DAMMIT, I just lost everything I typed. *mopes*

I just read six of these in a row, and I think I'm done for now. I'll spare you separate reviews of all of them.

One of Vaughn's more... unique... writing traits is a tendency to wrap up major plotlines halfway or 75% of the way through the book. No way was that the end, you think, they only thought they defeated the baddie, and it's going to come roaring back when we least expect it. But no. The third book was a particularly strong example: you discover who, how, and a little of why, but in the end it isn't enough to save the day after all. It does serve to make a simple series of books a little less formulaic, so I don't really object.

I think my favorite remains the first one, with its unique take on domestic violence. When reading, you can generally spot an abusive relationship a mile off: you have fairly dispassionate access to all the abuser's actions at once, and you're not quite as subject to their charms. The Midnight Hour suckered me in, though: Well, they're werewolves, they have an animalistic side, I can't understand exactly how their social system works, isn't this just how you run a pack? Nope. Carl may be a werewolf, but his (and other pack members') manipulation and control tactics are inescapably human. You realize along with Kitty that just because you're not strictly human doesn't mean others are allowed to treat you inhumanly. ( )

http://bactra.org/weblog/algae-2009-03.html#kitty ( )

Kitty Raises Hell
3.5 Stars

In the aftermath of events in Las Vegas, Kitty and her pack in Denver are under attack by what appears to be a vengeful spirit.

This installment improves on the previous one in several regards. To begin with, the action starts immediately and there is none of the slow build-up that has characterized the earlier books. Moreover, Kitty is finally becoming more pro-active. Rather than working from a defensive position or waiting to be rescued, she takes the initiative to battle the threat to her pack.

The conflict itself in this installment is compelling and the eventual explanation is original and engaging. The developments in Kitty and Ben's relationship is also satisfying as they grow stronger as a couple.

Overall, an enjoyable addition to the series and Marguerite Gavin's narration is superb as always. ( )

This one was a little easier to put down than the others have been, but I still liked it enough, or maybe like the characters enough, to stick with the series. ( )

Still entertained by Kitty and her continuing adventures. I'm especially delighted by the paranormal investigator tie-in on this one. ( )

Now that was downright nifty. ( )

I was disappointed by the last book in this series "Kitty And The Dead Man's Hand", mainly because Kitty seemed to have had a personality transplant and have become someone I didn't much like.

I was hoping "Kitty Raises Hell" would be better. It was, but not by much.

The plot is mostly "Dead Man's Hand - Part 2". The cult that Kitty attacked in Vegas has unleashed an ancient evil that is out to kill Kitty and her pack.

There are some good things in this book that give me hope for the rest of the series.

I liked the balance of focus between human and supernatural characters. I find that the Urban Fantasy books that treat humans as a lesser species or as weak little things needing the protection of the supernaturally gifted, a little difficult to swallow. Humans, although not entirely normal humans, are key to "Kitty Raises Hell"and they provided the characters I was most interested in.

The taciturn, mysterious and magically powerful Odysseus Grant returns, I hope not for the last time. It's good to think that there are human players in this game who actually have a clue.

The Paradox PI "Ghost Hunter" crew brought the kind of fun into the story that I used to get from Kitty's radio show. I liked Tina, the secret psychic in the Paradox PI team. I was glad that she turned out to be more than eye-candy. I usually find Kitty's relationship with women more interesting than her relationships with men and Tina is no exception.

The introduction of TJ's brother provided a stronger emotional base for the story and reminded us of what Kitty has lost.

The return to the concept of "The Long Game" played by vampires and others was interesting, although I wouldn't want to see the Kitty books descend into yet another series about vampire politics.

So why am I not jumping up and down and saying that my faith in the series has been restored?

It's mainly because I'm still asking: "Where's Kitty?". The Kitty in "Kitty Raises Hell" isn't the who-the-hell-is-that stranger I met in "Kitty And The Dead Man's Hand" but there are a number of things about her that are not very satisfying. Her relationship with her new husband, Ben seems tenuous. Neither she nor Carrie Vaughn seem to know what to do with Ben. The same can be said about Kitty's relationship with her pack. We did see some Alpha behaviour in this book but Kitty doesn't seem to be strongly connected to her pack and doesn't call upon them to help her solve her problems.

