Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy discussion

Hi all.

I've been looking at the Anita Blake books, and they sound like they might be pretty good.

Has anyone read them?

What are they like? Much romance? Are they good?

It's more UF, with a shot of horror. Definitely on the darker side. You won't be doing much chuckling during this series!

There's zero sex in the first few books, though there is a sexy vamp as a main character from the get-go.

Lots of ass-kicking in the beginning as Anita works with both the police and the "monsters" to solve different crimes and resolve issues in the supe community.

About halfway through the series, there's a shift that introduces more erotic elements. Some like or don't mind the shift. Others hate it. It's very much a case where each person has to decide for her/himself.

I like the world she's created: the vamp politics, the pack dynamics, Anita's necromancy. It's all very detailed and interesting. There are also enough men featured that there's someone for everyone to obsess over.

There are some issues with the series, but that's true of a lot of UF. I personally find the writing repetitive at times, and Anita has a lot of Too Stubborn to Live moments. But Anita's powers, the supe politics and the characters surrounding Anita keep me coming back for more.

Of all the books in the genre, I'd say this series causes the most controversy between readers! It's certainly worth a go.

Michelle M. wrote: "You won't be doing much chuckling during this series!"

I find Anita's quips very funny. And Jason's antics are frequently amusing. It's a darker, more sarcastic sense of humor, I think.

As for the series, in general. It's my personal favorite. Wonderful world-building and step off the page real characters that you can't help falling for.

It's urban fantasy, not paranormal romance. There is no happily ever after coming. Relationships come and go, build and change. But there is plenty of sexual tension and plenty of relationships that are established as the series progresses. Character centric readers will be very happy.

Highly recommended.

mlady_rebecca, you're right about Jason. He does crack me up. And Anita does have her own wry humor. Oh, and it's been so long, I'd competely blanked on Zebrowski--he's smirk-inducing.


I think as a whole though, the tone of the series is darker compared to some of the books people read 'round here. For the newbies, Anita is fierce and focused and doesn't suffer fools lightly. LKH also doesn't hold back when it comes to exploring emotions on either side of the spectrum. There's a lot that's gruesome and a lot that's touching. She really runs the gamut.


Characters that step off the page is right! Or, I wish they'd step off, right into my bedroom. I can so clearly picture every single character in my mind. It makes it so easy to form an attachment to them. They're all very well developed, distinct personalities too. Once I got sucked in, I wanted to know more about everyone, even the peripheral characters.


And there's no shortage of surprises and twists--LKH really works to keep the momentum going. I may not like all the choices she's made, but it's never boring!

Wow! This is has been SO extremely helpful! You all have given me a fantastic feel for the series.

Although I am definitely going to keep this series in my "to read" stack, I think I might start with Gena Showalter's "Lords of the Underworld". Possibly Monin's Darkfever.......hmmmmmmmm

Are Jeaninene Frost's Night Huntress Books UF like the Anita Blake series?

I THINK her books are more PNR. I had no idea Anita Blake books were UF and not PNR.

I'm still a sucker for the steamy scenes, although I certainly enjoy books immensely with out them too.

Jeaniene Frost is UF. Gena Showalter is utterly PNR. The Fever series, from what I know of it, is UF. There's a highlander series that comes before Fever that's PNR. I can't comment more on Moning though since I haven't read those.


The basic rule is that in PNR, there is a distinct Happy Ever After, and the romance between a particular couple is a key aspect of the story.

Anita Blake has plenty of steamy scenes. It just takes a couple of books for the character to develop a relationship.

That's is a great general guide to use. Thank you. :o)

While waiting for replies, I've started reading Sherrilyn Kenyon's third Dark Hunter book "Dance with the Devil" since I know here's are PNR.

I like happy endings.

OK, so Jeaniene Frost/Laurell K. Hamilton are UF

Gena Showalter/Sherrilyn Kenyon are PNR

What other authors write primarily PNR?

Hi Laura. Here is a list of PNR authors I have very much enjoyed:

Larissa Ione
Christine Warren
Jacquelyn Frank
Nalini Singh
Lara Adrian
J.R. Ward
Jennifer Lyon
Kendra Leigh Castle
Christine Feehan
Kresley Cole
Lynn Viehl
Alexandra Ivy
Marjorie M. Liu

I think these are amusing, and for the most part I really like them, but Hamilton has a tendency to draw things out way too much and over-describe. Some people like that, it sets the atmosphere and saves them the work of having to imagine anything, but I hate it when a books stops in the middle of the action to describe in overkill what someone looks like. Especially when it always boils down to "long hair, striking eyes, tight, tight clothes". Hamilton definitely has a type.
She can also be kind of cheesy and she sometimes dates herself with her references.
Alright, I know I just gave a list of the negatives, but they are fun, and I do really like Anita and a lot of the other characters.

Oh, she definitely has a type, all right! I want more Wicked Truth to counter the long-haired type. I need me some variety in my men.


Laura, Sherrilyn Kenyon is great. Love her world and her men. I even like all the heroines!

