cdescription77's review
challenging
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
faehistory's review
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
perfectlymisaligned's review
5.0
I literally read this book in one sitting. The cliff hanger ending will leave your head spinning, and dying for the next installment. This entire series is HIGHLY recommended to all paranormal fiction fans.
rclz's review
4.0
This is the third installment in Rob Thurman's Cal and Niko series. You'd be hard pressed not to love these stories even if they can be a bit heat breaking at times. The main characters and the secondaries are wonderfully done as is the world building. Nice job all around. The bad guys are scary as hell, more so that most. I've already tried to pre-ordered the 2012 book even though I have two more in between to read before it comes out but unfortunately I have to wait for the publisher to get their act together and list it for the kindle. Dorks.
raven_acres's review
4.0
Another dark, goryish read. Polishing them off really quickly, enjoying more character information, and the whole plot line.
dlcomrie's review
4.0
I continue to enjoy this series although I was admittedly feeling like it ended in a dark place. Dark even for this series but I still want to see where we are going.
The author has a talent for exposing the richness of the characters, relatable imperfections and all, in a wonderfully subtle way. Each book has let the reader get to know more and more about not only the main characters but the tertiary ones as well.
The author has a talent for exposing the richness of the characters, relatable imperfections and all, in a wonderfully subtle way. Each book has let the reader get to know more and more about not only the main characters but the tertiary ones as well.
reginaexmachina's review
5.0
In Madhouse, Cal and Niko are still getting into trouble as usual. Promise gets the boys a gig through a friend at a museum. Something has escaped the museum that should not have been able to. Turns out it was an ancient serial killer known for his numerous victims and cannibalistic tendencies. While trying to catch this murderer, another problem arises when Cal's new boss tips them off that someone has put a hit out on Robin. Robin can't even remember how many people's he's pissed off enough to put a hit out on him, leaving the brothers no way to help him. Cal's also been trying to deal with trying to stay away from George but he doesn't want to be lonely. Cal's gate creating abilities are also starting to become a problem when they start causing him migraines and a significant loss of blood. Add on to his plate a new werewolf interest and Cal will have to watch more than his back if he's going to survive.
Perhaps this is just me but even with everything going on in this book it didn't feel as action-packed as the previous books. I think because a big part of this book is Cal finally dealing with some emotions and realizing he and his brother aren't alone anymore. Niko was also not as present in this book which was rather saddening. Even so, I still highly enjoyed it and am dying to read the next book as there is a cliffhanger at the end. Curses.
Perhaps this is just me but even with everything going on in this book it didn't feel as action-packed as the previous books. I think because a big part of this book is Cal finally dealing with some emotions and realizing he and his brother aren't alone anymore. Niko was also not as present in this book which was rather saddening. Even so, I still highly enjoyed it and am dying to read the next book as there is a cliffhanger at the end. Curses.
dajaf's review against another edition
4.0
Kniha neměla tolik vtipných hlášek jak předešlé dva díly, zato byla hodně smutná a depresivní, nevím, jestli ještě zvládnu tolik smutku...já chci happy endy!
paperbackstash's review
3.0
Holy cliffhanger hell, that was a doozy.
Other than the last few paragraphs that came out of nowhere and knocked me on the side of the head, the book was rather sedate. Sure, there's a cool plot about a restored and ancient serial killer that's tough to beat, but just like the others in this series so far - nothing feels frantic or particularly suspenseful about it.
I think the main issue is that most Urban Fantasies dip their genre toe deeply into the mystery pool, stimulating the thinking part of the brain as much as the action part. With this series, there's little mystery - most of what is unknown is discovered almost right away, leaving little pause and wonder (no surprise) - so it's basically connect the dots from one action point to the next.
Cal isn't as emo as before, but he's still realistically conflicted, which is fine. He's a unique character and I like his sassy attitude, gritty outlook, normal hormones, and sense of loyalty. Niko still hasn't grown on me as he's too perfect and paper pure, but he's okay as a background and their brotherly bond is still fitting. Promise is still kind of lackluster, but Robin is - as always - a fun character bomb that was tossed into the group.
The villains were brutally vicious and hard to conquer, but I knew they were be bested in the end so there's just wasn't enough tension to raise the rating. You could have put in any other antiquated serial killer and had a similar feel of rush and story. It was creative to use who the author did (I won't spoil it), but I think the issue is what I explained about -the way the world goes about sending out these signals. It's a little redundant.
I'll still continue with the series - the author writes well, dialogue rings true, the world-building is filled with bizarre fantastical creatures and powers. And of course after that cliffhanger - I have to see that the demented starter race may have come back to finish the job.
Other than the last few paragraphs that came out of nowhere and knocked me on the side of the head, the book was rather sedate. Sure, there's a cool plot about a restored and ancient serial killer that's tough to beat, but just like the others in this series so far - nothing feels frantic or particularly suspenseful about it.
I think the main issue is that most Urban Fantasies dip their genre toe deeply into the mystery pool, stimulating the thinking part of the brain as much as the action part. With this series, there's little mystery - most of what is unknown is discovered almost right away, leaving little pause and wonder (no surprise) - so it's basically connect the dots from one action point to the next.
Cal isn't as emo as before, but he's still realistically conflicted, which is fine. He's a unique character and I like his sassy attitude, gritty outlook, normal hormones, and sense of loyalty. Niko still hasn't grown on me as he's too perfect and paper pure, but he's okay as a background and their brotherly bond is still fitting. Promise is still kind of lackluster, but Robin is - as always - a fun character bomb that was tossed into the group.
The villains were brutally vicious and hard to conquer, but I knew they were be bested in the end so there's just wasn't enough tension to raise the rating. You could have put in any other antiquated serial killer and had a similar feel of rush and story. It was creative to use who the author did (I won't spoil it), but I think the issue is what I explained about -the way the world goes about sending out these signals. It's a little redundant.
I'll still continue with the series - the author writes well, dialogue rings true, the world-building is filled with bizarre fantastical creatures and powers. And of course after that cliffhanger - I have to see that the demented starter race may have come back to finish the job.