Amanda Meuwissen's The Incubus Saga has been an exhilarating thrill ride with bits of darkness and moments of love. That love is not only between two men whose connection is complex but between two brothers who would sell their souls for each other. Keep reading to get a tantalizing taste of Sidhe, along with my impressions of it, as well as Ms. Meuwissen talking about popular fictional characters she doesn't like. To celebrate this release make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win an e-copy of the entire Incubus Saga too!
Top 3 Fictional Character Everyone Loves – But I Hate
It’s fascinating what causes people to love or hate a character. There isn’t necessarily a rhyme or reason to it, or everyone would always love or hate the same people. Certain characters just don’t mesh with everyone. And I don’t think that’s a bad thing.
For every character out there that the masses seem to rally behind, there are people, like me, who hate them. Does that mean the character is bad? Ask me in a certain mood and I’ll say hell yes, but if I’m being honest, it must mean that character is memorable if I’m willing to express such ire for them.
So here are my top 3 fictional characters that everyone else seems to love, but I just plain hate....
1. Katniss Everdeen
Wow, Hunger Games is huge. My pretty much entire family read the series before the first movie came out. I had not, but was all on board to give a new movie franchise a chance after finally being rid of Twilight, that I agreed to see it for the midnight showing.
Back when Harry Potter was growing in infamy, I wasn’t interested in reading the books…until the first movie came out and I fell head over heels in love and proceeded to read all four of the books that were out at the time. So I figured maybe that could happen again, and after seeing the first Hunger Games movie, I’d be a book convert too.
Yeah, not so much. I don’t remember the last time I hated a movie so passionately, and I refuse to see the others, or read the books. Sure, part of it is because I’m not the biggest fan of dystopian future tales, and the shaky cam made me nauseous, the lack of blood and gore that would have to exist in reality, the poor storytelling at times that had me whispering to my nephew to explain why the hell that Peta guy was throwing bread into the mud, which after hearing the explanation I realized was in no way accurately portrayed in how the movie showed it, not to mention many other elements. I felt like as someone who hadn’t read the books, I was given no lifeline to enjoy this story.
Yeah, not so much. I don’t remember the last time I hated a movie so passionately, and I refuse to see the others, or read the books. Sure, part of it is because I’m not the biggest fan of dystopian future tales, and the shaky cam made me nauseous, the lack of blood and gore that would have to exist in reality, the poor storytelling at times that had me whispering to my nephew to explain why the hell that Peta guy was throwing bread into the mud, which after hearing the explanation I realized was in no way accurately portrayed in how the movie showed it, not to mention many other elements. I felt like as someone who hadn’t read the books, I was given no lifeline to enjoy this story.
But even all that aside wouldn’t make up for how unlikable Katniss is to me. Now, my sister admits to feeling the same way even as a fan, that she read on to see what became of Peta and other characters, not Katniss, but…she’s the protagonist! You expect that person to be someone you would want to rally behind. And I just never cared about what happened to her, making her in my eyes a terrible character to follow.
2. Mako Mori
I actually feel bad about this one now, because it is not Mako’sfault that I hate her so much. You see, when Pacific Rim was first on its way, the previews didn’t show her even once that I remember, at least not clearly. I remember seeing Raleigh and Chuck’s interactions and thinking, oh, we’re going to go for a very classic anime story, where two rivals who hate each other end up having to be partners and form a lasting friendship that aides in saving the world. I was all on board.
So when Raleigh’s brother died at the beginning, I was certain I had guessed right. Then Mako shows up and gives me this queasy feeling, and it soon becomes more and more obvious that she’s intended to be Raleigh’s partner instead, and my headcanon went BOOM and exploded all over me. I couldn’t help resenting her for destroying my expectations.
It’s interesting, because it’s not like I dislike her character, her acting, anything about how she was portrayed, it’s all on me and what I took with me into the theater that causes me to just sneer every time I see her, because she ruined what I thought I wanted the story to be, and what I expected. Her presence will always ruin the movie a bit in my eyes because I wanted something different, even though everything about her otherwise creates a character I would normally love.
