Helpful Score: 12
Dela Reese is in China for a visit when she picks up a strange riddle box at the Dirt Market. Soon afterwards a strange man who Dela mistrusts instantly tries to take it from her, but she escapes. Later when she opens the box Hari appears and tells her that he has been cursed to be the slave of whoever opens the box for 2000 years, and expects her to issue a command. Added to this is the fact that more than one person wants to kill Dela but she does not know who or why. And on top of THAT are Dela's pyschic abilities, Hari's shapeshifting abilities and Dela's crimefighting pyschic family of misfits. A little cheesy-romancey (i make up words) on the descriptions of these two falling in love, but I generally do not read pure romance novels so that is a matter of what I like. I did like the concept that Marjorie Liu created in this series and there are plenty of interesting satellite characters surrounding Dela and Hari who will probably get their own stories told. Definately recommended if you are in the mood for a romance and like paranormal romances. Its not hard to find yourself halfway through the book the first time you pick it up.
Helpful Score: 6
Liu became one of my favorite authors as soon as I began reading I read Tiger Eye, her first novel. She is a relatively new author, all of whose books so far involve characters who work for Dirk & Steele, an undercover paranormal organization / detective agency. Primary characters in this book will turn up in supporting roles in subsequent books and vice versa. One reviewer didn't like that. I had no problem with it. It was nice to learn more about the other characters in subsequent books. Most of the paranormals are shape changers and Liu throws in a bit of her own variety of magic, more in this book than in some of her later ones.
Helpful Score: 3
This book, which is the first in a series and the first I've ever read by Liu, is surprisingly enjoyable. It is the tale of a shape-shifter named Hari who has been trapped in a sort of genie-in-a-box situation as a slave for two thousand years. He falls into the hands of Dela, a woman of unusual psychic talents. Naturally, romance ensues. But Dela is a marked woman, having been targeted by mob members seeking revenge for a crime she had little to do with, and it falls to Hari to help protect her.
What I enjoyed about this book was the fast paced plot--I was never bored or tempted to skim. I also found the cast of characters to be extremely amusing.
The only flaw as far as I'm concern was that the main villain, the Magi, was a bit hokey. I just didn't understand his reasons or motivations. However, I don't feel this detracts significantly from the quality of the story.
What I enjoyed about this book was the fast paced plot--I was never bored or tempted to skim. I also found the cast of characters to be extremely amusing.
The only flaw as far as I'm concern was that the main villain, the Magi, was a bit hokey. I just didn't understand his reasons or motivations. However, I don't feel this detracts significantly from the quality of the story.
Helpful Score: 2
This is a must read and a true keeper for those who love a mixture of paranormal, fantasy, urban myths and romance all rolled into fast action and truly endearing secondary characters.
From the first page until the last...Marjorie M Liu keeps you spellbound with the fantastic Dela and Hari....talk about wild and unfettered...this story rocked! And I can only hope that Ms Liu will continue the saga with the other sexy members of Dirk and Steel....everything from magic, shapeshifters, the gifted and secular world of those who are born "different"..."gifted".....to the awesome love that grows between Hari and Dela....for those of faint heart...beware....the fact that a hint of beastiality is here...it is beautifully done...Brava, Ms Liu...I look forward to more.
From the first page until the last...Marjorie M Liu keeps you spellbound with the fantastic Dela and Hari....talk about wild and unfettered...this story rocked! And I can only hope that Ms Liu will continue the saga with the other sexy members of Dirk and Steel....everything from magic, shapeshifters, the gifted and secular world of those who are born "different"..."gifted".....to the awesome love that grows between Hari and Dela....for those of faint heart...beware....the fact that a hint of beastiality is here...it is beautifully done...Brava, Ms Liu...I look forward to more.
Terrific book. Great imagination! Shape-shifters, magi, and x-men like talents. I really enjoyed the story line and just ordered the 2nd book, that I hadn't even realized followed this one, today. Hope Liu writes another good one!!
*re*
*re*
I loved this book. What a great start to a new series (for me)! Liu pulled me in from the first page. I'm now reading the 5th book in this series, and I'm so happy with the character development. I like how each book focuses on one Dirk and Steele member, but also brings in familiar characters from previous books. This firs book sets this up so nicely. The writing is well developed and hot. Dialogue is believable and supports and pushes the story line. If you like Sherrilyn Kenyon, Christine Feehan, Lara Adrian, and/or Keri Arthur, you'll love Majorie M. Liu!
Helpful Score: 1
This was an excellent book! It was the first time I read Marjorie M Liu. I did not want it to end. I especially enjoyed the interesting group of characters; each with their own special "gift" which is represented in the story line. I will definitely be looking for all her other books in this series (Dirk & Steele).
Helpful Score: 1
Interesting beginning of a series.the charaters are likable and almost believable.
Helpful Score: 1
This was the first Marjorie Liu book I read, and I loved it. I'm a big paranormal romance fan, and if you one too, you'll want to read this book.
Helpful Score: 1
I have had this on my TBR pile for a while now. I read a short story - A dream of stone and shadow in the Dark Dreamers book, and decided that I would give the series a try. It was a great book and I recommend it - the story and action of the book was well-paced, the characters were developed and you got a taste of some other characters that no doubt will have their own stories in future books. It was a fast read.
Interesting book idea - has a cursed shapeshift that is released from a small magical box and must obey his new master. Most of the book deals with attempts to free him and evade people trying to kill them. Has one of those ANNOYING cast of minor characters that are set up for sequels. Obvious sequels, way too obvious, spends so much time setting them up that detracts from the plot. Got at least 8 or more people set up for sequels - sticking in way too many minor characters on the good guy's side that are all handsome, single, funny, and paranormal, and single young orphaned women that have magical talents? Blah! Enough! "Shadow Touch" is already released, first sequel for one of these tormented ensemble cast members. So far is okay, but I would rather have some novels that concentrated more on the current book. Would have been a better novel if there were more gray instead of black and white character portrayals.
