Helpful Score: 10
I really liked the premise of this story: Mia Snow is an Hunter on the trail of a serial killer alien. The setting is New Chicago in a future where aliens have been around for 70 years, but Mia believes that they are dangerous and takes her job, where she can kill them and they have less rights than humans, seriously. You could almost say she takes it too seriously as she feels she has something to prove to her distant father who hates aliens, and she seems to relish bending the rules and killing off aliens she deems evil. The world and Mia's job are fascinating as are the descriptions of the aliens and their powers, but the author only concentrates on one kind of alien - the Arcadians, with a too brief description of a couple of other species. I felt that the way the book started was strong plot-wise, and then in the second half it was much weaker - things felt cobbled together and glossed over. There are unresolved issues, and out of character actions from Mia. I will probably have people disagreeing, but this book would have been better without the sex scenes and with more relationship-building scenes, and more police-procedure scenes. I know, I know, this is just the type of book it is.
Hayley M. (Zachaustlily) reviewed Awaken Me Darkly (Alien Huntress, Bk 1) on + 227 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
Really enjoyed this one. I did figure out the suprise before it was revealed but it was still a great story. I would really love to read more about Kyrin and Mia, so Ms. Showalter needs to get busy. LOL
Helpful Score: 4
I enjoyed this book although the male hero in this story is a bit lack luster and is outshone by the herione.. who is a kick ass warrior, but it is still a decent read
Helpful Score: 3
The story was great. The plot was interesting, but the dialog left me rolling my eyes!
Elizabeth R. (esjro) -
Helpful Score: 3
Awaken Me Darkly is the first book in the Alien Huntress series, and features Mia Snow: a tough talking law enforcement agent who is also a workaholic and has daddy issues. She is investigating a series of murders, and one of the suspects is a tall, light, and handsome alien. She it torn between loyalty to her job and the other-worldly and tabboo desire she feels for her 300 year old suspect.
This book starts out slow as the reader gets to know Mia and her hangups. Once her alien suitor is introduced the pace of the story picks up considerably. The police procedural portions are well written and believable (despite the fact that they contain discussions of aliens), but some of the scenes that are meant to inspire romantic tension are pretty cheesy. For example, after dumping a bowl of salad with vinagrette dressing over the alien's head in a fight, Mia kisses him and announces that he tastes good. Like balsamic perhaps? A hot makeout session ensues, but it is then announced that the alien still has a noodle on his head. Pasta salad with vinagrette, I guess?
Awaken Me Darkly has potential, but was not consistently good enough to make me want to read the rest of the series.
This book starts out slow as the reader gets to know Mia and her hangups. Once her alien suitor is introduced the pace of the story picks up considerably. The police procedural portions are well written and believable (despite the fact that they contain discussions of aliens), but some of the scenes that are meant to inspire romantic tension are pretty cheesy. For example, after dumping a bowl of salad with vinagrette dressing over the alien's head in a fight, Mia kisses him and announces that he tastes good. Like balsamic perhaps? A hot makeout session ensues, but it is then announced that the alien still has a noodle on his head. Pasta salad with vinagrette, I guess?
Awaken Me Darkly has potential, but was not consistently good enough to make me want to read the rest of the series.
Helpful Score: 2
This book was a good mix of police procedural and science fiction. It had a futuristic setting featuring aliens alongside humans with a nice dash of romance. I liked learning Mia's history along with her as her powers are gradually revealed.
Helpful Score: 2
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER MEETS ALIEN NATION...
Helpful Score: 2
Anita Blake meets...more concise writing with less sex. Mia, alien hunter, out to kick butt meets super hot alien dude. Action, mystery, and sexy hijinks ensue (if you can call a fist fight that leads to a kiss hijinks). Actually much better editing than I've seen in any of the Lords of the Underworld books, must be a different publisher because there is a significant reduction in malapropisms and just plain typos by comparison. Great introduction to a new series but looks like following books don't include any characters from current books so no major thread to connect them, story-wise. Will certainly read more.
Helpful Score: 2
Definitely not the best of Gena Showalter's books.
Helpful Score: 2
Laurell K Hamilton's Anita Blake series with aliens rather than the weres and vamps.... Bold, innovative, and thoroughly enjoyable. Will be awaiting the next in the series about Mia Snow - alien huntress for the government!!!
Catherine M. (Catherine1) reviewed Awaken Me Darkly (Alien Huntress, Bk 1) on + 60 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
After reading the third and fourth books in this series, Savor Me Slowly and Seduce The Darkness, I decided to go back and read the earlier books to catch up on the other characters. I guess I had a different set of expectations after starting the series where I did. One of the biggest disappointments was that it was in first person. That was really jarring after reading a few of the other books in third person. It's just really odd and jarring to read a series and have one book be in first person and other books in third person. I'll have to check to make sure the second one isn't in first person too before buying it.
Mia Snow is an AIR agent trying to track down a killer. An Arcadian female is held at AIR headquarters for questioning. The alien's brother, Kyrin, is not pleased and wants her released. After Mia's partner is mortally wounded Kyrin tries to bargain with Mia for his sister's release. Mia would do anything to save her partner, Dallas, but she can't let a killer go free. Kyrin and Mia struggle throughout the book to achieve their goals, even when they cross purposes with each other.
