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Dirk & Steele #1
Tiger Eye
He looks out of place in Dela Reese's Beijing hotel room- exotic and poignant, some mythic, tragic hero of an epic tale. With his feline yellow eyes, he's like nothing from her world. Yet Dela has danced through the echo of his soul and knows this warrior will obey her every command.
Hari has been used and abused for millennia. But he sees, upon his release from the riddle box, that this new mistress is different. There is a hidden power in Dela's eyes- and with her, he may regain all that was lost to him. Where once he savaged, now he must protect; where once he only knew hatred, now he must embrace love. Dela is the key. For Dela, he will risk all.
Hari has been used and abused for millennia. But he sees, upon his release from the riddle box, that this new mistress is different. There is a hidden power in Dela's eyes- and with her, he may regain all that was lost to him. Where once he savaged, now he must protect; where once he only knew hatred, now he must embrace love. Dela is the key. For Dela, he will risk all.
342 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2005
160 people are currently reading
3687 people want to read
About the author
Marjorie M. Liu
322 books4,297 followersNew York Times bestselling and award-winning writer Marjorie Liu is best known for her fiction and comic books. She teaches comic book writing at MIT, and she leads a class on Popular Fiction at the Voices of Our Nation (VONA) workshop.
Ms. Liu is a highly celebrated comic book writer. Her extensive work with Marvel includes the bestselling Dark Wolverine series, NYX: No Way Home, X-23, and Black Widow: The Name of the Rose. She received national media attention for Astonishing X-Men, which featured the gay wedding of X-Man Northstar and was subsequently nominated for a GLAAD Media Award for outstanding media images of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Ms. Liu also wrote the story for the animated film, Avengers Confidential: Black Widow and Punisher, which was produced by Marvel, Sony Pictures Entertainment (Japan) Inc., and Madhouse Inc.
Her newest work is MONSTRESS, an original, creator-owned comic book series with Japanese artist (and X-23 collaborator) Sana Takeda. Published by Image in Fall 2015, MONSTRESS is set in an alternate, matriarchal 1920’s Asia and follows a girl’s struggle to survive the trauma of war. With a cast of girls and monsters and set against a richly imagined aesthetic of art deco-inflected steam punk, MONSTRESS #1 debuted to critical praise. The Hollywood Reporter remarked that the longer than typical first issue was “world-building on a scale rare in mainstream comics.”
Ms. Liu is also the author of more than 19 novels, most notably the urban fantasy series, Hunter Kiss, and the paranormal romance series, Dirk & Steele. Her novels have also been bestsellers on USA Today, which described Liu “as imaginative as she is prolific.” Her critically praised fiction has twice received the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, for THE MORTAL BONE (Hunter Kiss #6), and TIGER EYE (Dirk & Steele #1). TIGER EYE was the basis for a bestselling paranormal romance video game called Tiger Eye: Curse of the Riddle Box.
Liu has appeared on MSNBC, CNN, MTV, and been profiled in the Wall Street Journal.com, Hollywood Reporter, and USA Today. She is a frequent lecturer and guest speaker, appearing on panels at San Diego Comic Con, the Tokyo Literary Festival, the New York Times Public Lecture series, Geeks Out; and the Asian American Writers Workshop. Her work has been published internationally, including Germany, France, Japan, Poland, and the United Kingdom.
Ms. Liu was born in Philadelphia, and has lived in numerous cities in the Midwest and Beijing. Prior to writing full-time, she was a lawyer. She currently resides in Boston.
Ms. Liu is a highly celebrated comic book writer. Her extensive work with Marvel includes the bestselling Dark Wolverine series, NYX: No Way Home, X-23, and Black Widow: The Name of the Rose. She received national media attention for Astonishing X-Men, which featured the gay wedding of X-Man Northstar and was subsequently nominated for a GLAAD Media Award for outstanding media images of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Ms. Liu also wrote the story for the animated film, Avengers Confidential: Black Widow and Punisher, which was produced by Marvel, Sony Pictures Entertainment (Japan) Inc., and Madhouse Inc.
Her newest work is MONSTRESS, an original, creator-owned comic book series with Japanese artist (and X-23 collaborator) Sana Takeda. Published by Image in Fall 2015, MONSTRESS is set in an alternate, matriarchal 1920’s Asia and follows a girl’s struggle to survive the trauma of war. With a cast of girls and monsters and set against a richly imagined aesthetic of art deco-inflected steam punk, MONSTRESS #1 debuted to critical praise. The Hollywood Reporter remarked that the longer than typical first issue was “world-building on a scale rare in mainstream comics.”
Ms. Liu is also the author of more than 19 novels, most notably the urban fantasy series, Hunter Kiss, and the paranormal romance series, Dirk & Steele. Her novels have also been bestsellers on USA Today, which described Liu “as imaginative as she is prolific.” Her critically praised fiction has twice received the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, for THE MORTAL BONE (Hunter Kiss #6), and TIGER EYE (Dirk & Steele #1). TIGER EYE was the basis for a bestselling paranormal romance video game called Tiger Eye: Curse of the Riddle Box.
Liu has appeared on MSNBC, CNN, MTV, and been profiled in the Wall Street Journal.com, Hollywood Reporter, and USA Today. She is a frequent lecturer and guest speaker, appearing on panels at San Diego Comic Con, the Tokyo Literary Festival, the New York Times Public Lecture series, Geeks Out; and the Asian American Writers Workshop. Her work has been published internationally, including Germany, France, Japan, Poland, and the United Kingdom.
Ms. Liu was born in Philadelphia, and has lived in numerous cities in the Midwest and Beijing. Prior to writing full-time, she was a lawyer. She currently resides in Boston.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 416 reviews
April 19, 2011
I recently decided to reread the Dirk & Steele series because I have fallen behind and haven’t read the last couple books. Since the later world building gets more and more detailed, I figured I had better freshen up so as not to find myself confused by forgotten plot elements. Plus, they’re good. How can I say no to a sure thing? :)
If you’ve read the back of the book and been underwhelmed, just wipe that slate clean. I don’t know who wrote that summary (fingers crossed that it wasn’t the author, because, awkward!) but it doesn’t do the story any justice. The bare bones setup is that Hari, a tiger shifter, has been imprisoned in a puzzle box for the last two thousand years and forced to serve as a slave for whichever master owns him at the moment. Dela buys the box not knowing what it is and finds herself bound to Hari when she opens it.
Let’s pause it right there. I can already sense some of you rolling your eyes, but really, this story does not fall into familiar lines. Liu takes the clichéd setup and turns it into something tender and heartwarming.
Hari has been used and abused constantly throughout his time as a slave and he is not happy to have another master. Dela has a magical gift herself, but when she’s dropped into this situation with Hari, she has a hard time swallowing it. They both have to find a way to make it work because even though Hari has a hard time believing in her, she can’t stomach the thought of making the situation easier for herself by getting rid of him. She didn’t want her life tied to some random stranger, but she can’t turn away when she sees his suffering. Hari fears trusting her, but he can’t keep himself from hoping that she really is different than all the rest.
The romance develops between Hari and Dela in a shorter amount of time than I usually prefer, but it felt right between them. I think a big part of the reason was that in addition to being attracted to each other, they also became friends. That is such an important element for me in a relationship that I’m always thrilled when I find it. Watching Hari and Dela slowly grow closer and closer was so touching. Their love was not the stuff of most Paranormal Romances. Their feelings for each other didn’t need drama or fanfare. They recognized and accepted their feelings and treasured the opportunity to be together. Their love was a quiet, tender thing, and I found it lovely.
Although the romance is an integral part of the story, that’s not the only focus of the book. The way Liu writes the Dirk & Steele books reminds me of Eileen Wilks’s World of the Lupi series. The relationship develops as the events take place as opposed to most romances where the events develop while the romance takes place. It a fine difference, but you'll know it when you read it. If you are fan of that type of book, I strongly urge you to give this series a try. It might just be up your alley.
The writing style itself was at times beautiful and captivating
I loved getting to meet some of the Dirk & Steele guys. Dela’s a part of the organization, but really only because she’s family. They’re only called into the situation because she needs extra protection. It was nice to see the friendships she had with them, and I especially like Eddie. He is so sweet. Added to that, the other shapeshifters we ended up meeting fascinated me. I’m looking forward to learning more about them, and others like them, as the series continues.
While I loved a lot of things about this book, I still had some issues that kept me from bumping it up to a 5 star grade. One of the biggest things for me was the pacing. The first part was great and the last part was great—although I would have preferred a bit longer ending—but the middle sagged. Once Dela got back to her place things seemed to slow way down. Hari and Dela started talking out some issues and making plans, but I found myself a tad restless during it. The fact that they were actually discussing these things was much appreciated, but paired with slower action, I was left a bit wanting.
Despite the issues mentioned, I enjoyed this book a lot. The reread has only confirmed what I knew before. This is a solid first series entry and it looks like there are a lot more exciting stories to come with other Dirk & Steele members.
Favorite Quote:
If you’ve read the back of the book and been underwhelmed, just wipe that slate clean. I don’t know who wrote that summary (fingers crossed that it wasn’t the author, because, awkward!) but it doesn’t do the story any justice. The bare bones setup is that Hari, a tiger shifter, has been imprisoned in a puzzle box for the last two thousand years and forced to serve as a slave for whichever master owns him at the moment. Dela buys the box not knowing what it is and finds herself bound to Hari when she opens it.
Let’s pause it right there. I can already sense some of you rolling your eyes, but really, this story does not fall into familiar lines. Liu takes the clichéd setup and turns it into something tender and heartwarming.
Hari has been used and abused constantly throughout his time as a slave and he is not happy to have another master. Dela has a magical gift herself, but when she’s dropped into this situation with Hari, she has a hard time swallowing it. They both have to find a way to make it work because even though Hari has a hard time believing in her, she can’t stomach the thought of making the situation easier for herself by getting rid of him. She didn’t want her life tied to some random stranger, but she can’t turn away when she sees his suffering. Hari fears trusting her, but he can’t keep himself from hoping that she really is different than all the rest.
