Review: Kitty and the Silver Bullet by Carrie Vaughn

Title: Kitty and the Silver Bullet
Author: Carrie Vaughn
Series: Kitty Northville #4
Pages: 352
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Source: Library

Goodreads Description:
Werewolf Kitty Norville has found success as a popular late night radio DJ and perhaps even more important, she's hooked up with a compassionate boyfriend. However, just as she's relishing the calm in her life, a call about a family medical emergency drags her back to Denver and into the throes of a violent supernatural upheaval. With feuding vampires and abusive werewolves clawing at her door, she can only long for the tranquility of her lover's arms and her midnight show

My Review:
I've been reading through the Kitty series and I have to say that I like each one better and better. Throughout the last few books, Kitty has slowly been gaining both respect and members of her pack. This pack might be a bit rag-tag, and made up of quite a few different breeds and species of "people" but it seems to be close-knit and bonded together through loyalty and friendship. It took a long time for me to become attached to them, but now that the attachment's formed, I feel extremely emotionally tied to them. Odd..it's kind of like a real-life friendship. Some people you bond with instantly and then it fizzles out after a few months. Other times you might not like someone right off the bat, but then you grow on each other until you're inseparable and you wonder how you ever lived without them. Well...that seems to be the case for me with Kitty, Ben and Cormac.

This book had a lot more of the things that I love in my urban fantasy novels: Vampire and Werewolf politics. Some people seem to hate the politics, but to me, that is what makes these paranormal worlds so fascinating. I love the mixture of real with surreal, logical and everyday with the extraordinary. Simple things like a vampire demanding etiquette that is 3 centuries out of date or werewolves keeping to pack rituals found in the wild are really what make these books so cool for me, and I loved that we got to see a lot more of those types of things in this book. Don't get me wrong, I think that the focus on the characters was really needed in the last book. I had been feeling kind of out of sorts with them and the big push for characterization really helped, but now I'm ready for the plotting and the lies and scandal that goes with the supernatural society. The plot was a lot more interesting and adventurous than the last few books. There is internal power struggles in both the vampire and werewolf communities in Denver, and the outcomes of these battles will completely change the face of Denver's supernaturals forever.

The characters were far from forgotten in the face of all this plot development. I have always liked that Kitty maintains relationships with her family. In a lot of Urban Fantasy, the family is dropped in favor of dealing with love interests and the complications of changing into a paranormal while the family doesn't. I like that Kitty cares for her family. She was normal for 20 years and had a normal familial relationship during that time. I like that it doesn't change just because she's been bitten. You can tell she loves them because she tries to keep them safe in the best way she can, which is usually to leave them the hell alone. But when a family crisis comes up, she does what a normal daughter does and rushes to her family's side. I really like the dynamics between all of the characters. The family is cautious about Kitty being a werewolf, but they don't really care. She's still part of their family and they fight/love/joke just like they used to do before she was turned. Kitty's sister is hilarious! And the ending of the book! I was seriously laughing out loud at the things that happened (while simultaneously *squeeeing* with happiness).

The one complaint that I have is that the fight scenes and battles aren't very violent. I know, I know, that sounds really bad. But...werewolves are...violent...they are bloody, and they fight. The fight scenes in this book are pretty graphic, but it's like Carrie was shying away from dwelling on the blood and guts. This is the final showdown between Carl and Meg and Kitty and her new rag-tag pack. The lack of attention to detail makes it seem like she's glossing over the more deadly and cruel aspects of being a shifter, and I don't like that. Instead of experiencing the murders or even the scene of the crimes, we are just told second hand about them. I would have enjoyed a much bloodier transition. Blame it on being my brother's shadow when I was little, but I feel like things are always better with a little blood and carnage. lol.Also, the relatively peaceful resolution of the vampire issues was disappointing. There was a lot more talking than I expected and a lot less hot-sexy-vampire-beat-down.

Speaking of blood and carnage, Ben seems to be holding his own as a werewolf and I am really happy. I thought we were going to lose him for a while there and I am thrilled that he seems to be holding his own and developing as a fighter and killer even faster than Kitty did. I was a little leery about Kitty and Ben getting together in the last book. It seemed to come from left field and throw all of the previous romantic thoughts with Cormac out the window. I'm still not sure...I loved Cormac so much!...but at the same time...Ben just works. I felt like this book really lets Ben shine (this might be because Cormac is off-stage so much...what with him being in prison and all...) Ben and Kitty's relationship really gels in this book and it makes me so happy because she seems like such a nice girl ya know? With that ending I have very high hopes for this couple in the future

I give Kitty and the Silver Bullet 4 of 5 Keys. This book was quite the emotional roller coaster. For me personally it was kind of confusing because I now don't know how to classify Cormac or Kitty's family. It was a really interesting and different story than the one I have become used to with this series. It's cool though, I'm glad that the author switches things up a bit. I'm really excited that I actually care about the characters and the series in general. It was a long time coming, but I really feel connected to them and their story now. I can't wait to see what happens next!

