Darynda Jones
Charley Davidson #3
Published January 31, 2012 by St. Martin's Press (Macmillan)
Urban fantasy
My Goodreads rating: 3 stars
Bite-Sized Review
Third Grave Dead Ahead is just what I've come to expect from Darynda Jones: funny, light, action-packed, but about as deep as a puddle on the sidewalk, which can be a good thing or a bad thing. But if you're looking for something light and fun, definitely give this series a try.
King-Sized Review
I think you may have to be in the mood to read these books. I enjoyed this one more than the last two, either because I was in the right frame of mind or because I knew what to expect and wasn't overwhelmed by the constant stream of jokes and the lack of character development. I know that last sentence kind of makes it sound like I don't like this series, but I really do – I mean, I have read all three books so far.
Charley once again gets herself involved in a case for her firm while trying to fix Reyes-related things. In this book, it's mostly the Reyes plotline that provides the action. While there are no demons, despite the exciting revelations of the last book, there's definitely evil (and I don't use that word lightly). It's an exciting book, filled with the stream of wittiness that is Charley. (Did that sound a little facetious? It might have been a little facetious.) It honestly is funny and entertaining though, and a good light read.
I really, really don't get Reyes and Charley's relationship. Either he needs to stop threatening her and the people she loves, or she needs to stop believing him, because the way things are, I can't understand why she's so attracted to him.
And once again, Charley fails to take anything that happens to her seriously. This is the aspect of the book that bothers me the most: Charley just seems to shake off all the horrible things that happen to her. I want to see character development, but all that happens is Charley tosses off another quick line and moves on. At some point, it would be nice for something that happens to actually affect the way she thinks, but I'm not holding my breath.
Despite these concerns, the Charley Davidson series is enjoyable, and recommended for people who like fun urban fantasy.
Quality: Fair
Enjoyability: Good
In the same aisle
Spider's Bite by Jennifer Estep
Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill
I love this series, and I kind of feel Charlie does take things seriously, maybe to seriously and she deals with it and tries to stay sane by making witty, snarky remarks. Great review, I am looking forward to book four.
ReplyDeleteI think you're probably right about that. The problem is that it's not really noticeable since she's like that all the time! Haha. If you look at Charley versus Harry Dresden, for example, even though Dresden is extremely witty and a total smartass, you can absolutely tell when he's afraid or upset or feeling emotions other than humor. With Charley, it's a lot more difficult.
DeleteBut I'm looking forward to book four anyway :)
I'm glad you enjoyed this, Kate, but I'm sorry you didn't think there was enough character development. I love these books mostly because they're my comfort read. When I'm tired or in a bad mood, I pick one up, nevermind which, and I always end up laughing in less than 5 minutes. I can't help it, I love Charley's sense of humor.
ReplyDeleteGreat review as always!
They definitely are good for that! Thanks Maja :)
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