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Cal Leandros #4
Deathwish
In a nightmarish new york city, life is there for the taking in the fourth Cal Leandros novel from New York Times bestselling author Rob Thurman.Half-human Cal Leandros and his brother Niko are barely getting by with their preternatural investigative agency when the vampire Seamus hires them. He’s being followed, and he wants to know by whom. But the Leandros brothers have to do more than they planned when Seamus turns up dead (or un-undead). Worse still is the return of Cal's nightmarish family—the Auphe. The last time Cal and Niko faced them, they were almost wiped out. Now, the Auphe want revenge. And Cal knows that before they get to him, they will destroy everything and everyone he holds dear. Because, for the Auphe, Cal's pain is a pleasure. And they’re feeling good...
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 3, 2009
60 people are currently reading
2219 people want to read
About the author
Rob Thurman
43 books1,562 followersRob Thurman is currently writing three series for Penguin Putnam's imprint ROC FANTASY, as well as a brand-new mainstream series for Simon & Schuster's POCKET BOOKS.
Rob has also written for a Charlaine Harris & Toni L.P. Kelner Anthology, WOLFSBANE AND MISTLETOE. This year, Rob contributed a post-apocalyptic, "grim" faerie tale Western to the anthology, COURTS OF THE FEY.
Rob's work is dark, non-stop action from beginning to end, rife with purely evil sarcasm as sharp as a switchblade - and probably nearly as illegal. If one shoved LORD OF THE RINGS,
THE SHINING, and PULP FICTION into a wood-chipper, the result would be what Rob aims to deliver in a novel or short story.
A member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA), ROB THURMAN lives in RURAL Indiana - land of endless fields, infinite cows and where dialup is still the only soul-crushing option.
Rob has also written for a Charlaine Harris & Toni L.P. Kelner Anthology, WOLFSBANE AND MISTLETOE. This year, Rob contributed a post-apocalyptic, "grim" faerie tale Western to the anthology, COURTS OF THE FEY.
Rob's work is dark, non-stop action from beginning to end, rife with purely evil sarcasm as sharp as a switchblade - and probably nearly as illegal. If one shoved LORD OF THE RINGS,
THE SHINING, and PULP FICTION into a wood-chipper, the result would be what Rob aims to deliver in a novel or short story.
A member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA), ROB THURMAN lives in RURAL Indiana - land of endless fields, infinite cows and where dialup is still the only soul-crushing option.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews
May 21, 2017
"People on Dr. Phil have issues. We have atomic-powered, demon-flavored, fresh-from-the-pits-of-hell, full-blowing fucking neuroses. Freud would've been in a corner sucking his thumb after one session with us."
I've now read four books in this series, and the same issue remains for me. It's a unique series that offers a different groove of Urban Fantasy tropes: male lead; two brothers fighting against the world; a dark, demented elfish race; lack of strong romantic interest for the male lead; no supernatural powers for the lead. Despite all these interesting changes compared to other books I've read in the same genre, my interest - while there - will only stay there on an average level. Again I'm not sure of the issue because the book checks off some positive points.
First, the writing is well-done. Rob Thurman injects sarcastic humor in the internal monologue and convincing dialogue while still keeping it gritty and dark. The style is almost choppy but it keeps things flowing without much lag or issue.
Characters are well-done - Cal stands out as the loner of the group dragged through life with his brothers support, worried about the darkness inside taking over the good, appreciating (and probably only surviving) because of his brothers faith in him. Niko is a favorite of many readers, but for me in the previous books he's almost two one-dimensional bad-ass goody-two-shoes. That changed a little in this installment since Thurman decided to evenly alternate chapter POV. Now I could be inside his head and, while he's still a little one-dimensional, he comes across sympathetic. Unfortunately switching point of views like that isn't my preferred method - I prefer either first-person all the way or third person.
Promise is an interesting sort for a vampire but nothing not seen or done before. Robin is always a laugh as a puck who drinks, orgies and does what good pucks do. His humor and admitted cowardice is a welcome opposite of Niko's no-nonsense full battle and honnor approach.
Villains are always nasty and where the dark stuff seeps in. I can picture the world as dark and bluesy kind of like Gotham city in the Batman mythos. You know it's not a light, fun and shiny place they live in. From the smoke-laded and werewolf-frequented bars Cal works in, to the underground tunnels and creepy water borders and deep in the museum with the monsters, darkness reigns.
The Auphe are creepy and the author keeps introducing different cycles without dragging the storyline out. In the first book they loomed at the high danger when young Cal is absorbed into their earth's gate and escapes, and the second follows them to the new city and life. They popped up as a cliffhanger at the end of the third after a major battle, but it looks like some survived for a different kind of stand in the fourth book.
The story is intriguing and the pacing okay, but my interest ultimately hovers at a three stars "I like it" rating. I think some of the issue is the story is feeling a little repetitive now - Cal has kept the same issues for all the books, much of the same dialogue exchanges between him and Niko on not giving it up, they are still battling monsters for money and survival in the same environment.
I've now read four books in this series, and the same issue remains for me. It's a unique series that offers a different groove of Urban Fantasy tropes: male lead; two brothers fighting against the world; a dark, demented elfish race; lack of strong romantic interest for the male lead; no supernatural powers for the lead. Despite all these interesting changes compared to other books I've read in the same genre, my interest - while there - will only stay there on an average level. Again I'm not sure of the issue because the book checks off some positive points.
First, the writing is well-done. Rob Thurman injects sarcastic humor in the internal monologue and convincing dialogue while still keeping it gritty and dark. The style is almost choppy but it keeps things flowing without much lag or issue.
Characters are well-done - Cal stands out as the loner of the group dragged through life with his brothers support, worried about the darkness inside taking over the good, appreciating (and probably only surviving) because of his brothers faith in him. Niko is a favorite of many readers, but for me in the previous books he's almost two one-dimensional bad-ass goody-two-shoes. That changed a little in this installment since Thurman decided to evenly alternate chapter POV. Now I could be inside his head and, while he's still a little one-dimensional, he comes across sympathetic. Unfortunately switching point of views like that isn't my preferred method - I prefer either first-person all the way or third person.
Promise is an interesting sort for a vampire but nothing not seen or done before. Robin is always a laugh as a puck who drinks, orgies and does what good pucks do. His humor and admitted cowardice is a welcome opposite of Niko's no-nonsense full battle and honnor approach.
Villains are always nasty and where the dark stuff seeps in. I can picture the world as dark and bluesy kind of like Gotham city in the Batman mythos. You know it's not a light, fun and shiny place they live in. From the smoke-laded and werewolf-frequented bars Cal works in, to the underground tunnels and creepy water borders and deep in the museum with the monsters, darkness reigns.
The Auphe are creepy and the author keeps introducing different cycles without dragging the storyline out. In the first book they loomed at the high danger when young Cal is absorbed into their earth's gate and escapes, and the second follows them to the new city and life. They popped up as a cliffhanger at the end of the third after a major battle, but it looks like some survived for a different kind of stand in the fourth book.
The story is intriguing and the pacing okay, but my interest ultimately hovers at a three stars "I like it" rating. I think some of the issue is the story is feeling a little repetitive now - Cal has kept the same issues for all the books, much of the same dialogue exchanges between him and Niko on not giving it up, they are still battling monsters for money and survival in the same environment.
June 20, 2023
“I’m a cranky asshole with a gun and superpowers, remember? Try giving me a day to work on it, at least, before you start bitching.”
I just love this series so much! And I really love this book in particular because it is the first time we get a POV from Niko. The first time I read this series it took me awhile to warm up to Niko and this book was when it happened. He seems all stoic on the outside but once you get into his head it's clear that he's just as messed up as Cal is, albeit in slightly different ways. I like the books like this where they both have POV chapters because you can see how they are viewing the same situation from different angles.
