. I actually finished the book, but it was either boring or frustrating in equal measures. It didn’t help that it seemed like half the book was filled with the ridiculous Carson & George.
There is a big fight at the end, which mainly consists of Zaena extolling her virtues as the saviour of Elfkind while chaos and destruction happens all around her and even when it is all going ‘pear shaped’ she still continues to discuss the merits of behaving virtuously.
If possible I would have given 1.5 stars.
There is a big fight at the end, which mainly consists of Zaena extolling her virtues as the saviour of Elfkind while chaos and destruction happens all around her and even when it is all going ‘pear shaped’ she still continues to discuss the merits of behaving virtuously.
If possible I would have given 1.5 stars.
March 30, 2021
Undecided
Urban Fantasy Superhero
The writing is fluid and paints scenes well, though on a gut-level I'm not quite connecting and I'm not sure why. The story is extremely well edited, which is nice. I suppose part of it is patience. I get that the MC Zaena has 250+ years of enculturalization to deal with; she's willing to fight, but would rather drive off an opponent than kill them, very much like the idealism of comic books.
Zaena is a princess. She is well educated and highly trained. Yet she also needs to become more decisive. The villain, Mark Wong, revealed some important facts to Zaena, that despite her above average hearing, she apparently missed during the heat of battle. The guessing games that Zaena and her sidekick Karl, the former cop specialized in fighting gangs, both miss. While Zaena beats Wong time and again in confrontations, Wong keeps out-thinking both of them, picking the time and place. Zaena fights as a soldier, but she needs to focus not on what is Wong going to do, but rather on what SHE is going to do. Wong lives in a magical fortress. She needs to change that around, figure out how to put Wong on the defensive. Zaena needs to become a general as well as a soldier.
We've got a lot going on here. Elven (alien) princess on a quest to save her people, and she getting a crash course in fighting organized gangs. While trying to abide by her own culture's ideals (basically that of a superhero) when fighting crime. Gangs aren't monolithic; while some are robbing, others are collecting book or watching the streets, or even spying on known associates of opponents -- like Grace Kwan, Zaena's bestie and roommate.
Maybe with the MC, I expected more realistic reactions, and instead we have a slightly angsty superhero story with that very idealistic behavior that comes with that belief system. Elves are supposed to be subtle, more willing to play the long game, and when the time comes, act with finality. However, most writers write elves as just longer-lived humans. Perhaps it's the attempted blend of urban fantasy and superhero genres that's throwing me off. Maybe it's because despite the stress, no one is dating, and the only thing Karl is doing is drinking (which is likely all he will ever do because he's a gay cop without a boyfriend). I'll give the series one more book.
Urban Fantasy Superhero
The writing is fluid and paints scenes well, though on a gut-level I'm not quite connecting and I'm not sure why. The story is extremely well edited, which is nice. I suppose part of it is patience. I get that the MC Zaena has 250+ years of enculturalization to deal with; she's willing to fight, but would rather drive off an opponent than kill them, very much like the idealism of comic books.
Zaena is a princess. She is well educated and highly trained. Yet she also needs to become more decisive. The villain, Mark Wong, revealed some important facts to Zaena, that despite her above average hearing, she apparently missed during the heat of battle. The guessing games that Zaena and her sidekick Karl, the former cop specialized in fighting gangs, both miss. While Zaena beats Wong time and again in confrontations, Wong keeps out-thinking both of them, picking the time and place. Zaena fights as a soldier, but she needs to focus not on what is Wong going to do, but rather on what SHE is going to do. Wong lives in a magical fortress. She needs to change that around, figure out how to put Wong on the defensive. Zaena needs to become a general as well as a soldier.
We've got a lot going on here. Elven (alien) princess on a quest to save her people, and she getting a crash course in fighting organized gangs. While trying to abide by her own culture's ideals (basically that of a superhero) when fighting crime. Gangs aren't monolithic; while some are robbing, others are collecting book or watching the streets, or even spying on known associates of opponents -- like Grace Kwan, Zaena's bestie and roommate.
