Saturday, July 30, 2011

Review: Awaken Me Darkly (Alien Huntress #1) by Gena Showalter

Synopsis (Goodreads):
Ridding the world of evil, one alien at a time: That's Mia Snow's mission.

Snow is in the forecast.

In a time and place not too far away, Mia Snow is an alien huntress for the New Chicago Police Department. Heading up her expert team of Alien Investigation and Removal agents, Mia's unmatched at battling the elusive enemy among us, and she's the perfect girl for the job. She's seen her brother die at the hands of aliens. She's earned each of her scars. And she'll die before she cries. Now, a series of killings have Mia and her partner Dallas tracking alien suspects -- but a sudden blast of violence leaves Dallas fighting for his life.

They are ice and fire.

The chance to save Dallas appears in the form of a tall, erotic stranger. An alien. A murder suspect. Kyrin en Arr, of the deadly Arcadian species, holds the power to heal the injured agent but not without a price. For Mia Snow, that price is surrendering to Kyrin's forbidden seduction...and embracing their electric attraction. She's walking a knife's edge, risking her badge and even her life. The closer she gets to Kyrin, the more Mia learns about her own heart, her human needs -- and the shocking secret that will shatter everything she's ever believed.
My Thoughts:  Generally speaking, I've liked all of Gena Showalter's books that I've read.  That said, this one felt a little ... thin.  I see that it's one of her earlier books and I have to say that I can definitely see how her writing has matured and deepened.  Which isn't to say that I disliked this book because I thought it was a pretty fun little romp, however it isn't quite at the same level as later books.

The thing is that I really enjoyed the world that was created here.  I can see the beginnings of a huge amount of mythology (and having read the 4th book in this series I know the mythology expands nicely) and I love the idea of aliens coming to earth and learning to fit in.  Or not fit in and casually kill people.  You know, whatever.  Still, I like the dark, sometimes feral feel of the characters and how the Hunters are so single-minded and ready to kill.  I do wish that there had been more focus on the aliens and their way of life.  We know they're different.  We know they have powers yet it was never given as much page time as I thought it should have received.

Still, it was fun.  Mia has her strengths and she has some rather glaring flaws (her nearly sociapathic tendencies, for one) but she's an interesting character.  I liked Kyrin.  I really liked the other members of A.I.R.  Overall, I liked the book, it's just that it didn't grab me by the hair and sling me into a wall.  Still, I'll be continuing with this series so I can see those other agents get their girls.  Or guys.  Whatever.  I'm an equal opportunity HEA-er.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Other reviews in this series:
Book 4: Seduce the Darkness

More books by Gena Showalter

3 comments:

  1. Hmmm interesting review! I've considered reading this one a time or two and just have never bought it!


    Molli
    Blog: Once Upon a Prologue
    Twitter: @ courageousgrace
    Goodreads: Here

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  2. I felt like that about this book as well, I liked it but I thought she had definietly produced better since. Thanks for sharing!

    Suzanne

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  3. Molli: It's fun, it's just not fabulous. However, I've read the 4th book in the series and that one had a lot going for it.

    Under the Covers: I really like her later books. So much fun!

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