The romance develops between Hari and Dela in a shorter amount of time than I usually prefer, but it felt right between them. I think a big part of the reason was that in addition to being attracted to each other, they also became friends. That is such an important element for me in a relationship that I’m always thrilled when I find it. Watching Hari and Dela slowly grow closer and closer was so touching. Their love was not the stuff of most Paranormal Romances. Their feelings for each other didn’t need drama or fanfare. They recognized and accepted their feelings and treasured the opportunity to be together. Their love was a quiet, tender thing, and I found it lovely.
Although the romance is an integral part of the story, that’s not the only focus of the book. The way Liu writes the Dirk & Steele books reminds me of Eileen Wilks’s World of the Lupi series. The relationship develops as the events take place as opposed to most romances where the events develop while the romance takes place. It a fine difference, but you'll know it when you read it. If you are fan of that type of book, I strongly urge you to give this series a try. It might just be up your alley.
The writing style itself was at times beautiful and captivating
She drowned in emotions not her own, lost to the story of the blade, the man. Rolling deep, deeper, into a forest of sharp teeth and steel, cutting her mind on desperation, an echo plunging through the flashing images and sensations of endless battle, violence. Every death had meant something to the man who held this weapon. Every drop of blood was a dark testimony to some terrible heartbreak.and at other times humorous.
She showed him his passport, but scowled when she saw the last name Roland has chosen.The shifting tones melded together to form an adaptable style that worked well with both the lighter and darker aspects of the book.
"Why am I called Hari Dasypygal?"
Dela growled. "That's the last name Roland gave you. It's an obscure Greek word that means...having hairy buttocks."
I loved getting to meet some of the Dirk & Steele guys. Dela’s a part of the organization, but really only because she’s family. They’re only called into the situation because she needs extra protection. It was nice to see the friendships she had with them, and I especially like Eddie. He is so sweet. Added to that, the other shapeshifters we ended up meeting fascinated me. I’m looking forward to learning more about them, and others like them, as the series continues.
While I loved a lot of things about this book, I still had some issues that kept me from bumping it up to a 5 star grade. One of the biggest things for me was the pacing. The first part was great and the last part was great—although I would have preferred a bit longer ending—but the middle sagged. Once Dela got back to her place things seemed to slow way down. Hari and Dela started talking out some issues and making plans, but I found myself a tad restless during it. The fact that they were actually discussing these things was much appreciated, but paired with slower action, I was left a bit wanting.
Despite the issues mentioned, I enjoyed this book a lot. The reread has only confirmed what I knew before. This is a solid first series entry and it looks like there are a lot more exciting stories to come with other Dirk & Steele members.
Favorite Quote:
"Let me fall into the earth at your side, and I will be content. An eternity, dreaming of you."The review is also posted on Fiction Vixen.
December 6, 2012
While working in China, Sword maker and artist, Dela Reese, visits Beijing's Dirt Market and is sold a mysterious box with a curious riddle attached to it. When she finally gets the box open, imagine her surprise when a handsome, seven foot tall warrior pops out like a genie from a bottle.
Enslaved to the owner of the magic box he's tied to, one-time shape shifter, Hari, is wary of the half naked woman who has summoned him. Cursed by a dark magi two thousand yrs ago and forced to commit unspeakable acts, he longs to be free from his wretched existence.
Although not unaware of the magical side of life and a psychically gifted person herself, even Dela has hard time believing Hari's story. But when faced with the evidence that every word he's spoken is true, her kind hearted nature shines forth as she sets about to help him find his freedom.
Hari follows Dela across the world, desperately hoping that finally- FINALLY- he's found a person to trust, all the while helpless to stop protecting her- especially when faced with the reappearance of his ancient adversary, the dark magi who wants nothing more than to kill Dela and get his hands back on the mystical box.
Danger, intrigue and the healing power of love abounds in this sensual, and well developed novel. Liu is a talented story teller. I found her writing flawless and thought on more than one occasion that THIS was the story that should have been Cabal's from Lora Leigh's Breed series (Bengal's Heart). (True, one is a Tiger Shifter and the other a genetically enhanced Mix Breed- but, well, you get the idea!)
Hari and Dela fell in love very quickly, but they didn't fight it. The sexual tension was kept high throughout the novel, even though the author kept them from the inevitable culmination of their passionate relationship till towards the end. I loved both the Hero and the Heroine, as well as the side characters who make up the Dirk and Steele detective agency. (Cannot wait to get to some of their stories!)
Tiger Eye is billed as the first Dirk & Steele novel, but somehow it felt like there may have been some before it? Still, it's a perfectly fine place to begin the series and I found myself rushing out and buying the rest.
This series is Paranormal Romance for the thinking woman.
4 out of 5 from me- Are you kidding me? This story rocks! LOVED it!
Enslaved to the owner of the magic box he's tied to, one-time shape shifter, Hari, is wary of the half naked woman who has summoned him. Cursed by a dark magi two thousand yrs ago and forced to commit unspeakable acts, he longs to be free from his wretched existence.
Although not unaware of the magical side of life and a psychically gifted person herself, even Dela has hard time believing Hari's story. But when faced with the evidence that every word he's spoken is true, her kind hearted nature shines forth as she sets about to help him find his freedom.
Hari follows Dela across the world, desperately hoping that finally- FINALLY- he's found a person to trust, all the while helpless to stop protecting her- especially when faced with the reappearance of his ancient adversary, the dark magi who wants nothing more than to kill Dela and get his hands back on the mystical box.
Danger, intrigue and the healing power of love abounds in this sensual, and well developed novel. Liu is a talented story teller. I found her writing flawless and thought on more than one occasion that THIS was the story that should have been Cabal's from Lora Leigh's Breed series (Bengal's Heart). (True, one is a Tiger Shifter and the other a genetically enhanced Mix Breed- but, well, you get the idea!)
Hari and Dela fell in love very quickly, but they didn't fight it. The sexual tension was kept high throughout the novel, even though the author kept them from the inevitable culmination of their passionate relationship till towards the end. I loved both the Hero and the Heroine, as well as the side characters who make up the Dirk and Steele detective agency. (Cannot wait to get to some of their stories!)
Tiger Eye is billed as the first Dirk & Steele novel, but somehow it felt like there may have been some before it? Still, it's a perfectly fine place to begin the series and I found myself rushing out and buying the rest.
This series is Paranormal Romance for the thinking woman.
4 out of 5 from me- Are you kidding me? This story rocks! LOVED it!
March 19, 2012
Shapeshifters, romance, ancient men brought to life. Yum.
The characters were quite enjoyable in this book. I had accidentally picked up book 11 in the series and read it with a bit of confusion, so I think with this series it's important to start from the beginning. I think this author's strength is creating non-cliched characters with emotional nuance, and even in this first book she succeeds in making me invested in the characters. The plot is a bit meandery and side plots leave for so long sometimes you're like, "uh what's with that bad guy, where did he go?" But the emotional arc of the romance totally makes up for that.
I am totally hooked on the series and look forward to bridging the gap between book 1 and book 11!
The characters were quite enjoyable in this book. I had accidentally picked up book 11 in the series and read it with a bit of confusion, so I think with this series it's important to start from the beginning. I think this author's strength is creating non-cliched characters with emotional nuance, and even in this first book she succeeds in making me invested in the characters. The plot is a bit meandery and side plots leave for so long sometimes you're like, "uh what's with that bad guy, where did he go?" But the emotional arc of the romance totally makes up for that.
I am totally hooked on the series and look forward to bridging the gap between book 1 and book 11!
December 8, 2012
This is Liu's first book, and the first in the Dirk & Steele series. It's pretty decent, with some solid strengths and some fairly noticeable weaknesses. This paranormal romance / erotica (not urban fantasy, IMO) is told in 3rd person, with POV alternating from heroine to hero. It was easy to follow the shifting POV.
MILD SPOILERS -- I keep it pretty obscure
Content: Explicit sex and different sex, no swearing, bloody savagery, suggested rape
Plot: The story reminded me of X-Men, with differently-gifted outcasts and loners coming together to fight crime and support each other in a bonding community. It's a romance involving a tiger-shifter named Hari who has been cursed (by an evil magi) to appear when summoned from his puzzle box and to obey every command, and a telepathic knife-maker named Dela (Delilah) who unwittingly summons him but promises not to command him. Together, and with help from Dela's friends, they must break the curse and set him free.
Setting: Wow. Liu did a superb job describing Beijing. It felt authentic (I have been there). The crowds -- so many people it frightened Hari, who'd been sleeping in a puzzle box since his last summoning ~600 years ago. It smelled right, too (references to coal, sweat, etc). The maze-like market description felt really solid. The taxi driver, the traffic. Towers as far as Hari could see. She nailed it. One of the best settings I have read in a romance novel. For example, this compares favorably to the recent CR, The Unwanted Wife, because some reviewers weren't even sure where that story took place.
But Liu screwed up the setting when they flew to San Francisco (I lived there). Dela lives in a 2-story brick building with floor to ceiling glass on all four walls (this is earthquake country!!). She mentioned a river, but never the ocean. Mentioned the smell of cut grass, but never the eucalyptus and cedar, never the sea spray, brine, or fog. When driving, no mention of hills. You know -- the streets of San Francisco?? It did not feel at all like the San Francisco I know, or the surrounding suburbs, despite their evening at the famous night club, Kizmo.
Pacing : I started off really liking this book, and eager to follow a tight plot to free Hari from the magi's curse and recover his tiger-self (his metaphorical skin), but pacing bogged down. A lot. Too much thinking, feeling guilty, rehashing events, etc. Lots of long flowery sentences -- especially when Dela was introspecting. A little rumination goes a long way with me, and when the character starts repeating her thoughts? Talk to the hand.
