The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! đ
mermaid42's review against another edition
1.0
Really badly written characters. So many plot contrivances. Objectification of the main character and all the guys wanted her. So many icky things, especially in relation to the 13 year old that's involved in the book. Gratuitous violence and the threat of sexual assault.
paradoxically's review against another edition
4.0
This book is... interesting.
The main character, Dakota, is tall, has a mohawk, and inks magical tattoos. Sounds interesting, yes? Well, it is, for the most part. Several stereotypes just leap out at me (I was a bit 'meh' about Dakota's characterization when I started reading, but I liked it much more as I went on), while other things in the book are wholly surprising and kind of ridiculous, like the author attempted to break the stereotypes the genre has, but did it in such a manner that made me laugh and go, "Really now?" The first vampire scene is a prime example of this. It was surprising, but more than that, it was absolutely ridiculous. I'm still wavering between "that is hilarious" and "that is kind of stupid".
But that was my initial impression (I like starting reviews when I first think of something to say because first impressions are important). However, once the book starts moving, once the plot starts to really heat up, everything becomes very good. The author just seems to mellow out just the slightest bit and the plot races along, the pace is fast, and everything is very nicely done. The book is engaging and there are actually consequences to Dakota's actions--she doesn't just magically bounce back from whatever spot of trouble she gets herself into; she is affected by things, she gets traumatized by events, and she just seemed so much more real to me as I read further along.
The other characters are varied and are more or less fleshed out. Some of them were one dimensional, but a few others were fascinating in their own right (I do wish that they were more fleshed out overall, though). I like the fact that the main character has friends (more than one, even!) and is a nice person all around. She's not super competent, she can't really fight, but she's tough in her own way that was a joy to see.
The book is not perfect (the beginning for example) and a few things had me rolling my eyes (mainly scenes involving the vampires, then the meeting with a bunch of werewolves). They were fairly typical or over the top in a bad way. And of course there is this waifish orphan that hangs around the main character--but, well, I warmed up to the girl fairly quickly, so I suppose that's a vote in her favor.
A rocky beginning, but if you stick it out, you'll probably find yourself enjoying this book. I'd give it 3.5 stars, rounding up to 4. I look forward to reading the next one.
The main character, Dakota, is tall, has a mohawk, and inks magical tattoos. Sounds interesting, yes? Well, it is, for the most part. Several stereotypes just leap out at me (I was a bit 'meh' about Dakota's characterization when I started reading, but I liked it much more as I went on), while other things in the book are wholly surprising and kind of ridiculous, like the author attempted to break the stereotypes the genre has, but did it in such a manner that made me laugh and go, "Really now?" The first vampire scene is a prime example of this. It was surprising, but more than that, it was absolutely ridiculous. I'm still wavering between "that is hilarious" and "that is kind of stupid".
But that was my initial impression (I like starting reviews when I first think of something to say because first impressions are important). However, once the book starts moving, once the plot starts to really heat up, everything becomes very good. The author just seems to mellow out just the slightest bit and the plot races along, the pace is fast, and everything is very nicely done. The book is engaging and there are actually consequences to Dakota's actions--she doesn't just magically bounce back from whatever spot of trouble she gets herself into; she is affected by things, she gets traumatized by events, and she just seemed so much more real to me as I read further along.
The other characters are varied and are more or less fleshed out. Some of them were one dimensional, but a few others were fascinating in their own right (I do wish that they were more fleshed out overall, though). I like the fact that the main character has friends (more than one, even!) and is a nice person all around. She's not super competent, she can't really fight, but she's tough in her own way that was a joy to see.
The book is not perfect (the beginning for example) and a few things had me rolling my eyes (mainly scenes involving the vampires, then the meeting with a bunch of werewolves). They were fairly typical or over the top in a bad way. And of course there is this waifish orphan that hangs around the main character--but, well, I warmed up to the girl fairly quickly, so I suppose that's a vote in her favor.
A rocky beginning, but if you stick it out, you'll probably find yourself enjoying this book. I'd give it 3.5 stars, rounding up to 4. I look forward to reading the next one.
novelheartbeat's review against another edition
3.0
From my blog Auntie Spinelli Reads
3.5/5
In the first 80 pages or so, I was thinking about putting this one down. Boy, am I glad I didn't! In the beginning, I really didn't care for it because of several reasons:
1) The cursing. The F word was in almost every other sentence. I have absolutely no problem with a little foul language, but I feel it was a bit excessive at times.
