Just finished reading . . . Kitty Goes to War
June 29, 2010 at 1:43 pm 10 comments
Kitty Goes to War (Kitty Norville series, book 8 ) by Carrie Vaughn
This review cross-posted from Goodreads.
View all my reviews at Goodreads >>
This ARC was given to me by Tor for review.
Kitty Goes to War is released today, June 29, 2010.
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I seriously think that this is one of the most underrated series in urban fantasy. It’s installments are consistently good, the characters are complex, and the current on-going story arc of the “long game”, an impending struggle among supernaturals for ultimate power, ties the series together nicely.
Kitty’s character growth is my favorite thing about the series, and with Kitty Goes to War, she’s coming into her own as more than just a “reluctant Alpha”. While she questions whether she’s equal to the tasks of protecting her pack while assisting the rogue veterans who need her help, it’s apparent that her confidence has grown with her leadership abilities.
I really like how, unlike a lot of urban fantasy that takes place in a non-specific contemporary setting, this series is firmly entrenched in today’s world, including current events like the war in Afghanistan. It makes the book feel timely, and I love seeing how the supernatural world is interwoven with real events.
There are numerous storylines going on here: the vets, Speedy Mart’s mysterious CEO, Cormac’s release from jail (yay!), and the over-arching “long game”, yet the pacing is never overwhelmed by the need to keep all of them moving forward.
Speaking of Cormac (my favorite character), his re-entry into Kitty’s everyday life (not just occasional prison visits) was handled really well. I was curious to see how it would play out, given her marriage to his cousin Ben, and Kitty’s undeniable chemistry with Cormac. And, while I would have loved to have had things turn out differently for them, the current state of affairs works for the characters and for the story.
I’m really looking forward to seeing where this series goes: for Kitty, as Alpha; for her, Ben and Cormac, as family; and for the supernatural community, as the impending confrontation between vampires Roman and Rick, and the other players in the fight for power.
Entry filed under: Just Finished Reading (Review), Urban Fantasy. Tags: Carrie Vaughn, Kitty Goes to War, Kitty Norville series.
1.
Chris | June 29, 2010 at 4:01 pm
For some reason, the book that was set in Vegas crushed my interest in following this series further…
2.
Renee | June 29, 2010 at 5:54 pm
I think the last couple were definitely stronger books. (And, I have to admit, I sometimes get the LV story line confused with the Anita Blake one. With out the ott sex, of course. lol)
3.
orannia | June 29, 2010 at 8:33 pm
I tried the first book in this series. It started well, but…it just ended up not working for me. I’ve come to the conclusion I’m weird when it comes to urban fantasy novels with female protagonists. They either work (e.g. Kate Daniels) or don’t…
So glad you enjoyed it!
4.
Renee | June 30, 2010 at 9:29 pm
It’s funny, because I thought Kitty might work for you, since she’s not a “kick-ass” uf heroine.
I’ve read some reviews where people criticized the first book because her character was pretty powerless/victim-y. However, that was the starting point for her, and she’s really grown and become strong as the series has progressed.
Thanks, orannia!
5.
Skye | June 30, 2010 at 1:03 am
I also really enjoyed the beginning of this series. I even got over the lackluster romance of Kitty and Ben and pushed through until “Raises Hell.” But, the characters for the paranormal investigator team just irked me so I gave up the series. I’m not sure where this irrational dislike for PI teams stems from (I kinda had the same reaction to similar characters in the latest JR Ward), but after reading your review I think I will give it another go. I agree with your pros for the series: Kitty’s growth and the contemporary time period is really what hooked me. You’ve really piqued my interest with Cormac’s release and can’t wait to read the details.
Thanks so much!
6.
Renee | June 30, 2010 at 9:33 pm
Yeah, I’m a Cormac fan. Ben is nice enough, but it was hard having things turn out the way they did in Kitty Takes a Vacation. I’ve been waiting for him to get released for so long! Can’t wait for more on him in the next book.
lol on the PI team aversion. I have Lover Mine sitting on my shelf waiting to be read. I’m really curious, now!
7.
LesleyW | June 30, 2010 at 10:58 am
This is one of those series I stalled on. I keep meaning to get back to it, but it doesn’t seem to happen. I need to read more.
8.
Renee | June 30, 2010 at 9:36 pm
The last 2 have really been good ones!
lol. Yeah, I have a few series like that.
9.
orannia | June 30, 2010 at 5:21 pm
I need to read more
LOL Lesley. So do I!
10.
Renee | June 30, 2010 at 9:37 pm
Life just keeps interfering with my reading time!