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The Free Court of Seattle #1
Faerie Blood
Note from the author: This edition of Faerie Blood is the original Drollerie Press release edition, and is now out of print. A newer edition was released in June 2012. See angelakorrati.com/books/faerie-blood for details!
Kendis, orphaned as a toddler, knew her parents had a mixed marriage, but she didn’t realize how mixed. Her father was a black man, her mother was a faerie princess. When her magic awakes, she finds out there’s a world she never imagined lurking just around every corner, and it’s got its own prejudices.
Kendis, orphaned as a toddler, knew her parents had a mixed marriage, but she didn’t realize how mixed. Her father was a black man, her mother was a faerie princess. When her magic awakes, she finds out there’s a world she never imagined lurking just around every corner, and it’s got its own prejudices.
Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2009
About the author
Angela Korra'ti
6 books67 followersThe very first thing Angela Korra'ti ever wrote, at age 8, was a short story about a girl spirited away to rule over the leprechauns for a day. She progressed rapidly to pretending to take notes in class when she was actually writing novels, and writing fanfic before she had any idea what fanfic was! Music has been a part of her life almost as long, thanks to six years playing flute and piccolo in school band and an adulthood dabbling in flute, guitar, bouzouki, and mandolin. In anything she writes, music is likely to make an appearance.
Angela (Anna the Piper to her friends) lives in Kenmore, Washington, along with her partner and housemate, one cat, and a whole heck of a lot of computers and musical instruments. Despite the fact that she is a mild-mannered former employee of a major metropolitan newspaper, rumors that she is a superhero are exaggerated. (Even if she did pull the door off a refrigerator.)
Under the name of Angela Korra'ti, she writes the Free Court of Seattle series (including Faerie Blood). As Angela Highland, she writes the Rebels of Adalonia trilogy, forthcoming starting in April 2013 from Carina Press! Come say hi to her at angelahighland.com!
Angela (Anna the Piper to her friends) lives in Kenmore, Washington, along with her partner and housemate, one cat, and a whole heck of a lot of computers and musical instruments. Despite the fact that she is a mild-mannered former employee of a major metropolitan newspaper, rumors that she is a superhero are exaggerated. (Even if she did pull the door off a refrigerator.)
Under the name of Angela Korra'ti, she writes the Free Court of Seattle series (including Faerie Blood). As Angela Highland, she writes the Rebels of Adalonia trilogy, forthcoming starting in April 2013 from Carina Press! Come say hi to her at angelahighland.com!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 8, 2015
It feels really mean to give this book only two stars and an "it was okay" rating. But lately, I've been reading a lot of books that start out with a bang and then kind of all apart and I lose interest when I get to the middle mark. I don't know what it is, but I swear if this keeps happening, I'm just gonna stop reading them and not look back.
This book starts off with a bang, but unfortunately it doesn’t follow through. The story has an interesting premise: Kendis is a half-fae half human whose powers magical powers begin to wake up and that brings trouble. Kendis is also a mixed race woman, who works in a computer company, and is basically a giant geek. I was intrigued with the mix of themes and especially fascinated by the take on technology and magic
While I liked Kendis and the other characters, I felt the dialogue and the plot itself was rather weak. The dialogue felt … I’m not sure how to put this, contrived? It just didn’t flow and jarred me. The plot itself bogs down near the halfway point and I felt like for most of the middle of the novel didn’t go anywhere. The main character and her friends were constantly waiting the danger out. So it’s just characters stuck in a house discussing the dangers without really doing anything. Sometimes the side-characters left and we were waiting for them to come back. Ugh.
I can't say I was able to focus when the action started happening. I was just no longer interested. I skimmed the last half of the book. I wish her uncle's motives were made a bit more clear in the beginning of the novel and woven into the story better. Maybe that would have kept my attention better.
This book starts off with a bang, but unfortunately it doesn’t follow through. The story has an interesting premise: Kendis is a half-fae half human whose powers magical powers begin to wake up and that brings trouble. Kendis is also a mixed race woman, who works in a computer company, and is basically a giant geek. I was intrigued with the mix of themes and especially fascinated by the take on technology and magic
While I liked Kendis and the other characters, I felt the dialogue and the plot itself was rather weak. The dialogue felt … I’m not sure how to put this, contrived? It just didn’t flow and jarred me. The plot itself bogs down near the halfway point and I felt like for most of the middle of the novel didn’t go anywhere. The main character and her friends were constantly waiting the danger out. So it’s just characters stuck in a house discussing the dangers without really doing anything. Sometimes the side-characters left and we were waiting for them to come back. Ugh.