Because the whole story was told from Mia's point of view it was really hard to get to know any of the other characters. Kyrin was especially flat for me. I could have really used some time in his head to figure out what he saw in Mia.
Mia was a really hard character to like. She seemed to not care that the agency she worked for discriminated against all aliens and was really trigger happy toward them. She was really abrasive too. It was like she was trying way too hard to be even tougher than all the men to prove herself. She also had a really bad habit of beating people up when they made her mad. Kyrin was a frequent recipient of this. I think it's just as bad for a girl to beat up her boyfriend as it is for a guy to beat up his girlfriend. I really had a hard time finding anything to like about Mia. Because it was in first person her thoughts flavored everything and made me enjoy it less.
Mia Snow is an AIR agent trying to track down a killer. An Arcadian female is held at AIR headquarters for questioning. The alien's brother, Kyrin, is not pleased and wants her released. After Mia's partner is mortally wounded Kyrin tries to bargain with Mia for his sister's release. Mia would do anything to save her partner, Dallas, but she can't let a killer go free. Kyrin and Mia struggle throughout the book to achieve their goals, even when they cross purposes with each other.
Because the whole story was told from Mia's point of view it was really hard to get to know any of the other characters. Kyrin was especially flat for me. I could have really used some time in his head to figure out what he saw in Mia.
Mia was a really hard character to like. She seemed to not care that the agency she worked for discriminated against all aliens and was really trigger happy toward them. She was really abrasive too. It was like she was trying way too hard to be even tougher than all the men to prove herself. She also had a really bad habit of beating people up when they made her mad. Kyrin was a frequent recipient of this. I think it's just as bad for a girl to beat up her boyfriend as it is for a guy to beat up his girlfriend. I really had a hard time finding anything to like about Mia. Because it was in first person her thoughts flavored everything and made me enjoy it less.
Helpful Score: 2
This is the first book in the Alien Huntress series by Gena Showalter. I really liked her book "Playing with Fire". I was a bit leery about this book because...well...it's called "Awaken me Darkly" and it has a scantily clad woman in a black corset on the cover; it kind of screamed romance to me. Well, it is not a romance. It is a tightly packed paranormal crime novel, with back to back action scenes and a sex scene thrown in for good measure.
Mia Snow is part of AIR, Alien Investigation and Removal Agency. Basically she is an Alien Hunter; that takes out any aliens that are walking on the wrong side of the law. When she gets drawn into a murder case where nude males are left dead in plain site, she finds that the politics involved are extraterrestrial. When her partner, Dallas, is fatally wounded she finds that the super hunky alien Kyrin en Arr is the only on who can help him. Too bad Kyrin is the prime murder suspect, also too bad that Kyrin is the one who can help Mia unfold her dark past.
This book moved at a fast clip. The plot was tight and well-done. I really enjoy Showalter's writing style. The murder investigation and action scenes dominated the book. Anyone who picks this up thinking it's a romance will be deeply disappointed. There is some tension between Mia and Kyrin and one really hot sex scene, but that's pretty much it for romance. Overall I really liked the book. Mia's kick butt attitude reminded me of Anita Blake before she went all succubus on us. Although Mia's character could have had a bit more depth and been a bit more tempered with something other than anger; I still thought she was a pretty good lead.
I was also a little disappointed that they didn't go into more about the different aliens and their culture. Kyrin does go into Arcadian culture somewhat; but not in great depth. I also thought most of the aliens were a bit too humanoid, but well, I guess that's the author's decision.
Overall this was a very engaging and entertaining read. I liked that the story had a more sci-fi focus; it was interesting to read something paranormal-like in genre that took place in the future and with aliens. The book tied up all the main plot points but left some minor ones hanging. It doesn't look like Mia Snow is featured in the rest of the books in this series. Either way, I definitely look forward to reading the next book in the series. I am hooked on Showalter's writing style.
Mia Snow is part of AIR, Alien Investigation and Removal Agency. Basically she is an Alien Hunter; that takes out any aliens that are walking on the wrong side of the law. When she gets drawn into a murder case where nude males are left dead in plain site, she finds that the politics involved are extraterrestrial. When her partner, Dallas, is fatally wounded she finds that the super hunky alien Kyrin en Arr is the only on who can help him. Too bad Kyrin is the prime murder suspect, also too bad that Kyrin is the one who can help Mia unfold her dark past.
This book moved at a fast clip. The plot was tight and well-done. I really enjoy Showalter's writing style. The murder investigation and action scenes dominated the book. Anyone who picks this up thinking it's a romance will be deeply disappointed. There is some tension between Mia and Kyrin and one really hot sex scene, but that's pretty much it for romance. Overall I really liked the book. Mia's kick butt attitude reminded me of Anita Blake before she went all succubus on us. Although Mia's character could have had a bit more depth and been a bit more tempered with something other than anger; I still thought she was a pretty good lead.
I was also a little disappointed that they didn't go into more about the different aliens and their culture. Kyrin does go into Arcadian culture somewhat; but not in great depth. I also thought most of the aliens were a bit too humanoid, but well, I guess that's the author's decision.
