Title: A Stroke of Midnight
Author: Laurell K. Hamilton
First published April 12, 2005
385 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780345443601 (ISBN10: 0345443608)
Rating: 4.08
Overview
Meet Meredith Gentry, a private investigator in Los Angeles, who is secretly a princess of the faerie world. As the heir to the Unseelie Court, Meredith is infused with immense power, but at what cost?
To claim her throne, she must embrace the sinister side of faerie and give up her human side. However, enemies lurk in the shadows, waiting to strike at any moment.
To protect her people, Meredith must allow human police into faerie for the first time in history. Along the way, she will discover new allies, find love in unexpected places, and face dangers that threaten both courts of faerie.
With passion and danger at every turn, A Stroke of Midnight will leave you breathless.
About the Author
Laurell K. Hamilton ranks among the top writers of paranormal fiction.
Her works include the widely-read Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter novels and the Meredith Gentry series. Her storytelling prowess has made her a #1 New York Times bestselling author.
Hamilton’s Anita Blake novels have also been adapted to a popular comic book series, published by Marvel Comics. She resides in the St. Louis suburbs with her family, and commits herself entirely to her writing.
Editoral Review
Laurell K. Hamilton’s A Stroke of Midnight is a thrilling addition to her popular Anita Blake series.
With its publication on April 12, 2005, this paranormal romance takes readers on a wild ride through the dark and dangerous world of the fae. Hamilton’s ability to craft intricate plots and multidimensional characters is on full display, making this novel stand out among similar books in the genre.
The Anita Blake series follows the titular character as she navigates life as a vampire hunter and necromancer living in a world where supernatural creatures exist alongside humans. In A Stroke of Midnight, Anita is tasked with investigating a series of gruesome murders happening in the faerie community.
Along the way, she encounters old enemies and allies, all while grappling with her complicated relationships with various lovers. Hamilton’s writing style is fluid and engaging, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the twists and turns of the plot unfold.
Her characters are complex and layered, each with their own motivations and backstories. Anita is a strong, smart, and capable protagonist, but she is also flawed and struggling with her own personal demons.
Secondary characters like Merry, a faerie princess with her own set of problems, are equally well-crafted and add depth to the story. The themes explored in A Stroke of Midnight – power struggles, sexuality, prejudice, and violence – are relevant and thought-provoking.
Hamilton tackles these issues with sensitivity and nuance, and the result is a book that is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating. While the pacing of the novel is generally good, there are moments when the plot meanders or becomes bogged down in exposition.
Additionally, the romantic elements of the story can at times feel contrived or forced. However, these flaws are minor in comparison to the overall quality of the book.
A Stroke of Midnight is a must-read for fans of Hamilton’s work and anyone who enjoys supernatural romance. It is not necessary to have read the previous books in the series to enjoy this one, although readers may find themselves wanting to go back and start from the beginning.
With its vivid characters, thrilling plot, and insightful themes, this book is sure to leave readers satisfied and eager for more. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.