One thing I think people don't understand about the T.A. Pratt series is that, although it's urban fantasy with a sexy, kick-ass heroine, it's not a "chick book." Sure, I think women will enjoy it, but as a guy, I find the character of Marla Mason a great deal of fun, and there isn't that overt sexuality that you normally get in the genre. I highly recommend these books to anyone who's interested in the paranormal genre--men and women--and what a great way to see if I'm lying than by picking up the first book for free!
I agree that this is definitely not to be considered a chick book. The protagonist happens to be female, though there is very little in her conduct that could not be believed in a male. Mr. Pratt is obviously not very hung up on the sex role thing. I did not like her. But then I dislike many people.
I liked the plot, and there were some exceptional characters. Examples include the ancient snake god whose gratitude stretches only so far before it becomes hatred, the trampy cannibal, the stereotypical Chinese sorcerer (think Sax Rohmer) who nonetheless manages to bring a good number of surprises. The technomancer was a wonderful idea, and the quandary of his mirrors was both touching and amusing.
The author knows his San Francisco. The city seems as much a character in this book as any of the moving and talking beings. Those readers who love the town will have a heightened enjoyment of this book.
I cannot agree with the statement that the book was in any way lacking in overt sexuality. A significant part of the plot advancement occurs at an orgy. It's definitely not a book intended for the reader of innocent age. The sex, however, isn't really very "sexy," so it's not for the prurient reader either. This book is best read by the sexually tolerant, I think.
I would recommend it to the young adult (and by that i mean ADULT, not old child) who likes a lively plot, quirky characters, and simple characters.
I snagged this book as well, but haven't read it yet. I'm excited to hear these messages about Blood Engines having a broader appeal. How did it ever get a rep as a "chic book?" Is it because it has a female protagonist?
Anyway, if there's a technomancer involved, hey, I'll probably go along for the ride. I have no idea what that is, but it feels steampunk-ish and that is always a good time!
Yeah, I think one reason they get that "chick book" vibe is because Marla Mason isn't Mark Mason.
More, though, I think it's because urban fantasy is a genre that is dominated by authors like Laurel K. Hamilton, Kelley Armstrong, and Charlaine Harris--all great in their own right--who write for a decidedly female audience.
Pratt, though, I think blurs that edge: this isn't a paranormal romance, but a dark, fun series that happens to have a strong female hero. Yes, sex and sexuality play a part in it (so I'll partially retract my opening remark, amemortis), but it's not the (pun alert) main thrust.
One other thing: Daniel Dos Santos, who did the amazing covers for all four books in this series, is up for the Hugo, and I have to say I'm very excited about that, because I love these covers.
One thing I think people don't understand about the T.A. Pratt series is that, although it's urban fantasy with a sexy, kick-ass heroine, it's not a "chick book." Sure, I think women will enjoy it, but as a guy, I find the character of Marla Mason a great deal of fun, and there isn't that overt sexuality that you normally get in the genre. I highly recommend these books to anyone who's interested in the paranormal genre--men and women--and what a great way to see if I'm lying than by picking up the first book for free!
I agree that this is definitely not to be considered a chick book. The protagonist happens to be female, though there is very little in her conduct that could not be believed in a male. Mr. Pratt is obviously not very hung up on the sex role thing. I did not like her. But then I dislike many people.
I liked the plot, and there were some exceptional characters. Examples include the ancient snake god whose gratitude stretches only so far before it becomes hatred, the trampy cannibal, the stereotypical Chinese sorcerer (think Sax Rohmer) who nonetheless manages to bring a good number of surprises. The technomancer was a wonderful idea, and the quandary of his mirrors was both touching and amusing.
The author knows his San Francisco. The city seems as much a character in this book as any of the moving and talking beings. Those readers who love the town will have a heightened enjoyment of this book.
I cannot agree with the statement that the book was in any way lacking in overt sexuality. A significant part of the plot advancement occurs at an orgy. It's definitely not a book intended for the reader of innocent age. The sex, however, isn't really very "sexy," so it's not for the prurient reader either. This book is best read by the sexually tolerant, I think.
I would recommend it to the young adult (and by that i mean ADULT, not old child) who likes a lively plot, quirky characters, and simple characters.
I snagged this book as well, but haven't read it yet. I'm excited to hear these messages about Blood Engines having a broader appeal. How did it ever get a rep as a "chic book?" Is it because it has a female protagonist?
Anyway, if there's a technomancer involved, hey, I'll probably go along for the ride. I have no idea what that is, but it feels steampunk-ish and that is always a good time!
Yeah, I think one reason they get that "chick book" vibe is because Marla Mason isn't Mark Mason.
More, though, I think it's because urban fantasy is a genre that is dominated by authors like Laurel K. Hamilton, Kelley Armstrong, and Charlaine Harris--all great in their own right--who write for a decidedly female audience.
Pratt, though, I think blurs that edge: this isn't a paranormal romance, but a dark, fun series that happens to have a strong female hero. Yes, sex and sexuality play a part in it (so I'll partially retract my opening remark, amemortis), but it's not the (pun alert) main thrust.
One other thing: Daniel Dos Santos, who did the amazing covers for all four books in this series, is up for the Hugo, and I have to say I'm very excited about that, because I love these covers.
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