2) It seemed a bit like a male's wet dream complete with lesbian bondage and S&M. Sooo not my thing. Thankfully it was just one scene, and didn't really go into detail. But I was still a little disturbed.
3) Too many possible love interests. It seemed like everyone, male and female alike, was interested in Dakota (she's bi). And likewise, she was sizing up men left and right with no bias. There were so many that I couldn't even keep track.
4) The street names, GOOD LORD. I felt assaulted with street and building names as well as directions. I really could care less how to get to someplace in a book. Seriously. My attention span was suffering, and I ended up skimming most of these parts because I didn't feel like reading all of the names.
But then it picked up at the werehouse, where Dakota first demonstrates her magical tattoos. The idea of tattoos coming to life - aka skindancing - is positively fascinating to me, so my interest was piqued. Then, all of the werekin. I am a huge fan of anything were, and this one had them aplenty - werewolves, werecats, weretigers, werestags, and even, yes! a werebear. After that, I was hooked.
Dakota was an okay protag, although she came off a bit skanky in the beginning. After she finally stuck on one guy she wasn't so bad - and romance really took a back burner after the first half. She wasn't all that strong, she has her magic but when that is gone she's just a very tall and weak woman who can't defend herself. But she still had kick-ass aspects: the magical tattoos that come to life with her mana, her no-nonsense attitude, and deathhawk. That's right - a full mohawk that went all the way down her back. Bad ass!
Favorite character: Cinnamon! First of all, she's a weretiger. Second of all, she reminds me of this character, from my favorite anime:
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Merle!!
Young and stubborn and a bit fiesty. I'll love you forever if you know what anime it is. :D
ASSESSMENT
Plot:
Writing style: 3.5/5
Characters: 3/5
There were too many, so the development suffered.
World-building: 4/5
LOVE the magical aspects!
Pace: 3.5/5
First 100 pages: 2/5; Last half: 4.5/5
Cover: 4/5
I want a dragon tattoo badly, so of course I'm attracted to the cover!
3.5/5
In the first 80 pages or so, I was thinking about putting this one down. Boy, am I glad I didn't! In the beginning, I really didn't care for it because of several reasons:
1) The cursing. The F word was in almost every other sentence. I have absolutely no problem with a little foul language, but I feel it was a bit excessive at times.
2) It seemed a bit like a male's wet dream complete with lesbian bondage and S&M. Sooo not my thing. Thankfully it was just one scene, and didn't really go into detail. But I was still a little disturbed.
3) Too many possible love interests. It seemed like everyone, male and female alike, was interested in Dakota (she's bi). And likewise, she was sizing up men left and right with no bias. There were so many that I couldn't even keep track.
4) The street names, GOOD LORD. I felt assaulted with street and building names as well as directions. I really could care less how to get to someplace in a book. Seriously. My attention span was suffering, and I ended up skimming most of these parts because I didn't feel like reading all of the names.
But then it picked up at the werehouse, where Dakota first demonstrates her magical tattoos. The idea of tattoos coming to life - aka skindancing - is positively fascinating to me, so my interest was piqued. Then, all of the werekin. I am a huge fan of anything were, and this one had them aplenty - werewolves, werecats, weretigers, werestags, and even, yes! a werebear. After that, I was hooked.
Dakota was an okay protag, although she came off a bit skanky in the beginning. After she finally stuck on one guy she wasn't so bad - and romance really took a back burner after the first half. She wasn't all that strong, she has her magic but when that is gone she's just a very tall and weak woman who can't defend herself. But she still had kick-ass aspects: the magical tattoos that come to life with her mana, her no-nonsense attitude, and deathhawk. That's right - a full mohawk that went all the way down her back. Bad ass!
Favorite character: Cinnamon! First of all, she's a weretiger. Second of all, she reminds me of this character, from my favorite anime:
Merle!!
Young and stubborn and a bit fiesty. I'll love you forever if you know what anime it is. :D
ASSESSMENT
Plot:
Writing style: 3.5/5
Characters: 3/5
There were too many, so the development suffered.
World-building: 4/5
LOVE the magical aspects!
Pace: 3.5/5
First 100 pages: 2/5; Last half: 4.5/5
Cover: 4/5
I want a dragon tattoo badly, so of course I'm attracted to the cover!
lyrrael's review against another edition
3.0
If you're a fan of urban fantasy, murder mysteries and tough broads, this may be the book for you. I have to say that I really did enjoy it -- it sucked me right in in a way that a lot of urban fantasy really doesn't, and I ended up reading it in an evening.