So, what would you recommend then Misty? I'm open for ideas. I am fairly new to this genre.

Michelle ~ I am enjoying Kenyon's books. I am on book 3. :-)

I would still recommend Anita Blake, but just know there are flaws. I would also strongly recommend Patricia Briggs' Mercedes Thompson series. They just get consistently better, and they started out strong.

I started reading reading PNR because of Anita Balke. I read everything Hamilton had to offer then found Dharlain Harris and now am reading the Dark Hunter series. I like the intelligence, dark humor and being left wanting more. You want to know who Anita and Sookie end up with.

For PNR, I love Kenyon and Lynsay Sands. Most people also love Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood and Singh's Psy/Changeling series.

For UF:
- Karen Chance (fast-paced, hilarious, and hot)
- Charlaine Harris (great heroine, interesting characters, well-balanced world...and Eric)
- MaryJanice Davidson (vampire chicklit, laugh out loud funny)
- Terri Garey (ghosts as opposed to supes, creepy at times, very real characters)
- Patricia Briggs (Mercy and Adam are the type of people you want to be friends with)
- Richelle Mead (Dark Swan series and Succubus series--Dark Swan being my favorite of the two, based in Faerie and oh the Delicious Dorian)
- Shanna Swendson (described by the author as Bridget Jones meets Harry Potter, magical chicklit)


You'll find so many others to add to your TBR list. The genres include more great series every day!

Michelle ~ Thank you so much for that guide. That is fantastic. I really appreciate it!

I had not heard of Karen Chance, from your description they sound like a good read! Actually, so does Mary Janice Davidson, another author I had not heard about yet.

My head is swimming with all these new options. I wish I were a speed reader.

Laura wrote: "Michelle ~ Thank you so much for that guide. That is fantastic. I really appreciate it!

I had not heard of Karen Chance, from your description they sound like a good read! Actually, so does M..."

You're welcome! Hope it helps you find something you like. A word about Touch the Dark. It did suffer a bit from First Book Syndrome for me, so give it 60 pages or so to really get going. After that, I loved it, and every book she's written thereafter.

Happy reading!

I have both Touch the Dark and Claimed By the Shadow now on my Kindle! :-)

Sweet!

Well Michelle M and Nita definetly gave you lots of food for thought but I just had to chime in. I am one who absolutely LOVES LKH, I like both her Anita Blake Series and her Meredith Gentry series. Both are definitely more UF and dark. Don't get me wrong Anita can drive me absolutely crazy and sometimes i'm not sure if I can continue, but there are so many other characters that you come to know and love that it's so worth it!!! I also love Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress series!!! Now here is where MichelleM and I disagree and we've had lots of discussions about it, I havne't really cared for the Karen Chance Cassie Palmer series.... I have read 3 of the 4 books so far and do plan on reading book 4 and reading her spin off series, but for me it's been very hard to get into her books. Book 3 so far has been my favorite. I'm not saying they are bad, but compared to some of the other series I have read it's my least favorite. One of my other personal favorite series is Keri Arthur's Riley Jensen series, definitely PNR and also Patricia Brigg's Mercy Thompson series. OH GOSH and how could I not mention JR Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood Series!! I have not read kenyon or moning yet but do have them on my list to read for sure as I have heard nothing but wonderful things about both of them.... lots of food for thought for ya Laura!:) Happy Reading and do let us know what you end up liking and not liking ;) Definitely makes for great conversations!

Hi Michelle ~

I have read the first four books of the BDB series. After reading the reviews on 5 and 6, I didn't think they were for me. I might pick up book 7 though, we'll see.

I am currently reading book 4 of Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark-Hunger series. They are pretty good, I like them. As much as I am enjoying them, I might switch series after this one just for some variety and come back to it later.

Question, I have heard over and again how the Anita Blake series is "dark". What does everyone mean by "dark"?

Laura wrote: "Question, I have heard over and again how the Anita Blake series is "dark". What does everyone mean by "dark"? "

Anita's world is violent and dangerous. And the descriptions of violence are as explicit as the descriptions of sexual content.

I have read that the BDB were considered very violent, but other then a few isolated scenes, I did not consider them so. How do they compare to the BDB series?

Do not not mind explicit sexual content one bit! Usually one of my favorite part sin the book. LoL

What she said!

Dark as in gritty, explicit, no glossing over things, and Anita's emotions are often pretty raw. There are a lot of tense and serious moments. It's on the suspense, thriller side.

Doesn't LKH herself put Anita in a horror category?

As mlady_rebecca said, LKH is explicit. Instead of saying there was a body in a pool of blood, she'll lay out the whole ugly crime scene for you. Since in many books, Anita spends a good amount of time at crime scenes or engaged in fights, it makes for some gory imagery.

Ahhhhh....I understand what is meant by 'dark' now much better. Thanks Michelle.

My conclusion? I think I will most definitely begin reading the series. I can always skim through the gruesome parts, or stop reading it altogether if it gets to be to much.

As a matter of fact, now you all got me curious! Since I have not gotten past the prologue of the 4th Dark-Hunter book, I may set it aside for now and try an Anita Blake book.

