Paranormal & Urban Fantasy, Monthly Group Reads discussion

Author: Laurell K. Hamilton


Website: http://www.laurellkhamilton.org/
Blog: http://blog.laurellkhamilton.org/

Laurell K. Hamilton was born in Heber Springs, Arkansas but grew up in Sims, Indiana, a hamlet with a population of about one hundred souls. Laurell's mother died in a car crash in 1969, after which time her grandmother held the household together. Her mother's death, her grandmother's role in raising her, and having grown up with no men in the home are "the three things that made who I am," she says. She still believes she would have grown up to be a writer regardless.

In 1994, Laurell published her first Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter book, Guilty Pleasures, and she hasn't stopped writing since. She has written nine additional Anita Blake books, and in October, 2000, began the New York Times bestselling Meredith Gentry series for Ballantine Books. She says she writes because to not write -- even for her own enjoyment -- would be like not breathing. It is just something she has to do. She now resides in St. Louis, Missouri with her husband, her young daughter, three pug dogs, and an ever-fluctuating assortment of fish. -via Fantastic Fiction.uk

Anita Blake Series (in order):
[image error] [image error] Flirt (2010)

Series Overview:
My name is Anita Blake. Vampires call me The Executioner. What I call them isn't repeatable. Ever since the Supreme Court granted the undead equal rights, most people think vampires are just ordinary folks with fangs. I know better. I've seen their victims. I carry the scars...

I think this is one of those series that people either love or hate and it'll be interesting to see what everyone says. From what I've read on the boards (everywhere, not here), everyone seems to stop at Narcissus in Chains and can't really seem to get past the new story arc that Hamilton begins to develop. It takes her about 3 books to build it up, but I love what she does with it once she incorporates the crime solving element in Danse Macabre.

I personally love this series, all cept for the last book.. it was horrid :(

Skin Trade? What was it you didn't like about it?

I love this series too, that's why I get annoyed when people say it's a horrid series and they've only read as far as Narcissus in Chains. At that point, Richard was starting to really bug me, so she had to introduce something new that actually worked with Anita instead of constantly fighting with her. I have to say that Incubus Dreams is probably one of my least favorite, but I have to say I love the new ardeur element in the series.

Well there was a lot, let me just link you my review.. though it contains spoilers so don't read it if you don't wish to be spoiled hehe

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

But I assure you I have read every book in this series sans the prequal that I didn't know about and haven't picked it up yet.

And even though I hated the last one I still adore the series and have high hopes that LKH will get it back on track.

There's a prequel? Have you seen the comics yet? They are fabulous. I can't wait until we see Jason in them.

Yeah, but I read way too fast to bother getting them atm. And being a former comic collector (R.I.P. Michael Turner :() I know they are rather expensive compared to a book for the lack of pages you get.
So I was going to wait until a good number of them came out and try and get a bundle hehe

Oh and well I never really researched the prequal but I was told by a friend here on goodreads that there was hehe

Mmmm...I read the review and I get a lot of what you're saying. There was a lot less action, both asskicking and sex, in this one compared to the others, I hadn't thought of that, but I think she was using Skin Trade to set up another story arc. One where she gets St. Louis to implement something like what Vegas has. I can see that considering that Dolph is now a nonexistent character due to his family issues. I think without that connection, Anita will never get back to the old novels and LKH is setting it up so she can get back to it.

I think the Edward angle was different simple because we now know about Donna. That he has a soft side and its more noticeable. I think the two are getting more comfortable with their friendship, but I didn't think he was too far off.

One thing I liked that it sounds like you didn't, is the fact that she did use the ardeur to defeat Vittorio. Yeah, she used the ardeur, but she hasn't before. She's always looked at it as an inconvenience, but she started thinking of it as a weapon. Yeah, she didn't ultimately get the bad guy, but if she hadn't done what she did, the tigers wouldn't have been able to get to him. It can be used as a weapon and I think she'll start having a different attitude about it, one that will work better for the crime solving.

As for the Mother of All Darkness getting offed the way she did. My head seriously hit the desk. I had thought that the vampires had already thought about that. Hell, that idea popped into my head when her servants accompanied Musette to St Louis in Cerulean Sins and Anita proved they could be killed (or at least stopped). I mean, vampires tend to think in old fashioned terms, why not use technology to their advantage? I mean, when the Harlequin show up, JC didn't even think of checking for bugs. That should've been obvious. Swords and Sorcery are not the only weapons and vamps tend to forget that I think.