Suspense / mystery: Given that Dirk & Steele is a detective agency, I expected more detecting, but most problems were resolved easily. For example, Hari finally got his tiger-self back. But how did they find it, you ask?? Not by clever sleuthing, that's for sure. Another example is the way they discovered who killed the ____. No gathering assortment of clues. The murderer's identity just dropped into our lap. Liu is telling two stories here -- totally unrelated. The murder of the ____ and the subsequent attacks on Dela have nothing to do with the magi plot line. Liu lost the main conflict with the digression into the Chinese Mafia and didn't do justice to either thread.
On the up side, I thought the dragon character was well developed and added suspense to the story. I knew she would pop up again, but not how, or why, or even who she was. Also, I liked the final battle scene, where everyone took part. I liked the chase that led up to it, and the sacrifice necessary to save the day. That congregation of kick-ass characters kinda felt like the end of Harry Potter. (Not really. Well, a little.)
But but but!! I was totally grossed out by the magi, and wanted him to suffer more. Why do we get to see the good guys endure so much pain, but the devil dies a quick death? This happens in too many books.
Characterization: I sympathized with Hari for his dreadful past, but honestly, it did not feel real to me. But I adored him! Such a huge heart! The scene when he played with the children, in Beijing!! Loved it!! I think Liu did a good job portraying his constant struggle to retain his humanity despite the harm he was forced to unwillingly inflict on others. Plus, he was tender and hot. ツ
I liked Dela, but didn't quite get her. She makes deadly knives for a living, but feels guilty when one is used to murder a ____ ? Yet not guilty when they are used to murder anyone else? And didn't she expect that a ____ might be killed? Also, at times she seemed like a kick-ass Buffy type, and at times a crybaby. Odd. But I liked her, and that is important to me.
Relationship Development: I was happy to see Hari find a friend (lots of talk of being friends). They quickly became more than friends, and there was almost no conflict in their path to true love. On the first day they met, she managed to see briefly into his mind / heart (not mind reading), so she knew he was noble and could be trusted. He didn't trust her as quickly, but by the end of the day he did. So, the rest of the book was mushy love. Sweet and tender, ♥ Hari was protective and mildly possessive of her, always there to comfort and support when she got all sad and weepy (which happened several times).
Sex: Lots of kissing and foreplay throughout, but the first full-on love scene occurs about 80% in. Steamy hot!! Phew!! But it made me a little uncomfortable. Readers might guess why. Also, I wish he wasn't 7 feet tall. I'm not attracted to giants, and Dela was average height. The logistics. ツ
I am told the series gets better -- this is Liu's debut -- and I liked the secondary characters, so I may try book 2.
MILD SPOILERS -- I keep it pretty obscure
Content: Explicit sex and different sex, no swearing, bloody savagery, suggested rape
Plot: The story reminded me of X-Men, with differently-gifted outcasts and loners coming together to fight crime and support each other in a bonding community. It's a romance involving a tiger-shifter named Hari who has been cursed (by an evil magi) to appear when summoned from his puzzle box and to obey every command, and a telepathic knife-maker named Dela (Delilah) who unwittingly summons him but promises not to command him. Together, and with help from Dela's friends, they must break the curse and set him free.
Setting: Wow. Liu did a superb job describing Beijing. It felt authentic (I have been there). The crowds -- so many people it frightened Hari, who'd been sleeping in a puzzle box since his last summoning ~600 years ago. It smelled right, too (references to coal, sweat, etc). The maze-like market description felt really solid. The taxi driver, the traffic. Towers as far as Hari could see. She nailed it. One of the best settings I have read in a romance novel. For example, this compares favorably to the recent CR, The Unwanted Wife, because some reviewers weren't even sure where that story took place.
But Liu screwed up the setting when they flew to San Francisco (I lived there). Dela lives in a 2-story brick building with floor to ceiling glass on all four walls (this is earthquake country!!). She mentioned a river, but never the ocean. Mentioned the smell of cut grass, but never the eucalyptus and cedar, never the sea spray, brine, or fog. When driving, no mention of hills. You know -- the streets of San Francisco?? It did not feel at all like the San Francisco I know, or the surrounding suburbs, despite their evening at the famous night club, Kizmo.
Pacing : I started off really liking this book, and eager to follow a tight plot to free Hari from the magi's curse and recover his tiger-self (his metaphorical skin), but pacing bogged down. A lot. Too much thinking, feeling guilty, rehashing events, etc. Lots of long flowery sentences -- especially when Dela was introspecting. A little rumination goes a long way with me, and when the character starts repeating her thoughts? Talk to the hand.
Suspense / mystery: Given that Dirk & Steele is a detective agency, I expected more detecting, but most problems were resolved easily. For example, Hari finally got his tiger-self back. But how did they find it, you ask?? Not by clever sleuthing, that's for sure. Another example is the way they discovered who killed the ____. No gathering assortment of clues. The murderer's identity just dropped into our lap. Liu is telling two stories here -- totally unrelated. The murder of the ____ and the subsequent attacks on Dela have nothing to do with the magi plot line. Liu lost the main conflict with the digression into the Chinese Mafia and didn't do justice to either thread.
On the up side, I thought the dragon character was well developed and added suspense to the story. I knew she would pop up again, but not how, or why, or even who she was. Also, I liked the final battle scene, where everyone took part. I liked the chase that led up to it, and the sacrifice necessary to save the day. That congregation of kick-ass characters kinda felt like the end of Harry Potter. (Not really. Well, a little.)
But but but!! I was totally grossed out by the magi, and wanted him to suffer more. Why do we get to see the good guys endure so much pain, but the devil dies a quick death? This happens in too many books.
Characterization: I sympathized with Hari for his dreadful past, but honestly, it did not feel real to me. But I adored him! Such a huge heart! The scene when he played with the children, in Beijing!! Loved it!! I think Liu did a good job portraying his constant struggle to retain his humanity despite the harm he was forced to unwillingly inflict on others. Plus, he was tender and hot. ツ
I liked Dela, but didn't quite get her. She makes deadly knives for a living, but feels guilty when one is used to murder a ____ ? Yet not guilty when they are used to murder anyone else? And didn't she expect that a ____ might be killed? Also, at times she seemed like a kick-ass Buffy type, and at times a crybaby. Odd. But I liked her, and that is important to me.
Relationship Development: I was happy to see Hari find a friend (lots of talk of being friends). They quickly became more than friends, and there was almost no conflict in their path to true love. On the first day they met, she managed to see briefly into his mind / heart (not mind reading), so she knew he was noble and could be trusted. He didn't trust her as quickly, but by the end of the day he did. So, the rest of the book was mushy love. Sweet and tender, ♥ Hari was protective and mildly possessive of her, always there to comfort and support when she got all sad and weepy (which happened several times).
Sex: Lots of kissing and foreplay throughout, but the first full-on love scene occurs about 80% in. Steamy hot!! Phew!! But it made me a little uncomfortable. Readers might guess why. Also, I wish he wasn't 7 feet tall. I'm not attracted to giants, and Dela was average height. The logistics. ツ
I am told the series gets better -- this is Liu's debut -- and I liked the secondary characters, so I may try book 2.
December 14, 2010
Typical PNR storyline and a catchy beginning for a series, Dirk and Steele.
You have a hero trapped for centuries and was accidentally released by our heroine who refused to enslave him. Our heroine herself has an affinity to steel, and together they will battle the Magi, the original reason why our hero is in his current predicament.
Liu has an interesting writing style, very lyrical prose. The storyline is good enough for me to continue reading, and she introduced enough secondary characters that makes me want to read the other books in the series.
You have a hero trapped for centuries and was accidentally released by our heroine who refused to enslave him. Our heroine herself has an affinity to steel, and together they will battle the Magi, the original reason why our hero is in his current predicament.
Liu has an interesting writing style, very lyrical prose. The storyline is good enough for me to continue reading, and she introduced enough secondary characters that makes me want to read the other books in the series.
February 7, 2012
Way too much gushing about how great looking and muscular and 7 foot tall giant and blah, blah, blah. There was sort of a plot, but it was overwhelmed by the "romance" features of the book. Some of the book was also quite repetitious (there would be a great action scene, but then we'd have to "relive" it as the heroine went over it in her head in a kind of "what if" regurgitation or "I should have done this" or "I didn't know I could do that".) Really, I thought the plot could have used some "clues" that came together instead of phone calls that periodically and conveniently provided the answers to the mystery. This is not a sleuth book; while the heroine is in danger, she doesn't do any investigating. There's suspense and good action scenes. She does defend herself as do all the many, many people who love her without question (that was a bit over the top) and in general the characterization was well-done. There were some fun and unique characters, but overall a bit too simplistic--too easy and sudden to fall in love, too easy to solve issues (sometimes the answer literally came flying out of the sky..)etc.
This is firmly in paranormal romance--not urban fantasy or paranormal mystery. Read it for the more typical romance features, not the intrigue or slim mystery. (The romance could have taken more than a few pages to develop too IMO. There's a lot of components to romance, including trust. I thought the trust resolved itself rather faster than the speed of light in this one and that was confounding given the circumstances.)
This is firmly in paranormal romance--not urban fantasy or paranormal mystery. Read it for the more typical romance features, not the intrigue or slim mystery. (The romance could have taken more than a few pages to develop too IMO. There's a lot of components to romance, including trust. I thought the trust resolved itself rather faster than the speed of light in this one and that was confounding given the circumstances.)
July 24, 2024
Read because of a strong recommendation of the author. Personally, I wasn't impressed. I know this title is in a more romance-centric series, which doesn't bode well for quality, and maybe I have some confirmation bias going because of that, but while I found this book fluffy and easily devoured (and I did finish it, so there's that), it has a lot of problems.
