Overall I liked this book, and I found the concept of Green and Adrian's hill really intriguing. I thought most of the characters were well drawn and were developed. The one character that did annoy me a bit (and I know that this is Amy Lane's first novel, so I am keeping that in mind, because writers always develop from their first novel. I wanted to read it because it _is_ her first novel, to see how different her style is now). But, back to Cory. She was one of those female characters who doesn't see her worth until it's pointed out to her by the other characters. But I really liked her other characteristics once she realized she didn't need to be the b*tchy gas store clerk, because she has a lot of nice ones, and I think it helped her to be around Green, Adrian, Bracken, Renny, and the others to help brings those out in her. And that isn't a dis on her character, it's what happens when someone is allowed to be themself and accepted for who they are, so they can grow into their true potential, and that is what I think is the real strength and joy in this book. Cory grows from being someone who needs to have her worth told to her to being able to realize it herself. The ending wasn't as much of a shock as it would have been if I hadn't read the summaries for the next two books (which I'm glad I did, or it would have been devastating). I already have the next two and have started the second one.

I think the world building is really interesting, and I like the Urban Fantasy setting, which I don't always get into. ( )

I would have really liked to read this, but the PDF is locked down...somehow...and I can't get it to open up.

http://parajunkee.com/2009/08/authors-acting-badly-critism-from-amy-lane.html#co...
Disappointing because this is my favorite genre right now.

http://parajunkee.com/2009/08/authors-acting-badly-critism-from-amy-lane.html#co...
Disappointing because this is my favorite genre right now.

I liked it, then I didn't like it, then I loved it, then I hated it. Do not be fooled by the numerous raving reviews you'll find for this book, particular on Amazon. It's lauded as something original, clever, boundary-pushing. The worst part is, it could have been. Could have. But it's not.

I can understand why people want to like this book. There is something there, a wonderful idea for a story that might have been great if treated right; unfortunately, it was completely mangled by horrifically poor editing and a completely unlikable protagonist. I can overlook a few typos, especially considering this is a self-published book. But come page after page of glaring mistakes, bad composition, and juvenile characterization, I was practically offended that anyone would put this forth as a "finished" product. It's a very rough, unpolished work that should never have been published in its current state. Yes, there are good qualities, but these good points of the book -- even the truly excellent ones -- are completely overshadowed. ( )