Monday, February 7, 2011

Review+Giveaway: Shadowfever

SHADOWFEVER (Fever Series #5)
Karen Marie Moning
Urban Fantasy
594 Pages
Delacorte Press
Available Now
Received via TLC Book Tours for review

This review contains NO spoilers.

THE STORY
MacKayla Lane used to have a pretty simple life. She was pretty. Boys always liked her. She had a home, loving parents, and a best friend in her sister Alina. Then, with no warning, Alina was brutally taken from her, leaving behind only a cryptic message that changed Mac's life forever.

Now, having been in Dublin, Ireland for months trying to determine who killed her sister and forced into an uneasy alliance with the mysterious Jericho Barrons, Mac is no longer that pretty southern girl. She knows darkness and she knows pain. And as she finds herself more deeply immersed in the world of the fae and the hunt for the Sinsar Dubh, her life is more complicated and dangerous than ever.

She thought she knew what side she was on. She thought she'd already experienced the worst pain and loss a person can endure. She thought her sister was the one who mattered most. She was wrong. On all counts. Questions abound, blackness hovers ominously at every turn, and the young woman with a love for all things pink finds herself a key player in the most epic of battles in the conclusion to this stunning series.

MY THOUGHTS
The Fever Series is extraordinarily aptly named, inciting a burn in us from the very first page that increases in intensity with each subsequent book until it culminates in a finale that sends our hearts up in flames as we lose ourselves in the all-consuming visceral awareness of Mac and Barrons, and the palpable, complicated friction between them. Our body temperature ratchets up with every wordless communication they exchange and every careful avoidance of physical contact until sweat beads on our skin in a conditioned physiological response to seeing their two names side by side in inky blackness, just as the pages practically smoke as a result of the speed with which we're flipping them in our haste to know every last detail of this spectacular fantasy. This story is passion and fire, pain and loss, and vengeance and forgiveness, reaching out with invisible fingers to wrap our hearts in an unyielding grip as it promises not necessarily a tale of joy and hope, but rather one of addicting darkness. Part of the appeal is an end that has the potential to deny us the happiness we seek, keeping our feelings in constant flux as we consider the possibility we may arrive at the last page with the hope of finding our emotional wounds stitched together and healing, only to discover a mere tourniquet awaits to help slow the bleeding.

Mac is a character who begins her journey as a young girl of sunshine and warmth, content with being pretty and blond as she revels in pastel colors and other superficial trivialities. What she becomes is a woman of substance, fundamentally altered by the trials we experience vicariously by her side, watching in shock, awe, and incomprehensible pain as she is emotionally eviscerated, physically beaten, and almost completely stripped of all her comforting and recognizable attributes. Though her story is dark and she at times makes decisions with a flawed logic that results in yet another mental or physical scar, she always manages to maintain a death grip on that rainbow girl we met four books prior, and we hold tight to that remnant as the black and crimson of Dublin's battle with the fey comes in various forms to render us both monochromatic.

A man and character who utterly defies definition, Jericho Barrons has us melting at his feet despite the fierce independence of which we think ourselves so capable the moment he opens his mouth and overwhelms us with intensity of his presence. He is a man who embodies qualities that should unnerve us, emanating an unforgettable and predatory sexual ferocity as well as a confidence and intelligence that is neither assumed nor learned, but is part of his very makeup. Though we may struggle and attempt an ultimately futile resistance, we find ourselves drawn into the inexplicable force field he projects–consumed, owned, and shockingly addicted to a complete enigma. This is a man we know virtually nothing about despite having read four novels of which he is a main character, and every tidbit of information we are given in this final installment only serves to further increase our hunger for knowledge–thrusting us into a perpetual cycle of information gathering and seeking from which we have no desire to escape if it means we get to linger a few more moments in his company. In this last book we learn more about him that we ever have before, and we drink in the new facets of a man that has haunted us greedily, quenching a thirst years in the making.

A simple review can never adequately describe Shadowfever, words on a page being spectacularly poor substitutes for the strength of feeling and broad emotional spectrum captured between its covers. Ms. Moning is more than a storyteller, her characters far more tangible than fictional beings could ever be thought to be, and she has created a world of infinite complexity that openly challenges us, dares us to experience it and remain only a passive observer, and then yanks us in with a shocking brute strength as it subjects us to the sharpest of pains sparsely interspersed with the warmest of joys. Enter into this final piece of the puzzle with a first-aid kit at the ready, as Ms. Moning is a master at inflicting wounds designed to injure but not kill, and she subjects both her characters and us to numerous events that leave indelible marks on the soft flesh of our hearts. Despite the pain, we revel in the emotional injuries, honored to be privy to a book capable of having such a remarkable effect.

Rating: 5/5


GIVEAWAY


Thanks to the fabulous people at Random House and TLC Book Tours, I have a copy of Shadowfever to give away to one very lucky commenter. This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only and will run through midnight EST on February 14th after which time a winner will be chosen and announced on the blog.

Each stop on this blog tour offers a new opportunity to win a copy of Shadowfever, so be sure and check out the other participating blogs so you can read their reviews and enter their giveaways as well! Good luck everyone!

