A Wild Light

A Wild Light
Hunter Kiss #3
Marjorie M. Liu

Back cover:

Maxine finds herself covered in blood and crouched beside Jack's dead body,

with no memory of what happened.  Grief-stricken, Maxine isn't sure what to

believe - or who to blame.  Then an Avatar bounty hunter comes through the

veil into our world, investigating a death of his own.  Completely ruthless and

subservient to those who bred him, his mission is to find Jack - dead or alive.

Racing to stop the hunter, Maxine must also deal with the blood on her hands.

But the answers she uncovers will be devastating, and the earth's salvation

won't wait.

I haven't read a Hunter Kiss book in quite a while, so when I found this in a bargain bin at my mum's local bookshop, I snapped it up - and I'm glad I did.

It didn't take me long at all to fall back into the world of Maxine Kiss, although I'd recommend reading the previous books so you don't get stuck trying to remember what's what.  Maxine is wonderful, as always, and Grant just keeps getting more intriguing.  Grandfather Jack/Old Wolf, is in a bit of a pickle this time, and we finally find out why Byron was created by him.  My favourite characters are still the Boys, as Max calls her demonic looking protectors, and they always make me smile.  Our mysterious hair waving, hat wearing guy is back.  Oturu helps Maxine remember things, some of them I think she'd rather forget.

There are some new characters, some revelations regarding the Prison, and as you guessed it - you end up with more questions than answers so therefore you have to read the next book :-)  The world building is wonderful and you really get sucked into the world and lose yourself for the few hours it takes to read this book.  At 336 pages, Liu has packed a lot of story into this book.  The revelation of her tattoo/protectors identity, as well as that of her ancestors, is very interesting.  I can't wait to read the next book, Mortal Bone, to find out what happens.

On the plus side, unlike a lot of Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance books, there is no real swearing and no graphic sex scenes - which is quite refreshing actually - and while there is a little bit of violence, it isn't nearly as graphic as other books.  So if you're squeamish, then this book is a good book for you.

If you are a fan of Liu, or the Hunter Kiss books, then this is a must. A Wild Light sets up the next book extremely well.  This is the ideal size to just slip into your handbag/schoolbag - any kind of bag - so you can take advantage of every quiet moment to fall back into Kiss' world.  Great for any short travelling like a bus or train as well.  Just remember to get off at your stop!

Last Hunter & Medieval Tournament

Ok, take two...

Stupid computer just ate the first draft of this post, so I've had to start again... grrrr. Anyway, as I was saying, Amazon delivered my latest 3 parcels during the week, and although I was thrilled beyond all measure, I was most excited about receiving the long awaited "The Iron Hunt" by Marjorie M Liu.

Unlike some, I had no problems following the back story, and although it is a little complex, it is a great premise. Image being the Last Hunter on earth, and the Veil holding the darkness back is weakening... oh yeah, bring it on!

Now although I longed to rip into this book as soon as I put my hands on it, I realised that I had better wait a while, like say until after I'd returned from the Medieval Tournament! So yesterday morning, I packed up my stuff and got my butt out to the field where they were holding the 19th Abbey Medieval Tournament. I waited there for more than an hour before I got in the gate. I was the only one in my line (VIP's, Performers/Media) while the line for tickets was out the gate! I had a great day, the weather was great, sunny and not too windy, although it was cold there at 7.30am - 6.5 degrees celcius!

Well, I spent a few hours there, spent too much money and walked my feet off. Next year the Tournament should be held in it's new permanent venue and my only hope is that it has plenty of seating!

So I got my sorry butt home yesterday, and hopped into my comfies and picked up the much anticipated book and started to read. I didn't stop until I was called for dinner, and by then I was back to flicking through the book to re-read my favourite parts (yes, I speed read).

Maxine is quite a lady, very deep and needy at times, but devoted to her 'family'. I loved the 'boys', and the mysterious Oturu - I kinda get the feeling she's going to end up with him in the future? Anyway, the book is a great read. I found the characters fun to follow, and fell in love with the Boys. If you're looking for a good urban fantasy then this is one to add to the list. Some might have problems keeping up with all the backstory and stuff, but once you get that clear, it makes reading it more enjoyable. Alot like her "Dirk & Steel" series in tone. That whole 'big bad is coming' vibe. 3½ stars from me.

I'll try to put some of my Medieval Tournament pics & video's on next time.