Review: Kitty Takes a Holiday by Carrie Vaughn

Title: Kitty Takes a Holiday
Author: Carrie Vaughn
Series: Kitty Northville #3
Pages: 336
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Source: Library

Goodreads Description:
While hidden away in a cabin in the wilds of southern Colorado, Northville is finding it difficult to write her memoirs -- especially when someone keeps painting bloody crosses on her door and leaving mutilated animal sacrifices hanging in the surrounding trees. But her autobiography takes a backseat when werewolf bounty hunter Cormac shows up on Northville's doorstep with a bloodied Ben O'Farrell in tow. While assisting Bennett on a case in New Mexico involving a rogue werewolf, Ben was brutally attacked and, in less than four days, will experience his first Change. As Ben struggles to come to grips with his new affliction, Northville and Cormac talk to locals in an attempt to uncover who is using arcane blood magic to intimidate Northville into leaving. But when the full moon inevitably rises and Northville and Ben Change, the radio personality finds the unexpected: companionship, love, acceptance -- and the beginnings of her own pack.

My Review:
I am loving where this series is going. I was pretty doubtful if I would continue on with Kitty and the gang at the end of the last book. There were just a few things that rubbed me the wrong way, and I felt like I barely knew even the main character after the first two books, let alone any of the side characters. Something about the descriptions and even the characters actions left them feeling two dimensional...and not just flat...but almost see through. Think of it like art. In the first two books, you only get sketches, vague outlines of who these characters are meant to be. Even Kitty was only slightly more defined than the minor characters, which left me feeling rather indifferent to where her story went. I almost didn't care whether or not she lived or died. This book served as the color and depth that I needed for me to enjoy the series. I now feel pretty firmly attached to all three of the "main-ish" characters. I say main-ish because you never really know if Cormac and Ben are main characters or side characters...except Ben will probably have more of a role in books to come.

As you can read from the description, Ben is attacked by a werewolf and in now about to turn for the first time. I feel like the title of this book is a tad misleading, because Kitty in no way is on a vacation. She might be away from the radio station thing for a while, but her werewolf issues are coming hard and fast now that she's found herself a little cabin in the woods away from the rest of civilization. I think that there is almost more violence and darkness in this book than the other two...I think that's why I enjoyed it more...evil brings out the best in me :P lol not really...but it certainly brought out the best in Kitty. There was so much angst, so many woes for Ben, Kitty, and Cormac that it was like a room full of love-struck teenagers who don't know how to flirt with each other. You can see that each character is trying to keep themselves protected from being hurt by the others, but you just want to shake them and be like...stop that you silly-heads...you should be in love...not in this awkward lusty-like phase...

I like that despite the fact that Kitty is a werewolf, she is a normal person. Just getting bitten by a werewolf doesn't necessarily mean that you have to turn into this bad ass, leather wearing, swearing, biker type chick. Kitty is not that girl, and she doesn't allow her...furry little problem...to affect her personality. Sometimes I wish she would maybe grow a little bit more of a backbone...but she acts like a normal person when confronted with scary situations. She runs her ass off :)...Can't fault a girl for that. Despite her proclivity for running from danger, she will bravely stand up for her friends and her beliefs which is great...you don't want a waffley character who changes her mind every five seconds. The problems that happen are complicated, but Kitty reasons them out in an interesting way with a great amount of smarts...which makes her come off as a much more likable character than the last few books.

One thing that I thought was extra interesting was the addition of some rare supernaturals that are native to the Native American/Mexican culture where this book takes place. A lot of times I get bogged down by the whole vamp/were/fairy popularity thing. It is always a treat when something comes up that isn't in a lot of literature. In this book, there was an idea of a skin-walker...now you're probably thinking that this is just a typical were-wolf right? WRONG!! Super wrong in fact...but I won't go into too much detail because I don't want to ruin the book/ending. Let me just say that skin-walkers are pure evil...the extent of what they have to go through to become skin walkers can be nothing but evil so they make pretty spooky characters. Also, the family that produces the skin walkers are fascinating as well...Native Americans left with nothing sworn to get revenge on the people who ruined their lives...very cool. I really enjoyed the depth of these characters and creatures, and you can really see that Carrie Vaughn has done her research on the subject.

I give this book 4 out of 5 Keys! I had a much better time reading this one than the previous two. Either I am just getting more attached to the characters, or Carrie Vaughn has gotten more adept at making characters likable and fun. Kitty Takes a Holiday is really fast paced. It has a darker, more interesting plot than the last books and has lots of mystery, adventure, action, and romance. It's pretty much a literary cocktail of awesomeness that any bookish paranormal fan will like. There are a ton of paranormal twists and turn that keep you reading longer than you wanted to (seriously...I accidentally read through a meeting...bad Andra...bad) Definitely push yourself through the first two, because this series is getting good and I can't wait to find out what comes next.

