Helpful Score: 4
Very explicit but very well written.
I definately love Merry and her men. Not a stand alone read - this is the fourth in the series. I was a little surprised by the ending. It seemed as though it was just cut off - but it's a good read anyways.
Ginette B. (Niteowl7) reviewed A Stroke of Midnight (Meredith Gentry, Bk 4) on + 242 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Book #4 in the Meredith Gentry series. Two murders occur at the same time in faerie. For the first time, the police is invited in to help investigate with their forensics, hopefully providing a lead to the killer(s). A lot happens in this book but much of the action is slowed down by discussions among Meredith and the other fey before the action takes place. Some of it is necessary but I think this book could have been at least 50 pages shorter without the unnecessary dialogue. It's peculiar to read a threesome sex scene with Meredith which is preceded by lots of questions, discussions, explanations, and so on. That's why I don't find this series particularly erotic. Fantasy, yes there's lots of that too but often it seems out of context. Something of the fantastic occurs but it happens all of a sudden with no background or fantasy logic to make it seem plausible. The best part of this series, including this book, are the characters. I read on to the next just to find out what happens to them. In each book, Meredith gains more power as do her guards. I'm looking forward to the day when her sadistic queen aunt and her equally evil son, Cel, are destroyed. I started reading this series in a haphazard order and I was able to get the gist of the stories but I think it's best to read them in order since each one builds on the other.
Helpful Score: 3
I'm not sure where to start. I love Hamilton, have loved her for years. But honestly, she's writing porn. And it's not even good porn. It's porn trying to be literature and failing miserably. It's not bad writing, she seems to have improved from the 650 page exposition that was Incubus Dreams, but it still feels like the plot is trying to claw its way out of the bloody pages of the book. I'll still read the next one because, no matter what else she does, she's made me care about and be fascinated by these characters. But I'll probably borrow the next one again and wait for the paperback to come out.
The one thing I actively disliked about this book is that it takes place immediately following the last. Virtually no time has passed between Caress of Twilight and The Stroke of Midnight and where does she come up with these titles? It feels as if she could have made the two books into one longer one, worked a bit more on the oh--plot and still kept all the sex (metaphysical though it appears to be) intact.
Okay, so what did I like? I saw hints that perhaps not all is as hopeless for our Merry's remaining guards as it would appear should she become pregnant. I liked that power is returning to the faerie and that even the rather unflappable Doyle is mystified by some of it. (And I am, if nothing else, firmly rooted in the Doyle/Merry camp.) I enjoy the political wrangling that Merry has to do and the force of power she seems to wear easily. And isn't that at base the reason so many find these books readable? A woman with power that isn't afraid of it, a woman that enjoys sex and isn't afraid of that either. It certainly can't be all the sex she's getting; how many of times have I heard the complaint about too much sex not enough plot? How many times have I made the same complaint? Yet we're still reading.
The one thing I actively disliked about this book is that it takes place immediately following the last. Virtually no time has passed between Caress of Twilight and The Stroke of Midnight and where does she come up with these titles? It feels as if she could have made the two books into one longer one, worked a bit more on the oh--plot and still kept all the sex (metaphysical though it appears to be) intact.
Okay, so what did I like? I saw hints that perhaps not all is as hopeless for our Merry's remaining guards as it would appear should she become pregnant. I liked that power is returning to the faerie and that even the rather unflappable Doyle is mystified by some of it. (And I am, if nothing else, firmly rooted in the Doyle/Merry camp.) I enjoy the political wrangling that Merry has to do and the force of power she seems to wear easily. And isn't that at base the reason so many find these books readable? A woman with power that isn't afraid of it, a woman that enjoys sex and isn't afraid of that either. It certainly can't be all the sex she's getting; how many of times have I heard the complaint about too much sex not enough plot? How many times have I made the same complaint? Yet we're still reading.
Lisa E. (ocnsangel) reviewed A Stroke of Midnight (Meredith Gentry, Bk 4) on + 224 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I enjoy this series of hers I think better then
her other one. Waiting for the next!!!
her other one. Waiting for the next!!!
Linda A. (Springfieldreader) reviewed A Stroke of Midnight (Meredith Gentry, Bk 4) on + 458 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Poor Meredith does have nothing but trouble, but her life is interesting.