♥Tricia♥ wrote: "Yeah, but I read way too fast to bother getting them atm. And being a former comic collector (R.I.P. Michael Turner :() I know they are rather expensive compared to a book for the lack of pages you..."
I know there's a short story about Anita before she meets Jean-Claude and I can't think of which anthology it was in. Bite maybe? Oh! I think I know which one it is...there was a comic that came out called Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter The First Death that was kind of prequelish.

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Yeah, now that you say it that way, using the Ardeur as a weapon was pretty cool.. but I am used to her *also* kicking ass... instead of being hindered by her abilities. New or old, she has always been able to get a grip on her abilities and kick some ass.

I am not bothered by a lack of sex, so dont get the review wrong - it's not that I mind her writing more plot then sex.. I just think that because of the complaints about *too much sex* that LKH has been receiving that it has effected what and how she writes.

I may be wrong, I don't pretend to know LKH personally but having read all of the books this one was so damn different and sucky that it makes me wonder.. ya know?

I think she's is going to start having more control over the ardeur. Don't forget, she's had her entire life to get used to her necromancy powers, she's only had a short time for the ones she's acquired through JC. This is the first that has been more JC than her too. I mean, there was a period of adjustment when she acquired Damien too, but it was apart of her powers so it was easier for her to adapt.

I don't know. I get where you're coming from, but I wouldn't say this was the worse of the batch. I personally did not like Obsidian Butterfly and I did think Skin Trade was closer to her previous novels, just incorporating the new elements.

I will say that the next novel has me a little concerned. I mean, Flirt? The title alone sounds off from the rest of her series.

I didnt like Obsidian Butterfly either, but at least she was more like herself in it. hehe

And yeah... that name fucking blows.. I hope that leak is wrong ROFL

Nope not wrong. LKH has confirmed it via her blog. I'm waiting for the cover copy to come out. Maybe it won't be that bad. I have heard it's a novella length again, like Micah and we'll be getting another Anita story later in the year. However, that hasn't been confirmed yet.

Aww a short one :( So sad!

I love the series. I have gotten as far as N.I.C. so you all are scaring me saying that the series isn't that good after that. I really liked N.I.C. I love how everyone flips the fudge out. Did anyone else but me notice that one. EVERYONE looses it and breaks down at least one time. I loved Richard up until that one and I was on his side until then. I really liked how she made it easier for Richard fans to except the fact that they are not going to be together. He is still my fave of her guys but, he's a butt head now. I'm going to borders today to get the next in the series.

Teresa, don't let anyone scares you. If you got through Narcissus in Chains than you'll be fine. That's the one that normally scares everyone away (at least that's what I've found). LKH introduces the ardeur in Narcissus in Chains and it takes her through Incubus Dreams to flesh it out and make it work with the rest of what we know. I don't think the novels get bad after Narcissus in Chains, they just start getting a little more complex and dive more into the erotica than previous novels. Anita grows a lot and it's not in line with the way she was raised and touted at the beginning. Plus Richard changes hardcore and I can't stand him in the later novels. He's to selfish and whiny. His character hinders more than anything and I could do without him.

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Thanks, I love how she focuses on the shape shifters more in Narcissus in chains. I prefer them to the vamps and I like how she focuses on how the packs work.

I've never read an Anita Blake book. My sister keeps encouraging me to do so. The main reason I haven't taken the plunge is that I have so many other books to read. Since I joined Goodreads I read in many reviews that the books are mostly about the sex. I like some good sex in a book, but I that book to revolve around an engaging story rather than sex. Anyway, my sister really, really wants me to read Laurell K. Hamilton and I trust her judgement in most things. So in the spirit of open mindedness I hope to read her first book soon. I should read the book myself and make up my own mind!

Teresa - I like how she goes back and forth between the shapeshifters and vampires. I'm glad it's not focused on just one type of character, but I would like to see more zombie action.

Paula - I wouldn't say the series revolves around sex, but it does become a plot element in later books. I like the complexity it adds to Anita's life.

Ok it bothers me so much about how people say this series is all about the sex.

While there is A LOT in it sometimes, there is a solid plot and story in each book. Even the last one, which I HATED (see spoiler review if you need to know more).

I am the same way, I have to have story with my sex and LKH delivers. Very much so, in every book.