69 comments:

  1. I have heard so much about this series that I need to read the first book soon! I have not read a lot of Urban fantasy novels - I think I might try this series.
    Please don't enter me for the giveaway. I am International and still need to read the first part.

    Thanks! :)

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  2. I would so love to win this, true I have only book one-Darkfever but I will be ordering the others real soon.

    vampiremistress2010@gmail.com

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  3. I'm just starting on Faefever now, so it won't be long before I'm caught up. I'd love to win a copy of Shadowfever.

    jen at delux dot com

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  4. I just started reading this series and I'm loving it! I would love to win Shadowfever.

    Laceyinthesky at live dot com

    Lacey in the Sky with Books

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  5. i have heard such great htings about this, would love to be entered to win!

    strandedhero(at)gmail(dot)com

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  6. Thanks so much for the review and giveaway! I have yet to finish the series but I know it will be great. I loved your review and it make me want to read it now!

    bwithbite(at) gmail (dot) com

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  7. 'Jericho Barrons has us melting at his feet' - yes he does! I am only up to book 3 and I am loving this series especially Barrons. Great review and I am so glad to hear the last book is as amazing as the rest of the series :)

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  8. I have not read this series, but am hoping to do so this year. I have heard so many wonderful things about it I feel I am missing out. Thanks for a great review.

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  9. I have heard so many good things about this series that I know I'll have to read it soon.

    Thanks for a great review and giveaway=)

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  10. Wow people keep praising this series left right and center I am definitely going to have to check it out! Thanks for the giveaway!

    kristen_babygurl@hotmail.com

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  11. Ok, I would never have guessed this book would be so good based solely upon the cover! I'll admit that has kept me from considering this one (I'm terrible, I know). Fabulous review though, Jenny. I'm incredibly intrigued by the characters now! Please enter me :)

    iswimforoceans at gmail dot com

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  12. I am starting book 2 on the 12th (really trying to stay on book budget this year LOL)! Really great review and it is good to know that JB just defies all definition though out the series :)

    (not entering I am going to get it on audio but wanted to put my 2 cents in LOL)

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  13. Awesome review! I LOVE this series! Still can't believe I waited so long to start it!

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  14. I think this book sounds so good, I would love to read it.
    twoofakind12@yahoo.com

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  15. I've only just recently heard about this series, but I must say it sounds awesome! I would love the chance to read it =)

    greenparrot55 [at] hotmail [dot] com

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  16. Great review.Thanks for the chance to win a copy.Please count me in
    elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net

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  17. GOSH- Ive heard so many awesome things about this series....I just bought Darkfever so I guess Im jumping on the fever wagon...:D

    Also great review....

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  18. I ddin't read the review yet, I'm about 200 pages in! I'll be back to discuss when I finish!!! :D

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  19. Wow. I must try this series. Thanks for the eloquent review.

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  20. Thanks for the great review and give-a-way.

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  21. Thanks for the giveaway- please enter me!

    b(dot)cardone(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  22. Thx for the giveaway! Would love to be entered.

    jenbigheart at yahoo dot com

    Jen

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  23. I'd rather be melting into Jericho's arms, but I'll take his feet ;) Great review, Jenny! I have my copy, but best of luck to everyone else - whoever wins will be getting a real treat of a book!

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  24. I've been wanting to read this book, everyone is raving about it. Thank you for the giveaway.

    seriousreader at live dot com

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  25. These books look great!! Thanks for the giveaway. :)

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  26. I saw the cover and I loved it! I read yor review... and now I want this book so bad!!! :d

    Thank you for the great review and the giveaway!

    idroskicinia at aol dot com

    Have a nice day!

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  27. Wowza, that is an intense review. I've never read the series because I kept running across negative reviews that talked about Mac's obsession with pink, and shallowness of personality. But so many people love this series, and this was a great review.
    So you've finished the series, and I'm not asking for a spoiler, but is the ending satisfying or one of those cliff hangers that make you want to strangle the author? I'm thinking of picking up the series, but I don't know if I can handle a permanent cliff hanger. (I know, I'm terrible.) :)

    Jennifer (An Abundance of Books)

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  28. I have heard so much on this series as of late that I read books 1-2 yesterday for the super bowl read and cannot wait for Shadowfever. Thank you for putting a book out there.

    terilhack at yahoo dot com

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  29. Thanks for the giveaway!
    lexie.bookbug(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  30. I would love to have this book. This series is so good. Thanks for the giveaway!

    erinberry12 at charter dot net

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  31. I have been hearing so many good things about this series and this book. The reviews for it are all so great. I would love to win this book.

    miztik_rose@yahoo.com

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  32. I've been looking forward to this one, count me in! tWarner419@aol.com

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  33. Thanks for the giveaway!!!

    vidishamun[at]gmail[dot]com

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  34. Thanks for the giveaway! I've been meaning to read this series.