Helpful Score: 2
This was another amazing book in this series. I love the court intrigue that Hamilton adds to the faerie world and the depth of the characters and the environment. The writing is sensual and breathtaking. Just an excellent book that is fast-paced and leaves you wanting to read more!
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent
Christina M. (unicorn) reviewed A Stroke of Midnight (Meredith Gentry, Bk 4) on + 14 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Now I'm anxious to read number 5! I can't wait to see what happens to Merry and her men next. Takes up exactly where the last one left off. At this rate it will take another 28 books to get through an entire month! Not as much about Doyle, Rys and Frost in this one but still a very good and entertaining read!
I've fallen in love with this series. Merry Gentry and her harem of sidhe warriors just keeps getting more interesting as the series progresses.
Stephanie B. (jadeaaustin) reviewed A Stroke of Midnight (Meredith Gentry, Bk 4) on + 3 more book reviews
Alright, I'm going to come out and say it. This book is straight up porn. But, is there anything wrong with good porn? Because, Hamilton writes really good porn. The scenes are hot even if the scenario isn't something you would normally be into. There is a storyline, I wouldn't go so far as to call it a plot, but it only takes up maybe eight pages so you can skip it if you want. The main characters are compelling, and you are transported to a world that is magical and thoroughly alien.
Karina F. (FineLQQKn) -
My favorite paranormal romance novel writer. But, I like her Anita Blake series best.
couldn't put it down
THis series just keeps getting better and better.
Laura R. (starwolf) reviewed A Stroke of Midnight (Meredith Gentry, Bk 4) on + 120 more book reviews
I love Hamiltion's Anita Blake series but I'm just not sure I like Meredith Gentry. This series is very similar in characters but set in a totally different world. This is the fourth book in the series. If you like lots of rough sex scenes then you may like this series. I just wish it had more plot action with less emphasis on the sex...
Barbara F. (daylilylover) reviewed A Stroke of Midnight (Meredith Gentry, Bk 4) on + 768 more book reviews
Very good. Typical Laurel K., sex, action and treachery!
Really love this series. Fun and sexy. Laurell K. Hamilton is one of my favorite authors with the Anita Blake and Meredith Gentry series. Totally enjoy the antics of the fairy princess and her men. Hot and steamy along with dramatic in trying to figure out who is plotting against the conniving, murderous, but oddly likeable queen and how Meredith will once again be the reluctant heroine along with her loyal and irresistable lovers. L.K. Hamilton does it again, making me anxious to read the next installment of this series.
Full of a lot of sex, sometimes too much... A good read and a good followup for the last book.
Collette (vwbernie) -
The 4th book and even better than the last three. Non-stop action and surprise.
Another wonderful book in this series, great read! Can't wait for the next one.
Allison B. (allisonbaker) reviewed A Stroke of Midnight (Meredith Gentry, Bk 4) on + 48 more book reviews
WOW! I think I have read reviews of this book that weren't very favorable. I love it! I had to force myself to put it down and go to bed! Merry's ability to rule is becoming more and more clear and her gaurds love and following of her are becoming stronger. So much happen on this trip home to faerie I was spinning!! I laughed, nearly cried and gripped the book afraid to turn the page but unable to stop! This was what has redemmed Laurell k. Hamilton's writing to me after all those Anita books!!
Damaris C. (Erinyes) reviewed A Stroke of Midnight (Meredith Gentry, Bk 4) on + 279 more book reviews
I was so pleased to read a LKH that wasn't entirely incredibly boring sex scenes. I fear this will be the last book she writes that relies on some sort of plot.
Enjoyable but bittersweet.
Enjoyable but bittersweet.
Not her best series, IMHO.
Finally, this series takes off. I enjoyed this fourth book and definitely got hooked now. I will be reading book 5.
"HOw much of my human side will I have to give up, and how much of the sinister side of faerie will I have to embrace? To sit on a throne that has ruled through bloodshed for centuries, I might have to become that which I dread the most." Princess Meredith.
Tammy P. (bookluver-in-sc) reviewed A Stroke of Midnight (Meredith Gentry, Bk 4) on + 229 more book reviews
The fourth in the Meredith Gentry series. For the first time in history, human police will enter faerie-and Meredith will need all her allies when fate leads her into the arms of Mistral, the Queen's new captain of the guard.
