Iced (Dani O’Malley #1) by Karen Marie Moning – Review+Giveaway!

Review

This controversial spin-off of the Fever series switches from the point of view of MacKayla Lane’s to her former sidekick, Dani “Mega” O’Malley.  After a tragic revelation, Dani goes from friend to foe.  On the run from Mac, Dani does what she does best–survive.  Of course her super powers make her a target for bigger and badder supernaturals, namely Ryodan, the immortal nightclub owner, and Christian, an Unseelie prince in the making after a shocking turn of events from the original novels.  Her abilities are particularly useful after certain parts of the already ravaged city turn up frozen, killing innocent people for no apparent rhyme or reason. To save her city, she begrudgingly joins forces with these guys, though her mere compliance may not be all they have in mind.

To be honest, I wasn’t really sure if I’d like this book.  Dani was fine for me as a supporting character, but I wasn’t quite sure if she could be main character material.  After actually reading it I’m still not quite sure, but the final product turned out better than I thought.  Moning adopts a completely different voice for Dani and she is every bit the obnoxious teen that we’ve come to love or loath. I try to cut her some slack; she facing the most awkward time of her life with little to no support system, and she still wants to do good things and protect people.

Moning can do the love triangle thing pretty well. Normally I don’t like them, but the Barrons/V’Lane thing was an exception.  In this instance, it’s got an extra little statutory dimension that’s bound to ruffle a few feathers.  The book walks a fine line for me, but I can see how it could cross it for other readers.  I just keep in mind that these guys are immortal and they are enamored with the woman Dani will be, not the girl she is now. But again, it’s a fine line. Her human buddy, Dancer, is also another good prospect (and probably the healthiest), but 3 potential love interests obviously makes things a bit crowded.  Someone’s gotta go.

The mystery wasn’t that great to me. It was interesting the first couple of times, but it felt a little repetitive after a while as they stumbled upon scene upon scene.  However, a new recurring villain is introduced, and boy is she freaky! I loved reading those scenes and I felt genuinely scared!

I wish there was more Mac and Barrons presence, but I wasn’t expecting that so it wasn’t too disappointing.  Cruce is also back, tormenting the Sidhe Seers in their dreams.  I don’t know about anybody else, but I hope there is a more permanent solution to get rid of him for good.  Not a big fan of rapists and I don’t care to read about them on an on-going basis if it doesn’t include their deserved castration…A little much? Sorry…

All in all, there were flashes of brilliance that reminded me why I love the original Fever novels (they’re my #2 or #3 fave), but it wasn’t quite as addictive for me.  I read all 5 Fever novels in 6 days.  This one took me a few days, but I will definitely continue reading.  This world is just too good to resist.

*Review copy provided by the publisher.

Giveaway

I am collecting entries through Saturday, November 24th. I will announce the winner the next day.

How to Enter (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY): My giveaways are only open to followers of Your Urban Fantasy who are 18 years of age or older. In order to enter YOU MUST COMMENT ON THE ANNOUNCEMENT POST! If you’re a new member, sign up on the right panel to follow my blog via email and/or Twitter. (Make sure you check your email to confirm your subscription. You should receive a notification immediately, so check your spam folder if you don’t see it right away). Current followers can just say so in their post and your entry will be added. Overall, there are up to 3 chances to win:

  1. Follow this blog via email (THIS IS REQUIRED)
  2. Follow me on Twitter (bonus entry)
  3. “Like” Your Urban Fantasy on Facebook (bonus entry)

While I do appreciate RSS subscribers, I cannot confirm your status as a follower so your entry will not count (sorry!); however, you are welcome to sign up by email and Twitter or Facebook. Good luck!

This article has 50 Comments

  1. I follow you on e-mail and FB. (NoraAdrienne@) and Nora-Adrienne Deret on FB.
    I’m really hoping to score a copy of this book through your giveaway. I am positive my local library wont be ordering it.

  2. 1.Follow this blog via email (THIS IS REQUIRED) – autumnflower6ATaolDOTcom
    2.Follow me on Twitter (bonus entry) – @JenniferBielman
    3.“Like” Your Urban Fantasy on Facebook (bonus entry) – Jennifer Bielman

  3. Great review, i really enjoyed it too 🙂
    I’m new to email following but have been following on FB & Twitter for a while now… Love the books you read 🙂

  4. i follow by email cgirldye85 @aoldotcom, facebook cortney groden dye, and twitter cort_714…love your reviews…would love to win also!

  5. I haven’t read this one yet, thanks for the review. Like you I wasn’t sure I was going to like it. I guess I’ll have to give it a try now! I follow you by email and facebook 🙂

  6. Great review.I was a little worried that the story would be YA but I assume with your added”cross the line” that this book isn’t a YA. I follow you on twitter,goodreads and I follow this blog. Thanks for chance to win!

  7. Old follower of all

    1.Follow this blog via email (THIS IS REQUIRED) – autumnflower6ATaolDOTcom
    2.Follow me on Twitter (bonus entry) – @JenniferBielman
    3.“Like” Your Urban Fantasy on Facebook (bonus entry) – Jennifer Bielman

  8. I would like to thank you so much for an apsolutely amazing book giveaway, that i would love to have the oportunity of reading!! I am an email subscriber and i also follow your brilliant book blog. I would really apreciate it if you could put my name forwards for this book giveaway, thank you x

    Email: lfountain1(at)hotmail(dot)co(dot)uk

  9. Nope, not me. I’ve been a fan and follower for a while now, and this blog is def worth it if you are a UF or PNR lover like I am! Thanks for the giveaway and thanks for the review; it sounds kinda like I expected … between a 3 & 4 star?

  10. I wasn’t really going to read this one because the YA age thing until I read your review. Thanks for the giveaway~I would love to win. 😛

  11. Erika, thanks so much for the giveaway and your honest review of the book. I’m also a big fan of the Fever series but I feel uncertain about Dani. I would have liked more Barrons time, that’s for sure!! 🙂

  12. Follow you here on your blog via email; donnaDOTpattenATyahooDOTcom
    Also on Twitter; DonnaPatten1
    Also on FaceBook; Donna Fern Patten

    Really have been looking forward to reading this book. I have wanted to read this book since the cover was out on Good Reads. Thank you for this great give away!

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