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A Kiss of Shadows

Book 1 in the series:Merry Gentry

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'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.

Characters:

Characters are complex, with Merry being a strong lead surrounded by a colorful ensemble of fae, each with their own traits and motivations, enriching the story's dynamics.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is richly descriptive, creating a vivid and often sensual atmosphere, with strong thematic elements of sex and power dynamics.

Plot/Storyline:

The story focuses on a half-fae princess navigating court politics and personal relationships, particularly as she contends with the desire to secure her position as heir to the throne through her ability to conceive.

Setting:

Setting bridges contemporary urban life with the enchanting yet perilous world of faeries, tapping into both modernity and myth.

Pacing:

Pacing is mixed, with slower segments devoted to world-building and character development, contrasted by rapid sequences of action and sexual encounters.
Los Angeles is a place where people, those with wings and without, come to hide. Hide from others, hide from themselves. I’d come to hide and I’d succeeded, but staring out at the thick, dirty air, I ...

Notes:

Merry Gentry is a faerie princess who lives in Los Angeles as a private detective.
The story features elements of court politics and intrigue within the faerie courts.
Merry is half human, making her partly mortal, which is looked down upon by other fae.
Merry's aunt, Queen Andais, wants her to produce an heir to the throne, leading to multiple romantic partnerships.
Merry's magic is linked to her sexual experiences, and she is encouraged to engage with multiple partners to increase her chances of pregnancy.
The series is known for its graphic sexual content, often intertwining sex and plot.
Characters in the series include various fae beings with whimsical or dangerous traits, enhancing the fantastical elements.
The story includes themes of power dynamics, betrayal, and personal growth as Merry navigates her heritage and relationships.
Court intrigue leads to danger, distrust, and bloodshed, reflecting the violent nature of the fae world.
The author, Laurell K. Hamilton, also wrote the Anita Blake series, which shares similar themes of sexuality and fantasy.

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)

Liked It
2 months

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.

 
Loved It
3 months

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.

 
Liked It
1 year

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!

 

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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