Overall this was a very engaging and entertaining read. I liked that the story had a more sci-fi focus; it was interesting to read something paranormal-like in genre that took place in the future and with aliens. The book tied up all the main plot points but left some minor ones hanging. It doesn't look like Mia Snow is featured in the rest of the books in this series. Either way, I definitely look forward to reading the next book in the series. I am hooked on Showalter's writing style.
Helpful Score: 2
Great vampire/monster hunter book. This girl kicks some serious booty! Easy read.
Helpful Score: 2
A little different from what I normally read. I like her books about Atlantis better. Still a good read though.
Helpful Score: 1
Great start to a new series by Gena Showalter! I will read anything she writes.
Helpful Score: 1
This book started out good, alien hunter, strong female, then towards the end she added too much romance and sex for my tastes. I'm sure others will love it, but I don't think I will read another in this series. Too many other books with strong female leads to reead!
Helpful Score: 1
I personally loved this book. I was not sure if I could give it up. If you like fantasy novels this is a book that is "out of this world," if you know what I mean.
Helpful Score: 1
This was a really good book; the characters are very realistic and well developed. The relationship between Mia and Kyrin is gripping. Once I started this book, I didn't put it down until it was finished. I would love to see a continuation of their story.
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoy books with strong women and this one rates high. The story flows and was a quick read because I didn't want to set it down. Gena Showalter is one of my favorite authors and hasn't failed to open my imagination with her books. I love her "What If" books because her charters and stories make me think "what if". They are that alive.
Helpful Score: 1
This is the first book I've read by this author and I really liked it.
Good mystery plot, darkly erotic.
Cheryl C. (moondance120) reviewed Awaken Me Darkly (Alien Huntress, Bk 1) on + 422 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Good start to the Alien Huntress series. Mia Snow is an alien huntress for the New Chicago Police Department. She is searching for a serial killer when she meets Kyrin en Arr, an Arcadian, she suspects of the murders. interesting interaction between the characters. 3.5 stars
Helpful Score: 1
exciting erotic paranormal
Helpful Score: 1
From the Naughty Girls group, fantasy and hot romance.
Generally I LOVE me some Showalter. I found this book to be a little bland for me. It wasn't one of the ones I get and just can't put down. It's not a BAD read by any means but I just didn't get that same intensity and pace that I loved in her other books.
Adventure, action, love . . . what else could you ask for. A great read.
Not Showlater's best work but still okay. I thought Kyrin would be hot but no. The scenes didn't mesh well together. Not much humor at all. A slight disappointment. The other books are really good. So if you didn't like this one, try her other ones in the series.
This book was kind of boring to me. It started off slow and just continued that way.
Christina C. (mommybookwom) reviewed Awaken Me Darkly (Alien Huntress, Bk 1) on + 73 more book reviews
I loved this book. The main characters were great. Plot was good. Can't wait to read the rest.
I really enjoyed this book. Different from some of the others I have read.
Linda A. (Springfieldreader) reviewed Awaken Me Darkly (Alien Huntress, Bk 1) on + 458 more book reviews
Good book.
I've read Blacklisted and Red-handed, the two YA books in the series and liked them, so I went back to read this first book - and I loved it! I love the main character, Mia, who epitomizes the tough female, and later discovers her very feminine aspects as well.
Can't wait for the next one!!
Can't wait for the next one!!
Mollie G. (amethystlover) reviewed Awaken Me Darkly (Alien Huntress, Bk 1) on + 330 more book reviews
This is a wonderful book. Full of possibilities.
really good story, strong female. Rather unique situations. It was a bit dark, but not too much.
Christine H. (solarawynn) reviewed Awaken Me Darkly (Alien Huntress, Bk 1) on + 724 more book reviews
Liked this book,very hot. Held my interest. Couldn't wait for the next one
mia snow is an alien huntress in the near future. She is investigating a series of murders.
Can't wait to read the next one!
nice alien future read - very different from the usual...
Mary M. C. (MartieKr) -
An excellent supernatural read.
Hot Hot Series! not to be missed
Good read. I enjoyed this first book of the Alien Huntress series and looking forward to the next.
interesting
Barbara F. (daylilylover) reviewed Awaken Me Darkly (Alien Huntress, Bk 1) on + 768 more book reviews
Very good book, you don't want to put it down!
Predictable with a disagreeable main character.
Loved it! I can't wait until the next one in the series.
First times I read Gena's books and found out I will read more of hers again.
Yuck. You can read better Anita Blake wannabe Mary Sue fan fics for free online.
Fine sci fi romance, with some interesting twists
I really liked this book. I was turned off by many people saying the book was erotic, romance/erotica is not normally my thing. But I found the book very engagin and a different paranormal tale in that it involved 'aliens.' I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a change from the vamps/werewolves that seem to dominate the genre. Can't wait to read the next one 4.5 stars.
Snow is in the forecast. They are ice and fire. Ridding the world of evil, one alien at a time: That's Mia Snow's mission. In a time and place not too far away, Mia 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. 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, that price is surrending 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.