Maybe with the MC, I expected more realistic reactions, and instead we have a slightly angsty superhero story with that very idealistic behavior that comes with that belief system. Elves are supposed to be subtle, more willing to play the long game, and when the time comes, act with finality. However, most writers write elves as just longer-lived humans. Perhaps it's the attempted blend of urban fantasy and superhero genres that's throwing me off. Maybe it's because despite the stress, no one is dating, and the only thing Karl is doing is drinking (which is likely all he will ever do because he's a gay cop without a boyfriend). I'll give the series one more book.
September 28, 2023
The first book in the series was the start of something I thought I would love - building up a small group of friends, unlikely or otherwise, to help on the quest, all the while becoming more acquainted with Earth/Western/US culture. Instead in this, the second book, it shifts to a superhero narrative with her being the one to make all the decisions and having a sidekick (literally referenced in book). We don't see her building relationship or understanding, just anecdotes regarding films and shows. It was a deep shift from one book to the next.
Further, while shifting so suddenly from a Heroine's Journey to a Hero's Journey, and therefore essentially leaving a valued character behind, it became, well, dull. The tedium of gang warfare and a naivë outsider coming in to save the day for the majority of the book was taxing.
Supergirl on righteous pills in underworld Gotham lacks any real depth. Gotham and it's extreme darkness works as a location because of Batman's internal struggle. National City works for Supergirl (or Metropolis for Superman) because it is keeping a nice place clean. Protecting the good. The character of the hero correlates to the location, which seems something to consider if deciding to write a superhero series.
If you are enjoying this series, obviously keep going! Perhaps there is a payoff. As for me, I can't see moving forward with it - and I am compulsively obsessive about finishing series.
Further, while shifting so suddenly from a Heroine's Journey to a Hero's Journey, and therefore essentially leaving a valued character behind, it became, well, dull. The tedium of gang warfare and a naivë outsider coming in to save the day for the majority of the book was taxing.
Supergirl on righteous pills in underworld Gotham lacks any real depth. Gotham and it's extreme darkness works as a location because of Batman's internal struggle. National City works for Supergirl (or Metropolis for Superman) because it is keeping a nice place clean. Protecting the good. The character of the hero correlates to the location, which seems something to consider if deciding to write a superhero series.
If you are enjoying this series, obviously keep going! Perhaps there is a payoff. As for me, I can't see moving forward with it - and I am compulsively obsessive about finishing series.
June 7, 2021
New and unusual plotline...MA rocks those!
This was fun as all MA's stories tend to be. Again he's found a way to make a strong female lead who is willing to accept the help and guidance of others as she learns how to be the best version of herself. I always enjoy how MA and his various co-authors manage to find a way to make each urban fantasy story unique. Since beginning a few years ago with Death Becomes Her, I have read some of his series multiple times and have tried to read all the collaborations. He certainly has never disappointed me with any of his solo works, and I look forward to being entertained by him in the remainder of this series. Though this is not my fav, it is still worth the time for any who enjoy his (quite versatile) sense of humor.
This was fun as all MA's stories tend to be. Again he's found a way to make a strong female lead who is willing to accept the help and guidance of others as she learns how to be the best version of herself. I always enjoy how MA and his various co-authors manage to find a way to make each urban fantasy story unique. Since beginning a few years ago with Death Becomes Her, I have read some of his series multiple times and have tried to read all the collaborations. He certainly has never disappointed me with any of his solo works, and I look forward to being entertained by him in the remainder of this series. Though this is not my fav, it is still worth the time for any who enjoy his (quite versatile) sense of humor.
April 5, 2021
We are back with Zaena's adventures, this time with Karl as partner. I still love the way they are dealing with all the cultural differences, and it's pretty cool to see how she faces different situation while trying to match her way of thinking with our reality. Her sense of honor and her understanding of how things should be, clashes with the other's, with Karl suggesting one thing and Grace another.
I felt like everything was moving too slow, and I would have welcome more chaos as Karl's actions made everything, if not necessary worse, at least more boring from the reader's point of view. I think that everything would have turned out very different if she had been allowed to act from the beginning. Also, it seems like we have new players and things are going to become very interesting, really soon.