3. BBC Sherlock Moriarty
And finally, this hatred is unique in that it deals with an existingcharacter with history and depictions I normally adore, b
I honestly think my initial love for the character of Professor Moriarty in general comes from Star Trek: The Next Generation, and all of the holodeck episodes with Data as Sherlock. But in so many other versions as well, something about someone who could be as genius and adaptable as Sherlock Holmes but also evil is just plain thrilling, and with how much I loved BBC’s Sherlock from the start, I really could not wait to see how they presented this classic character. Clearly they could do no wrong.
And god, everything about him is just grating. No offence to Andrew Scott, who seems lovely himself as an actor and person, but why they directed him this way, I’ll never understand. He and Benedict are the same age, but Andrew just looks younger, and I’ve always envisioned Moriarty as slightly older than Sherlock at the very least. He came across as a spoiled rich kidwho just happened to be smart enough to want to go after Sherlock to subdue his own boredom. It felt so cheap to me. I wanted drama and magnetism, and I got a whiney brat with a very nasal, high-pitched voice instead. It just leaves a sour taste in my mouth, and I hope they don’t bring him back to life as seems to be so very possible.
Now, I’m sure there are many of you who disagree with me on these points, and hey, maybe there are some of you who are right there with me on all three, but it still brings me back to what I first said – me hating these characters doesn’
Of course I beam every time someone tells they love the titlecharacter of my series The Incubus Saga, Sasha Kelly (even though he’s not actually the protagonist), that they fell for him so quickly, and even in several cases that they enjoyed M/M romance for the first time largely in part because of Sasha’s portrayal.
That’s what we all hope for, right? Well, the loving our characters part, though maybe the converting people to M/M romance part too. And while I know there will be people out there who will end up hating Sasha, just because that’s how the world works, you can bet that love or hate, if anyone ever made a list like this that included one of my characters, at least I could sleep well knowing they were written memorably.
Nathan Grier returns from the Veil a changed man. The consequences of his time with Malak, the dark sidhe king, and the deal made to free him may be more than he can bear. The weakening of the Veil and new enemies foretell of a greater battle still ahead.
With Nathan’s brother Jim now an Awakened changeling, and Nathan’s role in Malak’s plans finally revealed, Nathan’s love for fae hunter and incubus, Sasha Kelly, may not be enough to save him after all.
With Nathan’s brother Jim now an Awakened changeling, and Nathan’s role in Malak’s plans finally revealed, Nathan’s love for fae hunter and incubus, Sasha Kelly, may not be enough to save him after all.
EXCERPT:
“Nathan, it’s us,” Sasha tried to say calmly, inching closer with hands held up in seeming surrender. Jim did the same.
Nathan knew he had to be a pitiable sight with that weakly held knife, but he’d use it, damn it, he would. Somehow he’d use it.
His back hit the corner of the room.
“Playing that game?” Nathan scoffed. “I know better. You haven’t been them in…in so long, I…I don’t even remember. I don’t remember…”
“Nathan,” Jim pleaded, moving closer with one hand outstretched. He looked so strange to Nathan, almost believable with those dark blue eyes so caring, so concerned. “I can’t imagine what it must have been like, but it’s over. You’re not in the Veil anymore. We got you out. You’re safe. With us.”
“Please believe us, Nathan,” Sasha said. “Just look at us.” He gestured to himself; to Jim. Sasha too looked so normal, so honest and how Nathan remembered him. “It’s really us. You’re safe, Nathan. Please recognize us…”
He recognized them. But it had to be a trick. Another damn trick like all the others.
“I gave you what you wanted,” Nathan said again. He was so cold. Nothing looked right. Nothing felt right. He couldn’t understand why this was happening when he had finally given in.
“Nathan, it’s us,” Sasha said more firmly, like maybe Nathan just couldn’t hear them.
“Malak took you and we’re so sorry,” Jim said. “We wish we could have gotten you out sooner, but you have to know us. Please tell me you still know us…”
“Malak…?” Nathan glared at the false images before him, knife still held firm, warning them not to get closer. “It had nothing to do with that, you know that, you know. I didn’t…I didn’t go to the Veil.”
Jim and Sasha stopped their progression toward him, their eyes wide and disbelieving. They shared a pained look, not knowing what to say until finally Jim spoke, slow and gentle.