In addition to getting into Niko's head, we also get a lot of backstory on Promise in this book. I've always loved Promise [and her and Niko's relationship] and there is a lot of focus on that here. By all rights this book should be kind of a mess, there are like three separate plots going on at once when you add in Cherish and the Vigil and the Auphe, but I think it all works really well together in the end.
I just love this series so much! And I really love this book in particular because it is the first time we get a POV from Niko. The first time I read this series it took me awhile to warm up to Niko and this book was when it happened. He seems all stoic on the outside but once you get into his head it's clear that he's just as messed up as Cal is, albeit in slightly different ways. I like the books like this where they both have POV chapters because you can see how they are viewing the same situation from different angles.
In addition to getting into Niko's head, we also get a lot of backstory on Promise in this book. I've always loved Promise [and her and Niko's relationship] and there is a lot of focus on that here. By all rights this book should be kind of a mess, there are like three separate plots going on at once when you add in Cherish and the Vigil and the Auphe, but I think it all works really well together in the end.
April 21, 2009
"Part-time bartender, private investigator/bodyguard/jack-of-all-trades to the nonhuman world, and one suspicious son of a bitch, that was me." Caliban Leandros, p3, a perfect introduction/reminder of who the central character is.
I was really excited to get this next adventure with the Leandros brothers. I love the sardonic tone and dark style of the books. Overall, I was pleased, but it wasn't the best in the series for me. The author experimented by switching back and forth between the 2 brothers' points of view, where the previous books had been exclusively from Cal's perspective. I had mixed feelings about the Niko POV. His voice is not distinct enough for me. If I read out of context I'd have no idea who he was, except for the excessive comments about his loyalty to his brother. When I read Cal chapters, I know I'd recognize him anywhere, from his sayings and word choices and tone, very distinct. On the other hand, it does allow some interesting perspective into Niko's character. On page 125 he questions who he'd be without taking on the responsibility to raise Cal, if he'd have become as broken as his mother. Interesting idea, that our challenges can shape us as much as our advantages.
In addition to the POV issue, there was also a LOT of repetition in the book. It would have been a great drinking game to have to drink every time on of the brothers said they wouldn't want to live without the other, they were loyal to each other, their mother was an evil tramp, or even that Puck was unusually loyal to them. While using the first person POV made this somewhat less annoying, as real people also frequently repeat things over and over in their own heads, in a book it got pretty old.
Yet and still, I did enjoy the book quite a lot. The brothers still interest me and I especially enjoy that the mystical creatures are always quite different from the normal urban fantasy fare.
I was really excited to get this next adventure with the Leandros brothers. I love the sardonic tone and dark style of the books. Overall, I was pleased, but it wasn't the best in the series for me. The author experimented by switching back and forth between the 2 brothers' points of view, where the previous books had been exclusively from Cal's perspective. I had mixed feelings about the Niko POV. His voice is not distinct enough for me. If I read out of context I'd have no idea who he was, except for the excessive comments about his loyalty to his brother. When I read Cal chapters, I know I'd recognize him anywhere, from his sayings and word choices and tone, very distinct. On the other hand, it does allow some interesting perspective into Niko's character. On page 125 he questions who he'd be without taking on the responsibility to raise Cal, if he'd have become as broken as his mother. Interesting idea, that our challenges can shape us as much as our advantages.
In addition to the POV issue, there was also a LOT of repetition in the book. It would have been a great drinking game to have to drink every time on of the brothers said they wouldn't want to live without the other, they were loyal to each other, their mother was an evil tramp, or even that Puck was unusually loyal to them. While using the first person POV made this somewhat less annoying, as real people also frequently repeat things over and over in their own heads, in a book it got pretty old.
Yet and still, I did enjoy the book quite a lot. The brothers still interest me and I especially enjoy that the mystical creatures are always quite different from the normal urban fantasy fare.
July 12, 2015
3.5 Stars
Deathwish book 4 in the Cal Leandros series by Rob Thurman is another solid addition to the series. Solid is a good word for all of these Urban Fantasy delights. They are consistently engaging, fun, and we'll executed. In this outing the brothers find themselves chased by the Auphe...again. They also put themselves in harms way as they work a case involving a large hunter who has some really nasty cats.
Again, is clearly the word that describes quite a bit of this book. We have been down these very same roads many times now. We have heard the same conversations again and again. We have even seen some of the same outcomes as before. This all sounds like it would make this a bad book, but it simply made things feel very familiar.
I did have some issues with the changes of the point of view but only because of my preferences, not because it was bad or tough to follow. The action like in all of these books is solid and fun and contain enough blood and gore to keep me wanting more. There are several key character and story changes that occur that will move this series in a great direction.
A solid urban fantasy read...
Deathwish book 4 in the Cal Leandros series by Rob Thurman is another solid addition to the series. Solid is a good word for all of these Urban Fantasy delights. They are consistently engaging, fun, and we'll executed. In this outing the brothers find themselves chased by the Auphe...again. They also put themselves in harms way as they work a case involving a large hunter who has some really nasty cats.
Again, is clearly the word that describes quite a bit of this book. We have been down these very same roads many times now. We have heard the same conversations again and again. We have even seen some of the same outcomes as before. This all sounds like it would make this a bad book, but it simply made things feel very familiar.
I did have some issues with the changes of the point of view but only because of my preferences, not because it was bad or tough to follow. The action like in all of these books is solid and fun and contain enough blood and gore to keep me wanting more. There are several key character and story changes that occur that will move this series in a great direction.
A solid urban fantasy read...
January 6, 2016
This was as good as the first one. I don't know why I find the angst and drama so thrilling but I do. This one actually split perspectives between both brothers in alternating chapters and I really liked it. It was nice to hear Nico's voice and his perspective on the same issues. For the first time we see his reasons for protecting his brother and they make more sense than Cal's. I also like that this one had Nico showing vulnerability and fallibility. He's not always the superhero and since we see his private interactions with Promise in addition to what's in his head, a more rounded figure comes out.
Thurman is one of the few authors in this genre whose work I am familiar with to understand psychological trauma. Something horrible happens and it leaves emotional scars. She understands that horrible neglect and abuse of a child leads to more complexity in an adult other than just being angry and snarky all the time. She points out that Nic was as deeply affected by the abuse but he had a different role to play and a different way of dealing with it. I can relate to him on a personal level. She also realizes that even having one horrific night can leave scars. Just like a 15 minute rape can scar for life, different kinds of brutality and psychological trauma don't go away overnight.
What I love most, though, is people loving each other so much and backing friends so much that they would do anything for them and it isn't about romance or sex. It's about the people themselves, being just good people. And then there's Goodfellow who is my favorite character to emerge from my readings in a very long time. Yum!
I can't get enough of these books and it's awful. I read about 200 times faster than she publishes. I'm trying to pace myself so I don't read them all at once, but most other series I've found pale in comparison when I'm in the mood for action/thriller/drama in the urban fantasy genre.
Thurman is one of the few authors in this genre whose work I am familiar with to understand psychological trauma. Something horrible happens and it leaves emotional scars. She understands that horrible neglect and abuse of a child leads to more complexity in an adult other than just being angry and snarky all the time. She points out that Nic was as deeply affected by the abuse but he had a different role to play and a different way of dealing with it. I can relate to him on a personal level. She also realizes that even having one horrific night can leave scars. Just like a 15 minute rape can scar for life, different kinds of brutality and psychological trauma don't go away overnight.
What I love most, though, is people loving each other so much and backing friends so much that they would do anything for them and it isn't about romance or sex. It's about the people themselves, being just good people. And then there's Goodfellow who is my favorite character to emerge from my readings in a very long time. Yum!
