#14: Jacqueline Carey, Santa Olivia

[kareila]

I've known about Jacqueline Carey for years because I have friends who are huge fans of her Kushiel books, but those never appealed to me. When I saw this book and its sequel on the shelf at the library, though, I decided to give them a try.

I enjoyed this first book very much. Although the excuse for isolating the outpost seemed improbable, I was willing to overlook that for the rich character drama it provided. Parts of this story are a bit reminiscent of the Hunger Games and other parts reminded me of Rocky - there is a recurring element of boxing matches providing pivotal plot points in the story, with the sympathetic characters always being the underprivileged underdogs. Most of the story is told from the point of view of Loup, an outcast among outcasts who harbors a dangerous secret. We get to see her grow up and learn to protect herself, and eventually to fight back against her oppressors. The sequel promises to give us a glimpse into the wider world outside the outpost, and I'm excited to see what else the author has imagined for these characters.

Comments

[whatisthegood]

I could never get into Jacqueline Carey's "Kushiel" series. They seemed to glorify BDSM a little too much, and the language was too ornate and flowery. (But I never actually finished a book of hers, so that might changed later in the series.) However, somewhat abashedly I admit to reading the more recent Laurel Hamilton "Anita Blake" books, which I had previously dismissed as having too little plot, too much repetitive sex, and not enough monster slaying. Her early books are great thriller/romance/mysteries, but plotting went by the wayside at a certain point. Either Hamilton has tightened up her writing style again, or the sex scenes just don't bother me anymore. :)

What is the ratio of erotica to story in "Santa Olivia"? Do you think I would like it?

Finally, did you ever try reading the novels of _Mike_ Carey, which Patrick had recommended to you? I know you were going to try them at one point... I read the first four or so, then gave up as I found them too disturbing. :)

Mack

[kareila]

There is very little erotica in these stories. It is made clear that the main characters are besotted with each other and have lots of intercourse, especially in the second book, but the sex scenes generally fade to black and aren't very explicit. I think you might like the first book, especially if you view Loup as a mutant superhero in training, like one of the X-Men. The second book is fluffier, but does provide a satisfying ending.

I had forgotten about Mike Carey. I did pick up the first novel of that series from the library a while back, but couldn't get into it.