Death Rejoices (Marnie Baranuik Files, #2)

Death Rejoices by A.J. Aalto
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5

I'm glad I found this series. I'm just so enamored of Harry, Marnie just tires me the hell out with her raging libido and makes me burst into laughter like a crazy person-thankfully where people don't look at me funny-with her crude mouth and accident prone ways. I love that even the minor characters are layered with personality, that this world that Marnie inhabits makes me more curious to explore it and learn more of it. The biology and the magical aspects of both the beings and their talents in this series are giving me a new and fresh perspective that reminds me why I loved this genre a few years ago.

In this addition to the series Marnie meets new faces-of preternaturals and people, as well as more complications. Now that she's part of Gary's team in the FBI's Preternatural Crimes Unit, Marnie has to keep her hands-as well as other parts-away from Mark Batten, keep control of her mouth (not a chance in hell that's happening.), and stop being a walking disaster. Like having a new assistant that's hiding more than just 'what' he is, fighting her attraction to Batten, releasing Gary from his role as dhaugir, trying not to jump Batten, healing her severely injured brother (who later turns into a bat), and keeping her clothes on in front of Batten is not enough, Marnie's to do list keeps getting longer. Dealing with a necrophiliac ogre, a Prior gone bad, creepy zombies, and the King of Demons wanting his hands on a deadly hybrid is all in a day's work...especially when she's suffering through defensive tactics training and a severe case of corpsepox.

Mark Batten is a little more open and approachable in this one and I liked it, but the idea of him and Marnie just doesn't get me excited. I don't know if it's because this 'potential' love triangle reminds me of another one that imploded with disastrous consequences all around and I simply don't want to see it with this three. Harry shone for me because there's a bit more of his past that's revealed and his actions in regards to the bond are laid out in the open. He was also a little paternal, taking Wes (Marnie's brother) protectively under his wing and caring for Wes when he got hurt. I admit I'm curious at his connection with Gary but it's a mystery that's piquing my interest without frustrating me.

All in all I found this book as enjoyable as the first one, this series is definitely going on my auto buy list.

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Touched (Marnie Baranuik Files, #1)

Touched by A.J. Aalto
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5

I had such fun reading this book! (Thanks to Heather K it caught my interest and it was also free. ^_^)

Okay, overall all it was a great read for me. Marnie is a dual talented, potty mouth (such colorful and inventive curse words), with a fondness for frogs and cookies. While she feels like a failure over the things gone wrong in her professional life, I was of the opinion that she does have skill, but she's just plain green when working in the field. That, and she's a total klutz...or maybe a jinx. She has a sharp tongue-and she's not afraid to use it-which hides her insecurity regarding her Talent and her looks. The only thing that really irked me was her sex soaked brain, which is when the story dragged for me. But it was sort of fun when they actually called her on it, though to be fair there's sort of an explanation to her constant horniness right at the end.

Mark Batten, one of the potential loves just didn't click with me too much. He drew a blank b/c aside from Marnie's continuous exalting on his raw and primal sexual attributes/appeal, I got little to no feeling or substance to him. There were a few times when I felt there would finally be some opening up, at least a peek; but just as soon as he seemed on the verge he would clam up and revert to being an annoying Jerkface (doth so nicknamed by Marnie). At the end it seems his finally taken a step towards softening those prickly and hard edges but we'll see if it sticks.

Now my most favorite character is Harry, Marnie's Bonded revenant. Him as a lover I could accept more easily. He was a well rounded character, with a lot more sense to who he was; and his feelings for Marnie, while a little complex b/c of their bond felt more deep than just the intense sexual chemistry she harbors for Batten. I need more to Batten before I can actually think of this a love triangle.

Gary, Marnie's boss, actually surprised me-they say it's always the quiet ones. His a good guy and at times feels like the only one that believes in Marnie, but he-or more like his actions-gave a sweet and naughty little twist to the story; for m/m fans like me there's some REAL NICE ship material in here. *hehe*

I loved the detail that went into creating this world. The different level of psi, the scientific detail, and the difference between vampires and revenants. The hierarchy that the revenants are a part of, their own levels of Talent and power, and how this ties them to their Bonded-or DaySitters was just so interesting. It felt so real like this place actually existed. Like I said before, overall it was a great and fun read; but I won't lie there was a moment or two where I was reminded of the Anita Blake novels but they faded quickly (and I'm not talking about sex here). There's only one actual sex scene in this book and one that has already occurred when the story begins,the rest like I said is just Marnie's engine revving. ;)


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