I can't get enough of these books and it's awful. I read about 200 times faster than she publishes. I'm trying to pace myself so I don't read them all at once, but most other series I've found pale in comparison when I'm in the mood for action/thriller/drama in the urban fantasy genre.
August 16, 2010
I'm in the middle of this...and it's not bad, but it has to go on hold till I finish a couple of library books. I also have a reading group book that may have to be bumped up. I am truly over committed.
Okay.....
if you have followed my reviews of the other books in this series you know that I've given each 3 stars. They are good reads....mostly. I only had a few gripes with them. I'm not much into anti-heroes with angsty, negative, nihilistic outlooks on life. And Cal definitely qualifies for that. Niko isn't quite so bad but he hits one of my other pet peeves. The vampire girl friend, yes the reformed, romantic vampire who manages to get by without hunting humans and controls her "nature". Thurman works this out with her own mythology about vampires (as a lot of modern Urban Fantasy writers do). This gives her the "out" and I live with it, mainly because these have been pretty well written and readable stories.
This one barely kept it's 3 stars. It is (in my humble opinion of course) the weakest of the set. Believe it or not it manages to be a sort "touchy feely" monster killing book. We also get a replay of the main villains faced early on in the series and some "almost" cliches in the plot. (Some will disagree with me in this description as the "creatures" in question are a sort "negative take" on elves. But I found them cliched in that they are "the" almost invulnerable, "undefeatable", super villain opponent.)
I spotted most of the "surprise" plot twist early on...that may be a sort of compliment however as Ms. Thurman all but pointed a finger a couple of times, while crying "look here, look here".
Avoiding spoilers can be annoying can't it...oh well.
I didn't care for her "shifting" point of view in this book. Chapters alternate between the two brothers though they are usually together and the only point seems to be to let us in on the angst of each one and maybe to let us see how each thinks. Unfortunately there are times when the two voices seem to be almost identical... not always but occasionally.
I'll probably continue to follow any sequels that may follow this one... I think it picked up a bit near the end. And, in spite of my criticisms I enjoyed it fairly well. Good urban fantasy is hard to find and these fall securely into the slot between "good" and "not bad" so..3 stars.
Okay.....
if you have followed my reviews of the other books in this series you know that I've given each 3 stars. They are good reads....mostly. I only had a few gripes with them. I'm not much into anti-heroes with angsty, negative, nihilistic outlooks on life. And Cal definitely qualifies for that. Niko isn't quite so bad but he hits one of my other pet peeves. The vampire girl friend, yes the reformed, romantic vampire who manages to get by without hunting humans and controls her "nature". Thurman works this out with her own mythology about vampires (as a lot of modern Urban Fantasy writers do). This gives her the "out" and I live with it, mainly because these have been pretty well written and readable stories.
This one barely kept it's 3 stars. It is (in my humble opinion of course) the weakest of the set. Believe it or not it manages to be a sort "touchy feely" monster killing book. We also get a replay of the main villains faced early on in the series and some "almost" cliches in the plot. (Some will disagree with me in this description as the "creatures" in question are a sort "negative take" on elves. But I found them cliched in that they are "the" almost invulnerable, "undefeatable", super villain opponent.)
I spotted most of the "surprise" plot twist early on...that may be a sort of compliment however as Ms. Thurman all but pointed a finger a couple of times, while crying "look here, look here".
Avoiding spoilers can be annoying can't it...oh well.
I didn't care for her "shifting" point of view in this book. Chapters alternate between the two brothers though they are usually together and the only point seems to be to let us in on the angst of each one and maybe to let us see how each thinks. Unfortunately there are times when the two voices seem to be almost identical... not always but occasionally.
I'll probably continue to follow any sequels that may follow this one... I think it picked up a bit near the end. And, in spite of my criticisms I enjoyed it fairly well. Good urban fantasy is hard to find and these fall securely into the slot between "good" and "not bad" so..3 stars.
May 2, 2011
The best one yet and I've loved the previous three. This one just about broke my heart. I'm on to the next book in the series.
August 7, 2009
The Cal and Niko Leandros series is one of my favorite urban fantasy series, a fact which owes much to its well-developed characters and the originality of its fantasy world. Mythological stereotypes are turned on their heads---there's a merman here who is a barely humanoid shark, a chupacabra who plays Go Fish, and vampires who (usually) rely upon iron supplements. And I adore the interplay between the two brothers Cal and Niko---they clearly love each other, and Deathwish in particular shows how far they will go to protect each other---yet are snarky and smart alecky to each other as brothers often are. And there are supporting characters I love as much as I do the brothers---primarily Robin Goodfellow, yes, that Robin Goodfellow, an unrepentant hedonist and used car salesman. I will always hope that Cal gets together with the psychic, George, but his current love interest, Delilah the werewolf, is also a lot of fun.
Deathwish breaks with the tradition of the earlier books in the series of leaving the narration up to Cal; every other chapter is narrated by Niko. It's interesting to read things from Niko's perspective, not only to see his take on his brother, but also because this book is, in part, about the secret past of his girlfriend Promise. The vampire Seamus hires the Leandros boys to find out who has been following him, and Seamus turns out to be a figure from Promise's past, and not the only one who shows up here, either. . . And then Seamus shows up dead. . . Meanwhile, the Auphe are back, and Cal discovers he is the last (half-)Auphe male, and what they have planned for him gives new meaning to the phrase "a fate worth than death."
I wouldn't say Deathwish is my favorite book in the series, as there were times I got a little confused, maybe because there was so much happening (at times there seemed to be three competing story lines going on) or maybe because of the alternating viewpoints. I've always grudgingly liked the vampire Promise, even though in the past she married, in rapid succession, five very rich very old men, and I'm not crazy about the way Thurman does vampires. Here, Promise really pushes it where I'm concerned, although it's really more like she reveals how she has been pushing it all along. However, learning about the choices Promise has made and the strain they put on her relationship with Niko sheds new light on the message about family that has been running through this series. And although Deathwish feels like it could be an ending of sorts, I see on Thurman's website a vague reference to "Cal Leandros Books 5, 6, and 7" so woo hoo! I can't wait!
Deathwish breaks with the tradition of the earlier books in the series of leaving the narration up to Cal; every other chapter is narrated by Niko. It's interesting to read things from Niko's perspective, not only to see his take on his brother, but also because this book is, in part, about the secret past of his girlfriend Promise. The vampire Seamus hires the Leandros boys to find out who has been following him, and Seamus turns out to be a figure from Promise's past, and not the only one who shows up here, either. . . And then Seamus shows up dead. . . Meanwhile, the Auphe are back, and Cal discovers he is the last (half-)Auphe male, and what they have planned for him gives new meaning to the phrase "a fate worth than death."
I wouldn't say Deathwish is my favorite book in the series, as there were times I got a little confused, maybe because there was so much happening (at times there seemed to be three competing story lines going on) or maybe because of the alternating viewpoints. I've always grudgingly liked the vampire Promise, even though in the past she married, in rapid succession, five very rich very old men, and I'm not crazy about the way Thurman does vampires. Here, Promise really pushes it where I'm concerned, although it's really more like she reveals how she has been pushing it all along. However, learning about the choices Promise has made and the strain they put on her relationship with Niko sheds new light on the message about family that has been running through this series. And although Deathwish feels like it could be an ending of sorts, I see on Thurman's website a vague reference to "Cal Leandros Books 5, 6, and 7" so woo hoo! I can't wait!
November 21, 2014
Niko, Cal, Goodfellow...