    Vivien
    deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com

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  35. I have the first book in this series and have been meaning to borrow the others from a friend. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of this one for myself!
    mimosastimulus[AT]gmail[DOT]com

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  36. Thanks so much for making the review spoiler free. I am now 3 books behind in the series and I haven't been able to pick them up yet (they are on my shelf waiting). Oh, I LOVE the way you describe Barrons. So spot on!! *swoon*
    *ahem*

    I SO want this book. If I don't win it, I will buy it when the time is right. :)
    books (dot) things (at) yahoo (Dot) com

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  37. OMG! Your description of Barrons is... wow!

    "defies definition"... "sexual ferocity"

    *dies*

    You are right, Jenny. The Fever series is one that has a remarkable effect on you as a readers, love it or hate it, it just becomes a part of you, kind of like the Sinsar Dubh.

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  38. I loved how this series improved with each book. The first book, I wasn't too fond of, I'll admit it but it had enough potential for me to keep reading but as the character developed, the writing/plot improved and I got sucked in. Which is why I'm insanely glad that there might be a chance to win the book. :D Thanks!

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  39. Whoa. I guess you liked it?? LOL Great review! Thank you so much for being on the tour!

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  40. I've heard so much about this series! I haven't had the time to go out and buy it! Getting this one would be more incentive! Hahaha. :)

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  41. Your review grasped this series beautifully and should only make people want to read it. You are quite the wordsmith. I loved this book and series, thanks for telling me about it.

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  42. I love this series. I'm on the 3rd and it just keeps getting better.

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  43. I have heard so many people rave about this series I would love to read this one.
    Thanks
    apk1princess(at)live(dot)com

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  44. As you know, I LOVE this series, but I have to admit that I was a little disappointed in this last installment. I felt that there should have been more clues throughout the series to support some of the revelations in this book. I also felt there was a lot of needless filler and that certain important issues that deserved more attention were skimmed over, like the whole situation with Danny. Otherwise I really enjoyed this book and I was sad to see the series end. Hopefully there will be a spin off series in the near future!

    Also, thanks for the giveaway :o)

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  45. I so want to win this! I love this series and have only read the first one. Please count me in! Thx, Lisa

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  46. I must read this series. Stat. If I won, I think it would be the extra push I need to finally read it!

    Thanks for hosting this awesome giveaway :)

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  47. Fab review! I haven't read any books in this series but I've heard so many good things. I especially like that you mentioned how tangible she makes the characters feel. That's the mark of a good storyteller.

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  48. Don't enter me in the giveaway as I haven't read any of this series yet but I'm thinking I might like to! I'll have to borrow the first one from the library sometime to test out if I like it. Probably not anytime soon though because I'm a little burned out on faeries right now. It sounds like a fantastic read though. Very intense!

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  49. This would be so awesome to win, thanks for the opportunity! Please count me in!

    chibipooh(at)gmail(dot)com

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  50. I want, I want! Fingers are crossed!

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  51. Thanks for the giveaway. Anxious to read this series.
    -Vonda
    2much2reid {at} comcast {dot} net

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  52. Glad to have found your blog through this tour!

    I'm on the waiting list at the library for this book and the wait is killing me!

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    Sabrina.shields @ live.com

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  53. Thanks for the awesome giveaway! I've read other KMM books and enjoyed them but I'm hearing so many great things about this series that I must check this out. Count me in!

    BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

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  54. Thanks for this giveaway.
    Love & Hugs,
    Pam
    pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

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  55. Super series, thanks for the giveaway!

    (\___/)
    (='.'=)
    (")_(")

    alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
    http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/

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  56. Please enter me in the giveaway. I love this series

    aharel4 at gmail dot com

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  57. Please enter me in the giveaway.

    justpeachy36@yahoo.com

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  58. I can't wait to get a copy of this to read! It's one of the few series that I'm a complete junkie over!

    meredithfl at gmail dot com

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  59. I admit that I have not read this series yet, but recently I've heard so much about it and I'm planning to pick up the first two really soon! Thanks for the giveaway!

    lvtink21@wi.rr.com

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  60. Loved your review. Would love to win a copy.
    engarde_99 at yahoo dot com

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  61. Sounds great! Please count me in. Thanks so much!

    nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com

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  62. Not entering the giveaway, but wanted to say I loved your review-it echoed my thoughts of the book exactly.

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  63. I'd love to read this book!

    aikychien at yahoo dot com

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  64. i have read the first book in the series and loved it. i recently bought all the books in the series except Shadowfever, I still have that one to get.....entering contest maybe i'll get lucky and win it. thanks for such great reads.

    rachie102071@aim.com

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  65. I haven't had a chance to pick this one up yet, and would love to finish off the series. Thanks for the giveaway.

    a follower

    caity_mack at yahoo dot com

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  66. Please enter me in your drawing. I'd love to win a copy of this one. Thanks!

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  67. Thanks for the contest.
    lisagk@yahoo.com

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  68. I would love to read Shadowfever! I only read the first 4 books.

    angeldream3(at)gmail(dot)com

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  69. I really liked this series when I read the first three books, I couldn't put them down!
    Then it seemed to me that the characters changed and I just didn't like the way the story went, and the ending was disappointing.

    Thanks for the review, I enjoyed reading it!

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