There was a lot of suspension of disbelief involved, though; every man looked like he was out of GQ and wanted the leading character, and every woman was mind-blowingly beautiful (and usually also wanted the leading character). People waltzed in just at the right (or wrong) time, and in ways that were totally unlikely (a series of friends who walk into a trap? really?).
This is not to say that Frost Moon was a bad book. Hardly -- it was fun and creative, an awful lot like cotton candy -- melts in your mouth fast, doesn't have an awful lot of substance, but is pretty darned yummy.
Kudos to the author for including the victimization complex that happens after an attack. That was a bit of psychological realism that I often wonder at the lack of in many books.
Finally, this book is eerily similar to Amazon Ink, by Lori Devoti. Same basic premise, same leading character, different magic system. Try this book or ..well, anything involving Anita Blake.. if you're looking for a similar tough-girl approach to the magical world.
There was a lot of suspension of disbelief involved, though; every man looked like he was out of GQ and wanted the leading character, and every woman was mind-blowingly beautiful (and usually also wanted the leading character). People waltzed in just at the right (or wrong) time, and in ways that were totally unlikely (a series of friends who walk into a trap? really?).
This is not to say that Frost Moon was a bad book. Hardly -- it was fun and creative, an awful lot like cotton candy -- melts in your mouth fast, doesn't have an awful lot of substance, but is pretty darned yummy.
Kudos to the author for including the victimization complex that happens after an attack. That was a bit of psychological realism that I often wonder at the lack of in many books.
Finally, this book is eerily similar to Amazon Ink, by Lori Devoti. Same basic premise, same leading character, different magic system. Try this book or ..well, anything involving Anita Blake.. if you're looking for a similar tough-girl approach to the magical world.
andimontgomery's review against another edition
5.0
For a limited time, this book is FREE on the Kindle.Â
I loved this book from the very beginning. The writing was fluid, the descriptions were vivid, and the characters were likable.Â
I am surprised that a man wrote a main female character so well. I really liked Dakota. She may look tough (at 6'2" with a black and purple Mohawk), but she's really soft-hearted and very protective of her friends. She also has an amazing ability to draw magical tattoos on people that MOVE.Â
That creative twist really grabbed my attention. And to top it off, someone is killing tattooed individuals. Dakota fears not only for her former clients, but also for herself.  I won't give you too many other details for fear of spoiling the story, but trust me, this story is worth reading.
Having lived in Atlanta for 3-1/2 years, I loved being able to relive some of my favorite places through this book, like The Vortex, my absolute fave burger place, and Junkman's Daughter and Psycho Sisters, two of the coolest stores I have ever visited.Â
Highly recommended!
I loved this book from the very beginning. The writing was fluid, the descriptions were vivid, and the characters were likable.Â
I am surprised that a man wrote a main female character so well. I really liked Dakota. She may look tough (at 6'2" with a black and purple Mohawk), but she's really soft-hearted and very protective of her friends. She also has an amazing ability to draw magical tattoos on people that MOVE.Â
That creative twist really grabbed my attention. And to top it off, someone is killing tattooed individuals. Dakota fears not only for her former clients, but also for herself.  I won't give you too many other details for fear of spoiling the story, but trust me, this story is worth reading.
Having lived in Atlanta for 3-1/2 years, I loved being able to relive some of my favorite places through this book, like The Vortex, my absolute fave burger place, and Junkman's Daughter and Psycho Sisters, two of the coolest stores I have ever visited.Â
Highly recommended!
rora114's review against another edition
3.0
A nice diversion. The last chapter was a little wrap-it-all-up-in-a-pretty-bow & saccharine, but I enjoyed the rest of the book. I'll probably pick up the second book in a bit.
It's always great to discover that a book I've enjoyed is at least somewhat connected to NaNoWriMo.
It's always great to discover that a book I've enjoyed is at least somewhat connected to NaNoWriMo.
somewheregirl7's review against another edition
2.0
Dakota Frost is a magical tattoo artist with a punk style and tats covering her body. When a serial killer targeting people with magical tattoos comes to light, Dakota is pulled into the investigation by her cop-father's partner and a federal agent.