I'm looking forward to reading more about Zeana and her quest, especially now that she knows the true identity of her enemy, but I hope the next book it's a little more dynamic.
I felt like everything was moving too slow, and I would have welcome more chaos as Karl's actions made everything, if not necessary worse, at least more boring from the reader's point of view. I think that everything would have turned out very different if she had been allowed to act from the beginning. Also, it seems like we have new players and things are going to become very interesting, really soon.
I'm looking forward to reading more about Zeana and her quest, especially now that she knows the true identity of her enemy, but I hope the next book it's a little more dynamic.
June 10, 2021
A "superhero" who doesn't go out and thrash the bad guys, without a second thought. This plot was extremely well thought out and although easily followed, leaves room for the reader to be surprised, led astray, and bamboozled. The best kind of story! The main characters are believable (yes, I am well aware it's fiction) and not completely outside of the reader's level of belief. The characters are fun, learning, and beyond endearing, in a few cases. I highly recommend this book and the first one in this series, as well. Well done, author!
July 9, 2021
Unplanned chaos.
Well, Zaena and Karl are now both of interest to the Triads and other gangs in San Francisco. The mysterious Mark Wong appears to not want to meet them face to face though. While Zaena is concerned about her main mission she can’t turn away from the evil being perpetrated on innocent people by the gangs. This leads to a lot of unexpected violence, especially when the gangs see her as Karl, the Triad Killer’s, sidekick.
All I can say is ‘poor Karl’. She’s not BA but then, who is?
Well, Zaena and Karl are now both of interest to the Triads and other gangs in San Francisco. The mysterious Mark Wong appears to not want to meet them face to face though. While Zaena is concerned about her main mission she can’t turn away from the evil being perpetrated on innocent people by the gangs. This leads to a lot of unexpected violence, especially when the gangs see her as Karl, the Triad Killer’s, sidekick.
All I can say is ‘poor Karl’. She’s not BA but then, who is?
March 30, 2021
Entertaining Read
Zaena continues to kick butt. She is loving to her friends but delivers justice to those who bully or harm others. She has her magic but will it be enough to defeat the unexpected? I like to watch her dealing with American idioms and ideals. It's fun to see her response to others reactions to her beauty. I like the humor and action. This is currently one of my favorite series. I look forward to the next book.
Zaena continues to kick butt. She is loving to her friends but delivers justice to those who bully or harm others. She has her magic but will it be enough to defeat the unexpected? I like to watch her dealing with American idioms and ideals. It's fun to see her response to others reactions to her beauty. I like the humor and action. This is currently one of my favorite series. I look forward to the next book.
June 23, 2021
More magic
Zaena and her friends are working on taking down the gangs in San Francisco so Zaena can start working on the cure for her people. At the same time she is trying to keep her identity a secret until she is ready to let the government in on who and what she is.This is a very good series with both the characters and storylines being very good. I am looking forward to more books in the series to see how they handle all the complications in their way.
Zaena and her friends are working on taking down the gangs in San Francisco so Zaena can start working on the cure for her people. At the same time she is trying to keep her identity a secret until she is ready to let the government in on who and what she is.This is a very good series with both the characters and storylines being very good. I am looking forward to more books in the series to see how they handle all the complications in their way.
April 23, 2021
So this is a case of a nice idea poorly executed.
The premise seemed very interesting, but in execution it fell flat. The first book had a certain novelty that kept you reading, but the second lacks that and so comes off has boring. I made it fifty pages in and realized I did not care about what had happened, not a promising start.
The premise seemed very interesting, but in execution it fell flat. The first book had a certain novelty that kept you reading, but the second lacks that and so comes off has boring. I made it fifty pages in and realized I did not care about what had happened, not a promising start.
April 25, 2021
Gangland Politics
Just as much fun as the first book. Zaena is more acclimated to our world but she is still refreshing. All the characters continue to be developed nicely. Plenty of action. Strong story line moves along well. Book 3 should be out now so I am going to go get it and enjoy. Recommended.