1. The plot. Also, closely related, the pacing. A middle 30% of the book doesn't have much going on, really, after a strong start. (I think the characters should have stayed in China, personally.) One antagonist solves that mystery for them, and they do nothing about the other antagonist until he makes another move.
Flimsy intro: mysterious shopkeeper sells mysterious object, only to disappear the next day. Why Dela again? Oh, and pops in to save the characters' asses periodically, so they don't have to try too hard.
Climax: rape threats! Rape threats for everyone! For not especially logical reasons on the part of the villain, who is just evil and power-hungry.
2. The characters. Everyone is a shallow caricature. Dela's friends are a pack of badasses with hearts of gold, but there's no sense of danger to them, even when they're dispatching intruders or talking about Those Mysterious Places they know they can get rid of bodies at. Black Best Friend only really serves as a vehicle to make them meet another shifter (but I see she gets her own book later).
2a. Hari himself is a shallow angst puppet. Forced to do bad things! But only killing and having sex with women. Never raping women or children, no. Just so much death and punishing abuse. Which, yeah right-- he could fight that one kind of command? Also, he was never forced to "service" men? Uh-huh. Okay, so damaged goods...who magically trusts the special new master within an hour of being awakened by her. No PTSD. No trust/commitment issues beyond the flimsy desire to have total privacy when he and Dela first have PIV sex (but handjobs are totes different). So basically typical Romantic Lead: angsty background, inexplicably drawn to the heroine, overly protective to the point of physically stopping the heroine from doing something--including locking her in her room until she starts screaming (though otoh the heroine has typical Put Myself In Danger inclinations). For some reason he repeatedly mentions his masters (and everyone else) fearing him, which...really? There weren't any dismissive, cocky bastards in your list of owners? People who implicitly trusted the binding enchantment? Also adjusted very quickly to the modern world despite last being exposed in the 15th century. And stupid multi-color hair. Shouldn't he, and couldn't he, have looked more like an actual Indian man instead of rainbow hair and a tan? India is never named explicitly but that's gotta be his area of origin.
2b. Dela herself is dropping Canon Sue flags all over. She's a metalsmith but no mention of her being buff or having rough hands? But she's not a girly-girl like those other useless women, naturally. She's just a homely jeans-and-flannel kind of girl (though the only times her clothing is mentioned, that's certainly not what she's in). She swoons when Hari dismisses some other women (feminine, giggly, openly checking him out) as not real women like HER. She is, of course, the first and only woman in 2 millennia who is brave and forthright with him. All the characters have to comment on how brave she is! How kind! Soft but fierce! Legit artist but besties with tough men who love her like a kid sister. So sensitive that she makes knives to sell but is heartbroken that one was actually used to kill. Also, filthy stinking rich (a trust fund that would make Donald Trump weep, as she puts it). She's a loner but with a decent network of friends and family, and even restaurant owners who know and adore her.
3. The interactions and reactions are not really realistic. Re: that knife, everyone (hard men included) are just so shocked and appalled about the murder of a teenager. So unforgivable, killing a child! The ultimate moral event horizon-- except for rape. You know, be pissed that the girl was probably innocent of perpetrating the deeds that drove the murderer to it. And have some sympathy for that murderer, because he did it in revenge for some horrible shit done to him, and none of this calling him a coward, or overwrought accusations--Dela--that he used you to commit murder. No. Maybe if you were a caterer and he deliberately didn't tell you about someone's peanut allergy or something...
So he kills himself and some of the immediate reaction, no joke, is how selfish he was to do it in front of Dela. Not that killing yourself in front of someone is a kind thing, but really? Yes, someone felt pushed to suicide, but let's only talk about how much it hurt our cute blonde heroine. Minor antagonist basically put himself in the fridge. At least Hari had some sympathy, and Dean chimed in as the voice of reason for the second time to point out that things must have sucked for the murder, too.
Also, throughout the story, more heroine-centric behavior. Okay, 7' tall hottie, especially in China, is going to attract some attention, but it seems everyone always has eyes locked on Dela and Hari. They get a little PDA in a dumpling shop and decide to quickly leave because everyone's gone silent, staring at them. Dela suggestively sucks Hari finger at an airport, and all the men in a 20' radius have their eyes glued to her as she saunters off. No. People are not that interested in you, or even your freakishly tall boyfriend. I already mentioned the disgusting suite moment...
4. The Relationship. okay, I know this is the genre, but Hari and Dela are pledging each other eternity within days of meeting. Dela even ponders, what if she can't stand living with him? Giving up her solitude? Which is never mentioned again, even though she also has 4 other guys crashing her place to guard her. That was a good concern! Never to actually be used or mentioned, or explored. At some point, after declarations of undying love and loyalty, the two of you have to pick wall colors and cabinet knobs, too, or decide what kind of culture you're going to raise tiger cubs in. Oh, and they move off to some mountainside wilderness somewhere. Dela, for all her "much loner, very solitude, wow" attitude, liked to get her restaurant on, apparently...have fun with that.
4b. The sex. I misinterpreted the meaning of "shifted" and thought it meant Hari transformed during sex. Haha, oh no, silly me.
And then a page later Dela is literally blowing a tiger.
Eeeww. No, you know what, she is the specialest person to ever special, because while I think these days more random people than not would be compassionate towards Hari, most would probably not exchange oral sex with him while he's an Actual Literal Tiger.
(It's supposed to be emphasizing how Special Dela is for always seeing him as the man he is and not a piece of meat or a monster, but uh...)
In other news, there were a lot of Laurell K. Hamilton-ish aspects to this book, which came out in 2005. I wonder whether Hamilton or Liu got were-bestiality first... Hamilton definitely got the Stupidly Tall Hottie all women, everywhere, yes even you, will assault just to have a chance to touch, while ignoring or glaring at the obvious girlfriend. So...yay?
If I need hyper-fluff again and can't find anything else, I may see if the library has more of these. Otherwise, meh.
1. The plot. Also, closely related, the pacing. A middle 30% of the book doesn't have much going on, really, after a strong start. (I think the characters should have stayed in China, personally.) One antagonist solves that mystery for them, and they do nothing about the other antagonist until he makes another move.
Flimsy intro: mysterious shopkeeper sells mysterious object, only to disappear the next day. Why Dela again? Oh, and pops in to save the characters' asses periodically, so they don't have to try too hard.
Climax: rape threats! Rape threats for everyone! For not especially logical reasons on the part of the villain, who is just evil and power-hungry.
2. The characters. Everyone is a shallow caricature. Dela's friends are a pack of badasses with hearts of gold, but there's no sense of danger to them, even when they're dispatching intruders or talking about Those Mysterious Places they know they can get rid of bodies at. Black Best Friend only really serves as a vehicle to make them meet another shifter (but I see she gets her own book later).
2a. Hari himself is a shallow angst puppet. Forced to do bad things! But only killing and having sex with women. Never raping women or children, no. Just so much death and punishing abuse. Which, yeah right-- he could fight that one kind of command? Also, he was never forced to "service" men? Uh-huh. Okay, so damaged goods...who magically trusts the special new master within an hour of being awakened by her. No PTSD. No trust/commitment issues beyond the flimsy desire to have total privacy when he and Dela first have PIV sex (but handjobs are totes different). So basically typical Romantic Lead: angsty background, inexplicably drawn to the heroine, overly protective to the point of physically stopping the heroine from doing something--including locking her in her room until she starts screaming (though otoh the heroine has typical Put Myself In Danger inclinations). For some reason he repeatedly mentions his masters (and everyone else) fearing him, which...really? There weren't any dismissive, cocky bastards in your list of owners? People who implicitly trusted the binding enchantment? Also adjusted very quickly to the modern world despite last being exposed in the 15th century. And stupid multi-color hair. Shouldn't he, and couldn't he, have looked more like an actual Indian man instead of rainbow hair and a tan? India is never named explicitly but that's gotta be his area of origin.
2b. Dela herself is dropping Canon Sue flags all over. She's a metalsmith but no mention of her being buff or having rough hands? But she's not a girly-girl like those other useless women, naturally. She's just a homely jeans-and-flannel kind of girl (though the only times her clothing is mentioned, that's certainly not what she's in). She swoons when Hari dismisses some other women (feminine, giggly, openly checking him out) as not real women like HER. She is, of course, the first and only woman in 2 millennia who is brave and forthright with him. All the characters have to comment on how brave she is! How kind! Soft but fierce! Legit artist but besties with tough men who love her like a kid sister. So sensitive that she makes knives to sell but is heartbroken that one was actually used to kill. Also, filthy stinking rich (a trust fund that would make Donald Trump weep, as she puts it). She's a loner but with a decent network of friends and family, and even restaurant owners who know and adore her.
3. The interactions and reactions are not really realistic. Re: that knife, everyone (hard men included) are just so shocked and appalled about the murder of a teenager. So unforgivable, killing a child! The ultimate moral event horizon-- except for rape. You know, be pissed that the girl was probably innocent of perpetrating the deeds that drove the murderer to it. And have some sympathy for that murderer, because he did it in revenge for some horrible shit done to him, and none of this calling him a coward, or overwrought accusations--Dela--that he used you to commit murder. No. Maybe if you were a caterer and he deliberately didn't tell you about someone's peanut allergy or something...
So he kills himself and some of the immediate reaction, no joke, is how selfish he was to do it in front of Dela. Not that killing yourself in front of someone is a kind thing, but really? Yes, someone felt pushed to suicide, but let's only talk about how much it hurt our cute blonde heroine. Minor antagonist basically put himself in the fridge. At least Hari had some sympathy, and Dean chimed in as the voice of reason for the second time to point out that things must have sucked for the murder, too.
Also, throughout the story, more heroine-centric behavior. Okay, 7' tall hottie, especially in China, is going to attract some attention, but it seems everyone always has eyes locked on Dela and Hari. They get a little PDA in a dumpling shop and decide to quickly leave because everyone's gone silent, staring at them. Dela suggestively sucks Hari finger at an airport, and all the men in a 20' radius have their eyes glued to her as she saunters off. No. People are not that interested in you, or even your freakishly tall boyfriend. I already mentioned the disgusting suite moment...