Review: Kitty Goes to Washington by Carrie Vaughn

Title:Kitty Goes to Washington
Author: Carrie Vaughn
Series: Kitty Northville
Pages: 321
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Source: Library

Goodreads Description:
Kitty Northville had been subpoenaed to attend upcoming Senate hearings regarding paranormal beings. After Kitty consults with her lawyer, she reluctantly agrees to go to Washington. As a rogue wolf without a pack and no territorial home, her brief stay in D.C. may even be a kind of vacation. But Kitty begins to realize that the Senate hearings are only the tip of the iceberg of the complex and highly volatile subject of supernatural beings. Are they human? Do they have the same rights as everyone else? Or are they a disease that should be eradicated? While pondering these issues, Kitty becomes a prime target in a dangerous political game that includes a witch-hunting senator, an unethical doctor, and a reporter who will do anything to get an exclusive interview. 

My Review:
Kitty's second novel takes us to the nations capital as the world struggles to prove or disprove the existence of supernatural creatures once and for all. The campaign is lead by the notoriously Christian Senator Duke who wants to eradicate the supernaturals, and a scientist who just wants the credit of discovering and studying the supernatural races. So of course this trial is pretty intense. It could determine the fate of all supernatural beings in the world...and Kitty is a key witness. This book was pretty awesome plot-wise. There was the whole trial aspect adding tension and mystery because of all the key players. Insane religious-conservative senator, mad-scientist, insane-religious cult leader...pretty much everyone involved is crazy in some way. Then there was the vampire/were-animal politic webs going on, as well as a kidnapping attempt, and Kitty has to do her radio show during all of this. So many great plot features!

With so much going on, there was a lot less development and featuring of Kitty's show. I totally loved all of the ridiculous calls, and snarky comments that Kitty gave to those callers. They were still there, but there was a whole lot less of them. It was okay though, because the action, mystery, and romance more than made up for the lack of radio-show awesomeness. There was actually a lot of real life issues like racism, prejudice, sexism, and religion that were dealt with in this book which really gave it some depth. There was also some refrences to Nazi Germany that really creeped me out. There was a lab room at the Center for the Study of Paranatural Biology that was straight up terrifying because of the pain and torture it implies. We actually get to see the room's use firsthand later in the book, but it involves quite a bit of spoiler-dom so I won't get into it...you just need to read it because it is pretty freaking awesome.

That being said, though the plot was cool and interesting, the characterization left something to be desired. The characters in this book were a little bit difficult to form attachments with. You are already attached to Kitty, at least a little bit, but all the new characters was a little disconcerting. We met Alette the master vampire, Luis the were-jaguar, Ahmed the were-wolf, not to mention dozens of human servants, weres, journalists...and you never really form attachments with any of them. It's like all of the characters have the basics down like names, quirks, mannerisms...but they remain flat...just a sketch, instead of coming to life. You want to like them, or even hate them...but there's nothing there...no meat...no substance to draw you in an make you feel anything at all. The only constant characters so far in this series are Kitty, Cormac, and Ben the lawyer. Because you've seen them before, and they have a little more prominence, you are able to actually bond with them a little bit, but it still isn't as much as I would like...I'm not even sure what it is exactly that leaves me feeling so detached. I think it's because we don't get a lot of emotions behind any actions that characters make. We are told that the characters feel a certain way, rather than get show through action and personality how they feel. Hopefully this can change as the series goes on. I really enjoy a lot of the plot, but in order for me to fully enjoy a book, I have to have mad love for the characters.

Okay, so as odd as it sounds, I am a stickler for realistic situations and reactions in my paranormal fiction. We're already being asked to suspend our beliefs to the point of accepting the existence of supernatural creatures. In order to make these unbelievable things more realistic, it is good to have as much fact and realism in what actually is real so that we can better accept what isn't. Am I making any sense? Hopefully I'm not just rambling. In the case of Kitty's books, I am talking about America's reaction to discovering supernaturals. Of course there are people who think that the werewolves and vampires are just crazy people and fakes, but the majority of the country seems to accept their existence without batting an eye. That just wouldn't happen. If you've read my blog for any amount of time, you know that I have seen this problem in other books. The problem is that by making a situation less realistic, it's harder to believe anything else about the book.Seriously... Any normal person would not just be okay if all of the sudden, monsters that everyone knew were make-believe started walking up and down the streets. There would be panic, riots...something. It would be complicated, and messy, and probably violent...because hey, that's how humans are. I would have enjoyed this book a lot more if there had been a more realistic reaction for a lot of the situations. It wasn't bad, it was just a tad unbelievable.