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I’m trying to write this review for a while, but it’s not easy. Why? Because I absolutely loved this book and I believe that five stars are not enough! I knew that I was going to love this book when I saw that it has POVs from both brothers! I was expecting to read Niko’s POV since I read the first book and I was not disappointed. Like the previous books, it’s dark, non-stop action and full of sarcasm and it kept my interest from the very first page until the last!
Once more, Cal and Niko have to deal with more than one threats but, of course, they have the help of friends and lovers. But this time the danger for their lives is bigger…
What I loved more in these books is that the author really knows what she’s doing. Cal and Niko are more than brothers because it’s not only the blood bound that connects them. Their terrible childhood in a house with a more than a bitch of a mother, made them realize that they are together against the world. It’s not good that a four years old little child takes an oath to protect a newborn baby. All children must have parents to protect them. So, it’s only logical that Cal and Niko have a very unique relationship.
Cal is definitely more mature and better at fighting. I enjoy his sarcasm and the way he is with his friends. I still have a problem with his decision for his love life. I just can’t understand how he can’t be with the woman he truly loves. I understand that as a man he needs to get laid but I don’t like that he’s not with George.
Niko, as I’ve said before, is my favorite. He is a disciplined person but with a great sense of humor. In this story he had a hard time because of the woman he loves. First she lies to him and then her daughter is trying to kill both him and his brother. Of course, he doesn’t react well to that. I understand why Niko puts Cal before everyone else but that is very hard for his other relationships.
But I have to words that made this book even better: Goodfellow and Salome! I loved that he was swearing in Greek (I am from Greece and I have to tell you that he knew what he was talking about!) and that now he has a mummified cat as a pet!!!
So, this is a great series and I want to read the next books also!
October 29, 2010
The fourth book in Cal Leandros series breaks my heart in more ways than one. I think it is the most emotional book, the most thoughtful as well, among all books I have read in this series so far.
The 'key' for this is the inclusion of Niko's point of view. For the previous three books, we only get the story from Cal's. But this time, the book has chapters from Cal and Niko. So we get to see how Niko thinks -- we get to see how a moment in their life from different perspectives. In result, the bond between the two brothers is portrayed stronger than ever, and for me personally, more poignant. We also see the relationship of Niko and Promise from the first seat -- since in the previous books, Cal is the one telling us, and he might misses some nuances.
There are more than one scenes in the book that literally make me all choked up and want to wail like a baby. When Niko remembers Sophia handing baby Cal to him, when Niko remembers the days before the nightmare, when Cal struggles to ask Niko to let them go, when Cal erases his tattoo, when Niko thinks Cal die, when Cal writes a note to help Niko deals with his nightmare ... The truth is, they start the life together and if they have to leave the world, it will also be together.
Like I said ... BREAKS. MY. HEART
There are additional characters that also become enemies introduced. There's the return on Samuel (from book #1) and introduction of The Vigil, or the "janitor" that cleans up anything supernatural disaster, also Robin's dead-cat. I don't mind if George disappears for good, I don't see the use of her anyway. Sure she sees the future, but if she is adamant NOT to do anything about it, what's the function of having her. Just let her go. I like Delilah better anyway.
Of course, the heart of the story is still the brothers. And I'll be with them till the end.
The 'key' for this is the inclusion of Niko's point of view. For the previous three books, we only get the story from Cal's. But this time, the book has chapters from Cal and Niko. So we get to see how Niko thinks -- we get to see how a moment in their life from different perspectives. In result, the bond between the two brothers is portrayed stronger than ever, and for me personally, more poignant. We also see the relationship of Niko and Promise from the first seat -- since in the previous books, Cal is the one telling us, and he might misses some nuances.
There are more than one scenes in the book that literally make me all choked up and want to wail like a baby. When Niko remembers Sophia handing baby Cal to him, when Niko remembers the days before the nightmare, when Cal struggles to ask Niko to let them go, when Cal erases his tattoo, when Niko thinks Cal die, when Cal writes a note to help Niko deals with his nightmare ... The truth is, they start the life together and if they have to leave the world, it will also be together.
Like I said ... BREAKS. MY. HEART
There are additional characters that also become enemies introduced. There's the return on Samuel (from book #1) and introduction of The Vigil, or the "janitor" that cleans up anything supernatural disaster, also Robin's dead-cat. I don't mind if George disappears for good, I don't see the use of her anyway. Sure she sees the future, but if she is adamant NOT to do anything about it, what's the function of having her. Just let her go. I like Delilah better anyway.
Of course, the heart of the story is still the brothers. And I'll be with them till the end.
March 1, 2009
Deathwish is Thurman really hitting her stride. The story is smoother and less confused than the previous three: this is probably because it's the first one that wasn't based on something else. Cal has finally grown up some, and Niko gets it, and that in itself drains a lot of the criticism I had of the previous book.
I guessed the Auphe arc fairly early in the book, but that did not in any way lessen it -- the author rather neatly has Niko guess it about at the same time, without explicitly saying what it is, which works both for the reader who guesses it and the reader who doesn't ::g::
I'll admit I'm an absolute sucker for the kind of event that happens in the last couple of chapters -- I'll avoid spoilers, but wow, talk about your bullet proof emotional buttons ::g:: -- so I'll just say that I wasn't expecting it, any part of it, though I really should. I dismissed the second arc as not relevant to the guys, very much as they did, and the bite back on that was brilliant. Nice piece of rug-pulling :-)
Admittedly, considering the events of the previous book, I'm assuming that I won't get this again. On the other hand, the theme -- the deathwishes of the various characters, and how those play out -- isn't going to go away. I do kind of hope it's been sufficiently explored for now, because at the moment, it doesn't trip over into melodrama. Much more, and I don't know taht I could say that. I suspect for some people it is already past the melodrama line -- I have a high tolerance for this sort of angst :-)
I guessed the Auphe arc fairly early in the book, but that did not in any way lessen it -- the author rather neatly has Niko guess it about at the same time, without explicitly saying what it is, which works both for the reader who guesses it and the reader who doesn't ::g::
I'll admit I'm an absolute sucker for the kind of event that happens in the last couple of chapters -- I'll avoid spoilers, but wow, talk about your bullet proof emotional buttons ::g:: -- so I'll just say that I wasn't expecting it, any part of it, though I really should. I dismissed the second arc as not relevant to the guys, very much as they did, and the bite back on that was brilliant. Nice piece of rug-pulling :-)
Admittedly, considering the events of the previous book, I'm assuming that I won't get this again. On the other hand, the theme -- the deathwishes of the various characters, and how those play out -- isn't going to go away. I do kind of hope it's been sufficiently explored for now, because at the moment, it doesn't trip over into melodrama. Much more, and I don't know taht I could say that. I suspect for some people it is already past the melodrama line -- I have a high tolerance for this sort of angst :-)
March 25, 2009
Not five stars because it's not for everyone -- the angst and vivid archetypes make it seem potentially more juvenile than other novels. But the main characters really resonate for me, the solution to their problem, though inevitable, was daring and somewhat satisfying, and reading the first chapters written from Nik's point of view was much better than I expected. A lot of authors ruin characters by changing to their point of view -- Nik's read like Thurman wrote the chapter from Cal's point of view first, and then rewrote it for Nik without changing anything but the thoughts and perspective of the character. It gives Nik depth and makes him a much less remote character, without destroying the archetype that he's based on. Overall, this may be one of my all-time favorite "read when you're depressed" books, and I totally loved it.
(For those who need plot and stuff, the last book ended with the Auphe reappearing and homing in on Nik and Cal. That apparently wasn't enough plot for this book, so while the Auphe are trying to kill Nik and reveal more nefarious plans for Cal, Promise's daughter (!) appears, trailing a killer from whom she's stolen something irreplaceable, and Robin is sinking into depression after the events in the previous book. It's fascinating that scary as the Auphe are, they're not the real threat in this novel.)
