I’ve come across this novel a couple of different times and each time I looked at it, Minion by LA Banks never really reached out to me. At my cousins insistence, I gave it a try and I have to say, so far, I’m not impressed. I’m only about five chapters in and nothing has really happened. At least, nothing has happened that is making me want to continue reading it.
However, I will say though, I’m getting a lot of a Buffy TVS ripoff sense from it. Here’s the concept, every 100 years or so, there is a chosen one called the Neteru that is raised to slay the vampires. As she matures, her abilities start to come out, bringing with them more strength, agility, etc. Maybe I’m over generalizing it, but that’s the impression I’m getting.
I’m halfway through the novel now and this book is holding no appeal for me, which means I’m going to put it back on my shelf and come back to it another time. I don’t know what it is, but there’s something about this novel that makes it hard for me to get into it. Maybe it’s because I’m a really white girl and there’s nothing about the novel I can associate with. Yeah, that sounds strange considering I’m reading about vampires, but there should be something that I should be able to relate to, right? Maybe that mentality is my problem, but whatever it is, it’s not working for me right now.
I really haven’t been able to find anyone other than my cousin who has read this, so if you have….let me know. I’m curious to hear what others have to say about it.
I keep seeing this series around and like you haven’t picked it up yet. I am planning on reading Minion this year though and will hopefully enjoy it. I hope the story picks up and changes your mind as you get further in.
I read it also did not find it that good. I am so glad I just bought the first book in the series.
Lisa in MI
You must read the next book in the L.A. Banks Series.”The Awakening”. I too, didn’t think much of the 1st book. The plot was slow and not much was reveiled. (The author really needed help in building the mythos surrounding the main characters their her world and keeping it interesting, but now that it iscomplete the story “starting with the 2nd book” is really good.)
I read the second book (I’m kinda anal about not finishing a series) and it was like a different author was at work. There are 10 books in the series and and I’ve read all 10 and I’m waiting on the next installlation. I’ve recommended it to many of my reading buddies with the note that the first book is not like the rest and they have all fallen for “Carlos” Master Vampire. Hot Hot!! If don’t want to risk buying it, check your local library.
I enjoyed this entire series. Ms. Banks seems to get better, writing wise, by finally getting to the heart of each character and I am anxiously awaiting her final book in Feb. 2009. Her werewolf series, on the other hand, is not my favorite. I was not too impressed and I am still trying to figure out if I want the second book or not.
Dawn
I have all thirteen books and I do think you have to be able to relate to the culture to truly appreciate the series. I read the first 3 books and I completely understood it and could relate to a lot of the situation, I was drawn into the story and have share it with a co-worker of not the same culture and she loved it, she finish off my series before me! and now they are in graphic novels. I will be re-reading it now that I have time with some of my book club friends..I am anal about a series, I have to have the set, even if I haven’t finish them yet.