I agree Tricia. I don't get how people can say it's all about the sex either. I mean, yeah it's there, but there is also a purpose for it.

I think it's the major shift that bothers some people. They came in expecting one thing, and then partway through the series, there's a major change from prude, born-again virgin to sex galore. Some people can't handle that adjustment. It really did go from "pure UF" to "UF with erotic elements". Some readers were disappointed and they take it out on the series.

I can't pinpoint a specific book because I read them one after the other in a marathon session, but there are some spots where the arduer (or Anita's complaints about it) can seem to overshadow the greater story. But having read them all back to back, it was easier for me to keep the overall story arcs in mind and see the arduer as just another plot point.

I did like that she used the arduer on Vittorio and seems to be gaining control over it. It's never a good thing for a plot device to go on too long without evolving, so I'm definitely ready for Anita to stop kvetching about her lack of control. Until now, I never saw it as a sexual awakening because ANITA has always looked at it as a burden. Her beginning to accept it has made me a lot happier. You have beautiful men who desire you. For god's sake, take control and take advantage!

By comparison, I love Merry Gentry because she just revels in it and lets it empower her.

I would LOVE to delve more into Anita's necromancy again, and the implications thereof. Girl could control all the vamps if she developed her powers! How crazy is that thought?

The offing of Mommy Dearest...if that's IT, I'll be sorely disappointed. Too sudden and anti-climactic for such a fabulous villain.

Very good points Michelle! Wow I hadn't thought of it that way. I read the books in a marathon session as well all back to back so to me the story was just evolving and getting better. (cept for Richard! GOD I HATE HIM)

I do miss her necromancy, and I do miss her boys.. The last book was aweful :(

I miss the were's and the vamps.. GIVE THEM BACK TO ME LKH!! lol

By comparison, I love Merry Gentry because she just revels in it and lets it empower her.

That is funny because the other day in either her og and on Twitter LKH talked about the difference between writing Anita and Merry and how they view sex etc....

I think series are perceived a little differently depending on if you read them all at once or read them only as they come out. I also had the same experience watching the show Lost. I watched all the episodes in big batches, so if one was a dud, I had the next episode on hand right after to make up for it.

Did she twitter about it? I have to look that up then! I'm always puzzled that she finds Merry more emotionally draining to write, since I think that overall, the Merry character has a more positive and accepting attitude than Anita. She's quicker to adapt.

I know that IS weird. I would think that Merry would be easier to write since she has a much better attitude and outlook on her circumstances.

Merry's attitude and outlook might be more easy going, but if the character is too different from your own perspective it can sometimes be hard to get into that "frame of mind"...

That being said I sometimes find Anita's lack of acceptance, or difficulty I guess, tiresome at times, I mean I get it its a tough situation but my goodness lets move on - of course no one is as bad as Richard, I could just shake/slap him...

I would personally be HAPPY if she wrote his ass out of the damn series. That is how much I hate him.

I understand we have to have those *love to hate* type characters in books but every time he is in any of the books I get that *I want to throw this book across the room* feeling and it erks me to no end! lol

Richard has really crossed the threshold into pure annoyance. He may change now though since he's lost some of the anger he acquired from Anita. I'll reserve judgment until the next book...if it features him at all.

I don't think we'll get much more from Richard in the romance department where Anita or JC are concerned. I think both of them have already written him off and now he's just another were leader (albeit their partner) and I don't even think she considers him backup either. Something tells me he has lost all chances with Anita and I don't think he's unhappy about that.

I like the way Mommy Dearest was killed off. I mean, considering most vampires tend to think in old=fashioned terms, it doesn't surprise me that no one had thought of simply blowing her up. I mean, it's fast, efficient and I can't think of a vampire that would survive that. When Anita suggested it, I literally wanted to introduce my head to the desk because they hadn't even tried it yet. I mean, they knew where she was and they knew they couldn't get to her, but the fact that they didn't realize that they didn't need to be near her to blow her up was kind of a duh moment for me.

I agree it was a good way to take her out and so foolish that it took so long for them to think of it. But I blinked, and she was dead! For all the build up, I thought for sure that Anita would be involved in her destruction. That she wasn't was almost a let down.

I have to disagree... the way she was taken out was a huge let down for me and made the book that much worse to even read.

The fact that Anita was not even involved in her being taken out really upset me as well.