4. The Relationship. okay, I know this is the genre, but Hari and Dela are pledging each other eternity within days of meeting. Dela even ponders, what if she can't stand living with him? Giving up her solitude? Which is never mentioned again, even though she also has 4 other guys crashing her place to guard her. That was a good concern! Never to actually be used or mentioned, or explored. At some point, after declarations of undying love and loyalty, the two of you have to pick wall colors and cabinet knobs, too, or decide what kind of culture you're going to raise tiger cubs in. Oh, and they move off to some mountainside wilderness somewhere. Dela, for all her "much loner, very solitude, wow" attitude, liked to get her restaurant on, apparently...have fun with that.
4b. The sex. I misinterpreted the meaning of "shifted" and thought it meant Hari transformed during sex. Haha, oh no, silly me.
And then a page later Dela is literally blowing a tiger.
Eeeww. No, you know what, she is the specialest person to ever special, because while I think these days more random people than not would be compassionate towards Hari, most would probably not exchange oral sex with him while he's an Actual Literal Tiger.
(It's supposed to be emphasizing how Special Dela is for always seeing him as the man he is and not a piece of meat or a monster, but uh...)
In other news, there were a lot of Laurell K. Hamilton-ish aspects to this book, which came out in 2005. I wonder whether Hamilton or Liu got were-bestiality first... Hamilton definitely got the Stupidly Tall Hottie all women, everywhere, yes even you, will assault just to have a chance to touch, while ignoring or glaring at the obvious girlfriend. So...yay?
If I need hyper-fluff again and can't find anything else, I may see if the library has more of these. Otherwise, meh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2021
3.5 ★ - Kicker Group Read book
Tiger Eye tells the story of Dela who is visiting Beijing and goes to the Dirt Market looking for interesting eccentricities. A mysterious Chinese woman at one of the stalls convinces her to buy a small ancient "riddle box".
When opened in her hotel room, a "genie" appears who is at her command. “WHAT IS YOUR DESIRE?” Dela stared, caught between laughter and a scream. “Nothing.” Hari: “Are you saying there is no battle to fight, not one person you wish me to kill?” Dela: “Hey, now. I don’t want anyone to die.” He gave her a slow once-over that, oddly, managed not to feel degrading. “If you did not bring me here to kill or fight, then I was summoned to pleasure your body.”
Two separate groups are now trying to kill Deal - one of whom is an evil Magi who needs the riddle box and the other for reasons yet to be discovered. Enter a special hot psi black ops squad, friends of Dela's, that could rival those hot guys in Rock Chicks. Non-stop action with Dela & Hari, the Magi & his bad guys, two NY Chinese mafia heads & their bad guys, mysterious Chinese woman, shifters, psi guys and more
Liu's characters were fabulous - both main & secondaries. Exotic Beijing as the initial setting was a real bonus. And Hari & Dela's experiences were exciting to watch. Writing was sooo good. Points taken off for the slow pace of the book, although with all the action I couldn't put it down until the end..
Tiger Eye tells the story of Dela who is visiting Beijing and goes to the Dirt Market looking for interesting eccentricities. A mysterious Chinese woman at one of the stalls convinces her to buy a small ancient "riddle box".
When opened in her hotel room, a "genie" appears who is at her command. “WHAT IS YOUR DESIRE?” Dela stared, caught between laughter and a scream. “Nothing.” Hari: “Are you saying there is no battle to fight, not one person you wish me to kill?” Dela: “Hey, now. I don’t want anyone to die.” He gave her a slow once-over that, oddly, managed not to feel degrading. “If you did not bring me here to kill or fight, then I was summoned to pleasure your body.”
Two separate groups are now trying to kill Deal - one of whom is an evil Magi who needs the riddle box and the other for reasons yet to be discovered. Enter a special hot psi black ops squad, friends of Dela's, that could rival those hot guys in Rock Chicks. Non-stop action with Dela & Hari, the Magi & his bad guys, two NY Chinese mafia heads & their bad guys, mysterious Chinese woman, shifters, psi guys and more
Liu's characters were fabulous - both main & secondaries. Exotic Beijing as the initial setting was a real bonus. And Hari & Dela's experiences were exciting to watch. Writing was sooo good. Points taken off for the slow pace of the book, although with all the action I couldn't put it down until the end..
May 13, 2022
It started really well. The idea of magical being -of sorts - trapped in a box under a spell, coming back to life by someone without a clue was very interesting. Not a novelty, but interesting and the characters felt intriguing enough that I wanted to know more about them and, of course, how they would fall in love despite the spell's "rules".
The action was taking place in China but the female protagonist is American, so she went back home and from that on things started to fizzle out for me. Besides an evil magician wanting to control the box with the spell, there was also a secondary antagonist and this part of the story didn't seem to matter much in the big scheme of things. There were also several secondary characters - I see they will be protagonists in following books in the series - but not enough about them was shared that I felt I had to read those stories.
I think I'd have appreciated this more if the focus had been, as it was at first, on the main couple's connection and in the world building. As it was, everything was rushed and slightly confusing after those early chapters.
The action was taking place in China but the female protagonist is American, so she went back home and from that on things started to fizzle out for me. Besides an evil magician wanting to control the box with the spell, there was also a secondary antagonist and this part of the story didn't seem to matter much in the big scheme of things. There were also several secondary characters - I see they will be protagonists in following books in the series - but not enough about them was shared that I felt I had to read those stories.
I think I'd have appreciated this more if the focus had been, as it was at first, on the main couple's connection and in the world building. As it was, everything was rushed and slightly confusing after those early chapters.
November 10, 2021
Started out really strong (major T Kingfisher Swordheart similarities in a great way) but then kind of went off the rails once they left China and the book felt the need to introduce way too many side characters that don’t serve any purpose in this story but set up future books. Also a main plot of this was that a lot of people (both heroes and baddies) were really upset at the knife maker for how a knife she created was used by someone else and that felt like a weird major misplacement of anger.
July 1, 2016
The cover of this book really threw me off. Paranormal romance covers typically have cheesy covers - but this one . . . just doesn't seem to quite fit. And, I don't always notice or pay attention to covers, I was just thrown off.
I enjoyed the beginning of the book which takes place in China. I felt surrounded by the market place and immersed into the culture. And, the description of the riddle box was well done. However, I did feel that the relationship between Dela and Hari was a little fast and over the top, but then I remembered I was reading a paranormal romance. So, I cut it some slack. Even so, their romance is sweet and gentle and rewarding.
When the story returned to the states, it became more interesting - at least in the relationship arena. Dela and Hari are suddenly surrounded by men in the Dirk and Steele agency to help protect them. The people around them are humorous and enjoyable. One of the marks of a good PNR series for me is that I read about characters that I would like to see in their own books - and I found several here that I was spoilering ahead trying to see if ended up as couples - or at least happy. (For, I assume if they have their own books, they will be happy - this is PNR.) I was pleasantly surprised to see it was so.
Ultimately, the mysteries were a little flat. The characters were a bit flat. The world was not very creative. I just didn't feel like there was a lot of substance here. Of course, it *is* paranormal romance . . . but still. Maybe Nalini Singh has spoiled me . . . OR it may be my personal bias that the writer is a lawyer dividing her time between China and the states.
It was a solid 3 star book for me. I'm not sure if I will continue. It is a definite maybe.
I enjoyed the beginning of the book which takes place in China. I felt surrounded by the market place and immersed into the culture. And, the description of the riddle box was well done. However, I did feel that the relationship between Dela and Hari was a little fast and over the top, but then I remembered I was reading a paranormal romance. So, I cut it some slack. Even so, their romance is sweet and gentle and rewarding.
When the story returned to the states, it became more interesting - at least in the relationship arena. Dela and Hari are suddenly surrounded by men in the Dirk and Steele agency to help protect them. The people around them are humorous and enjoyable. One of the marks of a good PNR series for me is that I read about characters that I would like to see in their own books - and I found several here that I was spoilering ahead trying to see if ended up as couples - or at least happy. (For, I assume if they have their own books, they will be happy - this is PNR.) I was pleasantly surprised to see it was so.
Ultimately, the mysteries were a little flat. The characters were a bit flat. The world was not very creative. I just didn't feel like there was a lot of substance here. Of course, it *is* paranormal romance . . . but still. Maybe Nalini Singh has spoiled me . . . OR it may be my personal bias that the writer is a lawyer dividing her time between China and the states.
It was a solid 3 star book for me. I'm not sure if I will continue. It is a definite maybe.
November 26, 2019
This book was not for me. I thought that it might be the case but I wanted to try it anyways. I'd never read anything by the author but know of her comic book work and the description of the book sounded so kick butt that I hoped the romance angle would be pretty low key, unfortunately I was wrong. Many times during the book either during an action or when the character's should have taken action, they reflected on their feelings, it really slowed down the pacing.
I think if you like romance or paranormal romance you should ignore this review and give this book a try. The writing is good and I liked many of the elements of the plot. The low number of stars reflects my own preferences.
edit I just reread this and I liked it a lot more the 2nd time, 2 stars bumped up to 3.5. I'm going to read the next book in the series and maybe we can get it up to a solid 4 stars.
I think if you like romance or paranormal romance you should ignore this review and give this book a try. The writing is good and I liked many of the elements of the plot. The low number of stars reflects my own preferences.
edit I just reread this and I liked it a lot more the 2nd time, 2 stars bumped up to 3.5. I'm going to read the next book in the series and maybe we can get it up to a solid 4 stars.
Want to read
April 20, 2009Just about the most annoying premise ever (I've been serving women for a thousand years, and you're next, lucky you), but these books look interesting and alas, they must be read in order.
