Monday, April 23, 2012

Book Review: A Mere Formality

A Mere Formality

By:  Ilona Andrews

Publisher:  Ilona Andrews

Publish Date:  2008

Format:  eNovella, 25pgs

Genre:  Fantasy, Science Fiction

Series:  Novella, Short story in Kozlov Universe

Recommendation:  Sexy Science Fiction with amazing world building!  Yes!!

Synopsis:
A science fiction short story.

First Sentence:
The alarm chimed, sending tiny shivers through Deirdre's fingers, coated in liquid interface.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Deirdre is a member of the special crew mediating the treaty of two worlds.  Deirdre is one who does all the research, with her fingers in the computer interface and mind flying through it.  Now, Deirdre is on her way to the banquet for the treaty, when the Reigh enter and the tension of this dangerous group, even under sign of peace, is felt.  One of the Reigh is bumped by Michel, but the Reigh could have avoided the happening and didn't, dropping his sign... on purpose?  The four races in presence have a link to each other, a delicate link that could break causing a deadly war.  And that happens here, but a deal can be made to save lives, a deal with Deirdre.

I Like! this "space" world creation here.  This is something Ilona and Gordon are strong at.  REAL strong!  They have taken 4 different worldly races, and created them in a short story.  Actions speak louder than words, and they use words to create it all!  It was so easy to see the creatures and the personalities the reflected.  Ilona and Gordon are wonderful at describing cultures with anticipation mixed in wanting to know what will happen.

Not only is there a whole world, or two, created here but a mystery is now underway.  Who poisoned the man, and why?  Wonderful blend!  As can be expected by Ilona and Gordon.

There is definitely Adult content in this short story.  Not actual sex, but definite talk about it.

I think Ilona and Gordon need to write a science fiction series!  I would definitely pick it up!  And this world could be a great start. :)


Would you like a copy of this one as well?  Well, you are in luck, IT'S FREE!  Yes, Ilona Andrews has it for free download on their site.  Go get it!


I read this for my own enjoyment.

16 comments:

  1. I am soooooo going to read this!! I love anything they do usually!!

    Beth ^_^
    http://sweetbooksnstuff.blogspot.com/

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    1. Beth D. I do hope you enjoy it. It's a short read, but it's very good. :) Thank you!

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  2. World building can be hard...but multiple worlds? Sounds like the author got that down pat. Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for sharing!

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    1. GMR, yes. I have to say Ilona and Gordon are very good at creating a world and characters in the same sentence. Its wild, but very well done. :) Thank you~!

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  3. I would like a copy, so I will go and download this promising story! ;)

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    1. Mirjam, Oh, I hope you enjoy this short story when you get to reading it. :) Thank you!

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  4. Usually I don't like novellas but I might make an exception - thanks for the link!

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    1. Anachronist, I do hope you like it. At the very beginning a little hard but, I didn't know what to expect. But I think with a glimpse of what's to come, it is a wonderful short read.

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  5. This one does sound good and I got it. Thanks! It's in my price range! :)

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    1. Melissa (Books&Things) LOL! So great! Glad you liked the sounds of this one and the price. ;D hope you enjoy it! Thank you!

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  6. Ugh, how do you find all the coolest Ilona Andrews stories? I am a huge fan but I guess I need to start paying attention to what else she writes. Great review.

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    1. Jennifer L. Bielman, lol. So glad I could at least share a new story with you, and of an author you love. :) I like to take a little bit of pride in that. :) Thank you! So glad you enjoyed the review, and hope you enjoy the read.

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  7. OOOh another one! I'm a little afraid to get into these kind of books, space and me aren't not good friends lol. But the ilona andrews sounds so great.

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    1. Melliane, I will say the "space" idea isn't the focus of the story, they are just out in space. So it's a wonderful read, and doesn't feel to science fiction-ie. :) I hope you get to give this quick read a try some time. :) Thank you!

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