Just as much fun as the first book. Zaena is more acclimated to our world but she is still refreshing. All the characters continue to be developed nicely. Plenty of action. Strong story line moves along well. Book 3 should be out now so I am going to go get it and enjoy. Recommended.
June 13, 2021
Book 2 is as good as I hoped it would be
If you read my thoughts on book one you'll be aware I inadvertently read book 4 first. Now having gone back in time thoroughly enjoying books 1 & 2 my only problem is that I don't think I can keep my eyes open long enough for book 3. Good thing that Monday (tomorrow) is a holiday.
If you read my thoughts on book one you'll be aware I inadvertently read book 4 first. Now having gone back in time thoroughly enjoying books 1 & 2 my only problem is that I don't think I can keep my eyes open long enough for book 3. Good thing that Monday (tomorrow) is a holiday.
April 3, 2021
Zaena has stirred the hornets’ nest, and what a buzz! This is an interesting take on elves and magic, with some great twists and turns. And the snarky humour! This is shaping up to be an excellent series.
April 3, 2021
Good , but ,
So many of the author's stories are beginning to follow a set pattern.
With the exception of KGU and the ZOO books.
Still readable and enjoyable , but don't know for how much longer.
Please , throw some new plots at us.
So many of the author's stories are beginning to follow a set pattern.
With the exception of KGU and the ZOO books.
Still readable and enjoyable , but don't know for how much longer.
Please , throw some new plots at us.
April 10, 2021
Interesting vision but worth reading
I really enjoy the stories written by Mike. This is a interesting premise. The plot stalls a bit in places. The characters don't really seem to mesh well. Plot struggles a bit and the villain is a bit one dimensional. Its 👌
I really enjoy the stories written by Mike. This is a interesting premise. The plot stalls a bit in places. The characters don't really seem to mesh well. Plot struggles a bit and the villain is a bit one dimensional. Its 👌
April 17, 2021
Exciting adventure series!
The strong female lead character and her sidekick friends make for a fun and interesting read! The plot is evolving into an exciting adventure with more characters being introduced. Can’t wait to read book 3!
The strong female lead character and her sidekick friends make for a fun and interesting read! The plot is evolving into an exciting adventure with more characters being introduced. Can’t wait to read book 3!
February 12, 2022
still good
This book was pretty good. It was a little slow moving but I think it is build up for the rest of the story. Not as good as the first, but I’m holding out hope the next one is even better
This book was pretty good. It was a little slow moving but I think it is build up for the rest of the story. Not as good as the first, but I’m holding out hope the next one is even better
March 30, 2021
Wow
Another great read! Zaena and friends are still fight to take down the gangs! Will she be able to defeat Wong and get access to the nexus? Can’t wait for the next one!
Another great read! Zaena and friends are still fight to take down the gangs! Will she be able to defeat Wong and get access to the nexus? Can’t wait for the next one!
July 12, 2021
More than expected!
Too much fun!!!
Was not expecting the twists this is taking... aMazing!!
Howard S (the S stands for Super Fan)
Too much fun!!!
Was not expecting the twists this is taking... aMazing!!
Howard S (the S stands for Super Fan)
August 17, 2021
Omg
Omg these books are so great.A another great set of books by great authors.I can't wait to read more from this series.
Omg these books are so great.A another great set of books by great authors.I can't wait to read more from this series.
July 5, 2022
Bit Slow
This one seems a bit slow compared to the first one and the action delayed overly long I feel.
Still quite a bit of promise later on in other books however.
This one seems a bit slow compared to the first one and the action delayed overly long I feel.
Still quite a bit of promise later on in other books however.
July 4, 2023
I tend to give up a series when I start rooting for the bad guy to win.
July 29, 2025
The second book was less funny and more exciting, but I enjoyed it a lot.
July 26, 2022
Gangland Politics takes us deeper into the initial conflict of the series. Zaena somehow finds herself in the middle of a turf war between gangs in San Francisco's Chinatown. The characters, other than Zaena and Mike, could use some more development: the villains feel a bit like they've walked out of a gang movie from the 1940s. But the action scenes are fun, and I love getting to see Zaena use her powers.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews