A Shiver of Light Advance Book Review

April 13, 2014 / 2 comments

A Shiver of Light Advance Book ReviewA Shiver of Light by Laurell K. Hamilton
Series: Merry Gentry #9
Published by Berkley Trade, Penguin on June 3rd 2014
Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Format: eARC
Source: Netgalley
Purchase @ AMAZON  or  BN
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Rating 

I am Princess Meredith NicEssus. Legal name Meredith Gentry, because “Princess” looks so pretentious on a driver’s license. I was the first faerie princess born on American soil, but I wouldn't be the only one for much longer...

Merry Gentry, ex–private detective, now full-time princess, knew she was descended from fertility goddesses, but when she learned she was about to have triplets, she began to understand what that might mean. Infertility has plagued the high ranks of faerie for centuries. Now nobles of both courts of faerie are coming to court Merry and her men, at their home in exile in the Western Lands of Los Angeles, because they will do anything to have babies of their own.

Taranis, King of Light and Illusion, is a more dangerous problem. He tried to seduce Merry and, failing that, raped her. He’s using the human courts to sue for visitation rights, claiming that one of the babies is his. And though Merry knows she was already pregnant when he took her, she can’t prove it.

To save herself and her babies from Taranis she will use the most dangerous powers in all of faerie: a god of death, a warrior known as the Darkness, the Killing Frost, and a king of nightmares. They are her lovers, and her dearest loves, and they will face down the might of the high courts of faerie—while trying to keep the war from spreading to innocent humans in Los Angeles, who are in danger of becoming collateral damage.


Liezel’s Thoughts:

The long wait is almost over!  I can’t believe it’s been more than  four years since we’ve heard anything from  the American-born Faerie Princess Meredith NicEssus. I am thrilled  to say that it was well worth the wait. Just like we expected we observe Merry in a whole different light.

We’ve seen her as a resourceful private detective, as an agreeable niece to the faerie queen, as a compelling negotiator, a fearless adversary , a good friend and most especially a more than passionate lover. What we have never seen in the  previous eight books is Merry in the role as a fierce protector and devoted mother.

Yes, you’ve read that right! In “A Shiver of Light” we witness the birth of the most awaited triplets. And while her pregnancy wasn’t all rainbows and unicorns , catching the first glimpse of the newborns in all their splendor and glory was well worth all the distress. It was defintely moving  and beautiful to witness the reaction of her men during that entire process.

Since it was mentioned in the previous book who the suspected fathers were we aren’t too surprised  who among her numerous lovers are featured in this book. However, what was unexpected  was  discovering the unique elements that each  one of the babies inherited from the fathers. At birth, they already begin exhibiting  powers of their own and I am excited to see where LKH eventually takes this.

Being that these children are the  first royals in centuries  they receive large amounts of attention. Some of which is largely unwarranted. As the story moves along, we learn of  one particular delusional person that attempts to capitalize on the entire situation which leaves everyone around Merry in danger. As always the goddess remains at Merry’s side as she battles against these forces and while she remains protected not everyone is spared.  She unexpectedly loses one of her beloved  which was beyond  heart breaking.

Did I enjoy the book? I did on so many levels. To be honest, it has to be one of my favorites in the entire series. Since it has been years since the last book, I did appreciate how each of the pertinent characters was described in the very beginning. The way that aspect was delivered was terrific. It felt like I was reuniting with old friends. I also appreciated how the last few moments of Merry’s pregnancy was narrated. The aches and pains she experienced during and after made it feel more real and portrayed Merry in a much more human light.

I won’t fail to mention that since Merry just gave birth we don’t see as much carnal  and erotic scenes that we expect in any LKH book and while that would be  discouraging for most, for me I thought it was a breath of fresh air. I thought it provided a rare  opportunity to showcase the deeper side of Merry’s relationships.

Don’t you  worry even if the sex is toned down, the over all content is overwhelmingly sufficient. The story remains just as  dramatic, action filled and  intense as the previous books. There truly is never a dull moment.

I loved the ninth installment to the Merry Gentry series and although we do read some finality in different aspects of the story I’m hoping that that the series continues on whether it  be Merry’s story or a spin-off revolving around her heirs I’m certain it will be just as magnificent.

The Verdict:

rating-4

 

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Merry Gentry Series Reading Order:

merrygentry

About Laurell K. Hamilton

Laurell K. Hamilton is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of two series that mix mystery, fantasy, magic, horror and romance. Her Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter novels from Berkley Books began with GUILTY PLEASURES and continues to thrive with over sixteen volumes to the series and an comic adaptation. There are now more than 6 million copies of Anita in print worldwide, in 16 languages. Hamilton’s Ballantine series features Fey princess and private investigator, Merry Gentry and there are now six novels exceeding one million copies in print. She lives in St. Louis County Missouri with her husband Jonathon Green, daughter, two pug dogs and one boxer/pug dog.



2 Responses to “A Shiver of Light Advance Book Review”

  1. jen

    Did they pay you for that review? I hope they did because if that is your true feelings you dont know what a good book is. Sorry

    • liezel77

      No I was not paid for this review or any other review for that matter. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and this is how I felt about this book.

      Appreciate you stopping by and reading my review. Have a pleasant weekend.

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