I can't say I was able to focus when the action started happening. I was just no longer interested. I skimmed the last half of the book. I wish her uncle's motives were made a bit more clear in the beginning of the novel and woven into the story better. Maybe that would have kept my attention better.
October 11, 2009
I enjoyed this story of Seattle software programmer Kendis Thompson who ends up being part Fae. She's different from other urban fantasy heroines because she is a proud geek girl (and we don't see enough geek girl heroines) with many nice nods to Star Trek and Star Wars. She's snarky like most UF heroines, sure, but she isn't over the top about it.
Much of the story deals with Kendis finding out that there are Fae alive and well in her city while the full on fantasy background didn't kick in later. The strengths lie in the cast of characters, I believe. I loved the diversity of characters here from Scot Christopher MacSimidh, the Second Warder of Seattle, to Kendis' roommates Carl Saunders and Jake Tanaka and even her best friend Jude. Everyone had their own personality and relationship to Kendis who, even herself, has a diverse background.
The story might not offer much new to urban fantasy fans as far as story goes but it's a fun tale if you're looking for a different type of character with a dash of fantasy and a hint toward a potential romance. 3 1/2
Much of the story deals with Kendis finding out that there are Fae alive and well in her city while the full on fantasy background didn't kick in later. The strengths lie in the cast of characters, I believe. I loved the diversity of characters here from Scot Christopher MacSimidh, the Second Warder of Seattle, to Kendis' roommates Carl Saunders and Jake Tanaka and even her best friend Jude. Everyone had their own personality and relationship to Kendis who, even herself, has a diverse background.
The story might not offer much new to urban fantasy fans as far as story goes but it's a fun tale if you're looking for a different type of character with a dash of fantasy and a hint toward a potential romance. 3 1/2
June 2, 2016
Kendis is pretty close to what I'd think of as the perfect sort of friend for myself. Nerdy job, nerd-like interests, half-fae...I think we'd get along quite well. She does have this unfortunate tendency to want to ignore the reality of the situation, but I'll give her leniency for the fact her whole world just imploded. And she does rally quickly when the situation grows bad and someone needs to remain in control.
Christopher, of Newfoundland, was a bit of a hoot. I always like it when guys find it hard to resist that damsel in distress--who then has to save THEM in return. Its a good thing he's comfortable with his masculinity, he gets saved by women a lot in the novel.
It bears mentioning that Seattle, as a setting, is almost a character by itself. I've never been, but Korra'ti gives us such an insider's view of Seattle, that I felt like I had gone on a tour of 'where geeks need to go' when in Seattle. For the first time in my life I thought about traveling there (I'm really more of an East Coast girl honestly), if only to check out the Geek Haven that Kendis describes.
Despite the influx of fae related novels, Korra'ti manages to still make a shade different, a little unusual and interesting. As Kendis is a Changling, it brings about some interesting revelations, as does why everyone is suddenly so gung-ho over her. And why her eyes are yellow. And she gets tingly when not-human stuff is around/touches her/happens. There is also a vagueness about the Seelie vs. the Unseelie that appealed to me. A vagueness to their motivations is perhaps the better way of explaining it. The Fae don't come in 'good' and 'evil', they're at best amoral much of the time, with certain types preferring to make problems for mortals then others.
The story moves quickly, though sometimes it becomes bogged down in the details. I noticed it especially in the beginning, when we're being introduced to Kendis and Christopher and the fight with the troll. Its not that the details seems out of place, or thrust at the reader, but more it was almost as if Korra'ti was writing for a movie or play scene--directing the scene so that the actors know where to be. Its not annoying or anything, and I like that sort of writing because it helps me visual places I haven't been before.
According to the author's website there is a sequel in the works, but she also has a number of other projects (including the beginning of a new series), so as of yet there is no details about the sequel (beyond a tentative name 'Bone Walker'). I look forward to her other stories however!
Christopher, of Newfoundland, was a bit of a hoot. I always like it when guys find it hard to resist that damsel in distress--who then has to save THEM in return. Its a good thing he's comfortable with his masculinity, he gets saved by women a lot in the novel.
It bears mentioning that Seattle, as a setting, is almost a character by itself. I've never been, but Korra'ti gives us such an insider's view of Seattle, that I felt like I had gone on a tour of 'where geeks need to go' when in Seattle. For the first time in my life I thought about traveling there (I'm really more of an East Coast girl honestly), if only to check out the Geek Haven that Kendis describes.
