Saturday, March 26, 2011

Mini: Of Swine and Roses by Ilona Andrews

A young adult story about a girl, a pig, some magic, and the worst date ever.

Chad Thurman is a thug, who carried brass knuckles in both pockets and lays magic traps for intruders into "his" neighborhood. The last thing Alena Kornov wants to do is to go on the date with him. But when her family pressures her, she can't say no. Now the ice-cream is absent, the pig is running for its life, and we won't even mention the dead guy...
Of Swine and Roses is a cute fantasy short story. The characters are young and the situation is entertaining with funny moments, as well as having one of those rooting -- oh yeah! -- type of climactic moments. Unfortunately I didn't find any real surprises and the world of magic and characters were not engrossing. The world is rather familiar with noble families or clans that base their power on magic as well as assets, and maintain their territories with that power over those who have less influence.

The story begins when a young woman is ordered by her parents to go on a date so that her family may obtain a loan from a more powerful clan. I like that although Alena goes on the date as ordered by her parents she doesn't, for one minute, consider Chad as a possibility. I love that she stands up for the pig! Amusing and cute. Definitely. Grade C

Visit Ilona Andrews here.

This was previously a free read at the author's website. 

7 comments:

  1. I was reading the description and it made me chuckle.
    Sounds like a cute read though.

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  2. Alex, it is cute and short. I enjoyed it... I meant it's Ilona Andrews - one of my favorite writers. It has a YA slant and I think most readers will want more. :)

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  3. Hmmm, sounds okay only... is it part of the Edge's world?

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  4. Nath, it was okay for me, because I wasn't wowed by the world building --- too familiar. But no, it's not part of the Edge world, interesting that you should ask though... *g* It has an urban setting and the names are Russian in this one.

    The story is really short and the ebook is going for .99 cents, so... worth reading since it's by Andrews. :D

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  5. I had forgotten all about this one. I have it on the nook but haven't read it yet. So thanks for the reminder! :)

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  6. I think I remember reading this and enjoying it. But I wants Magic Bleeds!

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  7. Leslie I saw it in amazon while looking for the new Kate Daniels. Just browsing and visiting that book... lol! This is a cute, fast read and it is Andres. :)

    Orannia, I want Magic Slays! This was just a little taste of the author. :D

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