Review: Rocky Beginning. . . But Don't Give Up!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 18, 2013
I sawWingSpan (Taken on the Wing)as free and never read a book strictly about harpies, so of course I was interested.The beginning is rocky, the story doesn't flow, and it really is a poor start.  But once Jenn meets Talon the story takes on life. We learn of the harpie society, their culture, hierarchy, and world.  Their mating is quick but it isn't an instant love, time and distance happen and trust must build before their relationship.  Talon is older, a battle hardened warrior and despite everything he follows his heart and instincts.  He sticks up for his mate and is there by her side, to defend and die for her.  We see Jenn maturing into who she was meant to be.  And not just any harpie.  Oh no.The world building was interesting, the plot was right on, the romance was there, all the points that make this a good paranormal romance.  Unlike another reviewer, I did understand harpie concepts.  Most shifter types do give a mating bite.  The tears, which he accepts, were different but really tender and sweet.  Imagine licking tears off your mate, whether they're tears of joy or sorrow, to seal a mating.  Wow.  We find out much later what impact those tears are and why they are so important.The hierarchy parallels a werewolf one.  Since I've read a lot of shifter books I understood what rogues were, how they live outside, on the fringes, and aren't a strong part of a eyrie.  Whether Talon did this to live near his family, his job, or for other reasons wasn't explained.  Yes, that wasn't focused on but that wasn't really important to the overall story.  His experiences to this point made him into the one person meant for Jenn / Shadow.  He is honorable, loyal, and true to his heritage.  I did feel his warrior training and experience put him outside because he was too strong to be in an eyrie without a set position.I appreciated the author didn't bog us down in details but just told us the story.  Harpies have feathers. They fly.Love the shifter moments.  The tail.  The possessive shifter mentality towards children and mates.  I especially love the one on one with the h & H and how everything else revolves around them.SPOILER:I hope the next book focuses on Torment and what happens to him.  I will be very unhappy if he escapes and wrecks more havoc.  But I for one need conclusion.  I wonder what happens to the Jasper Eyrie without him.I read the blurb and the next book is to be about Soar and Cloud.  For some reason this 'older than dirt' guy hooking up with a woman just barely out of her teens just bothers me.  That's a common theme in paranormals and if not handled well it gets really trite.  All of Christine Feehan's books are golden on that.  Singh's Guild Hunter books, too.  Many more are like that, immortals with these young immature, inexperienced . . . some virgins. . . and I wonder just what the attraction is for the guy.  Would you want a thing that young that can't even relate to the life you lead?I hope we get some cameos of Talon and Shadow in the next book - Just saying.  Shadow has a ways to go in fulfilling her role and rebuilding her eyrie.  I wonder what happened to Torrent's rogue's, if they disbanded or if a new leader took over.  So many questions.  -- Dan's Wife