We’ve kind of been slacking with the Author Spotlight posts this month. Sorry about that. I guess we’ve just been wrapped up in our hatred of Casee who’s in Hawaii right now with other stuff.
I promise to work on some reviews/posts. In the meantime, here’s a quick question:
Do you think Fantasy Lover should be included as part of the Dark Hunter series? I’ve never thought so, but someone told me the other day that it has to be read first. Which doesn’t make sense. Sure, it’s kind of a teaser, but there isn’t any real DH info imparted.
I guess it does kind of lead into the rest of the series, but still…I’ve always thought Night Pleasures should be the book you start with.
What do you think? Does Fantasy Lover need to be read as the beginning of the series?
I consider Fantasy Lover the intro to the series. It sort of sets a few things up and gives glimpses into the DH world.
Don’t hate on Casee for being in Hawaii. Although, she should have taken you with her. Mean Casee. Okay, maybe the hating is okay. Heh.
I also consider Fantasy Lover as the intro to the series. I find that Julian appears so often in the series that knowing his story is important, maybe not to move the underlying story forward but for complete-ness purposes. Also, Kyrian is mentioned in this story (if I recall he actually makes a quick cameo from afar), so I feel this should be considered part of the series and I always recommend my friends start with his story.
Oh, you definitely have to read Fantasy Lover first! What self-respecting, OCD series following reader can start a series where a key character gets screen time and not know his backstory if it’s available? LOL Okay, so I’ve outted myself as somewhat obsessive when it comes to reading series by my faves. 😉
I’d say Fantasy Love before Night Pleasures as Julian appears so often afterwards.
But, there is also a novella – I think it’s called Dragonswan (that may not be right…) which is also linked to the series. I think that was first. But, IIRC, no-one from that story bobs up in the rest of the DH books so you don’t miss out, from a series perspective, if you haven’t read it. I think it’s about a guy trapped in a tapestry – he may also be a dragon…. my memory is a bit rusty. I think I picked it up after either one of the books or SK’s website pointed it out as being the introduction to the series. (Although, I’m not sure why as I don’t recall any DH worldbuilding in it, but my memory could be faulty here).
For my money, it’s Fantasy Lover.
I don’t think Fantasy Lover has to be read first. I started the series with Night Pleasures after reading a few Kinley MacGregor books. I’ve kept up with it and still haven’t read Fantasy Lover, though I have it in my TBR.
@Kaetrin’s right, Dragonswan really doesn’t have much world building in it, other than the fact that Sebastian is an Arcadian. It was just meh, IMHO.
I don’t think that you have to read Fantasy Lover first but like Strlady said, Julian appears so often in the DH series that it would be nice to get to know him better through reading his book first. It’s an awesome book (even though it’s pure cheese, still I love it!) and should be read just because. ;P
I love the DH series, but I think Fantasy Lover is awful. I read it first and barely started with Night Pleasures. It is so cheesy!!
Although Julian makes appearances, I don’t think you need his story to enjoy the others.
As anal as I am, yes, I think it’s a good intro to the series. It’s not the best book in the series, but after recently re-reading it, I still think it was okay. I didn’t hate it as much as Mandi obviously did LOL.