Date published September 2008
ISBN 978-0385341639
Genre Paranormal Suspense
Book format (E-book? Mass Market Paperback? Trade Paperback? Hardcover?)
Reviewed by Gina
Mac’s journal tells us that all this time she thought she should fear the dark when in fact, it turns out the greatest fear is the light.
As Samhain approaches, with the thinning of the veil, MacKayla “Mac” Lane cannot help but notice that her world, which turned dark with the death of her sister, Alina, is plunging deeper and deeper into a shadowy abyss. The Dark Zone encroaches closer and closer to her haven at Barrons, Books and Baubles sending her in desperate directions that even a week before she would not have considered. An alliance with Inspector Jaynes who recently tormented her with accusations about her part in the growing deaths in Dublin a tenuous friendship with Christian MacKeltar and fellow Sidhe-seer, Dani, with hints of an agreement with Rowena are evidence as to how the fabric of her life is unweaving. Even more so is her growing relationship with fae prince V’lane. It is during his sifts with her to hot, sandy beaches that Mac learns more of the Fae-Human history that threatens her world. Even Barrons is becoming a bit more forthcoming with the information that could aid Mac in her quest to save the human race.
When FAEFEVER opens Mac feels fairly in control, at least as much as she can, of her world as she has constructed it. She has set boundaries to keep the Shades at bay, has a job the likes, pokes around in Barrons’ world and feels, at times, she’s on the path to finding the man who killed her sister. When Barrons discovers that she has figured out how to track the Sinsar Dubh, he intensifies his demands she do so, as does V’lane. While V’lane bribes her to unveil her discovery with flirting, treats and visits to romantic beaches, Barrons bullies her. Barrons also undertakes to teach Mac “Voice” so she can defend herself against the Lord Master, yet there is a perversity, as only Barrons can enact, in the teaching.
When Barrons’ former lover, Fiona disappeared, Mac was certain the mysterious dark haired Barrons killed her. It is when Mac sees Fiona, looking like a fading movie star that the threat of what will happen on Samhain becomes a reality she cannot turn back from.
FAEFEVER is a painfully dark book. I sat up two nights in a row reading simply because I had to know Mac would be all right in the end. Some readers may wonder if, given the times we are living in, it is a good choice for a read. I would say that, despite the fact there is little light to the story and what little there is comes with V’lane’s appearances, it is a book to be read. Readers are given a bit more insight into him and why he’s the way he is, why the Fae prince really has no feeling at all for humans, yet at the same time, there is a tangible attraction to Mac and it’s not because Barrons is interested in her. There is a connection there, perhaps she give him a taste of humanity no one else has before and the taste has him considering the entire buffet. With the historical background he provides for Mac, there is a glimmer of hope. He gives the reader pause to consider their own humanity without being moralistic about it.
Jericho Barrons is still complex, confusing and compelling. And you want him for your own. You also want to sock him a good one with his enigmatic, gloom and doom, need to be in control attitude. Even with his overbearing need to command, there is something incredibly sexy about the character. You know, you just know that when he falls in love it’s going to be long and forever. The question is, will it happen in the Fever series? You have to wonder if love and romance has any place in the trauma and devastation that is unfolding in the Fever series. I would say yes, because the emotions of love give us hope and in the dark world created by Ms. Moning in FAEFEVER, there does need to be a glimmer of hope.
The first two Fever series books, DARKFEVER and BLOODFEVER, provide the foundational descriptions of the streets and alleys of Dublin as well as the interior of Barrons’ Books and Baubles and little is added to the setting in FAEFEVER. FAEFEVER is an intensely character driven story with the contrasts of growing up while hoping to hold on to a life we knew excellently drawn.
Ms. Moning pens a story that is so in sync with our times—darkness, loss of hope, lack of trust. The timing of its release is fascinating and one wonders if the next book in the series will begin the turning point to lighter times. On the surface the ending seems clear that Mac is not all right—yet the man that stands before her may be the very hope she needs to save the human race. FAEFVER is the perfect read for a creepy Halloween read; it is a do not miss for your reading any time.
FAEFEVER by Karen Marie Moning
Reviewed by Valerie
Obtained by publisher.
Rating: 4
FAEFEVER is the most exciting book I have read in a long time. In this, the third installment, we see Mac getting somewhat in control of her situation. She can arm herself against the Shadows. She has a weapon and she is a bit more confident. Jericho Barrons is still a big mystery. Even more so in this book, as Mac finds out more about him, but still doesn’t have all the answers. Personally, I think he’s rather delish, a bad boy with an attitude. V’lane is still trying to get control of Mac, but she is clever and doesn’t let him get away with too much. This was a dark, chilling read that had me almost crying to have to put this book down. It’s creepy and hair-raising. I often felt sorry for Mac, she seems so alone. She’s learning though to not trust everyone, but at the same time to use all the help she can get. Things are so dark, you may wonder if there will be any light at the end of the tunnel. I certainly hope so. But, unfortunately, it’s not at the end of this book. Mac is in big trouble and there is such a cliff-hanger at the end, you will be scrambling to get the next one.
THIS IS AN OBJECTIVE REVIEW. IT IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT OF THIS BOOK.
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