September 7, 2020
My Booktube
Listen: if you're going in for the weretiger he cant shift until like the last 20% so don't get this for that. Still loved the romance but still just a fair warning for my paranormal lovers out there.
Things that probs didn't age well: the use of rape as a plot thing towards the end (nothing is physically done, but it is threatened) and the whole "we are snitching on illegal immigrants" thing that happens towards the end.
I did like the romance that happens in this book as well as the feelings of a found family we get with the whole Dirk & Steele team. I also really liked that the Dirk & Steele team are basically just the X-Men with their psychic powers, and now I'm into this since it feels like X-Men-esque romance with paranormal elements so I'm all for that. While our supporting cast isn't massive, I do like that they at least get enough space so we have some idea of who they are as people.
The first half is fairly slow as most of the book takes place in a hotel room while our two POVs get to know each other, which for me flew by and I really liked that it made the time that did pass feel longer. And they kind of had to confront all their issues head on in that first half so we at least know they like each other, and it clears up some of the confusion for how this dynamic is going to work.
This was listened to on audiobook so that probably affected how I enjoyed whether for good or bad who knows! But I did like this and I intend to continue further into the series.
Listen: if you're going in for the weretiger he cant shift until like the last 20% so don't get this for that. Still loved the romance but still just a fair warning for my paranormal lovers out there.
Things that probs didn't age well: the use of rape as a plot thing towards the end (nothing is physically done, but it is threatened) and the whole "we are snitching on illegal immigrants" thing that happens towards the end.
I did like the romance that happens in this book as well as the feelings of a found family we get with the whole Dirk & Steele team. I also really liked that the Dirk & Steele team are basically just the X-Men with their psychic powers, and now I'm into this since it feels like X-Men-esque romance with paranormal elements so I'm all for that. While our supporting cast isn't massive, I do like that they at least get enough space so we have some idea of who they are as people.
The first half is fairly slow as most of the book takes place in a hotel room while our two POVs get to know each other, which for me flew by and I really liked that it made the time that did pass feel longer. And they kind of had to confront all their issues head on in that first half so we at least know they like each other, and it clears up some of the confusion for how this dynamic is going to work.
This was listened to on audiobook so that probably affected how I enjoyed whether for good or bad who knows! But I did like this and I intend to continue further into the series.
March 30, 2025
Nothing happened so much and then so much happened but I wish it didn’t
May 2, 2017
The premise of this book is pretty cheesy. Lone woman releases cursed tiger-shifter-warrior-man from a box who is obligated to obey her every whim and they fall in love. But there's more to it, like the setting at first is in China which was interesting. And the woman has psychic powers like being able to see the future and having control over metal. She also happens to be from a family of people with psychic powers who run a company that employs people around the world... with psychic powers. The heroine also does metalworking for a living, creating weapons and metal sculptures. It sounds really silly but I have to say it was well executed and had me reading the whole thing in one sitting. It's much better than it sounds and really has me exited for the rest of the series. You meet several members of her family's company, Dirk and Steele, who were quite a bunch of characters. The only complaint I have about this book was I thought the ending felt like it came too quick and I wanted more. It actually had quite a bit of action going on and was really fun to read. I have to say, I'm pleasantly surprised.
February 16, 2009
Decided to give Liu one more try. In conclusion, she really needs a good editor who's willing to slash her work into ribbons and make her rebuild it into something that makes sense. She's far too fond of adding in new elements out of the blue, whether they're characters or emotional baggage. Perhaps I shouldn't expect otherwise of a plot which involves a guy springing out of a mysterious box.
The first half, where our hero and heroine meet, felt very different from the second, where suddenly there's a cast of quite obviously sequel-intended characters with various special powers ready to help out. They're cool people, with accompanying snarky dialogue, but it felt like a cross-over episode or something, instead of an integrated story in itself.
The first half, where our hero and heroine meet, felt very different from the second, where suddenly there's a cast of quite obviously sequel-intended characters with various special powers ready to help out. They're cool people, with accompanying snarky dialogue, but it felt like a cross-over episode or something, instead of an integrated story in itself.
January 25, 2025
Don't let the cover fool you, this is not just a 'steamy romance' book. It's a well written fantasy that takes place in modern day (well mid 2000s). I usually avoid fantasies that take place in our world because they always seem to try too hard to fit in. This book just naturally flows from pollution and crowds to shape shifters and psychics. I'm definitely in for the whole series and will search out everything else by this author. A step up from the crowd.
April 12, 2014
5 Dreamy Stars
I have read this book at least half a dozen times, and every time feels like the first time. I discovered this book completely by accident when I was browsing at the local library. You know how they say don't judge a book by its cover, well, I did. I thought the cover and the woman on it was so beautiful that I didn't even bother to read the back and took it home. That was five years ago, and now this book is one of my favorite books of all time. It is so well written and the characters are so unique that you fall for them immediately. Even though the story is mostly told through Dela's point of view, somehow you look at her the way Hari does, you can't believe how kind she is.
The reason why I love this book so much is because even though the characters have special abilities and have been through things that would never happen in real life, you relate to them. The way Marjorie M. Liu writes makes you feel like you're not just reading about these people but that you are them; what's happening to them is happening to you. You feel their pain as they feel it. Dela and Hari basically fall in love in two days but it doesn't feel like that. At first, they don't trust each other but slowly they start to see what kind of person the other is, and how beautiful they are on the inside; it feels slow and sweet like a gradual bond forms but it's as solid as titanium. After I finished this book, I looked around my room, and it took me a minute to realize I was back in the real world and I had just been reading a book. I didn't really just go through all that, that world isn't real and I didn't just fall in love. My second reaction was... oh! maaaaannnn! I was so disappointed that what happened in that book hadn't really happened to me. No book has ever made me feel like that, not even Harry Potter, although it came close. Five minutes after reading the book, I read it again and got the exact same feeling of excitement like it was the first time. If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would it's that great.
Guess what though? It's the first of an entire ongoing series!!! Yay!
Although I never got the same feeling of complete absorption that I did with 'Tiger Eye' with the other books, they too are pretty great and magical in their own way and you also still get to know how Hari and Dela are doing from time to time in them and see a glimpse of how their relationship as grown. I am now one of Marjorie M. Liu's biggest fans.
I have read this book at least half a dozen times, and every time feels like the first time. I discovered this book completely by accident when I was browsing at the local library. You know how they say don't judge a book by its cover, well, I did. I thought the cover and the woman on it was so beautiful that I didn't even bother to read the back and took it home. That was five years ago, and now this book is one of my favorite books of all time. It is so well written and the characters are so unique that you fall for them immediately. Even though the story is mostly told through Dela's point of view, somehow you look at her the way Hari does, you can't believe how kind she is.
The reason why I love this book so much is because even though the characters have special abilities and have been through things that would never happen in real life, you relate to them. The way Marjorie M. Liu writes makes you feel like you're not just reading about these people but that you are them; what's happening to them is happening to you. You feel their pain as they feel it. Dela and Hari basically fall in love in two days but it doesn't feel like that. At first, they don't trust each other but slowly they start to see what kind of person the other is, and how beautiful they are on the inside; it feels slow and sweet like a gradual bond forms but it's as solid as titanium. After I finished this book, I looked around my room, and it took me a minute to realize I was back in the real world and I had just been reading a book. I didn't really just go through all that, that world isn't real and I didn't just fall in love. My second reaction was... oh! maaaaannnn! I was so disappointed that what happened in that book hadn't really happened to me. No book has ever made me feel like that, not even Harry Potter, although it came close. Five minutes after reading the book, I read it again and got the exact same feeling of excitement like it was the first time. If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would it's that great.
Guess what though? It's the first of an entire ongoing series!!! Yay!
Although I never got the same feeling of complete absorption that I did with 'Tiger Eye' with the other books, they too are pretty great and magical in their own way and you also still get to know how Hari and Dela are doing from time to time in them and see a glimpse of how their relationship as grown. I am now one of Marjorie M. Liu's biggest fans.
March 1, 2024
Fascinating premise that led me on a crazy rabbit trail about the difference between Chinese and Arab genie folklore that resulted in the revelation that Aladdin is not originally an Arab legend. Kudos to the author for being true to the culture and having the tiger shifting genie housed in a puzzle box.
I'm giving 90% of this book three stars because I enjoyed it and was totally on board for this whole premise and world and was prepared for a series dive until something that happened in the last 75 pages that crossed a major line for me. Therefore, I'm dropping this to 2 just for that.
**Warning: Read no further unless you really want to know. If you don't, stop here.**
When our hero finally rediscovers his ability to shift (due to a bout of sex--of course) he then proceeds to show her what a "mate kiss" is and I WAS NOT PREPARED. I am shook. I am still shook. I will be a little more wary (but only a little) of shifter romances going forward because WHO KNEW THIS WAS A THING?? NOT ME. Ms. Liu's version of a "mate kiss" is the woman getting oral from the man WHILE HE IS A TIGER. She has a TIGER giving her head. And we're all supposed to think it's sexy. Um no. You either do it both as humans or even both as animals. But not while one is a human and one is an animal. It's unclear because I was hard core skimming and jumping paragraphs to get to the end of the scene, but she might have given him head BACK while he was a tiger?? I'm a little more fuzzy on that part because again--I was in shock and skipping to the to end at that point.
I was literally 75 pages from the end so I finished it. But I finished it with one eye closed.
Silver lining?? In order to save him from being a genie she dies. BUT he gives up being a shifter to bring her back to life. So their weird human/animal sex thing ends after that one time. THANKFULLY, he don't got that tiger shape no more. But ONCE WAS ENOUGH.
A note for all my fellow romance readers out there, I'm not casting stones if you're in to this. No judgement. No shame. You do you.
But I have found my limit today. And this is what it looked like.
I'm giving 90% of this book three stars because I enjoyed it and was totally on board for this whole premise and world and was prepared for a series dive until something that happened in the last 75 pages that crossed a major line for me. Therefore, I'm dropping this to 2 just for that.