Perhaps all I'm seeing is Kitty going through a transition but, if so, it's not very well done.

I see Kitty as the character that should carry the series, yet in this book the ensemble cast was more interesting. Perhaps she's going the way of Buffy and becoming eclipsed by the cast around her.

Anyway, I've already bought the seventh book in the series "Kitty's House Of Horror". I'll read that one and then decide if this series is still for me. ( )

For a change, the inciting incident happens in the first chapter, and the second about a third of the way through. This book is about a threat aimed directly at her and her friends and family, due to the actions of previous books. So it is _not_ the slice of life style most of the other books have been. The characters are interesting and the interactions believable, even if the paranormal stuff is out there. Started this morning, finished this afternoon. ( )

Slowly working my way through this series. I should do so faster, because I'm enjoying every book even though I'm not really a fan of werewolves and vampires. Vaughn's writing is engaging and she does a wonderful job of building up layers with each book. This volume brings in some paranormal investigators who turn out to be surprisingly legit--and some nasty new villains that keep the suspense high. ( )

Kitty Norville, werewolf and radio show host, has just returned from Las Vegas. She just wanted to get married there, but she got a whole lot more than she'd bargained for. The band of weres she defeated in Vegas have sent a nasty curse after her, and it's not just going to hurt her. It's going to hurt everyone she knows.

Kitty calls on all her allies, including the cast of a paranormal investigation reality show. There's some spooky goings-on in here, to the extent that I actually got chills up my spine at one point. Roman's appearance is actually my favorite part of this book. I love that Vaughn sets up a situation in which a maverick comes into town offering help to Kitty, and the Master of Denver tells her to turn him down. And against her instincts, Kitty does turn down the help of the one person who seems to know how to deal with the djinn--and it turns out, the Master was right. Kitty was right to abide by the judgment of someone older and more experienced than her, even though it hurt to do so. It's such a great flip on the usual way this would go down, in which the fiesty paranormal gal and the mysterious maverick would team up and triumph over the cautious old-guard. And meanwhile, the constant trouble Kitty attracts is starting to wear on her pack and her family. Fast-paced, enjoyable, and with great characters. ( )

Fire, brimstone, and bad mojo anywhere she turns. Kitty's in for a wild ride as she faces an enemy that strikes from the shadows and hunts both her and her pack.

There are some fun bits in this book. I like Gary, Jules and particularly Tina of the Paradox P.I. crew. I like the contrast between Jules's science and Tina's powers. I really like that T.J.s brother, Peter, comes looking for him, and Kitty has to face her grief. I love the letter Tina gets from Eric Wiesz, better known as Harry Houdini. And, of course, here is where we first start to hear about Cormac's personal adventure.

Aside from those awesome moments, this story seems like a vehicle to introduce Roman, the supposed "big bad" for the rest of the series. One of the reasons I am happy for this read-along opportunity is that the Roman storyline never really clicked with me. However, I have not yet read the last two books and the few previous to that were read in isolation, not in-a-row with the rest of the series. I find that sometimes makes a big difference in how much I catch on to and enjoy the story. So I'm looking forward to a more cohesive experience of the rest of the series.

Much like the last book, while I like this story, it's not as near and dear to me as the first four books. But, House of Horrors is coming up next, and that IS one of my favorites. :)

Purchased. Review courtesy of onebooktwo.com | one book, two reviews. ( )

Things kept rolling along at a brisk pace through the entire book. Pulled in new characters that will be back, brought back characters from the previous book to further that part of the storyline and Ben and Kitty are still growing a bit in their relationship. Overall good read! ( )

3.5 Kitty is being hunted, by something that burns. She can smell something burning, fell heat, hear screams. This is only the beginning, a whole new evil has come to town and it wants Kitty dead and anyone around her. To top it off outsiders are in town offering help, but are they trust worthy ? Her trip to Vegas left some open issues between her and some very pissed off Weretigers who worship a nasty deity. Kitty has to call in her friends for help, she has to trust outside her pack and she must choose who not to trust quickly.
Ben, her mate and lawyer is growing into a nice Alpha role. he has been somewhat week and floundering in his role. He is starting to find his place and take charge of his and Kitty's life. He had me cheering "Go Ben!" I like how his character is growing and their relationship is developing.
They story has not let go of a few characters from the past and I am glad I want to learn more of them. Grant, Cormac, Rick all very interesting. There are some new faces as well that I hope stick around. Tina, Gary and Jules, the Ghost Hunters and funny group.
This was a very short read I would have liked more. The big bad was really interesting. I have already downloaded the next book so TTFN ! ( )

The amount of trouble that finds Kitty is astounding. ( )

This review is also published at http://thebookaholiccat.com

Kitty Raises Hell is book six in the Kitty Norville series by Carrie Vaughn.

