Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Review: Iced

ICED
Fever Series #6/Dani O'Malley #1
Karen Marie Moning
Adult Urban Fantasy
495 pages
Delacorte Press
Available Now
Purchased copy

THE STORY (from Goodreads)
The year is 1 AWC—After the Wall Crash. The Fae are free and hunting us. It’s a war zone out there, and no two days are alike. I’m Dani O’Malley, the chaos-filled streets of Dublin are my home, and there’s no place I’d rather be.

Dani “Mega” O’Malley plays by her own set of rules—and in a world overrun by Dark Fae, her biggest rule is: Do what it takes to survive. Possessing rare talents and the all-powerful Sword of Light, Dani is more than equipped for the task. In fact, she’s one of the rare humans who can defend themselves against the Unseelie. But now, amid the pandemonium, her greatest gifts have turned into serious liabilities.

Dani’s ex–best friend, MacKayla Lane, wants her dead, the terrifying Unseelie princes have put a price on her head, and Inspector Jayne, the head of the police force, is after her sword and will stop at nothing to get it. What’s more, people are being mysteriously frozen to death all over the city, encased on the spot in sub-zero, icy tableaux.

When Dublin’s most seductive nightclub gets blanketed in hoarfrost, Dani finds herself at the mercy of Ryodan, the club’s ruthless, immortal owner. He needs her quick wit and exceptional skill to figure out what’s freezing Fae and humans dead in their tracks—and Ryodan will do anything to ensure her compliance.

Dodging bullets, fangs, and fists, Dani must strike treacherous bargains and make desperate alliances to save her beloved Dublin—before everything and everyone in it gets iced.


MY THOUGHTS
With Iced, Ms. Moning has proved yet again how truly gifted a storyteller she is, crafting a world and characters with so many facets we know we'll never see them all no matter how many books she writes or how deeply she lets us delve, the gears in our minds frantically turning to keep track of subtle clues and nuances we know will come into play as Dani's journey continues to unfold. There is many a reader whom will likely pick up Iced and find it less palatable than the first five books of her Fever series, Dani's young age and the multitude of men who have her on their radar perhaps pushing a boundary some may feel uncomfortable edging close to (though in my opinion, Dani's age is handled perfectly), but without a doubt this story will inspire conversation, and Ms. Moning makes it nearly impossible to reach the end of one of her books without having so many thoughts we can do nothing else but find the first available person and allow our theories to spill from our mouths before we choke on their numbers.

As mentioned previously, some readers may shy away from this book given Dani is only fourteen and part of the appeal of the previous five books set in this world is the undeniable and combustible sexual tension thrumming between Mac and Jericho Barrons, leaving many of us to wonder how Dani's youth will affect the dynamic between her, Ryodan and Christian. What's important to understand prior to reading is that this series, despite its teenage protagonist, is in no way a young adult novel. Dani's world is violent and bleak and Ms. Moning rarely pulls her punches, throwing down a gauntlet for her characters and readers at every possibly opportunity. She then waits to see if we're all brave enough to pick it up, testing us to see if we're able to face that which challenges, that which hurts, and that which makes us question. While it's true Dani is fourteen in terms of years, she's far older in terms of life experience, her solitary existence forcing her to emotionally age far faster than any young woman should have to, and she continues to prove to us again and again in Iced just how capable she is of surviving whatever is thrown her way.

Ryodan proves to be as enigmatic a man as Barrons, but for all their similarities, Ms. Moning does an absolutely stunning job of carefully and meticulously outlining their fundamental differences; the power and blunt personalities both men share beautifully overshadowed by the more subtle variations of their characters. Ryodan pushes Dani, is at times downright cruel, and often has us wondering if we've made the same mistake we've watched other women make with both him and Barrons – projecting the men we want them to be onto the men they actually are, thereby losing ourselves a bit in a dangerous illusion that promises nothing but pain if we can't shake ourselves loose of the naivety of hope. Just as we start to question ourselves when it comes to Ryodan however, Ms. Moning masterfully shows us a tiny patch of softness (soft being a relative term); a miniscule chink in the armor of an immaculately outfitted labyrinthine mystery encased in flesh and blood, and we latch onto it like the desperate and greedy readers we are, reveling in our small victory even as we gear up for the next battle of discovery.

