dark fantasy

Laurell Hamilton is undoubtedly a talented writer-- her success testifies to that-- so why is she spending nearly this entire novel stuck in Merry's bedroom? Okay, her take on faerie is strongly based on sexuality, but *everything* in this novel seems to revolve around sex. It's so prevalent that it is (remarkably) reduced to being dull and uninteresting. There's not much characterization-- descriptions of how each one was traumatized or otherwise brutalized by their society becomes repetitious and reduces a reader's interest rather than building it-- and the "metaplot" of the series barely advances an inch.
This doesn't serve Hamilton as a writer; she's *much* better than this. I really loved the balancing act she pulled off in the early Anita Blake books, setting up an interesting personal and professional life for her character and establishing deep, meaningful conflicts between these two "lives," but the potential to do likewise for Merry has been squandered. I read "Seduced" but am doubtful if I'll be back for the next book.

Ok. I have no problem with a few sexy scenes in a book, but when it becomes the entire focus, thats when I have a problem. Seduced By Moonlight was so slow in its first half that I came dangerously close to not even finishing it. The beginning chapters were just one page after another filled with wordy dream sequences and excuse after excuse to get Merry's men naked. I will be the first to admit that Merry's men are beyond beautiful and truly it is no hardship to get to "know" them intimately, but I need a plot, people! FINALLY, after speedreading through too many things that I could have done without, LKH pulled it all together and from midway on, the book became interesting. I thought that some of the violence in the books ending scenes was a bit over the top, but the last pages were fun to read as Merry settled in for the night and we were able to look in and listen to her and her suitors as they whispered to eachother while drifting off to sleep. I just love Rhys and I definitely felt like he stole the show in those last pages. All in all, this is a definite must read if you are a fan. There is too much going on at this point for me to stop reading the series and I hope that LKH comes out with the next book soon because I am very curious to see which man will become Merrys husband.

Bravo!!! Hamilton strikes gold again with the third book that goes with the Merry Gentry books. This sexy, well-written book was definately worth the wait. Merry is brave and beautiful, the men are powerful and sexy, and the enemies are strong and believable. This book doesn't have as much action as the other two, but the writing is sensual, which makes it easy to read. Hamilton's detailed writing makes each scene and each chapter come vividly to life. There can be no doubt in your mind what's going on due to the way she writes. The magic each person has is unique in its own way and seems to fit the character perfectly. The politics are great too! It's interesting to read and notice how Merry handles herself with her allies and enemies. There has been some complaints about too many new lovers and characters in this book, and I have to agree. It gets a little confusing at the end because of all the new characters. She could've just stuck with Rhys, Doyle, Frost, Galen, Nicca, and Kitto. Especially Rhys!! He is super sexy, and I think he has the best power of all...and of course the most deadly. He sounds the most sexy too. (even though he's missing an eye) There was also a little too much sex too. But it is understandable because she is trying to get pregnant. All-in-all, Seduced By Moonlight, is a wonderful book with a great plot and excellent characters. I definately recommend it, and hope there will be another Merry Gentry book coming out soon!