House of the Rising Sun: 1 (Crescent City, 1)

New series to try and wasn't disappointed. Really enjoy this author's wristband can't wait to read more in this series.

I really loved these books. They're not as lighthearted as the Nocturn Falls series, but still a strong mix of action and charm. The NOLA setting is well-drawn, as is the society of supernaturals and magic-users. The characters are interesting and there's enough romance to lighten the tension. Best of all - it's unpredictable! I had no idea where the plot was going, so my attention was totally engaged. Fun and intriguing .

Thoroughly enjoyed this book the characters were well drawn and while I hope there is more on Augustines background in the next novel it will be interesting to see the developing relationship between himself and Harlow as well as role as guardian of the haven and more interaction with Olivia in the fae realm looking forward to the next Crescent City Book

I'm a big fan of Kristine Painter's books, so while the plot line didn't thrill me, I figured I'd give it a shot.One thing that gets me into a good story, even a poorly written one, is liking the main characters. I don't like Harlow, and while Augustine is nice enough, he can't make up for Harlow. Maybe someone else can relate to a spoiled rich girl who throws a tantrum about not being told her father's identity and alienates her loving mother, but not me.Even putting that aside, there are just too many inconsistencies with this story. The timelines don't add up. As the first book of a series it should stand on it's own, but I'm lost because this book is an offshoot of another series, and a lot of the plot is dependant on having read that previous series.I couldn't even finish the book. Which is disappointing because I paid for this and I rarely buy books because I'm on a very tight budget.

First, I think it is important to note that this is a spin-off series from this author’s “House of Comarre” series. I didn’t read that series and although they only mention “comarre” briefly I have no idea what that is. Other than that you should be able to read this without reading that other series with no issues, although you can tell that Augustine is more familiar to the reader of the previous series.This book has two main characters and we get alternating points of view. Harlow is the daughter of Olivia Goodwin who is a retired actress. Harlow doesn’t get along with her mom because Olivia refuses to tell her daughter the name of Harlow’s father. Olivia lives in New Orleans and when Harlow gets in trouble with the Cyber Crimes Unit she has to ask Olivia for help. Augustine lives with Olivia and has ever since she took him off the streets as an adolescent. She saved him from a grim existence and he loves her dearly. Augustine is forced to take up the mantle of Guardian (it means he is protector of everyone in New Orleans) after Olivia is attacked by rogue vampires. Augustine wants revenge and Harlow just wants money to pay her fine and go back to Boston.I enjoyed the premise and am currently reading the second book in hopes that Harlow won’t drive me crazy like she did in the first book. She is probably the most selfish, childish, annoying main character I have ever read. I am wondering if the author is trying to show growth with this character so that is why I am continuing to read. Literally every encounter Harlow has with anyone was annoying. She was estranged from her mother because Olivia wouldn’t tell her her father’s name. There is a reason for that you spoiled brat! Ugh. I liked Augustine except that he seemed to has an unexplained attraction to Harlow no matter how bad she treated him.For more book suggestions, visit my blog: http://bibliobibulireviews.blogspot.com/