Despite the influx of fae related novels, Korra'ti manages to still make a shade different, a little unusual and interesting. As Kendis is a Changling, it brings about some interesting revelations, as does why everyone is suddenly so gung-ho over her. And why her eyes are yellow. And she gets tingly when not-human stuff is around/touches her/happens. There is also a vagueness about the Seelie vs. the Unseelie that appealed to me. A vagueness to their motivations is perhaps the better way of explaining it. The Fae don't come in 'good' and 'evil', they're at best amoral much of the time, with certain types preferring to make problems for mortals then others.
The story moves quickly, though sometimes it becomes bogged down in the details. I noticed it especially in the beginning, when we're being introduced to Kendis and Christopher and the fight with the troll. Its not that the details seems out of place, or thrust at the reader, but more it was almost as if Korra'ti was writing for a movie or play scene--directing the scene so that the actors know where to be. Its not annoying or anything, and I like that sort of writing because it helps me visual places I haven't been before.
According to the author's website there is a sequel in the works, but she also has a number of other projects (including the beginning of a new series), so as of yet there is no details about the sequel (beyond a tentative name 'Bone Walker'). I look forward to her other stories however!
February 10, 2011
I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Anyone who has read my reviews knows I do not spend a lot of time giving a synopsis of the book because that typically is on Goodreads next to the book cover or on Amazon etc., so, I will move forward. It's great to see another book about the fae that, though it holds to some of what appears to be some traditional terminology in books about this group of supernaturals, it still strikes out on its own. It definitely held me in its grasp, and not only because I could identify with the main character, but also because it felt as authentic as a supernatural urban fantasy could. The book opens with action, which I always love. One of the things that I enjoyed most was the author's ability with words. This book was pretty well edited and obviously well planned by the author. Another thing that comes to mind when I think back is the relationship between Kendis and Christopher. I liked how the friendship developed throughout the book and is still growing. I liked the other characters in this book including Kendis' neighbors, her best friend Jude, her aunt Aggie, and Millicent. They didn't suddenly have powers and just know how to use them. They learned more about themselves and grew. Things that happened were explained. There was plot and character development. It is obviously not paranormal romance though you see romance in its purest form as it is developing. Angela Korra'ti spends a fair amount of time building her vision of a supernatural Seattle and its political relationship with world of the fae. Though I am tolerant, and even enjoy, books with an urban fantasy backdrop that have a heavy dose of the paranormal romance, I tend to prefer less romance and more urban fantasy. I do not interpret fantasy to include paranormal romance and prefer it when the book publishers do not push a book that is more romance than fantasy as an urban fantasy. This book follows my rules in that regard and saved me from the irritation I tend to feel when it comes out the other way around. Angela Korra'ti is another of those authors for whom I knew I stumbled upon something good as soon as I started reading her work. I, of course, had to seek out her website and ensure myself that she had more to come in this series.
July 31, 2014
I'm going to start with what I liked, because there were definitely things I liked. The introduction of tech geekery and software programming into a setting that was steeped in Celtic mythology was great, and I liked the strong bent towards female characters as both protagonists and secondary players. In general, I thought the premise and characters had a lot of promise, but I also thought that a lot of opportunities were squandered.
The part I liked best—the aforementioned tech/faerie mash-up—was all but forgotten for about three quarters of the book, replaced with a retread of a lot of tired old faerie tropes (the musical sections, in particular, felt tacked on out of obligation). The characterisation was inconsistent for several of the main characters, and Kendis came across as younger than her chronological age a lot of the time, surprisingly unfamiliar with things I would have thought were common knowledge, which kept throwing me out. Christopher's speech also rarely felt like it had a real Newfoundland cadence to it, but that probably wasn't as noticeable to someone less familiar with the dialect and accent, and I did appreciate that Newfoundland was recognised used as a location with a strong folkloric tradition. There were several instances of infodump, and lagging sections of the narrative that meandered before really getting to the point.
A lot of the problems I had with it, though, are things that are common with a first novel, and particularly common with what I understand is the first book of a potential series. Things started to tighten up and level out towards the end, and so despite my reaction to it I actually am intrigued to see where it goes next, and in particular how it gets there.
