Etched In Bone (The Makers Song #4) by Adrian Phoenix
Urban Fantasy
February 22, 2011
Paperback
Pocket
Reviewed by Tori
Favorite Quote: “Each of us is shaped by the truth of our natures.”
Etched In Bone is the 4th book in Ms. Phoenix’s Makers Song series. Short in terms of a timeline (everything takes place in approximately 3-4 days) but deep in emotional turmoil and angst. I recommend starting at the beginning-A Rush Of Wings– because the over all arc and it’s intertwining sub plots and multitude of characters makes this an extremely convoluted urban fantasy.
A dark noir urban fantasy; this series both engages me and infuriates me. It’s rather like an intense soap opera, giving us hints towards the over all conclusion all the while leading us down a twisted path of deceit and deception. We are constantly embroiled in the past, present, and future through out this series; never sure where we are going to end up. That is part of the charm yet also frustrating. Frustrating because in a soap opera you have tomorrow to see more. Here, you are waiting a year for the next “show.” The world building is fantastic. Raw and gritty; Ms. Phoenix demands everything and holds nothing back.
The story starts out at the end then flashes back and starts up where Beneath The Skin left off. I’m not a huge fan of out of sequence story lines. It leaves me with a curiously deflated feeling.
I would classify this book is a bridge-linking Beneath The Skin to the next installment- On Midnight Wings. Loose ends are tied up, questions answered, and behind the scenes characters brought into the light. No true arc advancement is achieved but we do see the same scenes told from many different viewpoints which adds a palpable sense of urgency and tension. We see the results of previous choices and actions. The piper must be paid and in here we see the price.
Dante Baptiste is wanted by everyone for purposes of their own. He is still experiencing flashbacks and his only safe haven is FBI agent Heather Wallace. Her love and unselfishness keeps him grounded and in the present. But Dante is becoming more and more unstable and if he doesn’t accept his past, he may fall into the insanity and not return.
I absolutely adore Heather and Dante. Together and separately. The chemistry between them is unbelievably explosive and heartbreaking. Their relationship is a stunning tragedy, yet no matter what is thrown at them, you know they will never willingly part. I found myself in tears when I realized what was once again happening. That is my only concern with the story. That Heather and Dante are forever being separated and tested in some fashion. While I love an emotional soul breaking storyline, the continuous betrayal and never ending nefarious plots becomes almost unbearable when it centers around your favorite characters.
I love the secondary characters who are such a rich addition to Heather and Dante’s lives. True friendship is quite evident here and the depths of their loyalty and love is boundless. I fall in love with them more with each book. With the increasing character POVs you find that the lines between those we thought good and evil are becoming increasingly blurred. Everyone has some objective involving Dante. And in here we find that sometimes a bad choice needs to be made in order for the right future to occur.
The story line moves fast and furious; leaving you barely time to breathe before directions change on you. Nail biting suspense and intrigue will keep you poised for flight as you come full circle to the very end. While I cannot say this was my favorite of the series, (for personal reasons though-I want Heather and Dante to be left alone and happy), I will say this is the best written one so far and has certainly cemented this reviewers commitment to finish the series. On Midnights Wings is the 5th in the series. Release date to be announced.
If you like a dark raw urban fantasy that will take you into the abyss, then definitely Adrian Phoenix’s Makers Song series is for you.
Rating: B
Recent Reviews:
Wicked Little Pixie – 4/5
Scooper Speaks
Paranormal Haven – 4/5
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I could not agree with you more. I keep coming back for more Dante and Heather – they are amazing together, but really how much can these two go through? Or poor Dante before he breaks completely.
Do you know if there is a planned number of books to this series? I think that would help me if I knew there was an end in sight.
Phoenix has incredible world building and characters in this series but it does often leave me frustrated.
It’s becoming unbearable for me. I haven’t heard how many books total but I have a feeling we are nearing the end.
Great review. I have been a huge fan of Adrians, but I don’t know if I can pick up her next book. This was a book of pain for me. Maybe if I didn’t care about the characters so much I could deal with it better.
It was a painful book. H&D never get the easy way.
i am having a hard time reading this book.Hate the flashback etc…Ialmost dnf and chuck this book aside.I am a big fan of urban fantasy but i dont quite enjoy what i have read so far…
I had a hard time with it. I stepped away for a bout a week then came back and it just flowed for me then.
Another series I should check out a bit more. I sure wish I could read all day long
Me to!!! :) Oh wait-I do. lol
Definitely going to have to check this out!
Yea. Come back and tell me what you thought.
I’m not a big UF reader-but your review has me wanting to get to know these characters. I don’t mind angst-but feeling broken after reading a story not so much. I’m intrigued for sure.
The paranormal here plays second fiddle to the romance for me.
As good as this looks, I think I’ll wait for the series to be finished before picking any of them up. I’m not a huge fan of the cliffhangers/soap opera type endings and waiting on the next one for a year (I kinda wish I would’ve waited longer on the BDB books too… Waiting is torture!)
Good idea. At least that way you won’t be crying in your tea like I was. lol
HOORAY! I am finally making it to your review!! (Been a long ass week).
Good review, Tori. I knew you were super cheesed off when you finished so I was interested to see what you would say. I love all your valid points. One thing that gets to me with this series is the cruelty. It’s very high. It’s still one of my fave series, but I had issues with the way it ended too. I just don’t know HOW much more Dante and Heather can take – and if amnesia enters the picture? I was honestly DEPRESSED for a day after reading this book… thank GOD the next one comes soon this year!!!
i settled down a bit after we spoke. Yes. The cruelty in here is what breaks my heart. I was so angry & depressed after this book. I guess one sign of a good writer is to bring all these emotions to play yet still have me wanting the next book. Though this seems to be the year of the cliffhangers and it’s wearing me out.