Quick Take

My name is Meredith 'Merry' Gentry, but of course it's not my real name. I dare not even whisper my true name after dark for fear that one hushed word will travel over the night winds to the soft ear of my aunt, the Queen of Air and Darkness. She wants me dead. I don't even know why...I fled the high court of Faerie three years ago and have been in hiding ever since. As Merry Gentry, I am a private investigator for the Grey Detective Agency: Supernatural Problems, Magical Solutions. My magical skills, scorned at the courts of Faerie, are valued in the human world. Even by human standards, my magic isn't flashy, which is fine by me. Flashy attracts attention and I can't afford that.Rumour has it that I am dead. Not quite. I am Princess Meredith NicEssus. To speak that name after dark is to call down a knock upon your door from a hand that can kill you with a touch. I have been careful, but not careful enough. The shadows have found me, and they are going to take me back home, one way or another.So the running is over. But the fighting has just begun...Rich, sensual, brimming with dangerous magic, A Kiss of Shadows is a dazzling tour-de-force where folklore, fantasy and erotically charged adventure collide.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: A Kiss of Shadows (Merry Gentry, #1)

Introduction

"A Kiss of Shadows" by Laurell K. Hamilton is the first book in the Merry Gentry series, introducing readers to the world of faeries and the protagonist, Merry Gentry. This book has received mixed reviews from readers, with some praising its unique world-building and engaging characters, while others find it too sexually explicit and lacking in substance. In this article, we will delve into the analysis of views and explore the reasons why readers recommend or do not recommend this book.

About Laurell K. Hamilton

Laurell K. Hamilton is a bestselling author known for her works in paranormal fiction, particularly the Meredith Gentry series. With a background in journalism and a passion for storytelling, Hamilton has created a world that blends multiple genres, including fantasy, science fiction, suspense, and romance. Her writing style is characterized by her ability to craft intricate worlds and develop complex characters that captivate readers.

Analysis of Views

Unique and Engaging World-Building: Many readers praise the world-building in "A Kiss of Shadows," describing it as creative and imaginative. Hamilton's ability to blend different genres and create a richly detailed faerie world is commended. The descriptions of the fae are particularly noted for their beauty and darkness, adding depth to the story.
Strong Female Protagonist: Merry Gentry, the protagonist, is admired by readers for her strength and resilience. Despite facing challenges and danger, she remains determined and resourceful. Merry's ability to navigate the complex world of faeries and stand up to powerful adversaries resonates with readers who appreciate strong female characters.
Engaging Characters: The characters in "A Kiss of Shadows" are diverse and well-developed, with distinct personalities and backstories. Readers appreciate the relationships between the characters, including the dynamic between Merry and her love interests. The interactions between characters add depth to the story and keep readers invested in the plot.
Sexual Content: While some readers find the sexual content in "A Kiss of Shadows" enjoyable and erotic, others find it excessive and distracting. The book features explicit sexual encounters between Merry and various male characters, which some readers feel detract from the overall story. The inclusion of sex scenes is a point of contention among readers, with some preferring a more subtle approach to romance and erotica.
Lack of Substance: Some readers feel that "A Kiss of Shadows" lacks substance beyond its sexual content. The plot can be seen as predictable, with certain events unfolding in a linear manner. Readers who are looking for a deeper exploration of themes or a more complex narrative may find themselves disappointed by the book's focus on romance and erotica.

Reasons for Recommendation

Unique World-Building: Readers recommend "A Kiss of Shadows" for its unique world-building and imaginative approach to faerie lore. The creative blend of genres and the richly detailed faerie world make it a captivating read for those who enjoy exploring new worlds and immersing themselves in fantasy.
Strong Female Protagonist: Merry Gentry's strength and resilience resonate with readers who appreciate strong female characters. Her ability to navigate dangerous situations and overcome challenges makes her a relatable and inspiring protagonist for many readers.
Engaging Characters: The diverse and well-developed characters in "A Kiss of Shadows" add depth to the story and keep readers invested in the plot. The relationships between characters, including Merry's romantic entanglements, are praised for their complexity and emotional depth.
Sexual Content: While some readers find the sexual content excessive, others appreciate its inclusion as a part of the story's overall eroticism. The explicit scenes are seen as an integral aspect of the book's exploration of desire and passion. Readers who enjoy explicit romance and erotica may find "A Kiss of Shadows" satisfying in this regard.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Lack of Substance: Some readers feel that "A Kiss of Shadows" lacks substance beyond its sexual content. The predictable plot and lack of deeper exploration of themes may leave readers feeling underwhelmed by the book's overall narrative. Those seeking a more complex and thought-provoking read may not find "A Kiss of Shadows" satisfying in this regard.
Excessive Sexual Content: For readers who are not fans of explicit sexual content, "A Kiss of Shadows" may be too explicit for their tastes. The numerous sexual encounters between Merry and various male characters can be seen as gratuitous or distracting from the overall storyline. Readers who prefer subtler approaches to romance and erotica may find the book's focus on explicit sex off-putting.

Conclusion

"A Kiss of Shadows" by Laurell K. Hamilton is a book that elicits mixed reactions from readers. While some praise its unique world-building and engaging characters, others find it too sexually explicit and lacking in substance. The book's focus on romance and erotica may not appeal to all readers, but those who enjoy exploring new worlds and engaging with strong female protagonists may find it worth recommending. Ultimately, whether or not one recommends "A Kiss of Shadows" depends on individual preferences and expectations from a book within this genre.