“Nathan, don’t you remember? Malak said killing the spriggan instead of banishing it broke the deal. That’s why we couldn’t win, why we couldn’t save you. You went to the Veil, Nathan. You’ve been in the Veil. But you’re out now. I don’t know what Malak did to you there, but we got you out.”
It almost made sense, as if a second reality were trying to push into Nathan’s mind: memories of what Jim was saying, memories he knew weren’t fabrications, and yet…how could he remember things happening two different ways?
The Veil? Had that been the Veil? To him it had felt like life.
BUY AT AMAZON here.
MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:
It all comes down to this third and final installment in the Incubus Saga as the battle between light and dark, good and evil, comes to a head. After the emotional events that befell our trio of unlikely heroes at the end of the previous installment there's a feeling of negativity and loss as this story opens. The heroes are at their lowest point despite Nathan's return. It's a return though rife with inner fears and palpable paranoia that will lead to yet another fight for his life as he battles the pain and lies from his time behind the veil with the reality and expectations of being back home. He's not alone in his battle as his incubus lover and his brother are by his side every step of the way giving him their love and support but also acted as his weakness as the end creeps ever closer.
Though this story started off a bit slow secrets were soon revealed that changed things dramatically. Nathan may have started off a broken man but quickly realized, along with his brother, their individual roles in keeping the world safe. Their brotherly love and bond might have gotten bruised while he was gone but they reunited stronger than ever with Sasha being his usual supportive and sexy self. Ms. Meuwissen imbued this story with deep emotional angst, a bit of sensual m/m lovin', and a compelling mythology. There's edge of your seat action scenes and an equally compelling and colorful cast of characters, both heroic and villainous, that keep you glued to the action. Both old friends and new leave you rooting for good to win but fearful with unexpected twists and turns. It all adds up to an exhilarating thrill ride with heart and soul and a delightful addition to the urban fantasy genre that ends up being so much more!
My rating for this is a B+
*I got this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.
It all comes down to this third and final installment in the Incubus Saga as the battle between light and dark, good and evil, comes to a head. After the emotional events that befell our trio of unlikely heroes at the end of the previous installment there's a feeling of negativity and loss as this story opens. The heroes are at their lowest point despite Nathan's return. It's a return though rife with inner fears and palpable paranoia that will lead to yet another fight for his life as he battles the pain and lies from his time behind the veil with the reality and expectations of being back home. He's not alone in his battle as his incubus lover and his brother are by his side every step of the way giving him their love and support but also acted as his weakness as the end creeps ever closer.
Though this story started off a bit slow secrets were soon revealed that changed things dramatically. Nathan may have started off a broken man but quickly realized, along with his brother, their individual roles in keeping the world safe. Their brotherly love and bond might have gotten bruised while he was gone but they reunited stronger than ever with Sasha being his usual supportive and sexy self. Ms. Meuwissen imbued this story with deep emotional angst, a bit of sensual m/m lovin', and a compelling mythology. There's edge of your seat action scenes and an equally compelling and colorful cast of characters, both heroic and villainous, that keep you glued to the action. Both old friends and new leave you rooting for good to win but fearful with unexpected twists and turns. It all adds up to an exhilarating thrill ride with heart and soul and a delightful addition to the urban fantasy genre that ends up being so much more!
My rating for this is a B+
*I got this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.
AUTHOR INFO:
Amanda Meuwissen is the author of The Incubus Saga and The Collector. Amanda also serves as COO and Managing Editor for BigWorldNetwork.com. She oversees editing and series selection, and is featured as a narrator for several BWN series. Amanda lives in Minneapolis, MN, with her husband, John, and their cats, Helga and Sasha (no connection to the incubus of the same name).
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**********GIVEAWAY**********
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Thank you so much for this honest review and for being one of the stops along this tour. I am so glad you enjoyed the conclusion of this series. I hope some readers out there consider checking these books out based on your comments, and thank everyone so far who has signed up for a chance to win a free copy of the eBooks. Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteThank YOU for stopping by and for crafting such an exciting series! I hope readers will finally start discovering it as it gives readers a bit of everything.
DeleteThe Scarf Princess
I do know that there are characters I just don't get that others love. It's great that there are diverse characters & stories for everyone.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post, review and contest. And, I agree with you about Katniss.
ReplyDeleteI have the first two books in this series, but would love to win the third one. :-)
these sound good!!
ReplyDelete