**Warning: Read no further unless you really want to know. If you don't, stop here.**
When our hero finally rediscovers his ability to shift (due to a bout of sex--of course) he then proceeds to show her what a "mate kiss" is and I WAS NOT PREPARED. I am shook. I am still shook. I will be a little more wary (but only a little) of shifter romances going forward because WHO KNEW THIS WAS A THING?? NOT ME. Ms. Liu's version of a "mate kiss" is the woman getting oral from the man WHILE HE IS A TIGER. She has a TIGER giving her head. And we're all supposed to think it's sexy. Um no. You either do it both as humans or even both as animals. But not while one is a human and one is an animal. It's unclear because I was hard core skimming and jumping paragraphs to get to the end of the scene, but she might have given him head BACK while he was a tiger?? I'm a little more fuzzy on that part because again--I was in shock and skipping to the to end at that point.
I was literally 75 pages from the end so I finished it. But I finished it with one eye closed.
Silver lining?? In order to save him from being a genie she dies. BUT he gives up being a shifter to bring her back to life. So their weird human/animal sex thing ends after that one time. THANKFULLY, he don't got that tiger shape no more. But ONCE WAS ENOUGH.
A note for all my fellow romance readers out there, I'm not casting stones if you're in to this. No judgement. No shame. You do you.
But I have found my limit today. And this is what it looked like.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2012
::drums nails::
So it was cheap (possibly free, I can’t find the receipt right this second.) The author was a name I recognized. Despite the fact that it featured a were-tiger, I said ‘what the hell’ and went for it.
Don’t let me do that again.
What you have here is a twist on the whole genie in a bottle scenario. Heroine - Dela, with supernatural powers of her own - opens a magic box and finds a 2000 year old, immortal were-tiger warrior at her command. They fight crime. Well, they try to keep her from getting killed by criminals and supernatural-types, anyway. There are a couple people who want her dead.
In general it’s fairly well written. My primary issue with the writing is the breakneck pace it takes – which is both good and bad. I like that it doesn’t linger over set pieces too long, we get a fair amount of explosions and shoot ‘em up action (always a plus imo,) and the cast is kept relatively small to accommodate this, but the romance angle seems really, ridiculously sudden. It’s just: Boom! We’re in love, bitches. We’ve known each other 24 hours and we’ll follow each other into the grave. Deal with THAT. It doesn’t work for me at all. They’re too different, their worlds are too different, and his trust issues are waaaaaay too messed up for it to feel reasonable.
So the were-stuff is pretty much a non-issue for most of the book. I was digging it. I'm not a huge fan of Were novels that delve too deeply into pack/clan/whatever dynamics and noble histories and oh, the suffering! and whatnot. The hero, Hari, can’t shift due to having lost his tiger skin, and we are not treated to a long recital of the Way Of The Tiger Clan. He just is. Hooray! But then at about the three quarter mark-
Guys, she blows a tiger. I’m out.
So it was cheap (possibly free, I can’t find the receipt right this second.) The author was a name I recognized. Despite the fact that it featured a were-tiger, I said ‘what the hell’ and went for it.
Don’t let me do that again.
What you have here is a twist on the whole genie in a bottle scenario. Heroine - Dela, with supernatural powers of her own - opens a magic box and finds a 2000 year old, immortal were-tiger warrior at her command. They fight crime. Well, they try to keep her from getting killed by criminals and supernatural-types, anyway. There are a couple people who want her dead.
In general it’s fairly well written. My primary issue with the writing is the breakneck pace it takes – which is both good and bad. I like that it doesn’t linger over set pieces too long, we get a fair amount of explosions and shoot ‘em up action (always a plus imo,) and the cast is kept relatively small to accommodate this, but the romance angle seems really, ridiculously sudden. It’s just: Boom! We’re in love, bitches. We’ve known each other 24 hours and we’ll follow each other into the grave. Deal with THAT. It doesn’t work for me at all. They’re too different, their worlds are too different, and his trust issues are waaaaaay too messed up for it to feel reasonable.
So the were-stuff is pretty much a non-issue for most of the book. I was digging it. I'm not a huge fan of Were novels that delve too deeply into pack/clan/whatever dynamics and noble histories and oh, the suffering! and whatnot. The hero, Hari, can’t shift due to having lost his tiger skin, and we are not treated to a long recital of the Way Of The Tiger Clan. He just is. Hooray! But then at about the three quarter mark-
Guys, she blows a tiger. I’m out.
April 2, 2018
3.5 stars I can't believe it took me so long to read this one! This novel is Liu's debut, and while the worldbuilding is a little rough in places, I got pulled into the story and rather enjoyed it.
The story begins with Dela Reece in Beijing (for reasons never entirely clear) and being persuaded to buy an old puzzle box. When she solves the puzzle and opens it in her hotel room, out pops a 7 foot tall man, Hari, who has been enslaved in the box by an evil magi. Hari has endured thousands of years of abuse and of being forced to commit unspeakable acts. He quickly figures out that Dela is different and she awakens in him a new feeling - one that starts as loyalty, then builds into friendship and then love.
There's a lot of setup of backstory in this book as we learn about the agency Dirk & Steele, and the magical powers of its various members. We also learn from Hari about how shifters used to roam the earth. He is himself a tiger shifter, but lost his ability to change forms when he was enslaved by the magi.
The result is something of a slow burn romance. The first love scene doesn't take place until near the end of the book. However, the plot in this story is packed with action as assassins are stalking Dela and Hari helps protect her. The actual mystery gets solved rather quickly in this book and there is a bit of the sagging middle, but overall I enjoyed the story. I also liked meeting some of the members of Dirk & Steele, and I could see coming back for their books.
One note in case anyone is interested in a spoiler about the love scene that's a little bonkers in here-
The story begins with Dela Reece in Beijing (for reasons never entirely clear) and being persuaded to buy an old puzzle box. When she solves the puzzle and opens it in her hotel room, out pops a 7 foot tall man, Hari, who has been enslaved in the box by an evil magi. Hari has endured thousands of years of abuse and of being forced to commit unspeakable acts. He quickly figures out that Dela is different and she awakens in him a new feeling - one that starts as loyalty, then builds into friendship and then love.
There's a lot of setup of backstory in this book as we learn about the agency Dirk & Steele, and the magical powers of its various members. We also learn from Hari about how shifters used to roam the earth. He is himself a tiger shifter, but lost his ability to change forms when he was enslaved by the magi.
The result is something of a slow burn romance. The first love scene doesn't take place until near the end of the book. However, the plot in this story is packed with action as assassins are stalking Dela and Hari helps protect her. The actual mystery gets solved rather quickly in this book and there is a bit of the sagging middle, but overall I enjoyed the story. I also liked meeting some of the members of Dirk & Steele, and I could see coming back for their books.
One note in case anyone is interested in a spoiler about the love scene that's a little bonkers in here-
May 1, 2009
I recently discovered Marjorie M. Liu by way of her urban fantasy novel The Iron Hunt, and the talent she displayed in that novel led me to look into her earlier books. Though I tend to read more fantasy than romance, Tiger Eye did not disappoint.
In this rich tale, a talented young artist finds herself bound to an immortal shapeshifter by magical forces beyond their control. What follows is a fast-paced plot in which the two must evade danger (both mundane and supernatural) and contend with their growing feelings for one another.
The romance is well-written, with a great deal of depth and emotion; the love scenes are both sizzling and tender. Fans of early Sherrilyn Kenyon will like this, and I suspect that fans of Anne Bishop's Black Jewels will feel the same way.
Style-wise, Tiger Eye is written in a simpler, less avant-garde prose than The Iron Hunt; which novel you prefer will likely be a matter of taste. Like The Iron Hunt, Tiger Eye has moments where the prose is so beautiful that I had to stop reading and grin wildly at the pages, often through a tear or two.
Most of the conflict in the story is external. If you're into romances where the protagonists bicker constantly throughout the story, you won't find that here. However, if you're looking for interesting characters, haunting magic, and True Love Conquering All, this is your lucky day.
Read my review of Liu's The Iron Hunt at FantasyLiterature.net!
In this rich tale, a talented young artist finds herself bound to an immortal shapeshifter by magical forces beyond their control. What follows is a fast-paced plot in which the two must evade danger (both mundane and supernatural) and contend with their growing feelings for one another.
The romance is well-written, with a great deal of depth and emotion; the love scenes are both sizzling and tender. Fans of early Sherrilyn Kenyon will like this, and I suspect that fans of Anne Bishop's Black Jewels will feel the same way.
Style-wise, Tiger Eye is written in a simpler, less avant-garde prose than The Iron Hunt; which novel you prefer will likely be a matter of taste. Like The Iron Hunt, Tiger Eye has moments where the prose is so beautiful that I had to stop reading and grin wildly at the pages, often through a tear or two.
Most of the conflict in the story is external. If you're into romances where the protagonists bicker constantly throughout the story, you won't find that here. However, if you're looking for interesting characters, haunting magic, and True Love Conquering All, this is your lucky day.
Read my review of Liu's The Iron Hunt at FantasyLiterature.net!
February 7, 2012
Tiger Eye's plot feels like it was cobbled together from scraps of other novels from multiple different genres. There are Chinese mafia men, a paranormal detective agency, an evil magic-wielding psychopath, and various shape-shifters, all coliding together in a series of seemingly-unrelated action sequences separated by long stretches of inane filler. Liu's clumsily overwrought writing style does nothing to lessen the confusion of her plot. Her long sentences are packed with stilted, flowery language which sounds mildly impressive without actually conveying much meaning.
There are too many secondary characters in Tiger Eye, most of whom serve no apparent purpose, follow no clear agenda, and have no distinguishing characteristics. Their only reason for existence, as far as I can tell, is to star in future installments of the series. The character development for the main characters isn't much better. Dela and Hari are pretty much in love by the end of the first day on which they meet, and there is no real conflict in their relationship thereafter. This means that all the rest of their scenes together in the novel consist of them being all gushy and supportive of each other. I've never been less interested in a romantic couple.