After events in Kitty and the Dead Man’s Hand (book 5) newlyweds Kitty and Ben are back in Denver, thinking they have left Las Vegas problems behind not knowing that the problems have followed them home.
But when the door of their restaurant is vandalized with the word Tiamet burned on it, they realize things are not over with the feline lycanthrope sect of Las Vegas.
Couple of nights later during a full moon night, the pack is running together when they feel an evil presence and the smell of brimstone. One of the pack members is attacked by a no corporeal entity; thanks to Kitty’s prompt reaction nothing serious happens. Kitty doesn’t know what is attacking them or how to stop it.
Kitty asks Ricky for help, but he doesn’t know what is attacking the pack or how to help her.
A group of known paranormal investigators from a national TV show is coming to Denver to make a show about the most famous haunted places in the city. When Kitty learns about this she thinks whom better than them to help her with her investigation. After contacting them with the excuse of her program they agree to meet her and later on they agree to do a joint TV/radio program. During the recording of the program they are attacked by the same entity of previous nights. Now the paranormal investigators have seen something more real than anything they had experience in any previous investigations, and in the name of research they accept to help Kitty.
But this thing is bigger and meaner than anything and everything they all have seen before and maybe this time Kitty is in way over her head.

I love Kitty Norville series but after reading the previous book, Kitty and the Dead Man’s Hand I found myself a little bit dispirited. I even considered to stop reading the series all together, but after some encouraging from some Twitter pals I decided to give it another chance and I’m glad I did it, Kitty Raises Hell restored my faith in Mrs. Vaughn and this series.

Kitty has gone through some difficult times, but those experiences have forged the woman she is now. She is trying to be the best Alpha for her pack, even though sometimes the responsibility of so many lives is a bit overwhelming for her she takes the reins of the situation and looks for solutions. Kitty has grown a lot since first book but still she has a long way to go.

Ben is also changing; he is not the beta male he was; now he is unconsciously embracing his alpha side. He is also Kitty’s support and safe haven.

Ben and Kitty’s relationship has developed slowly; their love has grown thanks to their day by day interactions. They don’t have one of those passionate relationships that steam the pages; they are just good for each other. They made themselves feel safe and complement each other perfectly.

In Kitty Raises Hell we see again characters from previous books and meet other nice and no so nice ones.

One of my favorite supporting characters in this book is Rick. I don’t know why but he is one of those characters that make me feel sad for him. I think he cares and admires Kitty and is a real friend to her, but just time would tell if I’m right.

The plot in Kitty Raises Hell was creepy, scary and enjoyable. The story moved at a good pace making it on of those page-turners difficult to put down books.

This is a series with a very complex paranormal world, with all kind of creatures “from the dark” and in this installment Mrs. Vaughn surprises us with even more weird, unexpected and out of the ordinary beings.

I really loved Kitty Raises Hell and plan to continue being faithful to this series. With its more ups than downs Kitty Norville is a good urban fantasy series, I am positive any fan of this genre is sure to enjoy.Kitty Raises Hell is not a stand-alone, I recommend you to read the books in this series in order. ( )

Kitty has to deal with an aftermath of the trip to Las Vegas, a Vampire looking to control her and a supernatural reality TV show that is filming in a haunted house. Also she has to deal with some personal issues and ensure that her relationship with her husband balances pack and human needs. She's still getting used to having to tell someone else about her situations and it's proving hard sometimes. And I liked it. Kitty knew she had goofed and was repentant about it and dealt with it rather than ignoring it.

It's an interesting read. ( )

I like this book much better than the last one. Kitty gets to do lots of saving and active information hunts and thoughtful putting together of information.

This book covers the fall out from the last one and plants seeds for future plot developement while managing to wrap up most of the last two novel's issues.