Overall, Iced is a stunning continuation of the Fever world, Dani's dark history and intimate knowledge of the many pains life has to offer an intriguing contrast to Mac's penchant for pastel colors and her initial bumbling naivete. Dani is knowledgeable and skilled, and while her young years at times surface in the form of attitude, we can't really begrudge her her youthful outbursts given the dire situations she repeatedly finds herself in. Looking forward we can only guess how Dan's life will change as she ages, the number of theories we have increasing exponentially the longer we think about this first installment, and we find upon closing the back cover that the only drawback is the sure-to-be unbearable wait for book two.

Rating: 5/5

52 comments:

  1. Thank you for this review. Since I heard about Ice, I have been very curious. Yes, the Fever series is a big draw because of the steamy relationship between Mac and Barrons. And, for that reason, I was very interested to see how KMM was going to continue the series following Dani. While I am definitely curious about the book, I am also a little timid. Your review was very helpful and insightful. Again, thank you for your honest words and thoughts!

    sinn @ sinnful books

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    1. I think she does a great job with Dani's age, I hope you give it a try!

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    2. I felt the same. I thought Dani's age was handled perfectly. In some ways she was mature and in others...well, the men around her handled things *very* carefully...

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  2. awesome review! I loved ICED! Super excited for the next book in the series. =)

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  3. I do not know, I just did not like that she is 14

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    1. Not everyone will. While I wish she was older so we can have that same chemistry we got with Mac and Barrons, I have faith that KMM will get us there eventually when she comes of age.

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  4. Phew! I'm so glad you enjoyed this! I've heard mixed reviews because of the Dani-Ryo-Christian triangle, but now I think I'll hopefully wind up liking it. Great review, Jenny!(:

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    1. The thing that I think works is everyone is really aware of Dani's age. While there is some sexual innuendo from Ryodan and some lewd thoughts from Christian, Dani is completely oblivious to all of it. And it's clear on Ryodan's part that he doesn't see her sexually yet, though you can tell when she's older that is going to change, so I didn't find their relationship uncomfortable in the least.

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  5. I *like* that the author doesn't pull any punches, especially in the messed up, crazy world in which Dani survives (and thrives, in her own way). Poor Dani, though. That stuff with Jo (what a beeeee....), who she considered to be a friend and then all those alpha men getting all up in her business and trying to boss her around -- AHHH! So much awesome!!

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    1. Don't even get me started on Jo Mary! I wanted to throttle her. And then Ryodan. And then her again. I need Burned so bad!

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  6. Wonderful review, as always. I love the Fever series and this is a fabulous continuation. I look forward to seeing how things are resolved. And I have my fingers crossed that one of the characters doesn't get killed off!!!!

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    1. Hahaha I think you may be crossing those fingers in vain, but I've got mine crossed too:)

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  7. Totally agree! You and I are on the same page with this book and now impatiently waiting for the next one. Well said girlfriend!

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    1. YEAH! *high five* I just adored this book. I know some people were bothered by Dani's age, but I thought it was handled really well, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens when she gets a little older:)

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  8. I read about 1/2 way and still need to finish it. I do agree Rhyoden is awesome good alpha man. Your right she doesn't pull punches in this world.Great review

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    1. You must finish Julie! So much good stuff happens toward the end:)

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  9. Very well written review, Jenny! I have yet to read this yet I know I can agree with everything you've said. I really enjoyed the first 5 books of this series and I'm sure reading a book in Dani's perspective would require some adjustments from me but with your explanations especially about her age I think it wouldn't really bother me now and it would be easier to appreciate and accept it. Thanks for the brilliant review Jenny! :)

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    1. Thank you Eunice! I really liked Dani, I of course wish she were of age so there could be that same chemistry with Ryodan that Mac had with Barrons, but there's something intriguing between them in this first book just the same. It's like you can feel the potential in them down the line:)

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  10. I think a lot of people forget that "teenager" is a relatively new concept in society. For centuries it was child or adult. Sounds like, especially given the back story, Dani is very much on the adult side of adolescence. It's good that you put that distinction in here. I'll admit that if you hadn't told me a bit more detail, I would probably hesitate about reading about a 14 year old MC.