The part I liked best—the aforementioned tech/faerie mash-up—was all but forgotten for about three quarters of the book, replaced with a retread of a lot of tired old faerie tropes (the musical sections, in particular, felt tacked on out of obligation). The characterisation was inconsistent for several of the main characters, and Kendis came across as younger than her chronological age a lot of the time, surprisingly unfamiliar with things I would have thought were common knowledge, which kept throwing me out. Christopher's speech also rarely felt like it had a real Newfoundland cadence to it, but that probably wasn't as noticeable to someone less familiar with the dialect and accent, and I did appreciate that Newfoundland was recognised used as a location with a strong folkloric tradition. There were several instances of infodump, and lagging sections of the narrative that meandered before really getting to the point.
A lot of the problems I had with it, though, are things that are common with a first novel, and particularly common with what I understand is the first book of a potential series. Things started to tighten up and level out towards the end, and so despite my reaction to it I actually am intrigued to see where it goes next, and in particular how it gets there.
November 21, 2015
I usually don't review books, and I'm not necessarily fond of writing, but some books you just can't keep silent about.
This book was awesome!
Kendis is a biracial computer-programmer who is attacked by a troll and learns that the magical world is real. She also happens to have a closer connection to that world than she could ever have imagined...
The book reminded me a lot of Charles de Lint's tales of Newford, and the Seattle setting was a gorgeous backdrop for this story. I loved that the heroine was not your typical lead, and the supporting characters were hilarious and unique. A fedora-wearing shotgun-toting granny who happens to be the protector of the city, a hot Elvis-impersonating unseelie fae trickster, and others...
The romance element was, I thought, sweet and well done. I loved their musical chemistry, and also that he was respectful and not over-bearing.
I think another gem of this book was the friendship Kendis has with her best friend Jude. Not a lot of books recently provide positive female-female friendships. I've been really tired of Slut-shamming and hatefulness towards other females. So many books constantly focus on outward beauty instead of inward, and are always evaluating the female character's beauty compared to others. So.TIRED.OF.IT.
Sorry. Rant over.
Definitely read this book if urban fantasy is your thing. Or even if it isn't, you might be surprised. It's reasonably priced on amazon kindle.
This book was awesome!
Kendis is a biracial computer-programmer who is attacked by a troll and learns that the magical world is real. She also happens to have a closer connection to that world than she could ever have imagined...
The book reminded me a lot of Charles de Lint's tales of Newford, and the Seattle setting was a gorgeous backdrop for this story. I loved that the heroine was not your typical lead, and the supporting characters were hilarious and unique. A fedora-wearing shotgun-toting granny who happens to be the protector of the city, a hot Elvis-impersonating unseelie fae trickster, and others...
The romance element was, I thought, sweet and well done. I loved their musical chemistry, and also that he was respectful and not over-bearing.
I think another gem of this book was the friendship Kendis has with her best friend Jude. Not a lot of books recently provide positive female-female friendships. I've been really tired of Slut-shamming and hatefulness towards other females. So many books constantly focus on outward beauty instead of inward, and are always evaluating the female character's beauty compared to others. So.TIRED.OF.IT.
Sorry. Rant over.
Definitely read this book if urban fantasy is your thing. Or even if it isn't, you might be surprised. It's reasonably priced on amazon kindle.
April 4, 2014
I bought this book four years ago in a giant Fictionwise sale. At the time, I was really into Urban Fantasy. But before I had a chance to read this book, I'd already gotten rather bored with the subgenre, so it's sat unread on my e-reader for a long, long time.
So, please keep this fact in mind when considering my review.
IT was a pretty average book - not great but not terrible either. The biggest criticism I have is that it was rather formulaic - which wouldn't be as big of a deal for me if I wasn't as burnt out on Urban Fantasy as I currently am.
So, please keep this fact in mind when considering my review.
IT was a pretty average book - not great but not terrible either. The biggest criticism I have is that it was rather formulaic - which wouldn't be as big of a deal for me if I wasn't as burnt out on Urban Fantasy as I currently am.
January 3, 2018
If you want an action-packed, on-the-and-of-your-seat ride, look no further than this book of urban fantasy. It was fantastic. I loved the characters, loved the humor, loved the danger. This author is one whose books I will read more of, you can be certain of that.
June 29, 2017
Solid urban fantasy book. (Along the lines of War For the Oaks.) Started a wee bit generic for my taste, but by a third of the way through I was solidly hooked. Looking forward to reading sequels.
June 5, 2009
Faerie Blood is fairly standard modern urban fantasy fare; that's not intended to be read as a bad thing, however, since the same can be said of, well, most modern urban fantasy fare.