I was hoping for great things from Tiger Eye after reading good reviews for this series. Perhaps the rest of the series gets better, but I am so disappointed by this novel's poorly-constructed plot, flat characters, and awkward writing style that I doubt I will read anything more by this author.
There are too many secondary characters in Tiger Eye, most of whom serve no apparent purpose, follow no clear agenda, and have no distinguishing characteristics. Their only reason for existence, as far as I can tell, is to star in future installments of the series. The character development for the main characters isn't much better. Dela and Hari are pretty much in love by the end of the first day on which they meet, and there is no real conflict in their relationship thereafter. This means that all the rest of their scenes together in the novel consist of them being all gushy and supportive of each other. I've never been less interested in a romantic couple.
I was hoping for great things from Tiger Eye after reading good reviews for this series. Perhaps the rest of the series gets better, but I am so disappointed by this novel's poorly-constructed plot, flat characters, and awkward writing style that I doubt I will read anything more by this author.
February 20, 2013
So much fun to read!
Magic, a curse, and a kickass heroine, combine to create an entertaining read. Tiger Eye is the first book in Marjorie Liu's Dirk & Steele series and is an excellent start to the series.
Tiger Eye is the story of Dela and Hari, two characters with special abilities. Dela can hear the call of weapons and is a well-known weapons maker. She is a remarkable heroine, not only clever and resourceful, but a kickass fighter. Hari is an amazing specimen of a man, huge and powerful. He is also immortal and a tiger shifter. Hari has been in a kind of suspended animation for centuries, awakened when Dela opened a magical rosewood box that had been his prison.
What I enjoyed most about this book was the hilarious banter between Hari and Dela. Hari has to adapt to the 21st century rather quickly and a few of his mannerisms were hilarious. I found him a little pompous at first, but he was a likable character and oh, so sexy.
Hari tends to forget that clothing is necessary in the 21st century:
I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series.
Magic, a curse, and a kickass heroine, combine to create an entertaining read. Tiger Eye is the first book in Marjorie Liu's Dirk & Steele series and is an excellent start to the series.
Tiger Eye is the story of Dela and Hari, two characters with special abilities. Dela can hear the call of weapons and is a well-known weapons maker. She is a remarkable heroine, not only clever and resourceful, but a kickass fighter. Hari is an amazing specimen of a man, huge and powerful. He is also immortal and a tiger shifter. Hari has been in a kind of suspended animation for centuries, awakened when Dela opened a magical rosewood box that had been his prison.
What I enjoyed most about this book was the hilarious banter between Hari and Dela. Hari has to adapt to the 21st century rather quickly and a few of his mannerisms were hilarious. I found him a little pompous at first, but he was a likable character and oh, so sexy.
Hari tends to forget that clothing is necessary in the 21st century:
"...I'll be in a public place. Lots of people, witnesses. Besides, you can't go out dressed in a towel. Women will have spontaneous pregnancies. Hairy men will go bald. Dogs will start wearing clothes and smoking cigarettes. Chaos everywhere."
I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series.
November 14, 2021
Started to re-read after reading The Red Heart of Jade and being very disappointed. I thought I might have misjudged the series but now know I didn't. I loved it and read 1/2 through in my first sitting. I remember the ending as not as great as the beginning but I don't remember why so will continue and finish it to see why I took off the star. After Red Heart, I was considering quitting but remember the other stories even as better. Will update when done.
originally read 2011 (Aug?)
I reread this November 2021 for a 3rd time. The ending has a lot of the future characters. I loved them but it didn't further the plot so slow things up. The bullets well I thought he would have stepped back a watched for a moment. So maybe that was why I originally gave it a 4. I still would rate this 4 1/2 and it would be tough to choose one way or another so leaving my first rating, as I pretty much always do.
originally read 2011 (Aug?)
I reread this November 2021 for a 3rd time. The ending has a lot of the future characters. I loved them but it didn't further the plot so slow things up. The bullets well I thought he would have stepped back a watched for a moment. So maybe that was why I originally gave it a 4. I still would rate this 4 1/2 and it would be tough to choose one way or another so leaving my first rating, as I pretty much always do.
July 3, 2015
I set out to see if I could enjoy a romance book. I got this Marjorie Liu book for free from Barnes and Noble in a Friday giveaway. The cover promised a cheesy romance, but I knew going in it was Liu who I loved on X-Men and I knew it was a paranormal romance, to which my wife said "like the movie Ghost?"
It turned out to essentially be like the Robert Ludllum books I read in college while flying home on break, only with better sex scenes (because the two characters in a Ludlum book usually ended up knocking boots). This is a thriller that takes place on two continents with some elements of urban fantasy.
I really liked the story and could see myself reading more of the series. I was invested in the characters and Liu created a compelling universe. Sure, lots of standard romance tropes (the oft-recited ones ) were there: this guy can give her emotionally and sexually what no other man could. She's an every-woman in looks and he's a stunner. He's perfectly chivalrous about sexual acts. But they don't detract from a good story and, anyway, genre fiction is all about the tropes.
I recently came across an article saying that ereaders are causing a renaissance in erotica and romance because no one can see what you're reading. That's definitely the case here (with me) as this cover gives off more of a bodice ripper vibe.
It turned out to essentially be like the Robert Ludllum books I read in college while flying home on break, only with better sex scenes (because the two characters in a Ludlum book usually ended up knocking boots). This is a thriller that takes place on two continents with some elements of urban fantasy.
I really liked the story and could see myself reading more of the series. I was invested in the characters and Liu created a compelling universe. Sure, lots of standard romance tropes (the oft-recited ones ) were there: this guy can give her emotionally and sexually what no other man could. She's an every-woman in looks and he's a stunner. He's perfectly chivalrous about sexual acts. But they don't detract from a good story and, anyway, genre fiction is all about the tropes.
I recently came across an article saying that ereaders are causing a renaissance in erotica and romance because no one can see what you're reading. That's definitely the case here (with me) as this cover gives off more of a bodice ripper vibe.
October 15, 2016
This was an interesting story. I really liked how it started off set in China. The heroine, Dela, was an extremely good person. I loved how honorable she was, and just found her really likable. As for Hari, the hero, I felt so bad for him! A slave for 2000 years, cursed by a Magi to have to do what he was told. I just...wow. I liked Hari a lot, though. He was smart and really great to Dela. I thought their romance was a little quick, but I kind of understood it because Dela learned a lot about him from touching his weapons, due to her mental abilities with steel. Another aspect of this book I found enjoyable was the fact that Dela had quite a few friends, and I'm interested to see them all get their stories.
There was a lot of action in this story due to the Magi hunting Hari, and then a knife Dela had made in her work as a blacksmith was used to kill a mafia family's daughter. So they were hunting them as well. All the while, Hari and Dela were trying to break Hari's curse. Sometimes I got a bit confused, and things got a little weird around chapter 15, but it was still a good book.
I would recommend this for any paranormal romance fan who likes shifters. The characters were great, and I really liked how the abilities in this story were mostly mental. It seems like a pretty unique series, so I'll be looking into book 2 soon.
There was a lot of action in this story due to the Magi hunting Hari, and then a knife Dela had made in her work as a blacksmith was used to kill a mafia family's daughter. So they were hunting them as well. All the while, Hari and Dela were trying to break Hari's curse. Sometimes I got a bit confused, and things got a little weird around chapter 15, but it was still a good book.
I would recommend this for any paranormal romance fan who likes shifters. The characters were great, and I really liked how the abilities in this story were mostly mental. It seems like a pretty unique series, so I'll be looking into book 2 soon.
September 20, 2010
This was one of the most promising first novels/new authors I’d read in a long while, and perhaps remains my favorite of an excellent series. Some of my enthusiasm may be because this particular story hits exactly on many of my favorite themes -- a tortured hero who still holds on to strength and honor, a strong, confident heroine, and real trust between the two of them. I love stories when the h/h rescue each other, both working to their own strengths and abilities. I also particularly enjoyed the heroine's interesting friends and the strong threads of love and caring between them.
As for flaws, I really can’t think of too much to discuss. The hero does seem to get over his 2000 years of torment much too quickly, but on the other side of the equation,, there is an earnest sweetness about him that is appealing. The overall plot and “world building” are relatively simple, but it all works for me, especially when the relationship works so well, and that’s what I’m reading for anyway. It might not work so well for a sf/fantasy reader who doesn’t really read romance. As someone who reads everything, I think I would’ve enjoyed more of Hari’s past and shapeshifter nature, but the story works well as it is.
As for flaws, I really can’t think of too much to discuss. The hero does seem to get over his 2000 years of torment much too quickly, but on the other side of the equation,, there is an earnest sweetness about him that is appealing. The overall plot and “world building” are relatively simple, but it all works for me, especially when the relationship works so well, and that’s what I’m reading for anyway. It might not work so well for a sf/fantasy reader who doesn’t really read romance. As someone who reads everything, I think I would’ve enjoyed more of Hari’s past and shapeshifter nature, but the story works well as it is.
April 25, 2019
A lot of inner monologues of Hari (male MC) thinking "I've been around for over 2 thousand years, but I have never experienced a woman like Delilah (female MC) before..." then wax lyrical about her, it got monotonous & repetitive. But I liked the female MC anyway, because her dialogue/attitude was both realistic & funny (sometimes the female leads in romances can be really pathetic & unrealistic).
I wrote too soon, the female lead lost all her authenticity less than 100 pgs in unfortunately. Thus it became very hard to get thru the rest of the novel. Not a keeper 5.5-6/10.
I wrote too soon, the female lead lost all her authenticity less than 100 pgs in unfortunately. Thus it became very hard to get thru the rest of the novel. Not a keeper 5.5-6/10.
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