novelinsights's review
3.0
This prequel novella served as a little introduction to Kate Prospero's life as it stands in the main series. In addition to showing the beginning of her career as a cop, it also showed her moving into the house that she lives in during the rest of the series and meeting Baba. It felt very much like the beginning of a new chapter that she'd well worn in by the time we met her in Book 1.
While this was a fun little introduction to her life, I didn't think this book was as well-written as the main books in the series. Since there wasn't a big case investigation to tie everything together and act as an overarching plot, it felt a little less compelling and Kate seemed more to float along from one part of the story to another in a more reactive way. Everything also felt very stereotypical and predictable, perhaps moreso even than it did in Book 1. Plus, again, there were editing errors, though they felt less pervasive since there was just less text there and thus fewer opportunities for error.
I suppose another comment that I could make about this is that it generally felt unnecessary. I didn't feel like I learned anything about Kate in this book that I didn't already know, and that if I would have skipped it altogether, I wouldn't have really lost out on any depth of character or understanding moving forward. Therefore, if you want to take the time to read this, you'll probably enjoy it, but I don't think you're really missing anything important if you don't.
While this was a fun little introduction to her life, I didn't think this book was as well-written as the main books in the series. Since there wasn't a big case investigation to tie everything together and act as an overarching plot, it felt a little less compelling and Kate seemed more to float along from one part of the story to another in a more reactive way. Everything also felt very stereotypical and predictable, perhaps moreso even than it did in Book 1. Plus, again, there were editing errors, though they felt less pervasive since there was just less text there and thus fewer opportunities for error.
I suppose another comment that I could make about this is that it generally felt unnecessary. I didn't feel like I learned anything about Kate in this book that I didn't already know, and that if I would have skipped it altogether, I wouldn't have really lost out on any depth of character or understanding moving forward. Therefore, if you want to take the time to read this, you'll probably enjoy it, but I don't think you're really missing anything important if you don't.
civreader's review
3.0
3.5* - it's good, well-written, but never really took off for me. Interesting world-building and mythology she's created for the series. I'll certainly be trying the novels.
nadenetotallyaddictedtoreading's review
3.0
If you are a fan of Jaye Wells Prospero’s War series, then you will love this novella. Fire Water is the prequel to the series and it focuses on Kate’s life as a rookie cop. It reveals her desires as a child and the struggles she faced after leaving the coven. It portrays the prejudices that women face when working in what is considered a man’s world.
The story started out slowly, which was not a bad thing as it provided details as to the reason she was continually being overlooked for promotion in the Babylon Police Department. We also came to learn how she met her eccentric, but well-meaning neighbour Baba. It showed in detail how she solved her first case with the help of Captain Martin Smiley, who was a few days away from retirement. This was where the story heated up in terms of excitement.
The writing was good and the descriptions were vivid. Just thinking about that lake she had to patrol gave me the shivers. The thought of swimming in that sludge, gross! Overall, this was a short but fun and exciting read. If you are new to the series get yourself copies of Dirty Magic and Cursed Moon. This a unique and refreshing series with likeable characters and a great plot, a must read for fans of the urban fantasy genre.
The story started out slowly, which was not a bad thing as it provided details as to the reason she was continually being overlooked for promotion in the Babylon Police Department. We also came to learn how she met her eccentric, but well-meaning neighbour Baba. It showed in detail how she solved her first case with the help of Captain Martin Smiley, who was a few days away from retirement. This was where the story heated up in terms of excitement.
The writing was good and the descriptions were vivid. Just thinking about that lake she had to patrol gave me the shivers. The thought of swimming in that sludge, gross! Overall, this was a short but fun and exciting read. If you are new to the series get yourself copies of Dirty Magic and Cursed Moon. This a unique and refreshing series with likeable characters and a great plot, a must read for fans of the urban fantasy genre.
sarah42783's review
4.0
Actual rating: 3.5
Warning: I thought I would have the time to write a proper crappy review for this story but it looks like it's not going to happen. Crappier than crap crappy review to be expected.
► This probably deserved a 3-star rating but I just can't be reasonable when it comes to Kate Prospero so 3.5 it is. I almost went for a 4 but decided to try and salvage the little credibility I have left. Funny little me.
① This is pretty enjoyable despite the desperate lack of Macho. Well if you're not familiar with this series you probably have no idea of what I'm talking about. Well that's your problem, not mine. Ha.
② This is pretty enjoyable because it gives great insight into Kate's life as a rookie cop. You might call these her pre-Cupcake days. Well if you're not familiar with this series you probably have no idea of what I'm talking about. Well that's your problem, not mine. Ha.
③ This is pretty enjoyable because we get to find out how Kate first met Baba, her seventy-something crazy potion cooking/senior citizen-stalking freak/neighbour. No sexy juice or smutty book club meetings to be had in this instalment, unfortunately. Sigh.
④ This is pretty enjoyable even though the plot is neither deep nor mind-blowingly original. It's fast paced and entertaining, what more do you want?
⑤ This is pretty enjoyable because Kate Prospero.
⑥ This is pretty enjoyable because Kate Prospero.
⑦ This is pretty enjoyable because Kate Prospero.
Am I repeating myself? It sure looks like it doesn't it? Why do you think that is? Are you getting the point I'm trying to make? You are? Good for you! your parents must be so proud.
► Now just stop wasting time on Goodreads and go read this series. You can thank me later.
✎ Book 1: Dirty Magic ★★★★
✎ Book 2: Cursed Moon ★★★★★
✎ Book 3: Deadly Spells ★★★★★
✎ Book 4: Volatile Bonds ★★★
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