(For those who need plot and stuff, the last book ended with the Auphe reappearing and homing in on Nik and Cal. That apparently wasn't enough plot for this book, so while the Auphe are trying to kill Nik and reveal more nefarious plans for Cal, Promise's daughter (!) appears, trailing a killer from whom she's stolen something irreplaceable, and Robin is sinking into depression after the events in the previous book. It's fascinating that scary as the Auphe are, they're not the real threat in this novel.)
February 27, 2016
These just keep getting better. This one really pulled me in.
At first, I wasn't sure I would like the chapters alternating Cal's and Niko's points of view, because the previous 3 books have been from Cal's POV (aside from the Darkling business in book 1, but that was filtered through Cal) and I'm very fond of Cal. However, I ended up liking the structure a lot. Finally, we got to see what really makes Niko tick, why he does what he does, how truly fierce his love for his brother is, what kind of damage he's sustained during his life, what he fears.
Cal is more heartbreaking and sarcastic than ever in this one and does some disturbingly surprising things.
The plot is impressive--peril upon danger upon complication, almost an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink approach, but it works. I could hardly read fast enough in the time allowed to get through it.
Cherish is...well, I won't spoil it beyond saying "yikes."
Good urban fantasy adventure with real emotion.
At first, I wasn't sure I would like the chapters alternating Cal's and Niko's points of view, because the previous 3 books have been from Cal's POV (aside from the Darkling business in book 1, but that was filtered through Cal) and I'm very fond of Cal. However, I ended up liking the structure a lot. Finally, we got to see what really makes Niko tick, why he does what he does, how truly fierce his love for his brother is, what kind of damage he's sustained during his life, what he fears.
Cal is more heartbreaking and sarcastic than ever in this one and does some disturbingly surprising things.
The plot is impressive--peril upon danger upon complication, almost an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink approach, but it works. I could hardly read fast enough in the time allowed to get through it.
Cherish is...well, I won't spoil it beyond saying "yikes."
Good urban fantasy adventure with real emotion.
April 2, 2012
It's a sad moment to realize that you don't care about the characters of a book anymore. Whether by Niko's obnoxious pestering or Cal's excessive whining, I realized that I couldn't give two fucks. Yes, we are aware that you do not approve of Cal's eating habits, Niko. Please, continue to explain how Cal is making sure he is meditating with his mantra beads. Oh, we do indeed know that Robin is a whorish puck. What Cal? You're half Auphe and you hate it? Really? It's the same overused ploy of human interaction. It gets old. The Auphe antagonists got old.
Also, Cal and Niko sound exactly alike.
Right now, I'm partway through the book. The crappy thing is that I feel obligated to finish, because I have the next two books in the series after this one; otherwise I'd have quit by now. Hopefully the series picks up for me.
--
I can't even finish, or force myself to. Quit on page 219.
Also, Cal and Niko sound exactly alike.
Right now, I'm partway through the book. The crappy thing is that I feel obligated to finish, because I have the next two books in the series after this one; otherwise I'd have quit by now. Hopefully the series picks up for me.
--
I can't even finish, or force myself to. Quit on page 219.
March 4, 2009
If I could give this book 4-1/2 stars, I would.
I really liked the book, but I did not like the alternating POVs between Cal and Niko. It took me out of the story and that is never a good thing.
I really liked the book, but I did not like the alternating POVs between Cal and Niko. It took me out of the story and that is never a good thing.
July 4, 2015
Great story but a little heavy on the angst. This would have been a 5 star story but I didn't care for the Niko to Cal alternating POVs.
November 12, 2019
This was much better than it's predecessor. If it hadn't been for the ending I wouldn't have picked the next book in Cal Leandros series. As much as I find the dynamics between the brothers refreshing, the plot never seem to fully grip my attention.
The previous books were told from Cal's perspective. In Deathwish we get to be in Niko's head. Although his voice isn't as distinguished as Cal's it was a much needed change of perspective for me. I was really getting annoyed with Cal's incessant whining and sarcasm.
I really enjoy the brothers dynamics and for me the parts that had only them were the best parts of the book. Gives me a strong vibe of the Winchester Brothers in Supernatural. Robin Goodfellow is another interesting character and adds color to a mostly lackluster plot.
As in the other books there are two plotlines. The Auphe storyline from the first book finally comes to a conclusion but the one related to Promise and her daughter Charity had a twist I was surprised by. That was fun and the last few chapters were really good. That gave me hope about the series. I'm definitely going to pick the next book in near future.
The previous books were told from Cal's perspective. In Deathwish we get to be in Niko's head. Although his voice isn't as distinguished as Cal's it was a much needed change of perspective for me. I was really getting annoyed with Cal's incessant whining and sarcasm.
I really enjoy the brothers dynamics and for me the parts that had only them were the best parts of the book. Gives me a strong vibe of the Winchester Brothers in Supernatural. Robin Goodfellow is another interesting character and adds color to a mostly lackluster plot.
As in the other books there are two plotlines. The Auphe storyline from the first book finally comes to a conclusion but the one related to Promise and her daughter Charity had a twist I was surprised by. That was fun and the last few chapters were really good. That gave me hope about the series. I'm definitely going to pick the next book in near future.
July 29, 2020
This is the fourth book in the Cal Leandros series by Rob Thurman. I will start by saying I didn't enjoy this book as well as the first three in the series. This one had Cal and Nik and their friends pitted against too many super-powerful supernatural entities. Cal's continuing angst is also starting to wear a little thin. Also, the switching back and forth in this book from Cal's perspective to Niko's kept it from being as good as the others in the series. I have all the books in this series and I will come back to them eventually to see if I start to enjoy them again but for now I am taking a break from this series.
August 29, 2023
4.8/5 -- I feel anyone who's made it this far into the series is a little biased, so my reviews weigh in relation to other books in the series as a whole.
This might be my favorite book in the series. There was plenty of fast pacing and well written interactions between characters old and new. As well as the development of the Auphe storyline finally coming to a head. I love when Thurman sprinkles in foreshadowing in previous books, cause this one pays some of those off (finally talking about the photograph in Promises house). Promise has so much potential as a character, this book finally gave her some of that deserved limelight (though I wish it was more than what was given to Cherish). We finally got to see some of her past, in Cherish and (the Scottish vampire whose name eludes me...). He was a good catalyst for Niko/Niko and Promise's relationship, which is refreshing to read since 90% of the time it's focused on Cal. I was really disappointed
While the ending was right in front of your face the whole time, I was surprised, blinded by the other branching stories. I really wish Cherish had seen her potential, she was a force to be reckoned with, but never got to reach that point. The fact that felt like such a waste with all the work Thurman did building them up. I can only hope that it is a simple subversion of this, that The potential we only caught a glimpse of when Psychological warfare and not being able to tell what is real is a powerful and interesting tool for storytelling, one that I wish Thurman had utilized more.
While Cherish's storyline was finished too soon, I loved the Auphe finale. Even though Nik and Cal finishing it together, whether they live or die, was poetic. Especially when Niko thought to mask the sensations of with his own scent Even though it was short-lived, Thurman gave us just enough of a glimpse into what happened to Cal during those two years to be satiated. For now. My only gripe is that we didn't hear about Niko's thoughts on being/seeing for the first time.
