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Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Book Review: ICED:A Dani O'Malley Novel by Karen Marie Moning

ICED: A Dani O'Malley Novel
(Fever Series, book #6)
By Karen Marie Moning

Narrators: Phil Gigante & Natalie Ross

Synopsis: 
The year is 1 AWC—After the Wall Crash. The Fae are free and hunting us. It’s a war zone out there, and no two days are alike. I’m Dani O’Malley, the chaos-filled streets of Dublin are my home, and there’s no place I’d rather be. 

Dani “Mega” O’Malley plays by her own set of rules—and in a world overrun by Dark Fae, her biggest rule is: Do what it takes to survive. Possessing rare talents and the all-powerful Sword of Light, Dani is more than equipped for the task. In fact, she’s one of the rare humans who can defend themselves against the Unseelie. But now, amid the pandemonium, her greatest gifts have turned into serious liabilities.

Dani’s ex–best friend, MacKayla Lane, wants her dead, the terrifying Unseelie princes have put a price on her head, and Inspector Jayne, the head of the police force, is after her sword and will stop at nothing to get it. What’s more, people are being mysteriously frozen to death all over the city, encased on the spot in sub-zero, icy tableaux.

When Dublin’s most seductive nightclub gets blanketed in hoarfrost, Dani finds herself at the mercy of Ryodan, the club’s ruthless, immortal owner. He needs her quick wit and exceptional skill to figure out what’s freezing Fae and humans dead in their tracks—and Ryodan will do anything to ensure her compliance.

Dodging bullets, fangs, and fists, Dani must strike treacherous bargains and make desperate alliances to save her beloved Dublin—before everything and everyone in it gets iced.


Available for purchase at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Viviana's Review:
ICED begins where we left off with “Shadowfever”, book 5 of the Fever Series. This highly anticipated book has caused a lot of controversy, specifically with regards to Dani’s age even before it was released.  However, Karen does a fantastic job with this book and handles that concern brilliantly. 

Dani shows her age when she doesn't “realize” that both Christian and Ryodan are interested in her as a man is interested in a woman. It’s kinda cute! Ahhhh to be that naive  no not naive  Innocent again.  Many were concern how the author would pull this off without it being “weird”, “creepy” or “just wrong”. Yes, Dani is 14yrs old and Christian is 25 (if you count that he lost 3 yrs while in fae; otherwise he is 22yrs) and Ryoden is, well he’s ancient. 

Dani’s past is shared and the theme of “being tied down”, “caged”, and “having to report to people” bring some things to light and might hint at what’s to come (commitment issues, perhaps?). 

I love Christian! Glad to have him be a main character. I feel bad for his torment. He tries so hard to be good and fights the Unseelie side constantly. Some of the reviews I've seen have stated that Christian is “Creepy” or even gasp “Edward-like” with the stalking but I don’t see it like that. I believe it’s the connection he has with Dani, the connection to his “humanity” that he craves, wants, and desires. She seems to be able to pull that “humanity” string with Christian and he is grateful for that. 

Cat’s POV definitely provides the needed break from Dani’s narrative. Not a “filler” which is good. Though some may disagree. She provides the information that is going on with the official sidhe seer. In the “Fever Series” we got this information from either Dani or Mac, but things are different now. Cat keeps us connected to Cruse and we all know that he is an important part for the future of Dani’s series and the fever Series. 

She also provides some insight to Ryoden. With their conversation you get insight of what Ryoden believes thinks and his perspective in life. Even when he’s being “cruel” he speaks the truth and even some wisdom. 

Wow Dancer!! Nice! Love him! He’s smart! He’s closer to Dani’s age and might be a potential love interest for Dani. However, here, they are just BFF. Though there are several instances throughout the book where it seems like Dani has feelings for him (based on her reaction or what she says regarding him) other than just friendship, I believe that she hasn't truly defined her emotions and categories them as just the normal sort of being friends. Dani can be just Dani with Dancer and doesn't have to play any role. Regardless of what she may say, seems like Dani does need some of that “normality of a 14 year old”. 

Lor was a pleasant surprise and provide the much needed humor or sarcastic moment! Hoping he’ll have a larger role in future books. All I’m saying is the “iPod scene”. Classic! Utter PERFECTION!! LOVED IT!!

Definitely had to get this on audio as Phil Gigante was narrating and well, that man’s voice can make you swoon and weak in the knees! WOW! He totally brings the characters of Ryodan, Christian, Lor and Dancer to life! Did I also mention, he can make you melt? Definitely provides a great dimension to the characters! Each has their own distinct voice and well, yeah, wow! That’s all I can say right now… WOW!

Check out an a great interview with Phil & KMM here
There are even some great outtakes from KMM's books and some free ringtones so you can have that 
sexy voice all to your self... I mean on your phone.  

Natalie Ross continues to do an excellent job as she did with narrating the Fever Series. She provides each of the female characters with their own personalities (voice, tone, inflection, etc.) allowing the listener to follow easily. 

They truly make a perfect working pair! 

Was it as good as I anticipated it to be? No. But then again, rarely does anything truly live up to what we anticipated. Where there parts where you could either have skimmed or skipped a bit? Yes. The beginning was slow with lots of Dani narrating. Thankfully, it gets better!  Did I LOVE IT? No, I loved it. The characters have me!  Even though it follows the Fever Series, it’s technically the first book in this sub-series and it was a good start! Definitely will be grabbing the second book as soon as it’s available! If only to see what happens with the guys and how the age thing is going to be “worked out” for Dani!

Rating: 4 Stars - Loved It! 

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