The Bad guys from the last novel have sent a genie after Kitty. K and peeps find a way to bottle it and eliminate the risk of future retaliation.

I have to say I didn't like the next book all that much. I don't like the "locked in a house and people are going to get knocked off til we figure out why" plots. They seem to go no where, and not develop larger plots or characters. ( )

Kitty Raises Hell (KRH) takes place a week after Kitty and the Dead Man's Hand (KDMH) and deals with the fallout of the events in that book. In this one we see some past characters like Hardin and Cormac, and we find out about TJ's past.

KDMH wasn't one of my favourites and so KRH didn't really excite me either. I'm waiting for Kitty and Ben to interact more with the pack. In KRH Kitty admits that the pack isn't close and that she only sees them on full moon nights. She fully realises her responsibility to keep the pack safe but she doesn't seem to know their names and or anything about them other than that they are werewolves. She fails to use them to help her fight the threat against the pack so they believe that she isn't doing anything to stop it leading them to challenge her authority. I know that not much time has passed between this book and Kitty and the Silver Bullet (which I absolutely loved) when she takes over the pack so I'm just waiting until there is more interaction between Kitty and her pack.
( )

I like this book much better than the last one. Kitty gets to do lots of saving and active information hunts and thoughtful putting together of information.

This book covers the fall out from the last one and plants seeds for future plot developement while managing to wrap up most of the last two novel's issues.

The Bad guys from the last novel have sent a genie after Kitty. K and peeps find a way to bottle it and eliminate the risk of future retaliation.

I have to say I didn't like the next book all that much. I don't like the "locked in a house and people are going to get knocked off til we figure out why" plots. They seem to go no where, and not develop larger plots or characters. ( )

The amount of trouble that finds Kitty is astounding. ( )

Not the most sophisticated writing in the world, but the characters and the story are cute and often poignant. She asks the hard questions about life as something more than human. A great paranormal series.

Kitty is back home in Denver – but it seems something has followed her from Vegas. After severely hurting and annoying a cult dedicated to Tiamat, a personification of chaos, she finds the deities name burned into her club. Very soon, it’s clear that some kind of fiery, intangible entity is hunting them.

And how do you fight something intangible? Something intangible that can burn anything it touches? Something intangible you can’t even see yet can burn you from the inside out?

And how do you do that before it kills anyone – or before it kills anyone else? How do you keep everyone safe?

And how can you fight it while at the same time reassuring and protecting a wolf pack, one you’ve only just adopted, one you’ve only just become alpha of?

And, when enmeshed in undead politics, how do you know who you can trust to help and whether you’re just digging yourself in deeper.

And how do you do all that and continue to run a successful and fun radio show?

Of course, tracking down what the monster is takes time and investigation – it’s a mystery. The problem with mysteries is it’s very hard to pace it well, and this is certainly an issue with this book. We spend a long time with Kitty and co basically sat around saying “I don’t know.” They follow up leads and get “I don’t know” back. They ask questions – more I don’t know. It’s kind of frustrating to feel it all going round in circles without actually going anywhere. However, I do accept that party of this is a thematic point. I mean, the characters are frustrated and lost and worried. They don’t know what’s happening, they know people are going to die, they know all their lives are at risk. So, yes, this is a realistic thing to happen.

The problem is, from a reader’s stand point, while you can feel the frustration, you can’t feel the underlying fear and tension (or I didn’t, anyway) that would have made it nail biting. I wasn’t boring, it was still interesting it was even exciting at times, but there was that edge of “can we have the answer yet?” that frustrated me

I think the main thing that made it harder to deal with was the end. I don’t want to spoil, but the idea that they went through all these questions, pursued all these leads, thought people had died and went through all this worry – then they just get the answer like that? It robs from the tension – it becomes less of a “yes we’ve finally found the answer” and more “what, the answer was that easy? Guys, what were you whining about?”

Read More ( )

Am I the only one seeing hints of Anita Blake train wreck? Kitty has definitely evolved...and that's good. On the flip side, I see more shifter/vampire politics. ( )

Amazon preorder,To be released February 24,2009

Another fun read in the adventures of Kitty Norville. One thing I can say is that Carrie goes with a different story each time. I'm not seeing a lot of repetition here. She's consistently on her A game, though. ( )