This might be my favorite book in the series. There was plenty of fast pacing and well written interactions between characters old and new. As well as the development of the Auphe storyline finally coming to a head. I love when Thurman sprinkles in foreshadowing in previous books, cause this one pays some of those off (finally talking about the photograph in Promises house). Promise has so much potential as a character, this book finally gave her some of that deserved limelight (though I wish it was more than what was given to Cherish). We finally got to see some of her past, in Cherish and (the Scottish vampire whose name eludes me...). He was a good catalyst for Niko/Niko and Promise's relationship, which is refreshing to read since 90% of the time it's focused on Cal. I was really disappointed
While the ending was right in front of your face the whole time, I was surprised, blinded by the other branching stories. I really wish Cherish had seen her potential, she was a force to be reckoned with, but never got to reach that point. The fact that felt like such a waste with all the work Thurman did building them up. I can only hope that it is a simple subversion of this, that The potential we only caught a glimpse of when Psychological warfare and not being able to tell what is real is a powerful and interesting tool for storytelling, one that I wish Thurman had utilized more.
While Cherish's storyline was finished too soon, I loved the Auphe finale. Even though Nik and Cal finishing it together, whether they live or die, was poetic. Especially when Niko thought to mask the sensations of with his own scent Even though it was short-lived, Thurman gave us just enough of a glimpse into what happened to Cal during those two years to be satiated. For now. My only gripe is that we didn't hear about Niko's thoughts on being/seeing for the first time.
August 30, 2011
I'm usually a very tolerant reader, but when a series starts going downhill for me, I don't expect it to ever pick up again. This has held true for even the best writers; once you lose that special something, there's no coming back from it.
No so with Rob Thurman's Cal Leandros series! The last book, Madhouse, left off on an interesting enough cliffhanger that I wanted to know what happened next, but the book itself felt like we were going through the motions. I didn't expect the series to get better, and I certainly wasn't expecting the next book to be the best of the series.
But it is.
Deathwish picks up mere seconds after the end of the previous book and brings with it a sense of urgency and weight throughout that had been missing even from the best of the previous books. The characters are in a constant state of alert, which really amps of the tension of everything they do. The central villains of the piece pop up to mess with their lives at moments so unexpected, it leaves your jaw hanging open, wondering how the hell they'll get out of THIS fix. That they always do doesn't take away from the peril of the story because the stakes are raised with each new assault and the protagonists methods of escape get increasingly desperate. It makes for riveting reading.
What's more, the bit that seemed the largest risk to me ended up expanding the emotional throughline of the story in unexpected ways. Until this book, all the stories were told from the perspective of abrasive, tactless wise-ass Cal Leandros. It made for a fun, consistent voice to follow through these adventures. With Deathwish, however, Thurman interchanges the narrative voice of Cal every other chapter with that of his brother, Niko. Stoic, honorable, deadly, humorless, nigh-unto-stick-in-the-mud Niko. Niko has always been a necessary backbone for Cal's waxing and waning moods and emotions, and their relationship is the very definition of loyal, but Niko was never that interesting to me as a side character... so when I saw his name at the top of chapter 2, I admit, I winced a little.
I was wrong. Niko's chapters give us surprising insights into the ways his mind works, and we learn he and Cal, deep down inside, aren't so different... Niko just can't show it, because he has to be the backbone. With Niko's voice added to the mix, we not only get a broader appreciation of Cal's situation and who each of the brothers is, but we get to experience twists and turns in the story that Cal's voice just wouldn't have let us. Thurman took a risk with his addition and it paid off in spades. Deathwish is easily the best book since Nightlife. Can't wait to read the next one.
No so with Rob Thurman's Cal Leandros series! The last book, Madhouse, left off on an interesting enough cliffhanger that I wanted to know what happened next, but the book itself felt like we were going through the motions. I didn't expect the series to get better, and I certainly wasn't expecting the next book to be the best of the series.
But it is.
Deathwish picks up mere seconds after the end of the previous book and brings with it a sense of urgency and weight throughout that had been missing even from the best of the previous books. The characters are in a constant state of alert, which really amps of the tension of everything they do. The central villains of the piece pop up to mess with their lives at moments so unexpected, it leaves your jaw hanging open, wondering how the hell they'll get out of THIS fix. That they always do doesn't take away from the peril of the story because the stakes are raised with each new assault and the protagonists methods of escape get increasingly desperate. It makes for riveting reading.
What's more, the bit that seemed the largest risk to me ended up expanding the emotional throughline of the story in unexpected ways. Until this book, all the stories were told from the perspective of abrasive, tactless wise-ass Cal Leandros. It made for a fun, consistent voice to follow through these adventures. With Deathwish, however, Thurman interchanges the narrative voice of Cal every other chapter with that of his brother, Niko. Stoic, honorable, deadly, humorless, nigh-unto-stick-in-the-mud Niko. Niko has always been a necessary backbone for Cal's waxing and waning moods and emotions, and their relationship is the very definition of loyal, but Niko was never that interesting to me as a side character... so when I saw his name at the top of chapter 2, I admit, I winced a little.
I was wrong. Niko's chapters give us surprising insights into the ways his mind works, and we learn he and Cal, deep down inside, aren't so different... Niko just can't show it, because he has to be the backbone. With Niko's voice added to the mix, we not only get a broader appreciation of Cal's situation and who each of the brothers is, but we get to experience twists and turns in the story that Cal's voice just wouldn't have let us. Thurman took a risk with his addition and it paid off in spades. Deathwish is easily the best book since Nightlife. Can't wait to read the next one.
November 30, 2022
Oh, well, I don't feel like I need to downgrade this one. I shall keep it as my own personal 5-star. Not to be confused with an impersonal 5-star which means everyone should read it and rate it highly because it is a paragon of literature. Sometimes it can be difficult to discern between the two. Lol.
Anyway. I liked this one. I think maybe because it addressed some of the faults of the earlier books. Unlike the other ones it switches back and forth from Cal and Niko's point of view, so you actually get to see what Niko is thinking and how he is reacting to things from his perspective, and you realize: Oh, he does have flaws. He also recognizes that his 'control' is not quite healthy. Then you further realize that Niko is not perfect, he is merely hero worshipped by his brother, in whose mind he can do no wrong. In reply, Niko strives to live up to those expectations. The worse part is that they both recognize that they have serious codependency issues...but they haven't figured out just how serious. Suicide pacts with your brother...that's leaves normal codependency issues behind in the garbage. But that could just be driven by the fact that I'm not particularly close with either of my brothers, and that is coloring my judgment and making me react incredulously.
It also made me cackle with glee how incredibly stupid all the characters were to believe in Cherish. It's about stinking time that Promise got some mud on her face. I never liked her....I'm very vindictive to characters I don't like.
The only thing that was a little bit hard to believe is how Cal single handedly took out all of the Auphe survivors. He learned how to close a gate the week before, he's never actually TRIED to do it, so he doesn't know if he can, and they develop a plan involving a nuke and shutting down 18 simultaneous gates...and it works? I mean, come on, that's a bit deus ex machina. A sudden ability solves a problem that's been going on for four books? The Auphe don't seem as big and bad as they've been portrayed, who is going to be the bad guy for the next several books. I don't remember, so I get to go in and discover anew. Huzzah!
Anyway. I liked this one. I think maybe because it addressed some of the faults of the earlier books. Unlike the other ones it switches back and forth from Cal and Niko's point of view, so you actually get to see what Niko is thinking and how he is reacting to things from his perspective, and you realize: Oh, he does have flaws. He also recognizes that his 'control' is not quite healthy. Then you further realize that Niko is not perfect, he is merely hero worshipped by his brother, in whose mind he can do no wrong. In reply, Niko strives to live up to those expectations. The worse part is that they both recognize that they have serious codependency issues...but they haven't figured out just how serious. Suicide pacts with your brother...that's leaves normal codependency issues behind in the garbage. But that could just be driven by the fact that I'm not particularly close with either of my brothers, and that is coloring my judgment and making me react incredulously.
