In an alternate Atlanta where magic is practiced openly, where witches sip coffee at local cafes, shapeshifters party at urban clubs, vampires rule the southern night like gangsters, and mysterious creatures command dark caverns beneath the city, Dakota Frost's talents are coveted by all. She's the best magical tattooist in the southeast, a Skindancer, able to bring her amazing tats to life. When a serial killer begins stalking Atlanta's tattooed elite, the police and the Feds seek Dakota's help. Can she find the killer on the dark fringe of the city's Edgeworld? Among its powerful outcasts and tortured loners, what kind of enemies and allies will she attract? Will they see her as an invader, as a seducer, as an unexpected champion ... or as delicious prey?
My Review :
Frost Moon was one of those books with a cool cover and a nice blurb that makes you wonder if it could really be as good as it looks. Tattoo's that come to life, vampires, mystery and murder were all factors that screamed 'read me'. There was a lot of promise in this first book in the Skindancer series and I was eager to see what the author had had come up with.
I really think the plot and concept was extremely good for a debut. I was quickly pulled into the story and I liked the main character and her sassy attitude. Dakota's tattoo's and her occupation were a huge attraction for me but her appearance of six feet tall was not what I expected. It was nice to have a leading lady who didn't have everything she needed to win a fight. Taking help from others and teaming up with people who could help was a nice change to the 'kick-ass and could do everything' type that the genre is used too.
The writing style was a little hard to get used too. Sometimes things came across as erratic or a waste of time but I really believe it was the author trying too hard to make the story pop. I enjoyed Frost Moon but I did feel it was lacking a little background and explanation. With no real knowledge of how the world worked I felt like I was being thrown into an already established series when really this was only the first book. Too much depth meant that I couldn't find a way to settle into the really special world the author has created.
Throughout the story I went from wanting to give up and walk away, to liking everything that was happening to wondering if I would bother with a sequel. There was so much packed into this book that I did feel a little overwhelmed but I have to say that by the end I am left ready and willing to check out the second part in the series when it comes out. Why? There were some good strong characters that I am looking forward to meeting again. Also the world the author has created has a lot of possibilities. I am really interested to see where he takes things next. Oh and the tattoos. There is something extremely cool about them.
All in all a good debut which does have some weak moments. If you can overlook the minor flaws here and there then you will be rewarded with a nice new unique Paranormal Urban Fantasy read that could develop into a seriously good series. Frost Moon is different, unusual and full of paranormal delights. I will be checking out the sequel and am I am really happy to welcome another male author to the genre!
2 comments:
The cover already called my name, but after reading your review, I think I will try it out, and soon. I am looking for a new UF series, and this sounds like just the thing.
I received this as a freebie last year and was glad I did. It was highly enjoyable and I'm not sure I'd have seen it on the shelf if I hadn't received it from LibraryThing.
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