Rating:  Summary: Very Steamy Review: I don't consider myself a prude, but I found the many sex scenes in this book getting in the way of the rest of the story. Although I usually have no problem with sexual scenes when they advance the plot (and yes, sex is a part of the plot in Narcissus), I was rather turned off by this book. Hamilton struck me as lapsing into soft-core porn rather than delving into the dark, sensual fantasy that she usually produces. Especially after the fabulous Obsidian Butterfly, this book was a disappointment to me.That being said, Anita does develop further as a character, making some very important choices that are certain to, pardon me, bite her later in the series. Because of the advancement, as well as the overall plot, which I enjoyed, I gave Narcissus three stars.
Rating:  Summary: This was the worst of the Anita Blake vampire novels. Review: Of all the Anita Blake vampire novels this was the worst. I am a devoted reader of this series and this was a total change of pace from any of the other books. There was way to much talk about sex and the characters had almost turned psychotic about it. I prey her next book Cerulean Sins is a lot better.
Rating:  Summary: spellbinding read Review: This is the first Laurell K. Hamilton book I have read and I am now in desperate need of all others before it. I could not put this book down and didn't want it to end. I was disapointed about a few things. May be just me but the men in Anita's life didn't show much character. Seemed like there was too much and too little going on in the characters and storyline. Seemed a bit fractured. But I still loved it. I am now a fan for life.
Rating:  Summary: WOW Review: Anita has been gone for 6 months, trying to control her growing powers which threatened to take over her life, and in some ways (IMO) threatened to make her a slave to the desires of the members of her triumvirate, Richard and Jean-Claude. In this book, we see what happens when Anita leaves the preternatural community on its own for six months, with some not so great consequences, forcing Anita to finally accept her role in their community. Of course, in her usual "I woman, hear me roar" attitude, she saves the day; although she is a little more subdued in this book due to her pain and some self-blame at the bad things happening to her friends. She gets some cool new powers, and is finally forced into an epiphany with her love life, finally realizing that being willing to go the distance to save her friends is who she is and that she deserves someone who respects that. This book is the book where many things come to a head, and where much of the little hints in regards to possible powers reaches fulfillment (my favorite two examples being, Anita and Damian's talk about power and incubi in Blue Moon, and Anita's power liking the were-leopard best in Obsdidian butterfly.) I gave this book 5 stars when I compare it to all other non-Hamilton books that I read. However, compared to other books by Hamilton I would have to give it a 3.4. Supposedly it was rushed through editting, and it shows, not being as polished as the other books, and some parts being a little hard to understand. I found the fast paced, bombarding scenes as being representative of the turmoil that suddenly descended upon Anita's life, so although it was a little hard to read, I was not disappointed with the writing style. If you are looking for a book that is less than an R rating, look elsewhere, perhaps try Tanya Huff's blood series; it is meant for young adults. NiC is an R for the violence and sexual situations that have long been part of the series, which is another factor that attracts me so much to this series. So many authors are afraid to continue their scenes, and limit themselves, leaving strange blanks in their books. Hamilton is not afraid to go for it. There are so few books out there with a woman in the role that Anita plays, as a leader, as a fighter, in her personal life, and the writing community cannot but be bettered by the presence of this series. However, if you are looking for a book where the female main character falls to pieces when her life turns bad or is uncomfortable believing in herself, please look elsewhere. This book is meant for kick-... people only!! :) All in all, still kick-...; Anita Blake is still #1!!! SHE ROCKS MY WORLD!!!
Rating:  Summary: Fast hitting non-stop Review: This book was difficult for me to put down once I had picked it up! Though there were some aspects lacking, all of ones favourite characters from previous novels are there. Including the infamous (yet dead sexy) Jean-Claude. The storyline comes at the reader non-stop, one finds themselves exhausted right along with Anita Blake, though she bears up well. Sex, blood, magic, and lycanthropes.. oh and did I mention Jean-Claude? A most definately recommended read!
Rating:  Summary: Narcissus in Chains Review: This book was amazing and impossible to put down. Not only was it extremely sexy, it has an engrossing storyline that kept me lock away until I finished at dawn.
Rating:  Summary: Sorely disappointed Review: I was sorely disappointed by this book. i have been an avid reader of the whole series but with the last couple of books this series is on a seriousl decline. Anita is the most irrating character in the series, it would almost be perferrable if she was written out completely.Lately Anita is becoming more and more dominent while all the other characters become more and more subservient to her will. I don't encourange anyone to buy this book. if you have to read it, save yourself some money and rent it from the libary.
Rating:  Summary: doesn't measure up Review: I found that this book didn't quite measure up to the previous books in the Anita Blake series. Perhaps it is because there is no character depth. With Anita's apparent partial acceptance of herself and her own willingness to kill has come a lack of the charm and depth which was brought to life by the fact that she was torn between humans and the "monsters." The book never lets up. It is one action or sex scene after another. How the heck does Anita survive on days on end of one hour of sleep. Hamilton doesn't even really mention her stuffed penguins anymore. What gets me annoyed is the tendency Anita has to whine and complain about everything and talk everything over. I absolutely love Jean-Claude. He is all that one could want. What the heck is Anita complaining about?
Rating:  Summary: Twisty, turny and leaves you wanting more Review: Narcissus, the owner of Narcissus in Chains club is a surprise. Anita is never prepared for the details of the seedy wereanimal underworld of St. Louis, but is always ready to kick butt and take names. This is a fast read, and shows that Anita can't avoid her men (Jean Claude the Vamp and Richard the werewolf) any longer. I have all of her books, and buying this one was a no brainer. Keep up the good work!
Rating:  Summary: For Mature Audiences Only Review: I have read all of Hamilton's Anita Blake books and Narcissus in Chains is a logical continuation of Anita's story. Each installment has added complications and forced Anita to relate to the male creatures in her life in stranger and more exotic ways. From the very first story, Guilty Pleasures, Anita Blake has dealt in blood and violence, and it comes as no surprise to me that Hamilton keeps Anita true to her character in this latest adventure. In fact, I was worried that the author would not be able to sustain the eerie and threatening atmosphere without slipping into absurdity, but she carries it off with style. I am anxious to read what a master necromancer who has a vampire servant, two non-human lovers and is Bolverk and lupa for a werewolf pack will manage to get herself into next! A baby shower for Narcissus perhaps? I admit that this series is not for those with weak stomachs, but I love it.
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