Anita *used* to kick some ass. In Skin Trade it seems she stands around watching other people kick ass and just whines a lot.

You don't set up a Big Bad, bring her along as the villain through multiple books, make her scary and cold as hell...and then ::poof:: in a sentence she's gone! But I keep telling myself LKH must KNOW that, so it's all a ruse and Marmee is some where in the ether waiting to return. That's what I've decided and I'm sticking to it. The alternative is too disappointing.

Actually, it almost felt like LKH WAS going to do a book where Anita has a big face off with Marmee...then she decided she wouldn't do that book and so had someone off-page kill her to resolve the problem. Boo. I wanted Anita to face her and defeat her her own damn self! Or at least have Anita be the one to hit the detonator. It would've been cathartic.

:)

No more romance with Richard, agreed. But they still desperately need a good working relationship because of the triumverate. That's alls I want!

Jennifer, in personal writings LKH's voice does seem more like Anita's than Merry's, at least to me, so I see what you're saying. Good point!

Can any loyal Blog readers tell this lazy person what the news is on Divine Misdemeanors? I skimmed one day recently and she said she was still writing it? Or is she working on the NEXT Merry?

Because I have the damn thing pre-ordered and I want it already! I want more Frost. And Ash and Holly. And how the hell is such a character going to deal with kids?! The more I think about it, the more crazed I am wondering where the series will go.

I want to say she is still working on Divine Misdemeanors A Novel, but it's the edits and rewriting stuff. Just doing tweaks and what not. Divine Misdemeanors A Novel is due to release in December, so she has at least another month to do some tweaks.

If you think about it, Anita did have her showdown with the Big Bad, it was just metaphysical, like all of her encounters with Marmee Noir.

Hey, it was originally supposed to be October!

Well, that answers my question.

On the metaphysical front, maybe if it hadn't been all snarled up with the Day Father story, Marmee's ending could have felt fuller and more final? Her demise felt more like a footnote.

If you follow her blog I believe that LKH is still writing Divine Misdemeanors. She isn't even to the edits stage yet which is why the release was pushed back once already.

To add my thoughts on the series, I like it, it used to be my favorite but I think I now enjoy the merry series more. Part of that is Richard, he was the one I wanted Anita with and what LKH has done with him pisses me off to know end. Skin Trade was better than the middle of the road books, but the ending was rushed and I don't think she was true to quite a few of her characters.

Just updating, LKH posted to her twitter tonight that she finished writing Divine Misdemeanors tonight.

Yeah, I agree about Richard, but I think it goes with his character. He was never okay with being bitten in the first place and really wasn't going to try and take over the pack until his hand was forced.

DOH, Tiffany you beat me to it!!! I was just checking my Twitter account and saw LKH's tweet that she was done and book has been sent to NY..... woohoo

I agree that what LKH has done to Richard is just WRONG! But she says he "is" her ex-husband, remember, so I think she's been extra snarky with him. I just SO wanted Anita to be w/him before but alas . . . the funny thing is NEITHER he nor Anita were accepting of what happened to them and both got pretty whiney IMO. At this point, I agree that there is no saving Anita's feelings about Richard, but damn, she didn't try to make it easier for him either! In DM (I think?)she had Richard & JC in bed (OMG, to be in that bed!!!!!!!!) and I thought she was going to go for THE BIG ONE but pulled back . . . maybe if Anita would shut up and Richard would shut up and Jean Claude would run the show again :P And no, I don't believe Marme Noir is gone, either.

Have you guys seen this yet?

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Ardeur Unauthorized Essays on Laurell K. HamiltonÆs Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter Series
Blurb: Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series is a literary sensation, thanks to its strong female hero, well-fleshed (both literally and literarily) characters and unabashed attitude toward sex. The world Hamilton has created is powerfully compelling and stunningly complex—and it gets deeper and richer, and more perilous, with every book.

Straddling the series’ dominant themes of sex and power, Ardeur gives Anita fans a deeper look into the dynamics, both personal political, that have kept readers fascinated throughout the run of the series. Why is the ardeur the very best thing that could have happened to Anita, personally (aside from all the sex it requires her to have with hot men)? How is Anita’s alternate United States a logical legal extension of our own? And as the series continues, what other bargains might Anita have to make with herself and others in order to keep the people she loves safe from harm?

Wow. Nope, hadn't heard of that. I wonder what LKH thinks of it...