It also made me cackle with glee how incredibly stupid all the characters were to believe in Cherish. It's about stinking time that Promise got some mud on her face. I never liked her....I'm very vindictive to characters I don't like.
The only thing that was a little bit hard to believe is how Cal single handedly took out all of the Auphe survivors. He learned how to close a gate the week before, he's never actually TRIED to do it, so he doesn't know if he can, and they develop a plan involving a nuke and shutting down 18 simultaneous gates...and it works? I mean, come on, that's a bit deus ex machina. A sudden ability solves a problem that's been going on for four books? The Auphe don't seem as big and bad as they've been portrayed, who is going to be the bad guy for the next several books. I don't remember, so I get to go in and discover anew. Huzzah!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2024
The best book in this series so far, and also my favourite so far, because this one is far more character-focused than the previous three. The chapters also alternate between Cal's and Niko's perspectives, so we finally get to see inside the mind of the normally stoic and impenetrable Niko. And oh boy, the things we see. It turns out the perfect Niko isn't so perfect after all, and that this whole time, Cal's just been hero-worshipping him throughout the previous books. I enjoyed seeing that Niko also has a funny and sarcastic side, and that he holds Cal in the utmost respect, which I should have known but was surprised by, because in Cal's POV, Cal tends think the worst of himself.
The plot in this one is the strongest so far as well, with several genuinely surprising twists. There is a moment at the end that I honestly gasped in shock when I read it!! Aside from the main monster/case-of-the-week plot, the book also addressed the trauma and trust issues the brothers have. And they have them in spades!! It was good to see the author acknowledge this and have the consequences play out in this book.
My one disappointment is that the women in this series are still so poorly fleshed out. Although we learned more about Promise's backstory and her relationship with Niko, I felt like all of it was done primarily to drive the plot in certain directions, and little attention or consideration was given to Promise herself as a character. I also just don't really get why she and Niko like each other-- the reasons given in the story weren't enough to me. This was okay in the previous books because we only ever saw their relationship through Cal's limited perspective, but I thought we'd get a lot more than we did with Niko's POV this time around. Delilah remains the most fun female character and my personal fave, and I hope we see more of her in the future. (Also, girl can eat a whole pound of bacon in one sitting... can George do that??)
The plot in this one is the strongest so far as well, with several genuinely surprising twists. There is a moment at the end that I honestly gasped in shock when I read it!! Aside from the main monster/case-of-the-week plot, the book also addressed the trauma and trust issues the brothers have. And they have them in spades!! It was good to see the author acknowledge this and have the consequences play out in this book.
My one disappointment is that the women in this series are still so poorly fleshed out. Although we learned more about Promise's backstory and her relationship with Niko, I felt like all of it was done primarily to drive the plot in certain directions, and little attention or consideration was given to Promise herself as a character. I also just don't really get why she and Niko like each other-- the reasons given in the story weren't enough to me. This was okay in the previous books because we only ever saw their relationship through Cal's limited perspective, but I thought we'd get a lot more than we did with Niko's POV this time around. Delilah remains the most fun female character and my personal fave, and I hope we see more of her in the future. (Also, girl can eat a whole pound of bacon in one sitting... can George do that??)
November 16, 2009
So in Deathwish, Cal and Niko are having almost as many personal problems as their usual problems. Cal discovers that he can create gates now without even trying. Promise introduces the brothers to an old vampire friend of hers named Seamus for a job. Seamus seems to believe he's being followed, but even with his vampire-heightened senses he can't seem to pinpoint by who. Niko and Promise's relationship is put on rocky status when Promise also turns out to be a not-so-proud mother of a vampire daughter. Niko doesn't mind Promise being a mother. He does however have a problem with the fact that Promise completely omitted huge parts of her life to him. Omitting the truth is pretty close to a lie to Niko, and someone who lies is someone Niko can't trust. Promise's daughter not only causes trouble with their relationship, turns out she's also stolen something from a powerful being and he's headed their way. The Auphe are still chasing the brothers too. There's only so many problems the brothers can handle before one of them begins to crack.
FINALLY we get every other chapter told from Niko's POV. I really enjoyed those chapters and it didn't decrease my undying love for him. It was interesting seeing Cal and the other characters thorough his eyes. I don't want to give too much away, but I do have to say poor Niko. Poor Cal too, but this time it's Niko's turn and that was pretty sad. I loved it though, can't wait to read the next one.
FINALLY we get every other chapter told from Niko's POV. I really enjoyed those chapters and it didn't decrease my undying love for him. It was interesting seeing Cal and the other characters thorough his eyes. I don't want to give too much away, but I do have to say poor Niko. Poor Cal too, but this time it's Niko's turn and that was pretty sad. I loved it though, can't wait to read the next one.
July 10, 2013
Well another book down in this series and I must admit every time I pick one up I question doing so since Cal Leandros is such a whiney Character hes hard to stand at times. However I was mildly surprised to say the least that Cal appeared to be less whiney in this book by quite a large margin, and more of his snarky attitude came through than anything else which I can live with and enjoy. Different for this book than previous instalments was the split between two character views, giving us a looking inside Niko's head for a change which was fun as I looked forward to his parts more than Cal's if I'm honest, since the support characters for Rob Thurman's main have always seemed so better written.
Like the previous instalments in this series this book is full of action, worrying about vastly superior enemies and then trying to work out how to make that advantage mean nothing and put them out for the count.
There's an interesting sideplot which I think was in there mainly to give Niko's side of the book a lot more "oomph" than it otherwise would have had if it was just entirely worrying about Cal all the time and fit in well alongside the main story and gave a nice device to keep you guessing different parts of what's going on.
Overall I think this book did very well, im not giving it a 5 because honestly its not up to par with the majority of things I've given 5's to previously, but its definitely a strong book and has me invested in finding out how the series continues.
Like the previous instalments in this series this book is full of action, worrying about vastly superior enemies and then trying to work out how to make that advantage mean nothing and put them out for the count.
There's an interesting sideplot which I think was in there mainly to give Niko's side of the book a lot more "oomph" than it otherwise would have had if it was just entirely worrying about Cal all the time and fit in well alongside the main story and gave a nice device to keep you guessing different parts of what's going on.
Overall I think this book did very well, im not giving it a 5 because honestly its not up to par with the majority of things I've given 5's to previously, but its definitely a strong book and has me invested in finding out how the series continues.
December 14, 2010
Being book 4 in the series, the world building and character development has been done a long time ago. Although new characters were introduced, it is done in the same flare as the first book. Very good indeed. A 5 out of 5. So what else can I say about this book that I haven't said already in the previous books? The ending. The story ended with a bang and satisfying closure, but, some of the scenes there had some feasibility issues. It just tells you that this and that happened. It didn't take the reader through the journey. The how did they get there was not properly explained. Consequently as a reader I had difficulty suspending disbelief. But because the story telling quality was good, I could overlook that issue for now and continue reading Rob Thurman.
Another thing about this book is that the narrative's point of view (POV) swaps between Nik and Cal from chapter to chapter. I had gotten so used to the narrative from Cal's POV that when Nik gets his turn I sometimes get confused and had to re-read the pages. The up side of this is that we get to hear Nik's POV which I have been wanting to know for a long time and this book gave me that satisfaction.
Story telling quality = 4
Character development = 5
Story itself = 4.5
Ending = 4
World building = 5
Cover art = 4.5
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 cherries
Another thing about this book is that the narrative's point of view (POV) swaps between Nik and Cal from chapter to chapter. I had gotten so used to the narrative from Cal's POV that when Nik gets his turn I sometimes get confused and had to re-read the pages. The up side of this is that we get to hear Nik's POV which I have been wanting to know for a long time and this book gave me that satisfaction.