:-)

Enjoy!

Yes enjoy Laura, I think you will like them! The first one was a bit hard to get into at first but they definitely get better! Oh and I really think you should keep reading the BDB series too, they are all really good!!!!

Well, I'm on page 150 of the first book of the Anita Blake series, and so far I LOVE it!

Although I am really enjoying the first book so far, the, one thing that bugs me a little, is that Anita Blake seems fairly "ordinary". Not that her JOB is ordinary, but her fears, thoughts, way of reasoning/thinking, reaction to men, etc. seem to be 'normal', for lack of a better word.

She seems both fragile and tough at the same time. Clearly this is what the author was going for, but it does not 'jive'.

It would seem to me that a vampire slayer would be a bit tougher minded (something that always drove me crazy while watching Buffy, especially Season 4 when she gets to hurt over some schmuck she knew for a whole couple of weeks, who did what boys do...take advantage of a girl to get them to 'put out').

I dunno, I think I would be pretty cynical after facing what she has faced already, and somewhat more immune to the fear that so often accompanies her.

But hey...wadda I know?

Yeah I know what you mean Laura! I found it pretty strange too! And unfortunately she gets rather annoying when it comes to some of her ideals at least in MHO!.... More often than not I want to smack her upside the head.... BUT I still love the series, i find i'm liking alot more of the other characters more than Anita these days....

Oh no, she is like this through the WHOLE series??? I was holding out hope that maybe she would get tougher as the series went on.

Laura wrote: "Anita Blake seems fairly "ordinary". Not that her JOB is ordinary, but her fears, thoughts, way of reasoning/thinking, reaction to men, etc. seem to be 'normal', for lack of a better word.

She seems both fragile and tough at the same time. Clearly this is what the author was going for, but it does not 'jive'."

I'm not sure what you mean. You're in her head, so of course you're going to see more of her thoughts and fears than she is showing to the other characters.

Anita's strength is that she can plow through an emergency and not fall apart until after the fact.

As Jason said (in a much later book):
"Before I knew you, I thought brave was not being afraid. You've taught me that bravery is being terrified and doing it anyway."

On the other hand, if you're talking about her strict morality, that's something that you see change and develop throughout the series.

Well, I just finished Book 1 of the Anita Blake series and I really enjoyed it. On to Book 2......

i'm up to number four.. but they've all gone missing..
ahaha
but at the start of the books before the storyline kicks in is a little slow i believe.. then when Jean Claud is introduced.. the story gets better in the most beautifully complicated way that it is :)

Jean-Claud is in Book 1. I do like his character so far! I am very interested to see how it all develops.

Back to my book now.......

I just finished reading Burnt Offerings and really enjoying this series. LOL, I am a Jean Claude fan though and not Richards.

Laura wrote: "Oh no, she is like this through the WHOLE series??? I was holding out hope that maybe she would get tougher as the series went on."

Yeah she seems to be like that through the whole series, but stick with it the series is still good if you can get past her annoyingness.... of course that's just my opinion... you might not find it annoying ;)

Yeah, I find it annoying, but I am enjoying it so far. I'm about half way through Book 2.

Laura wrote: "Well, I just finished Book 1 of the Anita Blake series and I really enjoyed it. On to Book 2......"

Hi Laura-
I also just finished book 1, and although its not PNR, so much as UF, I also really enjoyed it, and I am looking forward to reading the 2nd!

It is definitely UF. It is nothing like a PNR, but like you I am really enjoying it.

I now understand how people say these books are darker then average though. The 2nd is even more 'dark' and gruesome then the 1st, but it is still good.

I equate it to watching a C.S.I. show. If they actually described the crime scenes with great detail it would probably end up something like the crime scenes in these books (except the paranormal weirdness of course).

Now you get it!

I really enjoy the darkness in the Anita Blake books. I've been reading too many teenage vampire series,a dn to have some honest-to-goodness evil in a book as opposed to hormonal boys treating girls badly is refreshing, and it leaves room for sincere heroes instead of plain old gentlemen.

I am just beginning book 7 of the Anita Blake series now and I LOVE them. I have a hard time putting them down once I start one. I have been reading about a book a day!

I love Jean-Claude.

Oops...scratch that. I'm starting Book 8 now. Finished up 7 last night.

That's awesome Laura! I really liked Book 8 (Blue Moon)!! Can't wait to hear what you end up thinking about it and then book 9(Obsidian Butterfly), i'm looking to start book 12(Incubus Dreams) in a few weeks!:)

blue moon and killing dance and then CS is my favorite so far.
you can have more then one favorite right? lol

I just got to the part with Richard. Groan. What about Jean-Claude? I mean, I love Richard, but my choice would have been Jean-Claude.

Wonder if she can have her cake and eat it too........

I guess so.

On to book 9....

Actually, reading Book 8.5 short story first, THEN book 9...

i'm still on book 4...
so whats everyone's fav book of the anita blake series so far?

I was actually wondering if anyone knows how many Anita Blake short stories there are in compilation books and what books they are?