accidentalspaceexplorer's review against another edition
I really didn't like the writing style. For one thing, there's a huge infodump at the beginning, and then I didn't like Lila's narration, so I quit.
theamazingmrg's review against another edition
4.0
There's another review that complains this is a romance novel in disguise. I would suggest they read the cover blurb next time. The Romance leanings were pretty obvious from that.
Romance aside, it's a fun romp, very reminiscent of a less scummy Shadowrun universe.
My actual rating: 3.5/5
Romance aside, it's a fun romp, very reminiscent of a less scummy Shadowrun universe.
My actual rating: 3.5/5
elaryen's review against another edition
adventurous
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Science Fiction mixed with fantasy. Cyborgs, elves, demons, dragons & elementals
mferrante83's review against another edition
3.0
In all honesty it was the back of August’s Chasing the Dragon that helped form my decision to read Keeping It Real. I remember when the series first hit and thinking that it sounded cool but I somehow managed to never pick it up. Set in a world where a “Quantum Bomb” has opened up the gateways between the dimensions that are home to humans, elves, demons, faeries, and elementals Agent Lila Black is almost more machine then human. Her body rebuilt after a botched diplomatic mission Lila first assignment is to protect popular elven rock star Zal. What might have been a simple bodyguard mission turns into something more when Zal becomes the target of mysterious and powerful figures. While it didn’t blow me away I found Keeping It Real to be an exciting ride set in an original world.
Full review here/
Full review here/
seually's review
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Spoiler
I don't know how the spies should act, but I think it would be the reverse to as the main hero Lila does. Getting to attached to your job and fucking him in the end... still can't accept it of some sort. I would consider this read as a romance, everybody is highly focused on their feelings. And there are some graphic sex scenes. Which should have a warning for people like me, who'd better avoid it.The good part is the world idea of seamlessly blending magic&tech, it was unique for me. And magic and elves are my favourite~~
As the world is elven biology is unique too. Never heard of this kind of etheric projection which can affect a physical realm.
Though the Game concept had flown away from me through all the read.
Definitely would finish the series as I always do if I start a book(if it isn't unbearable). But not in a foreseeable future.
And by the way, the only character I like was Dar. Such a loss.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Alcohol, Blood, Drug use, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Body shaming, Grief, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Death
I'm not fluent in English and at first it was uncomfortable to read of some sort 🙃 but then I adapted (if it makes sense)sharonskinner's review against another edition
2.0
Awkward beginning, but a very creative and intriguing world.
Plus points for world-building and finding a slick way to couple SF w/ Fantasy.
Some lovely language and description coupled with periodically awkward sentence structure. Sometimes a little too descriptive for my taste.
Selected Gems: "When speech is careless and labels people, instead of simply stating what was done, when speech is used as a weapon, there is nothing we can do but fight."
"Besides which, he was still a whole person, even if he was corporeally challenged."
Not a bad read, but I never got emotionally involved.
Plus points for world-building and finding a slick way to couple SF w/ Fantasy.
Some lovely language and description coupled with periodically awkward sentence structure. Sometimes a little too descriptive for my taste.
Selected Gems: "When speech is careless and labels people, instead of simply stating what was done, when speech is used as a weapon, there is nothing we can do but fight."
"Besides which, he was still a whole person, even if he was corporeally challenged."
Not a bad read, but I never got emotionally involved.
grandgranini's review against another edition
3.0
Umm. The book had cyborgs and elves and dragons, but I think this wasn't actually fantasy or scifi, but chick lit. Not sure why I picked it up. Maybe because Robson has solid hard scifi credentials, and I was curious what she would be doing with this material. Not much, as it turned out.
reading_rainy's review against another edition
4.0
A badass female cyborg guarding the body of an elf rock star. Need I say more?