Though the story was enjoyably presented, there weren't really any huge surprises beyond the whole "holy crap, mythical creatures are real, and a fair number of them want to kill (and in some cases, possibly eat) me!" experience of the protagonist. Then again, not every book needs such plot twists, and certainly not a book introducing a new fantasy cast for the first time. The 'magic exists' twist may not be a surprise to the reader, who goes in knowing that they bought an urban fantasy (and probably having read the back of the book), but the revelation sure blindsides the previously-oblivious heroine.
The setting is Seattle, but handled with more grace than most Seattle urban fantasy does; the author is clearly a local, which can be a mixed bag. When you write for a city you that isn't your hometown, you have to do more research and provide more context; when you write for a city you do know, there's more inside references and private jokes for the locals, but sometimes that leaves non-natives a bit more lost. Faerie Blood strikes a reasonable compromise and falls somewhere in the middle; there may be some local color and references that non-Seattle residents will not fully 'get,' but nothing that should leave them floundering.
The protagonist is a little more unusual. The common urban fantasy protagonist these days seems to be a private eye, a cop, an antiques store proprietor or some other archetype that wouldn't be completely out-of-place in a crime or mystery novel. There are exceptions, however, and a QA tester for some smaller Silicon Forest software company definitely falls into that category.
In all, Faerie Blood was an enjoyable if fairly light read, and the characters show promise if the storyline is continued.
Though the story was enjoyably presented, there weren't really any huge surprises beyond the whole "holy crap, mythical creatures are real, and a fair number of them want to kill (and in some cases, possibly eat) me!" experience of the protagonist. Then again, not every book needs such plot twists, and certainly not a book introducing a new fantasy cast for the first time. The 'magic exists' twist may not be a surprise to the reader, who goes in knowing that they bought an urban fantasy (and probably having read the back of the book), but the revelation sure blindsides the previously-oblivious heroine.
The setting is Seattle, but handled with more grace than most Seattle urban fantasy does; the author is clearly a local, which can be a mixed bag. When you write for a city you that isn't your hometown, you have to do more research and provide more context; when you write for a city you do know, there's more inside references and private jokes for the locals, but sometimes that leaves non-natives a bit more lost. Faerie Blood strikes a reasonable compromise and falls somewhere in the middle; there may be some local color and references that non-Seattle residents will not fully 'get,' but nothing that should leave them floundering.
The protagonist is a little more unusual. The common urban fantasy protagonist these days seems to be a private eye, a cop, an antiques store proprietor or some other archetype that wouldn't be completely out-of-place in a crime or mystery novel. There are exceptions, however, and a QA tester for some smaller Silicon Forest software company definitely falls into that category.
In all, Faerie Blood was an enjoyable if fairly light read, and the characters show promise if the storyline is continued.
April 2, 2016
I adored this book.
Urban fantasy is a hard sell for me. I cut my teeth on the Newford books by Charles de Lint, and I want more like that. I'm less fond of snarky loner type heroines who don't realize they're awesome until some guy (or possibly eight guys) point it out. I have a lot of urban fantasy on my shelves, and I keep being disappointed that I'm not getting any of that.
Angela Korra'ti's Faerie Blood gave me all the tropes I love without any of the ones I've come to detest. The book is also set in Seattle, and it was a lot of fun playing the "Ooh, I know where that is!" game as I read.
More than that, though, I loved the characters. Our heroine has the requisite urban fantasy snarky voice, but she's also a geek, which I haven't seen much of before. She's got friends, too, and a strong relationship with her aunt. She's biracial, and that informs her identity as well. Honestly, the fact that she has so many people that will just come running to help her when she needs it was such a refreshing thing for me.
The plot is something I've read before, but honestly, I was here for these characters, the gentle yet satisfying romance, and the sweet optimism the book presents. It made me excited about urban fantasy, and turned me into the kind of flailing fangirl I try not to be when chatting with the author online.
In short, give this one a chance. At $2.99, it's well worth the price!
Urban fantasy is a hard sell for me. I cut my teeth on the Newford books by Charles de Lint, and I want more like that. I'm less fond of snarky loner type heroines who don't realize they're awesome until some guy (or possibly eight guys) point it out. I have a lot of urban fantasy on my shelves, and I keep being disappointed that I'm not getting any of that.
Angela Korra'ti's Faerie Blood gave me all the tropes I love without any of the ones I've come to detest. The book is also set in Seattle, and it was a lot of fun playing the "Ooh, I know where that is!" game as I read.
