'A Kiss of Shadows' in the 'Merry Gentry' series by Laurell K. Hamilton is a dark urban fantasy novel that follows the story of Meredith Gentry, a faerie princess who is also a private detective in Los Angeles. The plot revolves around the intricate world of the fey, filled with court politics, sensuality, and dark secrets. The writing style of the book is described as explicit and sensual, with a focus on world-building and character development, all set in a modern-day setting with a touch of gothic elements.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book contains graphic sexual scenes and themes, as well as potential triggers related to violence and court intrigue.
Has Romance?
The book prominently features romantic elements, with multiple sexual and romantic partnerships.
From The Publisher:
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
"Stunning . . . steamy . . . an exciting and original world."-San Jose Mercury News
Meet Merry Gentry, paranormal P.I., and enter a thrilling, sensual world as dangerous as it is beautiful, full of earthly pleasures and dazzling magic, and ruled by the all-consuming passions of immortal beings once worshipped as gods . . . or demons.
Merry Gentry, princess of the high court of Faerie, is posing as a human in Los Angeles, working as a private investigator specializing in supernatural crime. But now the queen's assassin has been dispatched to fetch her-whether she likes it or not. Suddenly Merry finds herself a pawn in her dreaded aunt's plans. The job that awaits her: enjoy the constant company of the most beautiful immortal men in the world. The reward: the crown-and the opportunity to continue to live. The penalty for failure: death.
Praise for Laurell K. Hamilton and A Kiss of Shadows
"One of the most inventive and exciting writers in the paranormal field."-Charlaine Harris
"Sexy . . . Merry's adventures are engaging and keep the reader turning the pages."-St. Louis Post-Dispatch
"I've never read a writer with a more fertile imagination."-Diana Gabaldon
Ratings (67)
Incredible (6) | |
Loved It (34) | |
Liked It (16) | |
It Was OK (8) | |
Did Not Like (1) | |
Hated It (2) |
Reader Stats (109):
Read It (71) | |
Want To Read (24) | |
Did Not Finish (1) | |
Not Interested (13) |
3 comment(s)
It's fine. I enjoy the setting but if you've read one LKH book you know them all. It's good for a junkfood day.
Strong character who fights to survive impossible situations. She is smart and caring while also being tough enough to make hard decisions. She's a clever and likeable character who easily forms alliances to keep her safe and help her move forward in a world against her. Spicy scenes are interesting and fun, and the twists and court intrigue is interesting. I've read all of the books and been waiting years for her to put even just one more out wrap up the series.
The Blake series turned into gratuitous p*rn with bad storytelling, so I hadn't expected to ever touch another Hamilton. And certainly not another RH. But...I was gifted book 1 and thus kinda had to. To my big surprise the mistakes LKH made/ makes with Anita, do not happen with Merry Gentry. It's an entertaining series with good world building, lots of action, an interesting plot, and decently fleshed out characters. While they're not of the literary type, they do grow on you and fit within the story and with Merry. As a result, though the s*x is absolutely part of Merry's powers and thus the story-arc and plot, the erotica doesn't feel forced or too central. It's less 'erotica that needs a quick story', but more 'a good UF story that has a lot of steamy stuff'. Each RH guy has something to add to the story, and is truly part of it - instead of guys falling allover her left and right so we get to have more p*rn. I actually finished the series in one go, and fast. It does end a bit strange. As in: pretty open ended. Granted, the overall plot and arc is sort of finished, but the series feels anything but. LKH apparently felt differently as she has said the series IS done and she's told us what needed to be told. A shame, because with/for this RH series I could/would have easily added a few extra books to my collection. Then again: it makes sure Merry Gentry doesn't go the awful way Anita Blake went. I no longer read RH series/ books as the quality is rarely above, or even ON 'okay', but if you're a fan of the genre you should definitely pick up this one!
What can you read after
A Kiss of Shadows?
About the Author:
Laurell K. Hamilton is a full-time writer and the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series and the Merry Gentry series. She lives in a suburb of St. Louis with her family.
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