Overall, Kitty Goes to Washington wasn't bad...though it did kind of suffered the "sophomore book blah". Sometimes the second book in a series doesn't really know where it's going or lacks a certain power that the first on did. I did kind of feel that in this book, but there was still a lot going for it. It lead us down a path for the future so that I'm hoping the next in the series can grow from there. I think I will give this book 3 out of 5 Keys. You should check out this series if you are a fan of paranormals. I personally would go for the library rather than buying it though.

Review: Kitty and the Midnight Hour by Carrie Vaughn

Title: Kitty and the Midnight Hour
Author: Carrie Vaughn
Series: Kitty Northville #1
Pages: 259
Publisher: Warner Books
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Source: Library

Goodreads Description:
Kitty Norville is a midnight-shift DJ for a Denver radio station - and a werewolf in the closet. Her new late-night advice show for the supernaturally disadvantaged is a raging success, but it's Kitty who can use some help. Her Alpha, as well as the leader of the local vampire family, is pretty upset with the new publicity that Kitty's show is bringing to the paranormal community. With one sexy werewolf-hunter and a few homicidal undead on her tail, Kitty may have bitten off more than she can chew.

My Review:
Woo! At Last! A new Urban Fantasy series that I can really sink my teeth into! hahah...I know...bad pun...whatever...but I'm really glad I found Kitty! I only picked her up because I needed to have a "K" for my alphabet reading challenge, but I got a whole lot more than I bargained for. I almost didn't want to classify Kitty as Urban Fantasy. There's not too much of the desolation and dramatics that I've come to expect in my UF literature. But there's really no other place for Kitty. Who ironically is a werewolf...that would be an embarrassing name to live down with a pack of wolves...I think the reason that this series seems so different is because she has a job outside of her pack and solving mysteries. Her DJ-ing takes up a lot of the book, but I really enjoyed that. She was like a live, on-call therapist to the paranormal community without all that political correctness.

I have to say that I was NOT amused by the pack dynamics involved with Kitty's pack, especially the two alphas. Some A lot of authors make the Alpha male thing look super sexy. Think Adam from the Mercy Thompson series...or Clay and Jeremy from The Otherworld series. In those books, and many others, the Alpha thing is hot as all hell. There's really nothing more powerful than a man who takes control...yet somehow, Vaughn has missed that in this book. The alpha male in this book, Carl, is dominant to a point of making me hate him and scream abuse. He sleeps with any pack member he wants, and easily turns to violence to assert his dominance, even when it is not warranted. He is also very easily manipulated by his mate, which is at odds to all the other aspects of his character. Carl finally does something at the end of the book that takes him past all redemption, and it is my dearest wish that he is killed off very soon in the next book.

Luckily, Carl is not the main love interest.  Ironically, the guy that had me drooling was a werewolf hunter...Cormac.I thought their banter at their first meeting was hilarious. Cormac is supposed to be killing Kitty, but he calls her up and talks to her live on-air...how ridiculous is that? I found myself laughing and then being terrified at each alternating page, and I totally loved it. Talk about love/hate relationship.The best thing about him was that he was there when Kitty needed him. Carl said he'd protect her, but he and his wife are basically the biggest problems in Kitty's life. Instead of hindering, Cormac actually assists in aiding Kitty with her murder investigations and pack struggles.Cormac's just the right blend of bad ass and awesome. At this point his and Kitty's relationship is pretty fluid...but I have very high hopes for it. Yay! Team Cormac!

On thing I found really refreshing, was that there was no huge inner struggle over what it means to be a human or a werewolf. Kitty is logical in her assessments about life, and she doesn't hate herself or the wolf inside her. At times this was a little weird,because I've grown accustomed to having angsty werewolf MC's and I'm not used to this whole self-acceptance thing...at least not without chapters and chapters of drawn out agonizing lol. So thanks Carrie, for not putting me through that for a  second eight-thousandth time. I did kind of feel that the wolf was rather neglected in this book though. Like...she had her few paragraphs...and Kitty kind of sort of acknowledges her...but it's like shes only a small part of Kitty...like a fingernail...not the huge part that I assumed being a werewolf would be. Still, it was nice to find a main character who didn't either glorify or hate the wolf inside of her. It was a "natural" part of her and it was very cool that she accepted it. When the wolf did have forefront, it was interesting to be inside her mind. Everything was simplistic and driven towards a specific goal. It was cool to see that part of the animal was alive and well and that the human part of Kitty was clearly gone at this point.

Kitty is a really nice twist to the vampire/werewolf genre. I give Kitty and the Midnight Hour 4 Keys out of 5. This was definitely an entertaining and pretty good read, and it offers a different take on the usual play-by-play for a genre overrun. There's action, blood, violence, and sexy supernaturals...all awesome in my book. I'll have to grab the rest of the series when I swing by the Library next week :)