More than that, though, I loved the characters. Our heroine has the requisite urban fantasy snarky voice, but she's also a geek, which I haven't seen much of before. She's got friends, too, and a strong relationship with her aunt. She's biracial, and that informs her identity as well. Honestly, the fact that she has so many people that will just come running to help her when she needs it was such a refreshing thing for me.
The plot is something I've read before, but honestly, I was here for these characters, the gentle yet satisfying romance, and the sweet optimism the book presents. It made me excited about urban fantasy, and turned me into the kind of flailing fangirl I try not to be when chatting with the author online.
In short, give this one a chance. At $2.99, it's well worth the price!
August 31, 2012
Fast-paced and geektastic, Faerie Blood starts off as a classic tale of Awakening. But it pulls ahead of the birth-blood-'n-fate pack in two important ways. First of all, the Special/Chosen characters remain characters - they retain their personalities, their priorities, and their individuality rather than being subsumed by their destinies. And, even more wondrous, the non-Special characters also remain characters, rather than fading to the status of props and setting. That's credible magical realism right there.
There's also plenty of action. Korra'ti doesn't waste a lot of time on exposition, choosing instead to let her characters show themselves through their own words and choices. There's no playing catch-up with background, and the characters are every bit as surprised as the reader when weirdness goes down. And a lot of weirdness goes down.
My favorite aspect of the story was the deep thread of affection - the characters' genuine love and respect for each other, love of music, love of home. If you've ever truly loved where you live, this tale will strike a resonant chord with you as it did with me - while scaring you out of your wits and maybe making you miss your stop on the subway.
There's also plenty of action. Korra'ti doesn't waste a lot of time on exposition, choosing instead to let her characters show themselves through their own words and choices. There's no playing catch-up with background, and the characters are every bit as surprised as the reader when weirdness goes down. And a lot of weirdness goes down.
My favorite aspect of the story was the deep thread of affection - the characters' genuine love and respect for each other, love of music, love of home. If you've ever truly loved where you live, this tale will strike a resonant chord with you as it did with me - while scaring you out of your wits and maybe making you miss your stop on the subway.
November 19, 2012
I bought this book on a Fictionwise sale last year, and for a number of reasons ( primarily getting a bit burned out on Urban Fantasy) I didn't read it until now. I am glad I finally read it, though.
This was an enjoyable read. When I started reading it felt like I was walking next to Kendis as she struggled to adapt to the fact that trolls, elves and magic existed. The Seattle setting was detailed and added to the feeling that I was a silent witness to the havoc that elves and magic wrought on Seattle.
As she struggled to stop the Elves, Kendis met several interesting characters. There is Christopher and his struggle with his own powers. Millicent, with her gruff facade. Elessir... with a twisted kind of honor.
The plot was fast paced and filled with unexpected twists. And I couldn't stop reading, I had to know if Kendis managed to defeat the Elves Unfortunately, after the final battle, I lost interest. I finished to book, but some of the things that happened felt both logical and over the top. ( A paradox, I know.)
Still this was a well written novel with a cast of intriguing characters, and I'll definitely read the sequel.
This was an enjoyable read. When I started reading it felt like I was walking next to Kendis as she struggled to adapt to the fact that trolls, elves and magic existed. The Seattle setting was detailed and added to the feeling that I was a silent witness to the havoc that elves and magic wrought on Seattle.
As she struggled to stop the Elves, Kendis met several interesting characters. There is Christopher and his struggle with his own powers. Millicent, with her gruff facade. Elessir... with a twisted kind of honor.
The plot was fast paced and filled with unexpected twists. And I couldn't stop reading, I had to know if Kendis managed to defeat the Elves Unfortunately, after the final battle, I lost interest. I finished to book, but some of the things that happened felt both logical and over the top. ( A paradox, I know.)
Still this was a well written novel with a cast of intriguing characters, and I'll definitely read the sequel.
December 29, 2016
Smart, sassy, and fun fantasy
I've had this book on my Kindle for some time now just because I like the author's blog. I finally got around to starting it yesterday, and I did nothing else all day but read it--far too late in the night!
Kendis is an engaging main character with a distinctive voice that made me like her at once. In addition, the author is highly skilled at putting together a sentence. A couple of times I had to go back and reread something just because I loved how it was stated (the first sentence of the novel was one of those times).
The setting of the novel is vivid. The secondary characters are all well-drawn, and I laughed aloud several times while reading. In fact, I'm already impatient with this review because I just bought the sequel and can hardly wait to read it! ;)
If you're a computer geek, a fantasy nerd, a music lover, or a fan of the Pacific Northwest, you'll love this novel. And if you're fond of Faerie stories, you'll devour this novel as quickly as I did.
