In Australia (and likely the UK), it's published in mass market paperback. I'm not sure if they'd be easy to find in North America, but if you come across Book 2 in paperback, it's an option.
I'm in library school taking a class called "Fantasy Literature and Media for Youth" and one of our assignments is to create an annotated bibliography with a particular theme geared towards youth fantasy readers. I chose new fantasy series for teens because I personally love to read them, but I know that they're popular with teens too. :)
I just read Industrial Magic for a term genre book. My journal entry talks about the same issue re: lack of investment in the characters or the world. I wondered if it would be the case with some of the secondary characters' stories. They seemed much more dynamic and interesting, but I haven't had the courage to go ahead with further reading there.
Then again, I'm also trying to plow through my critical text. :snore:
Curious, was that the first Kelley Armstrong book you'd read? BITTEN is awesome (the first too), so if you haven't read that one, definitely give it a go. I don't remember it having the same flaws.
Dime Store Magic was my first Armstrong book. I haven't read anything besides these two from her. I've heard Bitten is good, but I just doubt her style is for me at this point. I'm absolutely not invested in Page or anyone in her world until Industrial Magic brings in some fun secondary characters. Bleh. One day I'll give Bitten a shot.
Critical text is Phantasmagoria. It's interesting, but I have to wade through LOTS of material to get to some nifty chunks. Next term, I'm choosing lighter reading. :)
I can't compare to the Industrial Magic books, but Elena, the protag, is worth rooting for, the dynamic between her and the hero is great. Definitely worth reading, I promise. I've heard from others that BITTEN is her best, but the books that follow aren't as great, so it's a shame you didn't get to start with BITTEN.
Don't know if it's what you were thinking of, but this book was reviewed pretty enthusiastically over here.
And you're right, being more familiar with the world and Armstrong's UF series would have you figuring things out a lot quicker, which could be either good or bad, depending on how much you enjoy knowing things the characters don't.
THAT'S where I heard about it, thank you! I figured it had to be janicu or you who wrote the review.
I see your point with your review, btw, especially in regards to it being stronger than TWILIGHT, but like you said, I think not being more familiar with Armstrong's world was a handicap for me. I wonder how it works for its target audience who HASN'T read her work? That'll be interesting to hear about, you know? Oooh, now that I'm thinking of the plot for BROKEN, I'm starting to take a guess at just who Derek might be related too... hmm...
The stutter was a good detail. I'd forgotten about that. :)
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Have a lovely day! :-)
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Then again, I'm also trying to plow through my critical text. :snore:
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What critical text are you snoring through? :)
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Critical text is Phantasmagoria. It's interesting, but I have to wade through LOTS of material to get to some nifty chunks. Next term, I'm choosing lighter reading. :)
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And you're right, being more familiar with the world and Armstrong's UF series would have you figuring things out a lot quicker, which could be either good or bad, depending on how much you enjoy knowing things the characters don't.
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I see your point with your review, btw, especially in regards to it being stronger than TWILIGHT, but like you said, I think not being more familiar with Armstrong's world was a handicap for me. I wonder how it works for its target audience who HASN'T read her work? That'll be interesting to hear about, you know? Oooh, now that I'm thinking of the plot for BROKEN, I'm starting to take a guess at just who Derek might be related too... hmm...
The stutter was a good detail. I'd forgotten about that. :)
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