Things haven’t been easy for Mona Lisa. Her Mixed Blood has automatically earned her many enemies, as have the events that occurred in the first book of the series, MONA LISA AWAKENING.
Mona Lisa is entering her newly acquired territory for the first time. With her group of supporters, her Warrior Lords, and her brother in tow, Mona Lisa arrives in Louisiana. She will have to embrace her powers if she is to succeed as both old and new enemies are lurking, waiting to pounce on her slightest misstep in judgment.
The character and heart of Mona Lisa drive this series. Mona Lisa’s compassion and strength are paramount to the reader caring about her, as the world of the Monére is a brutal one. Some of the customs and beliefs of the Monére are not for the faint hearted; Mona Lisa’s ability to rise past these customs and show her own humanity adds a layer of depth and intensity to the series.
MONA LISA BLOSSOMING picks up after the events of MONA LISA AWAKENING. It can be read as a stand alone but there are nuances that a reader new to the series will miss, particularly in regards to the relationships. Mona Lisa’s bond with her Warrior Lords and with Rosemary, Jamie, and Tersa may not be as well understood without the background and emotion that are so well conveyed in MONA LISA AWAKENING.
MONA LISA BLOSSOMING shows Mona Lisa truly coming into her role as a Mixed Blood Queen. Mona Lisa’s position is a precarious one at times but she balances things well. Mona Lisa is learning how to make the tough choices, the ones that will test her determination and grit. I can’t help but admire her willingness to accept the challenges thrown at her.
MONA LISA BLOSSOMING is yet another fantastic offering from Sunny. Sunny’s stark but beautiful writing continues to impress as she weaves her compelling tale. MONA LISA BLOSSOMING is highly recommended for dark fantasy fans who like their books a bit on the edgier side!
Rating: 5
re: Mona Lisa Blossoming
Great review...I haven't ready anything by Sunny but you and a few other posters (Kelley/shewolf, I think in particular) have written such fantastic reviews about her Mona Lisa books that I'm starting to get really interested. It sounds from your review that there's some definite character building/growth, which is what I love in a story.
I tend to be verrry picky about my fantasy/paranormal that borders on the erotic/edgy side, so that's why I've been hesitant to pick up this series. For example, I love love love Jacqueline Carey's Kushiel series, but I don't like Laurel K. Hamilton...so it's not that I like or dislike the edginess. So hard to tell what will work!
Obviously the solution to this is simple: borrow the first Mona Lisa book from the library and give it a try. Ah, laziness...but I might have to walk down there soon.
The Mona Lisa
series is one that people seem to love or hate. The character growth was excellent up till the last one I read, MONA LISA CRAVING. Not sure where it's going after that one.... Trying the first one at the library probably is a really good idea since I think they are all still in trade paperback.
The D2K Paranormal Junkies 2008 Challenge Blo
re: Mona Lisa Blossoming
Good point...trade makes for lovely copies of books I already know I'll enjoy, but it's an investment on a new author.
...aaaand I just checked and of course the library doesn't have any Sunny books. I swear, they hate me
I'll have to wait until the next time I visit my parents, the local library in my hometown has a great paranormal/fantasy section.