Pippa M. (freakazoidP) reviewed A Stroke of Midnight (Meredith Gentry, Bk 4) on + 39 more book reviews
Meredith Gentry is at it again.More sex, more violence and more fun.Not to be mistaken for high art, these are great distractions and easy to piock up.Smooth reading and lovely characters.
Mollie G. (amethystlover) reviewed A Stroke of Midnight (Meredith Gentry, Bk 4) on + 330 more book reviews
Very good read.
4th in series, really need to read them in order. Good book.
In Los Angeles she is Meredith Gentry, private investigator. In the faraway world of faerie she is Princess Meredith, heir to a dark throne. In this realm of peril and deception, adversaries watch her every move, while the enemies of her aunt, the queen, lay in wait to usurp power. For the first time in history, human police will enter faerie-and Meredith will need all her allies when fate leads her into the arms of Mistral, Master of Storms, the queen's new captain of the guard. Their passion will awaken powers long forgotten among the warriors of the court-and as Meredith's enemies gather, both courts of faeries will face dire threat.
Janet B. (JannyB) - , reviewed A Stroke of Midnight (Meredith Gentry, Bk 4) on + 162 more book reviews
Book 4 of the Meredith Gentry series.
Betty D. (babbs2you) reviewed A Stroke of Midnight (Meredith Gentry, Bk 4) on + 41 more book reviews
Loved the book!
Suzanne S. (latteelover) reviewed A Stroke of Midnight (Meredith Gentry, Bk 4) on + 50 more book reviews
Part of the Meredith (Merry) Gentry Series
1. Kiss of Shadows (10/00)
2. Caress of Twilight (3/01)
3. Seduced By Moonlight (2/04)
4. Stroke of Midnight (4/05)
5. Mistral's Kiss (12/06)
6. A lick of Frost (10/07)
1. Kiss of Shadows (10/00)
2. Caress of Twilight (3/01)
3. Seduced By Moonlight (2/04)
4. Stroke of Midnight (4/05)
5. Mistral's Kiss (12/06)
6. A lick of Frost (10/07)
I am Meredith Gentry, P.I., solving cases in Los Angeles, far from the peril and deception of my real homebecause I am also Princess Meredith, heir to the darkest throne faerie has to offer. The Unseelie Court infuses me with its power. But at what price does such magic come? How much of my human side will I have to give up, and how much of the sinister side of faerie will I have to embrace? To sit on a throne that has ruled through bloodshed and violence for centuries, I might have to become that which I dread the most.
Enemies watch my every move. My cousin Cel strives to have me killed even now from his prison cell. But not all the assassination attempts are his. Some Unseelie nobles have waited centuries for my aunt Andais, Queen of Air and Darkness, to become weak enough that she might be toppled from her throne. Enemies unforeseen move against usenemies who would murder the least among us.
The threat will drive us to allow human police into faerie for the first time in our history. I need my allies now more than ever, especially since fate will lead me into the arm of Mistral, Master of Storms, the queens new captain of her guard. Our passion will reawaken powers long forgotten among the warriors of the sidhe. Pain and pleasure await meand danger, as well, for some at that court seek only death.
I will find new joys with the butterfly-winged demi-fey. My guards and I will show all of faerie that violence and sex are as popular among the sidhe as they are among the lesser fey of our court. The Darkness will weep, and Frost will comfort him. The gentlest of my guards will find new strength and break my heart. Passions undreamed of await usand my enemies gather, for the future of both courts of faerie begins to unravel.
Enemies watch my every move. My cousin Cel strives to have me killed even now from his prison cell. But not all the assassination attempts are his. Some Unseelie nobles have waited centuries for my aunt Andais, Queen of Air and Darkness, to become weak enough that she might be toppled from her throne. Enemies unforeseen move against usenemies who would murder the least among us.
The threat will drive us to allow human police into faerie for the first time in our history. I need my allies now more than ever, especially since fate will lead me into the arm of Mistral, Master of Storms, the queens new captain of her guard. Our passion will reawaken powers long forgotten among the warriors of the sidhe. Pain and pleasure await meand danger, as well, for some at that court seek only death.
I will find new joys with the butterfly-winged demi-fey. My guards and I will show all of faerie that violence and sex are as popular among the sidhe as they are among the lesser fey of our court. The Darkness will weep, and Frost will comfort him. The gentlest of my guards will find new strength and break my heart. Passions undreamed of await usand my enemies gather, for the future of both courts of faerie begins to unravel.