I've had this book on my Kindle for some time now just because I like the author's blog. I finally got around to starting it yesterday, and I did nothing else all day but read it--far too late in the night!
Kendis is an engaging main character with a distinctive voice that made me like her at once. In addition, the author is highly skilled at putting together a sentence. A couple of times I had to go back and reread something just because I loved how it was stated (the first sentence of the novel was one of those times).
The setting of the novel is vivid. The secondary characters are all well-drawn, and I laughed aloud several times while reading. In fact, I'm already impatient with this review because I just bought the sequel and can hardly wait to read it! ;)
If you're a computer geek, a fantasy nerd, a music lover, or a fan of the Pacific Northwest, you'll love this novel. And if you're fond of Faerie stories, you'll devour this novel as quickly as I did.
January 29, 2015
This urban fantasy centers around Kendis, a biracial woman who learns that her mother was a powerful faerie. Her clan has found Kendis, but it's not a happy reunion--are they good, or bad. And who are the UnSeelie who also want Kendis to join them? Kendis is caught in the middle of a faerie clash while coming to terms with her identity, newfound powers, and attraction to Christopher (who has powers of his own).
I love that the heroine is bi-racial. My daughters are, and it's nice to finally see a character who is as well. When they're a bit older, I'll be certain to point them in the direction of this book. Because visibility and the chance to see someone like yourself (although neither of us is of the fae) matters.
The first section of the book is a bit slow, but the story finds its rhythm and I couldn't put it down during the last third.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
I love that the heroine is bi-racial. My daughters are, and it's nice to finally see a character who is as well. When they're a bit older, I'll be certain to point them in the direction of this book. Because visibility and the chance to see someone like yourself (although neither of us is of the fae) matters.
The first section of the book is a bit slow, but the story finds its rhythm and I couldn't put it down during the last third.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
June 29, 2015
Kendis Thompson lives an unremarkable life. She's 24 years old, a software tester in a computer company, and shares a duplex with a pair of adopted-in-spirit older brothers. While biking home one day, she is attacked by a troll, saved saved by a passerby with a staff and an accent from across the pond. She learns that she has fey blood running in her veins, and that the Sidhe will do anything to obtain that blood, with or without her veins attached to it. Her best friend, Jude, is dragged into the strange new world with her. Kendis hears the tragic story of her parents, and grapples with her attraction to her savior.
Faerie Blood was actually a pretty good book. The diversity of the cast of characters felt a little forced, and the coincidences was just a tad bit over the top. A few of the characters felt flat. More than 3 stars, but less than 4. There is a sequel, but I don't feel hard-pressed to rush and get it. I'll add it to my list, though.
Faerie Blood was actually a pretty good book. The diversity of the cast of characters felt a little forced, and the coincidences was just a tad bit over the top. A few of the characters felt flat. More than 3 stars, but less than 4. There is a sequel, but I don't feel hard-pressed to rush and get it. I'll add it to my list, though.
September 22, 2014
I picked up Faerie Blood after seeing it mentioned on a tumblr for diverse reading and I'm so glad I did.
Faerie Blood reminded me of my favorite Charles de Lint stories and Seanan McGuire's October Daye novels with how the Faerie world is messy and complicated. Kendis Thompson is a programmer in Seattle who doesn't easily fit in as she's biracial and a woman in a man's world. Yet, she's found a happy life for herself until on her bike ride home, a troll attacks her and suddenly her life is thrown upside down as she founds out most of her life has been full of lies. As she tries to understand who she is and where she fits into this new world, she ends up fascinated by a young man who came to her aid.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for good urban fantasy as it has all the best elements; a sense of place, thoughtful world building and wonderful characters.
Faerie Blood reminded me of my favorite Charles de Lint stories and Seanan McGuire's October Daye novels with how the Faerie world is messy and complicated. Kendis Thompson is a programmer in Seattle who doesn't easily fit in as she's biracial and a woman in a man's world. Yet, she's found a happy life for herself until on her bike ride home, a troll attacks her and suddenly her life is thrown upside down as she founds out most of her life has been full of lies. As she tries to understand who she is and where she fits into this new world, she ends up fascinated by a young man who came to her aid.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for good urban fantasy as it has all the best elements; a sense of place, thoughtful world building and wonderful characters.