Story telling quality = 4
Character development = 5
Story itself = 4.5
Ending = 4
World building = 5
Cover art = 4.5
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 cherries
November 16, 2011
This series just keeps getting better and better! Deathwish is the fourth book in Rob Thurman's, Cal Leandros series and by far the absolutely best one yet! Whereas I thought Ms. Thruman really found Cal's voice in Madhouse (book 3), she simply took it one step further in this book. In addition to Cal's sardonic POV, we also got a treat with every other chapter being in his enlightened and virtuous brother, Niko's, POV. This book picks up immediately on the cliffhanger in Madhouse. Cal and Niko have to face the very thing they have been running from their entire lives, Cal's evil Auphe half family who are back and hellbent on trying to take the brothers for their own nefarious purposes. In addition to fighting off the Auphe, Cal and Niko take on a case involving an ex-lover of Promise's, Niko's vampire girlfriend and things do not go according to plan. On the side, they also have to deal with yet another problem that literally comes crashing in the window while Cal, Niko, Promise and Goodfellow are hiding out. This book was a winner in all categories: action, adventure, conflict and plot. The brotherly bond between Cal and Niko shined in this book and with the added bonus of insight into Niko's history with Cal from his POV and his feelings towards the life they have lived. This book definitely did not disappoint.
January 22, 2012
I cried, I literally cried, and more than once.
Compared to 'Madhouse', it's a completely different book in quality, coherence and climax. Where all these points made me consider 'Madhouse' to be the one I liked least of the series, it makes 'Deathwish' the best.
The story worked and delivered in more than I had been hoping for.
The writing was much better, though I still sometimes have been wondering if some sentences were examples of slang, or just plain awfull and incorrect writing. I'm not a native speaker, but I read english books since long and usually don't have much problems with getting the gist of things, even though I don't always understand every single word. So, when I read a paragraph ten times over and still am wondering what the hell is meant... it makes me wonder.
As for Cal and Niko... *happy sigh* It was wonderful to read chapters from Niko's pov, and to learn more about their years before 'Nightlife', and it added to the story and the atmosphere. I really hope Thurman will use this option again in subsequent books.
One character I really, REALLY don't like is Promise. There's one point in the book where I wouldn't have minded if Cal had actually pushed her so I wouldn't have to read about her anymore. *sigh* It might come across as nasty, but I do hope she'll at one point vanish from the story lines completely.
Off to 'Roadkill' asap!
Compared to 'Madhouse', it's a completely different book in quality, coherence and climax. Where all these points made me consider 'Madhouse' to be the one I liked least of the series, it makes 'Deathwish' the best.
The story worked and delivered in more than I had been hoping for.
The writing was much better, though I still sometimes have been wondering if some sentences were examples of slang, or just plain awfull and incorrect writing. I'm not a native speaker, but I read english books since long and usually don't have much problems with getting the gist of things, even though I don't always understand every single word. So, when I read a paragraph ten times over and still am wondering what the hell is meant... it makes me wonder.
As for Cal and Niko... *happy sigh* It was wonderful to read chapters from Niko's pov, and to learn more about their years before 'Nightlife', and it added to the story and the atmosphere. I really hope Thurman will use this option again in subsequent books.
One character I really, REALLY don't like is Promise. There's one point in the book where I wouldn't have minded if Cal had actually pushed her so I wouldn't have to read about her anymore. *sigh* It might come across as nasty, but I do hope she'll at one point vanish from the story lines completely.
Off to 'Roadkill' asap!
October 28, 2015
My favorite book in the "Cal Leandros" series so far. Not only was the plot really intriguing, I also loved that the book wasn't told just from Cal's POV, but also from Niko's. I hope the author sticks with it, that she continues writing the book from both the brothers' POV, it's much more interesting, especially in situations where Cal turns Auphe raving mad.
There were so many things that I loved about this book, first and foremost the brotherly love between Cal and Niko, their co-dependency and other "issues". Another thing was Robin: first he decided to keep the mummified cat, then he got together with Ishiah - I hope these two stick together, they are rocking awesome as a couple (their angry sex was hilarious as was Cal's reaction).
One thing that I didn't like was Georgina. She really doesn't appeal to me as a character. I get why she doesn't want to use her gift but as Cal said: Where's the point where she draws the line, how does she decide what to reveal and what not? She annoys me very, very much and I honestly don't understand what Cal sees in her. I was so happy when Niko finally called her on her cowardly BS.
There were so many things that I loved about this book, first and foremost the brotherly love between Cal and Niko, their co-dependency and other "issues". Another thing was Robin: first he decided to keep the mummified cat, then he got together with Ishiah - I hope these two stick together, they are rocking awesome as a couple (their angry sex was hilarious as was Cal's reaction).
One thing that I didn't like was Georgina. She really doesn't appeal to me as a character. I get why she doesn't want to use her gift but as Cal said: Where's the point where she draws the line, how does she decide what to reveal and what not? She annoys me very, very much and I honestly don't understand what Cal sees in her. I was so happy when Niko finally called her on her cowardly BS.
July 20, 2011
YES! Finally! Now this is the Cal that I've been waiting 4 books to meet! Cal is finally growing up. While he still has whiny and yes, definitely many more lazy moments, in this book he steps up to take some responsibility instead of letting Niko make all the decisions. By embracing and accepting the Auphe in him instead of rejecting it, he becomes stronger all around. Ms. Thurman switches from Nik's POV to Cal's and back again which does wonders for the development of the storyline but even more for the reader's understanding of the relationships between the characters. The relationship between Promise and Nik is much better understood when reading from Nik's POV. Nik and Cal's brotherly love and loyalty were strong in previous books, but you begin to truly get insight into how much they will do for each other.
"I did my best to have honor, my best to maintain that core in almost every aspect of my life, but where my brother began, honor ended and instinct took over. Instinct knew very little about honor, and cared even less."
In my opinion, these books jumped to 5 stars once Ms. Thurman switched to multiple POVs.
"I did my best to have honor, my best to maintain that core in almost every aspect of my life, but where my brother began, honor ended and instinct took over. Instinct knew very little about honor, and cared even less."
In my opinion, these books jumped to 5 stars once Ms. Thurman switched to multiple POVs.
March 18, 2012
OK, wow, this was probably the strongest instalment in the Cal Leandros series for me. Partly, I think, because of the clear character development we've seen on Cal's part since Book #1, and partly because FINALLY, we get inside Niko's head as well.
Therein, we discover that while our super-honourable-ninja-assassin may *look* like he's got it all together from the outside, inside he's every bit the epitome of broken competence I love so much in all the other characters I meet it in (yes, Starbuck and Grace Hanadarko, I'm looking at the both of you when I say that). And oh, the relationship between Cal and Niko in this is complex and and dark and sharp edges... and yet it's the simplest things in either of their lives.
I should acknowledge that this book is NOT going to appeal to everyone. It's crazy dark in places, and although I actually thought there was less angsting and more ass-kicking than in previous books, the angsting is still there (and not unwarranted). I have to admit, I'm curious about where the series is going to go from here though...
Therein, we discover that while our super-honourable-ninja-assassin may *look* like he's got it all together from the outside, inside he's every bit the epitome of broken competence I love so much in all the other characters I meet it in (yes, Starbuck and Grace Hanadarko, I'm looking at the both of you when I say that). And oh, the relationship between Cal and Niko in this is complex and and dark and sharp edges... and yet it's the simplest things in either of their lives.
I should acknowledge that this book is NOT going to appeal to everyone. It's crazy dark in places, and although I actually thought there was less angsting and more ass-kicking than in previous books, the angsting is still there (and not unwarranted). I have to admit, I'm curious about where the series is going to go from here though...
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