Click on the pink-link book titles to go to my reviews.
Click on the pink-link ratings to go to an explanation of my five-point rating system for violence, sensuality, and humor.
I still have a few 2013 books on my to-read shelf, so I may add to this list if any of them meet the standard set by these novels.
Top 6 Novels in NEW Urban Fantasy Series in 2013
My review says…“...a terrific novel, with excellent plotting
and pacing, well-developed characters, and nicely defined interpersonal
relationships. The emotional twists and turns among the main characters…are
fascinating to watch, and the…supporting characters are delightful.”
My review says…“I'm looking forward to the next entry in this dystopian series because I really want to follow the developing relationship
between Justin and Mae. If Mead treats this couple the same way she treated
poor Georgina and Seth in her GEORGINA KINCAID series, they (and we) have lots of twisted and tortured
adventures ahead.”
My review says…“...a solid urban fantasy series with a
particularly creative mythology and a likable hero. I love the fact that these
vampires are so different from the usual stereotype.”
My review says…“...a book with so many levels of
complexity and depth that it's hard to know where to begin. First, this mage
world is fresh and inventive—nothing like the usual urban fantasies on the
market today. No stereotypical alpha hero. No one-dimensional villains. No
lengthy, anguished interior monologues. Instead, we have a well-constructed
magic system and a solid plot driven by scenes of compelling action and bitter
despair. The tone is very, very grim and gritty, but the darkness is broken
frequently by moments of noir humor that provide comic relief.”
My review says…“...a great new series with
well-developed, sympathetic characters, excellent world-building, and lots of
secrets to uncover in ensuing books. At one point in the story, a character who
writes paranormal romances explains that three elements are needed to write a
top-notch story: sex, originality, and attention to detail. Well, we haven’t
gotten to the sex yet (except for a hurried up-against-a-wall scene in chapter
1), but Armstrong hits the other two out of the park.
1st novel in FALLEN SIREN SERIES
My review says…“This
is a well-written book—as you would expect from these experienced and talented
authors. The lead characters—Emma and Zack—are fully developed with haunting
back-stories that deepen their appeal. Even the supporting characters have
depth, and that's something you don't always find in this genre.”
Top 20 Novels in CONTINUING Urban Fantasy Series in 2013
My review says…“Whenever I read this series, I wish with
all my heart that every author who tries writing in the first person could do
it as perfectly and as elegantly as McGuire does. Toby has always been a
strong, courageous, and independent (but vulnerable) heroine who does not
have to don black leather bustiers or constantly spout the f-word to intimidate
her enemies. She is a breath of fresh air among urban fantasy heroines, and I
can't wait for her next adventure.
My review says…“...a rollicking adventure from
beginning to end….McGuire excels in character development, and her story line
about Sarah is powerful—full of pathos and heartbreak to be sure, but also
showing the strength and unequivocal love of the Price family for all its
members, whether they be related by blood, adoption, or friendship.
My review says…“This quickly became a page-turner, just
like all of the previous books have been. This is a great series, and I
highly recommend it to readers who like gritty and violent urban fantasy with
undertones of noir humor.
My review says…“...a terrific story, as usual.
Briggs spins out a compelling, action-filled plot with effortless ease. Each
time you think that a resolution is near…something else comes up to complicate
the situation….Mercy is a topnotch urban fantasy heroine: brave, intelligent, and
independent; fully in love with her man and completely devoted to her pack.
My review says…“...another great entry in a solid
series…Everything comes together in the closing chapters, which are filled
with sustained suspense and compelling action.
Magic Rises, by Ilona Andrews (Pseudonym
for Ilona and Andrew Gordon) 7th novel in KATE DANIELS SERIES
My review says…“Once again, the authors have produced a
winner of a story that is particularly poignant…This is a terrific story—well
plotted and full of action and suspense.
My review says…“...a strong addition to a series
that has one of the most damaged heroes I've seen in recent urban fantasy. If
you enjoy this series, you may also like these: Jim Butcher's DRESDEN FILES, Benedict Jacka's ALEX VERUS, Kevin Hearne's IRON DRUID, Jim C. Hines' MAGIC EX LIBRUS, Ben Aaronovitch's PETER GRANT/RIVERS OF LONDON series.
My review says…“It's great to have this series back after
such a long break. I've always liked Anna and Charles, and their characters
have developed nicely over the years. Both of the plot lines (the serial killer
and Charles's ghosts) are driven by compelling action and honest emotion.”
My review says…“...another strong entry in a top-notch
urban fantasy series. The heroine continues to be strong, courageous,…and the
action moves along at a nice pace. I'm looking forward to the next novel, in
which Vicky will be forced to deal with her new powers and with some new demon
problems.”
My review says…“On the surface, this book has the simplest plot so far, but below the
surface, it is the most complex. We learn a lot more about Alex's history with
Richard and his apprentices, and we watch Alex come to terms with his past
actions. I recommend the book highly, but not as a stand-alone. You'll enjoy it
more if you read it in the context of the previous three books.”
Shattered Circle, by Linda Robertson 6th novel in PERSEPHONE ALCMEDI/CIRCLE SERIES
Ratings: Violence—3-4; Sensuality—3; Humor—2-3
My review says…“With its complex, but not complicated, plot, this is another strong entry in the series. The characters continue to be interesting as they keep developing in new and fascinating ways.
Binding the Shadows, by Jenn Bennett
3rd novel in ARCADIA BELL SERIES
My review says…“With its complex, but not complicated, plot, this is another strong entry in the series. The characters continue to be interesting as they keep developing in new and fascinating ways.
Binding the Shadows, by Jenn Bennett 3rd novel in ARCADIA BELL SERIES
My review says…“The book opens with
a nail-biting scene…and the ending is such a slam-dunk of a cliffhanger that it
will be agonizing to wait almost a year for the next book. I love this
series!”
My review says…“Carey is a skilled writer who—luckily for
the reader—handles Daisy's first-person voice exceptionally well. Daisy is a
brave and likable heroine who muddles through her daily life just like the
rest of us (except that she is a hell spawn with a tail and we aren't).”
My review says…“This continues to be a terrific
series—never formulaic; always original….The author carefully constructs her
story lines to highlight the development of her characters, providing a major
pay-off for the reader.”
My review says…“The intricate plotting combines
compelling action, heart-breaking angst, and enough electrifying suspense to
keep you turning the pages at a rapid rate.”
Graveyard Child, by M.L.N.
Hanover (pseudonym for Daniel Abraham) 5th novel in BLACK SUN'S DAUGHTER SERIES
My review says…“...a real page-turner, with
non-stop, compelling action and lots of twists and turns in the
plot. Jayné's relationships with her team and particularly with her family
are front and center all the way through. The scenes between Jayné and her
father are heart-breaking.
My review says…“...a solid addition to a
terrific series. Thankfully, the heroine is smart and brave and tends not to have
any TSTL moments (what a relief!). The
supporting cast is interesting, with a wide variety of back-stories and magical
powers.
My review says…“If you're a regular series reader, I'd
recommend this book for the Morrison story line alone. Both the development of
the action and the depth of the characterization…are well done, adding just the
right amount of personal conflict to an exhilarating adventure.
My review says…“Corine is front and center, showing off
her courage and intelligence as she fights to get back her man and protect her
friends. This is a great ending for a strong series.”
To Dance with the Devil, by Cat Adams (pseudonym for C. T. Adams & Cathy Clamp) 5th novel in BLOOD SINGER SERIES
My review says…“...another solid chapter in a strong
series. Both the main and supporting characters are well-developed, and the
suspense-filled plot moves along at a compelling pace.
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