    This series isn't one I've heard of, but think I'll check out. Sounds great, Jenny!

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    1. Exactly! And Ryodan even mentions in this book that at 14 a couple hundred years ago Dani would already be a wife and mother, so I think you just have to enter into this one knowing this world is not our world. It's written in modern times, but it's a whole different place:)

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  11. Beautifully written review, Jenny! I hadn't heard of this series before, but after reading your brilliant, persuasive review I think I'll have to check this out.

    I'm really glad you enjoyed this so much! And while I can see how some readers would be uncomfortable with Dani's age, I agree with you that it will be interesting to see how her life changes as she gets older.

    Thanks for sharing your wonderful review. I really enjoy reading them!

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    1. Thanks Jessica! This is one of my all time favorite series, but you definitely need to start with Mac's story in book one. While you'd understand the story itself in this book, you'd be missing much of the context and a ton of backstory with the characters. Plus, there are HUGE spoilers in this book for the 5 before it.

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  12. I just skimmed this review only because I plan on starting the Fever series next month and hope to catch up by the time the next book in this series comes out. I've heard nothing but awesome things about this series so I'm VERY excited. Can't wait to meet this Barrons everyone is talking about!

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  13. I own the first four and haven't read them yet *facepalm*

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  14. YAY! I totally got to catch up on this series! I;m so behind! But I loved Danni and admired her great strength. And plus, I need me some more Barrons in my life! Nice review!

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  15. I was almost afraid to read this review as I've read nothing by this author but have had it in the back of my mind that I should check her out! I'm just so afraid of the commitment of starting yet another series!

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  16. Okay, here's the deal. I gave up on this after about 30% and I couldn't pinpoint why, and now you've finally explained it (me) to me. So here it is:
    ...we latch onto it like the desperate and greedy readers we are...

    YES! This is exactly how he made me feel, how BARRONS made me feel and I hate feeling like that. I dealt with it in the Fever series because I was so very invested, but here it kind of outweighed the good. So happy you enjoyed though, Jenny. Fantastic review.

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  17. I am still trying to work this into my schedule. I thought I would get it read this month but I don't know... I may just start it and skip all the commitments. I am tired of not reading what I want. Ok enough complaining. I know this is garnering mixed reviews, but I have no doubt that I will fall in love with this one. I know it isn't Mac and Jericho but hey I can't wait to see how Dani fares. I am so excited to see five stars from you, Jenny!

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  18. I am of two minds about this. Despite all the reassurances about Dani's character being handled well, I still feel a little odd about it all... and that's before I have even read the book. I am currently reading Shadowfever actually and LOVING it, so I'm sure I'll pick up Iced eventually... just not immeditadely. Still, Moning is a great storyteller, like you say, so I look forward to giving it a try anyway. Brilliant review, Jenny!

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  19. Oh 5 stars? I was really unsure about this book at first, Dani wasn't really a favourite character of mine, then I was upset that there would be lack of Barrons and then the not so great reviews that came out. But Jenny once again you always manage to convince me to give a book a try, seriously you must have some super powers or something! Another wonderful review I will definitely be picking this book up sooner rather than later!

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  20. Can you believe I haven't read the whole fever series? I ended on 3 since the ending was so hard to take. Well, that and the fact I got inundated with review books... ;D However, you have me wanting to pick up the series again so I can get to this book. Yes, reading in order. Do I need to get the smelling salts for you?

