Friday, October 22, 2010

Review: Once Bitten by Kalayna Price

Happy Friday, everyone! Hope all of you have had a great day--I know I have. As you can see from the title and the book cover to the left side of this, it's review time. I just finished Kalayna Price's debut urban fantasy novel, Once Bitten, and I did not regret picking it up. The novel was pretty far down on my TBR list, simply because I'd found it after many others that have been on the list for a while. But despite that I was in the middle of reading something else, I kept itching to pick up this book. It was definitely worth the move to the top of the TBR pile. Before I jump in head-first, here is the novel's back cover blurb:

"For the past five years, Kita Nekai has faded into the background of the human world, but when a rogue shifter begins littering the city of Haven with bodies, Kita's illegal status lands her on the suspect list. During a confrontation with hunters that she can't win, rescue arrives in the form of the mysterious Nathanial Deaton. Kita soon wishes it hadn't when his method of saving her leaves her undead. With only three nights to prove her innocence and a new liquid diet to worry about, Kita doesn't want to deal with her infuriating rescuer or the ghost from her past who is determined to drag her back home. But, she needs help if she's going to stand any chance of survival."

The start of this book was absolutely page-turning. I literally could not set it down as I read through the first couple of chapters. If you crack this book open, I'm pretty definite that after chapter one, you'll be committed to reading the whole thing. Price's voice is very fresh in a genre that can often be overrun, and as dark as some of the novel may be, she manages to incorporate humor as well, which was a major plus for me.

Like the voice, the plot of the novel is also very fresh and unique. I loved the idea of bad ass heroine, Kita Nekai, being the smallest shifter in her clan--a little kitten! It was a great contrast to her character, and Price is crafty at thinking of new ways to present classic paranormal situations.

I found that the novel slowed down a bit compared to the page-turning opening once I hit about chapter four, though I definitely was still enjoying the read. Kita was a fun character, and the tension between her and her sire, Nathanial, was sizzling--something I find refreshing compared to the 'rip your clothes off' hotness of many current paranormals.  It left me wanting more to happen between them, which is great. That means I'm definitely picking up book two. You've got me hooked, Kalayna Price!

The only objections I had were that I wanted more characterization of Kita--she is strong and a fun heroine to read about, but I wanted to see more of her vulnerability--and I also wanted to see more of her as a kitten. After only the first few chapters, she completes her fatal transformation into a vampire and I would've liked for her to either a) maintain her shifting abilities or b) changed a little later in the story. Also, while Nathanial definitely adds sizzle, I wanted more vulnerability from him too. 

However, this is just a matter of my personal taste; I LOVE raw characters, and since this novel is the first in a series which centers around the same characters, they have plenty of time to blossom.

Overall, I really enjoyed this novel, and for that reason, I present Kalayna Price's novel, Once Bitten, with a rating of three quarter moon:


I highly recommend this novel for any urban fantasy fan. The Novels of Haven are at the top of my TBR list. If you're interested in reading more about this novel, you can click on this link HERE to read an excerpt from Once Bitten.

Also, don't forget that it's Follow Friday and Blog Hop time! I've posted the buttons below and I'll leave my answer to today's blog hop question in the comments.

I hope you enjoyed the review! I'll be announcing soon the next book on my list. Have a great weekend everyone! And please check out my new author Facebook page! The link is on the right sidebar. Til Monday! 

 Book Blogger Hop

12 comments:

  1. The question for the blog hop this week is:

    "Where is your favorite place to read? Curled up on the sofa, in bed, in the garden?"

    Usually, the places I end up reading are either on my couch or in bed. I really don't have a 'favorite' place to read. I suppose my favorite place to read would be anywhere, as long as I have a good book in my hands.

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  2. Stopping by via the "hop" thanks for following my blog! I'm a new follower of yours :)

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  3. Fun fun blog and thanks for stopping by and seeing me...:D Im following you now as well!!!

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  4. I can read anywhere too, but my favorite place is by far in my bed! Hope you are having a great weekend!
    The Delusional Diaries

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  5. Nice review! I think I might be stealing this book from you soon ;)

    As for me, I can read anywhere, anytime!

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  6. I used to read in the bed, but now I am so tired by the time I get there, I can't. I would undoubtedly fall asleep straightaway!

    Have a good weekend.

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  7. Archmides and Tina- Welcome! Thanks for stopping by ;-)

    LMW- Thanks! I'm having a great weekend. Hope yours is just as good. Thanks for stopping by!

    Britt- I bought it on my Nook, but it has the "lend me" app on it, so I could lend it to you, but it would be in ebook format (you could read it on your computer, or a Nook if you get one). And the lend me thing only loans it out for 14 days before it automatically comes back to me. But if you want it, let me know and I'll send it over.

    Trina- That's been happening to me lately too, so I definitely understand lol.

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  8. Thanks for stopping by and following my blog! I'm a new follower of yours too!

    Have an awesome weekend!

    Claire :)

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  9. Claire--Thanks for the return follow! Hope you have a great weekend too =)

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  10. My favorite place is curled up on the couch with a throw or comforter :)

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  11. BookGirl--That is a great place! I like curling up on the couch under my big fuzzy blanket too, though if it's not a page-turning book, I'm likely to fall asleep like that hahaha!

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  12. This book sounds amazing! Shifters and vamps, who could ask for more? I was wondering, how steamy is the romance? Is it more flirty, or a bit more graphic than that?

    BTW, I love your ratings system!

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