Review: 3.5 stars
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 19, 2014
At A GlanceI think Realm Walker was a solid urban fantasy. The action was great but the love interest was not.The GoodRealm Walker is an action packed thrill ride from start to finish. I loved how the story progressed and how it all came together at the end. We got the whole picture in pieces when it came to the characters and the main plot which made the mystery that much more exciting.Juliana was a fascinating character. She was so mysterious. We never really knew her whole story till the very end. And boy, what a story. She has had a troubled and sad past, some of which she still doesn't remember. Her breakup with master vampire Thomas only added to the misery. But she has grown into a tough chick because of it. She kicks supernatural ass and doesn't let anyone get too close to her. But she has created a family for herself with her friends. I respected Juliana for the way she always picked herself back up right after a beat down, be it physical or emotional. I just wish she could have withstood Thomas's charms longer, she deserves better.Though Thomas wasn't my favorite character, I did love the few times we saw his true love for Juliana shine through. He may be arrogant and demanding, but he does have a soft spot, that that soft spot is Juliana.The world in Realm Walker was gritty and dark. I loved the supernatural characters and freaky monsters. I think great world building is what sets good and bad urban fantasies apart. You need that amazing world building to really set the tone.The writing was solid and the dialogue was smooth. The plot kept me interested and the pacing was perfect. The action was the best part. A lot of great action and fight scenes. Really kept me on my toes.The BadThe third person POV bothered me, it was confusing. I think this book would have been way better as first person with Juliana.Thomas wasn't my favorite. As a love interest, I did not like him at all. I don't think he is good for Juliana, and I was rooting for her to get him out of her life completely. He's far too arrogant and selfish.Though I liked Realm Walker, I found myself unsure if I would continue the series. I take my urban fantasies very seriously, and this one didn't leave enough for me to want to pick up book two, even though it was a good book overall. I know, I am being confusing, but I hope you guys know what I mean.The SnugglySince I didn't care for Thomas, I didn't like him with Juliana. If I was Juliana, I could never forgive what Thomas did and what his decision led to.There is some very hot kissing moments, but no sex. Fine for a new adult audience and up.Final ThoughtsI was entertained the whole way through with Realm Walker. Definitely worth the read. Though it did not reel me in as much as a I hoped, because I am still unsure if I want to continue the series. I think not liking Thomas had a lot to do with that. But overall, recommended.QuotesIt chuckled. “I grow tired of playing with you. You would have caught me eventually at any rate. You’re much better than the others. Maybe it’s because you’re female. You are, aren’t you?”“Then what in the name of all the dark gods is going on?” She maintained her stance, waiting for him to answer.He opened his mouth and froze, eyes locked on a point over her shoulder. His already pale skin blanched to a new shade of white. She reached for her gun. At the same time, a warm breeze caressed her neck like a lover’s tease. Her breath caught. Her pulse raced. She stayed her hand though part of her still ached to palm the weapon. She shut down her gift but left the glasses on. She knew this enemy.“I left everything for you. My money, my home, my coven. It’s all yours. It always has been.” He pushed both hands through his hair. “I gave you what you wanted. As much as it killed me to do it, I gave it to you. I only wanted you to be happy.”“Yeah, my life’s been a regular carnival.” She sighed. “You just left me, Thomas. You left all of us. They assumed I was no longer under your protection. I assumed that. You left me alone under the authority of a vampire who resented my connection to you from the moment you brought me into the coven. There was no protection there for me. No home.”*Free book from author for honest review*