November 23, 2015
Have you ever had one of those times when someone you knew wrote a book and you kinda feel like you need to read it, but you keep putting it off. Well this is like one of those times, but then you find out - Dang, the girl can really write. :) I enjoy this book. The character were engaging, and the plot was compelling. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Yes, there is a already another one. In fact, Anna has written 4 others. 2 of the 5 are under the name Angela Korra'ti. Faerie Blood is the first of those 2. Bone walker is the second. 3 are under the name Angela Highland starting with Valor of the Healer. I bought Faerie Blood and Bone Walker. I won the other 3 lucky me). I recommend this one highly. I especially recommend you buy it now (11/23/15) because Amazon has it on special. Bone Walker will be read soon. I'll keep you posted.
June 9, 2014
It had been a while since I had read an urban fantasy novel. Angela Korra’ti’s Faerie Blood reminded me of everything I love about this genre. Heroic yet counter-cultural characters, fantastical situations, adventure, an urban yet earthy sensibility -- this story had it all. I especially admired the fullness of the characters that this author created. Even the secondary characters felt true and real, and I like the fact that they were multi-cultural and complex. The relationship between the main character, Kendis, and her best friend, Jude, as well as the budding romance between Kendis and Christopher were both very nicely done. The story left me wanting more, which is a good thing since there are more in the series!
September 7, 2010
This book was an okay read, it was just boring. The hero never really gives me a whole lot of power. I didn't feel safe with him at all and the majority of the time the heroine was begging people to tell her what was going on. The names of the adversaries were too difficult to remember. I wanted to say, ohh are you a good witch or a bad witch to figure out who was good, bad or indifferent. It's like there was another story out there that I should have read before reading this one to understand the conflict. There is no real action in this book. It was pretty blah and not well woven together. I only recommend if you just can't find anything else to read, and even then, with caution.
March 30, 2015
2 1/2 Stars - I have mixed feelings about this book. On one level I enjoyed it because I went into it not expecting much just wanting to pass the time. On another level I found myself being pulled out of the story because Kendis didn't act like her stated age, Christopher spoke in a manner that was out of date and the fact that he didn't really use a the internet was just weird, I got confused as to what the overall time period was, and it dragged at times. But, I enjoyed the plot and if there is another book I'm sure to read it.
September 2, 2012
A delightful fantastic dramedy that evokes the best of Charles de Lint and the old SERRAted Edge stories, with an updated awareness and a strong sense of overarching narrative -- as well as a sense of Place -- that keeps it from being merely a series of engaging set pieces. Very mucn looking forward to future installments in the series, which will appeal to fans of Diane Duane and BtVS no less than Dunsany and Gaiman.
November 11, 2013
Utterly charming urban fantasy. This has been on my TBR list for awhile and I'm glad I finally got the chance to enjoy it. Korr'ati does some wonderful things with words to make Seattle a magical landscape. In addition, the romance is quite sweet and the characters are likable. If you're a Seattle resident, someone who enjoys good urban fantasy with a diverse cast of characters or s software tester (Finally!), this is a book you should definitely read.
December 29, 2012
Great opening hook with a troll attack. Interesting fey and Warder magic; I especially liked the magical connection between the two main characters. The descriptions of music, Seattle and computer programming felt authentic. Looking forward to the promised sequel!
Quibble: I wanted Kendis and Christopher to kiss long before they actually did.
Quibble: I wanted Kendis and Christopher to kiss long before they actually did.
February 27, 2015
In the tradition of Bordertown -- urban faerie stories with courts and intrigue and all the rest. Great story, especially amusing to read as a Seattle-ite -- it's a very, very Seattle geek story. Not a polished book, but a pleasing one nonetheless.
March 10, 2015
Very nice - looking forward to reading the next one
Liked the characters. Fun and easy to read; took me just three days in my spare time. Lots of possibilities for future book plots.
Liked the characters. Fun and easy to read; took me just three days in my spare time. Lots of possibilities for future book plots.
September 13, 2015
Much much much much much yes. So much yes. You don't even know how much yes. It made me feel a little homesick and like I'd had a visit home at the same time. Good story, good characters, good music. Recommend.
July 25, 2016
Urban fantasy with elves and other mystical creatures. Reminds me of the SERRAted Edge by Mercedes Lackey and others in style. The mythology also similar. First person narration, but the narrator is not an idiot, so that was okay.
December 26, 2009
Kindle $4.76
April 30, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. It started out a little slow for me but it picked up. Then with all the action it was great. I love me some Kenna and Christopher! Book 2 needs to come out already!
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