    Love what you said about projection. I can see both like you and I think that is why I like the characters while simultaneously kick them in the arse. :D So fun in fiction. ;)

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  21. I'd never heard of the Fever series, but it sounds like I should change that. It seems like this one has a lot of crossover potential too, though, as you said, it's clearly adult. I love it when the character relationships are well developed, even if that means one character pushing the other too hard. (Also sounds like I'd like the previous books--the sizzling sexual tension and well developed world. And comparing the perspectives from Mac and Dani. Hrmm...)

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  22. AWWWWW, I could scream, I want to read this so badly! It's sitting on my to-read-next pile (which is currently like 20 books deep) and I just want to get caught up on review books so I can read it NOW! I am so eager to delve back into this world. I was a tad concerned just cause some other reviews, but you got me super eager again! Awesome review!

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  23. I'm so torn, Jenny! I can't decide if I want to pick this up yet or not. When I first heard of this story I somehow thought it would be set in the future and Dani would be 17/18 at least. When I heard she was only 14 I have to admit, I was really disappointed. I hope KMM makes some time pass in the next installment, because reading about a romance between a 14 yr old and any grown man will be beyond creepy. I need romance in my novels, as you know, Jenny, so this must change! After seeing your 5 stars and hearing that the age is handled really well, I'm re-thinking my decision to pass on this one. Hmm...

    Brilliant review. :)

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  24. I am not familiar with this series, but it definitely sounds like something I would enjoy. I'll be adding it to my TBR list. Awesome review!

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  25. Fantastic review! I loved this book just as much as the first 5 in the Fever series despite it's differences. I agree with you that KMM keeps our minds busy with all the "subtle clues and nuances". I spend way too much time trying to figure out where KMM will go with this when I know I'll never figure it out. I love Ryodan but I have to say that despite his *crazy*, I love Christian too. :) Oh, and I look forward to puzzling out Dancer...the wait for #2 will be too looong!

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  26. I've had this since the day it came out but I'm SO scared to read it, Jenny! I just adored Mac's books and Dani is so young in this one. I have total faith in Moning to pull it off, though! You LOVED it so I know that I will, too! Ryodan. Sigh. He sounds so dreamy. I loved the glimpses we got of him in Mac's books. YUM.

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  27. Huh, I would never have figured that the protagonist would be so young in this one. If there's a romance here, I think I'd find it a bit weird.

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  28. Wow. 5 stars!!!! I wanted to read this book for the longest time but then I completely forgot about it! I'm so glad everything about this book worked for you!

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  29. I've been looking for new urban fantasy reads to add in my TBR. This one is pretty interesting so I guess it perfectly fit the bill. Besides from the book blurb your rating makes this book more intriguing. I wonder why I haven't heard this one before. Thanks for the recommendation Jenny.

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  30. I'm still taking about this book. My sister is in the middle now and I was giggling at the description of Ryo because you hit it spot on. It's like he's a total dick and i'm sure I don't like him but then KMM throws me a minuscule soft spot and i'm back to loving him. Like all the bad just disappears. Is it wrong I want Jo to disappear??

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  31. I'm still taking about this book. My sister is in the middle now and I was giggling at the description of Ryo because you hit it spot on. It's like he's a total dick and i'm sure I don't like him but then KMM throws me a minuscule soft spot and i'm back to loving him. Like all the bad just disappears. Is it wrong I want Jo to disappear??

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  32. Jenny, I read the Fever series + Iced based on your recommendation, and I've never been more grateful for another book blogger's reviews. That was damned brilliant. I can't wait for the next book to be released. Thanks for the tip :)

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  33. *Sigh* Sometimes I'm not sure if I really want to read the book you're reviewing or if you've just painted such a beautiful, emotional image that I'm caught up in. I mean that as a compliment btw :)

    I've been so out of the loop that I didn't even know this book was near release. I most likely would have been worried about the younger leading lady, but there is no way I can't give it a try after seeing this.

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