This book started out with a lot of promise and I was glued to the pages for the first half of the book. Unfortunately that early promise didn't pan out for me. Frost Moon portrays a lot of alternative culture (punk scene, S&M, etc) but it felt like too much and was too quickly glossed over and just accepted by everyone in the book. Alternative culture is not mainstream clearly and I seriously doubt that every guy walking around would be panting after a girl with a mostly shaved head and mohawk who towers over six feet tall and is heavily tattooed. One of my pet peeves has always been main characters that are irresistibly attractive to every other human being on Earth for no apparent reason. Dakota falls firmly in that category and it's not just the guys that are getting all lusty for her either, many of the female characters are equally interested.
In addition, the main premise of the book is that there's a serial killer out there targeting those with magical tattoos. At least according to the book summary. And yet we hear about that in the beginning and while the fed agent is around for the rest of the book (mostly so he can pant after Dakota) the murderer is not around and isn't killing and absolutely nothing appears to be happening with the case. In fact more time is spent lovingly describing magical tattoos and how cool Dakota is then on actual plot developments.
I got bored and abandoned the book 3/4 of the way through because it felt like the plot was going nowhere and I just couldn't take one more character proclaiming how hot and sexy Dakota is. This book was not my cup of tea, alas.
This book started out with a lot of promise and I was glued to the pages for the first half of the book. Unfortunately that early promise didn't pan out for me. Frost Moon portrays a lot of alternative culture (punk scene, S&M, etc) but it felt like too much and was too quickly glossed over and just accepted by everyone in the book. Alternative culture is not mainstream clearly and I seriously doubt that every guy walking around would be panting after a girl with a mostly shaved head and mohawk who towers over six feet tall and is heavily tattooed. One of my pet peeves has always been main characters that are irresistibly attractive to every other human being on Earth for no apparent reason. Dakota falls firmly in that category and it's not just the guys that are getting all lusty for her either, many of the female characters are equally interested.
In addition, the main premise of the book is that there's a serial killer out there targeting those with magical tattoos. At least according to the book summary. And yet we hear about that in the beginning and while the fed agent is around for the rest of the book (mostly so he can pant after Dakota) the murderer is not around and isn't killing and absolutely nothing appears to be happening with the case. In fact more time is spent lovingly describing magical tattoos and how cool Dakota is then on actual plot developments.
I got bored and abandoned the book 3/4 of the way through because it felt like the plot was going nowhere and I just couldn't take one more character proclaiming how hot and sexy Dakota is. This book was not my cup of tea, alas.
kwaders's review against another edition
5.0
Dakota Frost is a tattooist who specializes in magical ink. She lives in Atlanta, in an area called Little Five Points that is home to edgeworlders. Edgeworlders are the shifters, vampires, magicians, etc that live on the fringes of society. Dakota is asked to help the Department of Extraordinary Investigations with a case involving tattoos & then is asked to ink a magical tattoo on a were. Chaos ensues from there.
I really enjoyed this book. The world is rich with interesting characters. My experience in the area of paranormal & urban fantasy is relatively limited, but many aspects of this world that Francis has created seem new & fresh. I especially loved the concept of the magical tattoos. The descriptions of Dakota's ink are beautiful. I want her dragon! Dakota's relationships play an important role in her journey & Francis does a great job of making them believable. I have a soft spot in my heart for Cinnamon, a weretiger that Dakota meets.
I hope that Francis continues this series. I will definitely buy every book.
I really enjoyed this book. The world is rich with interesting characters. My experience in the area of paranormal & urban fantasy is relatively limited, but many aspects of this world that Francis has created seem new & fresh. I especially loved the concept of the magical tattoos. The descriptions of Dakota's ink are beautiful. I want her dragon! Dakota's relationships play an important role in her journey & Francis does a great job of making them believable. I have a soft spot in my heart for Cinnamon, a weretiger that Dakota meets.
I hope that Francis continues this series. I will definitely buy every book.
kstep1805's review against another edition
3.0
Frost Moon reminded me a lot of books in the Faith Hunter series. Dakota is a tough and edgy young woman who practices tattoo magic. At first I thought the premise would be hokey but it turned out to be something different and piqued my curiosity. I thought there were some real character development issues in this book but the plot kept moving along making up for lack a congruity within the characters. It is a little bit more risque than the aforementioned Faith Hunter books and many other books in its genre. But if you liked Faith Hunter or Kate Daniels, you will probably enjoy Dakota Frost.