A Kiss of Shadows (Meredith Gentry, Book 1)

Laurell Hamilton has a wonderful ability to create interesting characters. However, I would point out that the tone of the book is similar to her Vampire Hunter series. We have a petite (in stature) tough female lead, with accompanying otherworldly studs as back up. A big change in this book is where Anita Blake was somewhat frigid and not comfortable with the blatant sexuality - Princess Meredith, to quote her, has "no designs on monogamy." Nevertheless, if you enjoyed Ms. Hamilton's Anita Blake series, you will certainly enjoy this new book.
If you have not read any of the Vampire Hunter books and enjoy non-stop action with pretty cool characters - you'll like this book. Ms. Hamilton creates a fascinating world where the land of Faery exists along side our modern times and all the complexities that might entail.
For you guys - this is not a "CHICK BOOK!" Meredith doesn't fight like any girl I know and the sex sequences are no where near soft lighting and sweet words!
I only gave it 3 stars, not because I didn't enjoy it thoroughly, but because there were many similarities in character and plot development to her previous series.

This was my first experience with anything by Laurell K. Hamilton. I got this unabridged audio version from my library and before I was finished with it I was online buying my own copy. Many reviews have told of the Story, so I won't add much of that. This book was a very big change from what I was normally used to. If you come out of this book shocked that it was sexual I have to ask what planet did you come from? This book was very graphic, no closed bedroom doors or waking up feeling glorious and fabulous. Laurell K. Hamilton goes into this mystery/detective/erotic story with an open dialogue about the fact that the Fey are very open with their nudity and sex. In no way did I ever find that I was misled with this book. It was erotic and yet the story line of Merry trying to discover who is ultimately trying to kill her is well written and thought out. The characters are all amazing. Merry of course is this gorgeous beautiful thing but an outcast of her family even though by all rights she is a Princess. Her cast of Merry men are a variety of beautiful, tortured souls who are trying to keep their friendships or relationships with Merry without upsetting their Queen her Aunt, another beautiful but sadistic monarch over her people. We are allowed looks into what really could be things that actual Royalty are concerned with which is gaining the throne and the lengths some people will goal to gain power. Queen Andais is a horrible sadist, but we are allowed a glimpse of her concern for the life of her son. Laurell K. Hamilton made me actually care about the villians of the story. Unlike many my two favorites of this story are Sholto the King who would be one of the chosen if he'd not been born with what the court considered an abomination a set of tentacle like arms that start below his chest. He's a tortured soul that I was hoping could find what he was seeking to be loved by another Fey. Then there is Cel the Prince (Queen Andais's son)the spoiled and sadistic bad guy he was so evil I liked him:) There is a man for everyone in a variety like a pile of snow flakes no two are alike. :) I enjoy this book and have read it and listened to the audio at least 10 or 12 times. This book is definitely an aquired taste. Me, I loved it. Laurell K. Hamilton never ceases to amaze me and I eagerly await the 3rd in this series.