Helpful Score: 4
I was trying to write a review but I'm so tired from staying up half the night reading this book. I could not stop reading it. I read it walking, I read it cooking, I even read it while brushing my teeth. I loved every minute of it. I guess that says more than any review I could possibly write. So, until I sleep, that will have to be enough.
Update- still haven't slept but I thought I could at the very minimum explain why I loved this one even more..
1) The relationships- There is Janet and Mick, Janet and Nash, Janet and Maya, Janet and Coyote, Janet and Cassandra, Janet and Jamison (small role in this book) and Janet and Colby (loved him, new character- lots of fun). It is like a roller coaster ride on how Janet must deal with all these people in her life. I loved it. In Firewalker, the biggest surprise for me relationship wise was Nash. His relationship with Janet changes as the story progresses. Coyote's relationship with Janet is by far my favorite (outside of Mick/Janet of course). Coyote continues to want to have sex w/ Janet but over the course of the book, Coyote has to make a decision about Janet, but his decision is based on how Janet handles her growing powers. I loved seeing his affection for Janet, even if he came across as a smartass. I can't say anything else due to spoilers.
2) Janet and Mick's love for each other. They will do anything for each other. Anything. Nuff said on that!
3) Magic Mirror- I snorted at one point. There was one scene where he was talking about being a mirror shard in Mick's pants pocket. He's asking Janet if she can cut a hole in the pocket. The rest I'll let you figure out.
Obviously, I've gone from writing very little to rambling. I think I'll stop there. Just know that the book was awesome!
Update- still haven't slept but I thought I could at the very minimum explain why I loved this one even more..
1) The relationships- There is Janet and Mick, Janet and Nash, Janet and Maya, Janet and Coyote, Janet and Cassandra, Janet and Jamison (small role in this book) and Janet and Colby (loved him, new character- lots of fun). It is like a roller coaster ride on how Janet must deal with all these people in her life. I loved it. In Firewalker, the biggest surprise for me relationship wise was Nash. His relationship with Janet changes as the story progresses. Coyote's relationship with Janet is by far my favorite (outside of Mick/Janet of course). Coyote continues to want to have sex w/ Janet but over the course of the book, Coyote has to make a decision about Janet, but his decision is based on how Janet handles her growing powers. I loved seeing his affection for Janet, even if he came across as a smartass. I can't say anything else due to spoilers.
2) Janet and Mick's love for each other. They will do anything for each other. Anything. Nuff said on that!
3) Magic Mirror- I snorted at one point. There was one scene where he was talking about being a mirror shard in Mick's pants pocket. He's asking Janet if she can cut a hole in the pocket. The rest I'll let you figure out.
Obviously, I've gone from writing very little to rambling. I think I'll stop there. Just know that the book was awesome!
Helpful Score: 3
This was another fast paced, engaging read by Allyson James. I really enjoyed the quirky nature of the characters, the Southwest setting, and the light fantasy plot. I have to say though, that the more I read this series, the less it works for me as a romance. As a light fantasy, it works really well. But I just don't get the relationship between Mick and Janet. I'd much rather read about Nash and Janet or even Maya and Nash. And I'm not talking necessarily about romantic relationships either. I just find the snarking and interaction between Janet and just about anyone else more interesting than her relationship with Mick. Therefore, I most enjoyed the story when the plot focused on something other than the "romance" between Janet and her dragon boyfriend and I especially got uncomfortable with the unorthodox sex scenes (not because I'm a prude, but because I didn't see the romance behind the actions).
Coyote wasn't as interesting in this story either, but since he was channeling his god powers as an ancient protector, I'm not too bothered by the lack of witty banter and eccentric comedy as I suspect it will be back in future books. I definitely enjoyed the evolution of the Nash character and suspect I'm a little in love with him. As long as he remains an integral part of the series, I'll keep buying the books.
All in all this is a novel rich in Southwestern imagery and folklore, rich in unique characters that keep you on your toes, and a different enough plot that you don't mind the regurgitation of usual paranormal themes (like vampires, zombies, dragons, etc) as they come wrapped up in a new mythology and setting. As stated before, I just wish I didn't dislike Mick as a character so much. I find him really dull and I'm more fascinated with the byplay of Janet with several other characters. But overall this is exciting, nuanced storytelling that will keep you reading through the night.
Coyote wasn't as interesting in this story either, but since he was channeling his god powers as an ancient protector, I'm not too bothered by the lack of witty banter and eccentric comedy as I suspect it will be back in future books. I definitely enjoyed the evolution of the Nash character and suspect I'm a little in love with him. As long as he remains an integral part of the series, I'll keep buying the books.
All in all this is a novel rich in Southwestern imagery and folklore, rich in unique characters that keep you on your toes, and a different enough plot that you don't mind the regurgitation of usual paranormal themes (like vampires, zombies, dragons, etc) as they come wrapped up in a new mythology and setting. As stated before, I just wish I didn't dislike Mick as a character so much. I find him really dull and I'm more fascinated with the byplay of Janet with several other characters. But overall this is exciting, nuanced storytelling that will keep you reading through the night.
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed this second installment of the Stormwalker series. Janet is back with more magic, Mick is on trial for not killing Janet and Coyote is his usual mystic self. The story introduces more dragons. Colby has come to help(?) Mick with his defense. He is a good addition to the storyline. Nash and Maya are still dancing around their relationship. Add Undead Jim, Cassandra and a female Changer to round out the story. 4 stars
Helpful Score: 1
I have read her other series the immortals which she uses her name Jennifer Ashley. have always been a fan of hers,. I came upon this pseudnym name Allyson James, in an anthology, as where i found the prequel to her series. Have read her Stormwalker(#1 in series), and have rated both as 5 stars, looking forward to Shadowwalker next in series. Like the way she weaves all the characters together, and u have a variety of the different beings. Plus she weaves a good story line..closing all the gaps, and narrator of a good urban fantasy of which is one of my most popular genres.