If you love legends, myths, and romance that knocks your socks off right next to all the suspense and drama of the main characters being wanted dead or alive, then I recommend you read this book. Paranormal attributes abound in this one and gives us a nice glimpse into the Dirk & Steele beginnings and such. Definitely worth reading, and Miss Liu's description of Hari is enough to make your mouth start to water! I highly enjoyed this book as well as the other one by Marjorie M. Liu.
great book
An interesting, imaginative, solid romance.
Very well written - the story moves along well.
I really enjoyed this unusual book. Good world and character building plus enjoyable prose. The romance is hot too.
Really fantastic book. Dela is just so lucky to have a big hunk like Hari to be with her. Gosh this was yummy.
good-but not great. Just kept reinterating the same things until it became very tedious after about 200 pages in.
Ms. Liu is a wonderful new author and this story is wonderfully done. If you love paranormal, you'll love this.
When a young psychic acquires a riddle box in Beijing, she learns she can free the shapeshifter imprisoned inside. Thus begins an adventure--and a love--of a lifetime
Mystery, Romance & Suspence... THis book has it all - Great read!
This book is totally awesome! It was entrancing from the very get-go.
A must-read!
A must-read!
If you like Christine Feehan, you'll love this book. I love Christine but I love this one more than the Carpathian stories.
Great debut in a new shapeshifter/fantasy series
entertaing paranormal
long ago they roamed the earth, plentiful and powerful,men with form of beast.Dragons,tigers,crows:shape-shifters.Their world was magic. That world is gone, but some remain.
beginning of series about detective agency with unusual abilities
Long ago they roamed the earth, plentiful and powerful, men with form of beast. Dragons, tigers, crows: shape-shifters. Their world was magic. That world is gone, but some remain.
HERS TO COMMAND
He looked completely out of place in Dela Reese's Beijing hotel room-like he belonged to a myth, was the tragic hero of some epic tale, exotic and poignant. He was like nothing from her world, neither his variegated hair nor his feline yellow eyes. Yet Dela had danced through the echo of his soul, and she knew this seven-foot warrior would obey.
HIS TO PROTECT
Hari had been used and abused for millennia: he was jaded, dull, tired. But upon his release from the riddle box. Hari saw his new mistress was different. In Dela's eyes he saw a hidden power, himself within reach of all he had lost. Of avenging those wrongs. This woman was the key. If only he dared protect, where before he had savaged: love, where before he'd known hate. For Dela, he would dare all.
HERS TO COMMAND
He looked completely out of place in Dela Reese's Beijing hotel room-like he belonged to a myth, was the tragic hero of some epic tale, exotic and poignant. He was like nothing from her world, neither his variegated hair nor his feline yellow eyes. Yet Dela had danced through the echo of his soul, and she knew this seven-foot warrior would obey.
HIS TO PROTECT
Hari had been used and abused for millennia: he was jaded, dull, tired. But upon his release from the riddle box. Hari saw his new mistress was different. In Dela's eyes he saw a hidden power, himself within reach of all he had lost. Of avenging those wrongs. This woman was the key. If only he dared protect, where before he had savaged: love, where before he'd known hate. For Dela, he would dare all.
Best one in the series.
very interesting story line . kept me turning the pages.
Wonderful book. I simply loved it.
Very interesting concept. I look forward to reading more of Ms Liu's books.
*****
*****
Very nice!
A steamy romance & a thriller combined. Set in the present with sci-fi things included. His feline yellow eyes & supreme hunk finds redemption through love & trust.
This is my first book with this author. I loved it. I am trying to get more of her books.
Maureen
Maureen
I loved this book! It has it all - action, romance, supernatural, suspense, mystery.
Synopsis from back cover: Hers to command. He looked completely ou of place in Dela Reese's Beijing hotel room - like he belonged to a myth, was the tragic hero of some epic tale, exotic and poignant. He was like nothing from her world, neither his variegated hair nor his feline yellow eyes. Yet Dela had danced through the echo of his soul, and she knew this seven-foot warrior would obey.
His to protect. Hari had been used and abused for millennia; he was jaded, dull, tired. But upon his release from the riddle box, Hari saw his new mistress was different. In Dela's eyes he saw a hidden power; himself within reach of all he had lost, of avenging those wrongs. This woman was the key. If only he dared protect, where before he had savaged; love, where before he'd known hate. For Dela, he would dare all!
Synopsis from back cover: Hers to command. He looked completely ou of place in Dela Reese's Beijing hotel room - like he belonged to a myth, was the tragic hero of some epic tale, exotic and poignant. He was like nothing from her world, neither his variegated hair nor his feline yellow eyes. Yet Dela had danced through the echo of his soul, and she knew this seven-foot warrior would obey.
His to protect. Hari had been used and abused for millennia; he was jaded, dull, tired. But upon his release from the riddle box, Hari saw his new mistress was different. In Dela's eyes he saw a hidden power; himself within reach of all he had lost, of avenging those wrongs. This woman was the key. If only he dared protect, where before he had savaged; love, where before he'd known hate. For Dela, he would dare all!
Fast read that kept me interested.
Really enjoyed this book!
Fantasy.
From back of book: Hers to command. He looked completely out of place in Dela Reese's Beijing hotel room-like he belonged to a myth, was the tragic hero of some epic tale, exotic and poignant. He was like nother from her world, neither his variegated hair nor his feline yellow eyes. Yet Dela had danced through the echo of his soul, and she knew this seven-foot warrior would obey.
