Blade Song (Colbana Files, #1) in Vampires, Weres and Fae!

Jun 13, 2017 Aimee rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal, werewolves, vampires, magic, urban-fantasy, private-investigator, 2017, witches

I liked parts of it and equally fed up with other parts. I felt like Kit was underwhelming as a heroine. Damon sent up a lot of red flags for a potential boyfriend. These two together didn't have me excited for any sort of relationship between them. Working together, I was sure that they'd never get the job done. They both seem to be bumbling around playing PI than one really being one.

Kit spend the book somehow injured or breaking down. These don't tend to really bother me, unless it fills the I liked parts of it and equally fed up with other parts. I felt like Kit was underwhelming as a heroine. Damon sent up a lot of red flags for a potential boyfriend. These two together didn't have me excited for any sort of relationship between them. Working together, I was sure that they'd never get the job done. They both seem to be bumbling around playing PI than one really being one.

Kit spend the book somehow injured or breaking down. These don't tend to really bother me, unless it fills the whole book. Kit hasn't learned over the long years she's been on her own to put steel in her spine and push the memories back. I think I'd rather see her repress them and have that bite her in the butt later, than all the break downs she had over them. I didn't get the feel of her being really good at her job. All the author gave us was that she was good with her job and good with her weapons, but it was never really shown to the reader. I would have loved to see her prove herself along her journey, not just at the end. Otherwise, she spent the book being a damsel in distress needing saving. Not my kind of heroine.

Why do I feel like Damon is a poor fit for a boyfriend? He tends to use endearments to belittle Kit. At first it was supposed to be because he wanted to get under her skin. Then it came those comments that girls get everywhere that they feel they can't do anything about. Comments on their bodies that were never asked for. This I feel would have been okay AFTER a relationship was formed or when they were both flirting with each other. Being on the receiving end of sexual comments is uncomfortable and embarrassing, even for Kit who was trying to work her job with a man she didn't want along. Kit spent her time trying to not flirt with this guy and he was coming on strong with all the wrong moves that made me shudder.

I liked the mystery aspect of this. The who dun it portion made up for the lack of interest in the relationship and stumbling into the right place in place of actual investigating. At the end, we finally get to see Kit in action. She could be badass. Could be. The end was good, turning this on its head and going after the bad guy. Too bad the rest of it wasn't like this. ...more

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Jul 29, 2012 Lori {Romancing the Dark Side} rated it really liked it

Shelves: vampires, reviewed, urban-fantasy, netgalley-reviews, shifters, read-in-2012

A headstrong heroine in a dark and gritty paranormal world of shifters!

As a warrior descendant of a powerful ancient race, Kit Colbana doesn't have a soft spot for much in the dangerous world she lives in, except when it comes to kids. When she's sought out by a sexy shifter (Damon) for a new job involving his Alpha's nephew, Kit doesn't hesitate, despite knowing the potential threat she faces on this case. With Damon playing bodyguard and enemies at every turn, this might be the job to put the A headstrong heroine in a dark and gritty paranormal world of shifters!

As a warrior descendant of a powerful ancient race, Kit Colbana doesn't have a soft spot for much in the dangerous world she lives in, except when it comes to kids. When she's sought out by a sexy shifter (Damon) for a new job involving his Alpha's nephew, Kit doesn't hesitate, despite knowing the potential threat she faces on this case. With Damon playing bodyguard and enemies at every turn, this might be the job to put the infamous Kit out of business, permanently.

If I had to sum up Blade Song in just one word it would be intense. What starts off as a simple job for Kit quickly turns into a whirlwind of paranormal mayhem and countless life endangering situations! Kit is a tortured heroine if I've ever met one...

As a half-breed she's never been fully accepted by her own and had to constantly prove herself, molding her into a woman who has no real emotional attachment to anything but the sword she wields. She has no real friends and is thrown into an unexpected love triangle with two men, shifter Damon and the vampire Jude, who she doesn't fully trust. While I love a strong and mouthy heroine, Kit was a little too rough around the edges for me when it comes to her mouth, but not her actions. She finds herself in situations where I expected to see the feisty side shine, but all I got was all bark and no bite from her for most of the story. As the story developed I found myself warming up to her character and all the trials she's had to endure.

“It was a seductive thing, full of promise. Full of warmth and wonder and lies.”

One of the great elements of Blade Song is how the romance is woven into the plot but doesn't overpower the story. The possible two love interests of Damon and Jude make Kit's already exciting life that more entertaining. Jude is introduced as a vampire that's saved her in the past and has invaded her dreams ever since. When he finds out who Kit is working for, he advises her to be careful and decides to offer her his protection in the form of a blood pact. Jude is very charismatic but there's a dark side to him you can't help but be wary of. The second Alpha male in the story, Damon, is quite detestable in the first few chapters. A clash of personalities makes for great tension between the two men and Kit, and at times you don't know whether you want them to end up together or kill each other! Damon is not your usual hero, he's dominant and physical with Kit but slowly worked his way to redeeming himself by the story's end.

“I'm part of the package, kitten. Your bodyguard, babysitter and tattle-tale, all rolled into one." Flashing his teeth at me, he added, "Aren't you pleased?”

The world of humans and non-humans created by Ms. Daniels is edgy, unapologetic and full of suspenseful twists. The heroine is flawed, the men are dark and the action is non-stop...making it a well balanced read. With plenty of mystery and personality, Blade Song is a debut that will be a sure hit for urban fantasy newcomers and fans alike. Her reckless behavior and vulnerability demonstrate Kit is one heroine who will undoubtedly leave her mark on readers!

{ebook courtesy of NetGalley}

Original Romancing the Darkside Review:
http://romancingthedarkside.blogspot.... ...more

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