Storm Born (Dark Swan, Book 1) (udgave 2008)

**SPOILERISH** After a somewhat hesitant start I was really into it...the story is good and enthralling even if it doesn't present anything particularly new to the paranormla/urban-fantasy regular readers and the only fault I could point out is that, in my opinion, the never-ending threat of rape was maybe a little redundant (even if the reason about it is an important part of the storyline).

About the chacaracters nothing to complain even if, since my favourite one is Dorian, I'm a little sad that in end he didn't get the girl: I found his duplicity quite fascinating (he's a bad guy without being evil and he can be sweet & charming without being too fluffy or condescending) and I think Dorian & Eugenie would be really good together (their night of passion was definetely HOT)...still Kiyo is not so bad so I won't hold a grudge against the author! :P ( )

I like it, but some of Eugenie decisions were annoying like why she was so in love with that guy if she barely knows him. ( )

Storm Born
3.5 Stars

Eugenie Markham is a Shaman with a reputation for ridding unsuspecting humans of nasties from the Otherworld. After taking on a new case, Eugenie learns that she is the object of a dark prophecy foretelling the birth of a child who will bring about the end of the world as we know it. Soon every ambitious fae is set on “having” Eugenie and she will need all the help she can get to fight them off.

To be honest, I’m on the fence about this book. The Otherworld politics and creatures are well developed, the action scenes are exciting and the characters are reminiscent of Karen Marie Moning's Fever series. Eugenie is not nearly as irritating as Mac and her humor is snarky without being grating. Dorian is more likable and less smarmy than V’lane but he is lacking a true Alpha male personality, and Kiyo while gorgeous in his own right is definitely NOT Barrons. Moreover, his big secret undermines his potential as hero material.

The plot is, unfortunately, quite predictable and the love triangle seems forced. While Eugene and the two men in her life have definite chemistry, there is no foundation for any emotional connection between the characters, and it is, therefore, difficult for the reader to care one way or the other which man Eugene ultimately chooses to be with.

In terms of the narration, Jennifer Van Dyck’s voice is too mature for the 26 year old Eugenie and her version of Dorian makes him sound like a pretentious prick, which I’m almost certain is not the vibe Mead was going for.

All in all, Storm Born has some entertaining themes and I’m interested enough in the world and the characters to continue with the series. ( )

Enjoyed the book very much. It’s the prophecy that gets the story rolling and I liked that it was a new approach to the- prophecy/reluctant hero who’s going to change the world, story. Eugenie is the mother of the hero to be (or the villain to be, depends on who you are) that makes her a prize or a corps, either way she’s screwed. Nice.

The submission/domination conflict – great take on relationships. I thought it was a fresh way to address the issue (bondages included) to have Eugenie wandering what it means for her to enjoy submission and how to deal with the power she’s discovering. It was very interesting and I would like to see the developments as she becomes more and more powerful.

As for Dorian vs. Kiyo. Kiyo is a fine hero, handsome, brave, sense of humor, saves the heroin and great sex too, so what’s not to like? That’s just it; we’ve seen heroes like him before, no surprise. But Dorian, that’s a different story, literally. Handsome and powerful, yes and great hair too but he’s not your typical hero not tortured/angry/looking for redemption/hiding a broken heart there for can’t commit hero. He’s eccentric and a show off with an everything is a joke facade and he’s willing to share in the name of love. I loved him! We saw glimpse of his inner feelings and I really want to see more.

I did feel at times, that Richelle Mead can do more for details. She creates a somewhat flat world, same goes for the characters. I would like to see more depth or layers to unfold. Maybe some analyzing a la Cassie? (: ( )

This wasn't too bad. Not really up to par with the rest of her books but I will give it another book. Hopefully it will get better since I won't need all the background info. ( )