House of the Rising Sun by Kristen Painter
Series: Crescent City #1
Published by Orbit
Published on: May 13th, 2014
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 448
Format: ARC
Source: NetGalley
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Augustine lives the perfect life in the Haven city of New Orleans. He rarely works a real job, spends most of his nights with a different human woman, and resides in a spectacular Garden District mansion paid for by retired movie star Olivia Goodwin, who has come to think of him as an adopted son, providing him room and board and whatever else he needs.
But when Augustine returns home to find Olivia's been attacked by vampires, he knows his idyllic life has comes to an end. It's time for revenge—and to take up the mantle of the city's Guardian.
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I was super excited when I first discovered this novel because I’ve been meaning to give Kristen Painter’s writing a try, and although I’ve heard great things about her HOUSE OF COMARRE series, I have a more difficult time playing catch-up than I do jumping on the bandwagon at book 1. HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN has a lot going for it including captivating characters, detailed world-building, and a strong plot. Overall, I thought it was a good first installment, and a great introduction to Painter’s new CRESCENT CITY universe. However, I did have a major issue with Harlow; I found her to be very self-absorbed and I couldn’t sympathize with her daddy issues. She does get better as the story progresses, and I’m all for character growth, but her brattiness was just too extreme that it was difficult to see past it.
I really loved the world-building in this first installment—I wish there had been more of it! The CRESCENT CITY universe is so rich and diverse that I was hoping for a background chapter or maybe a glossary to help fill-in some of the blanks. Now, it’s my understanding that Augustine’s a secondary character from this author’s first series, so I’m assuming I would have probably benefited from starting with HOUSE OF COMARRE. But, already I find myself fascinated by all of the different types of fae. What sets the Shadeux apart from the Smokesinger and the Raptor? Vampires, shifters, witches, and voodoo further complete the picture, and help ensure that all paranormal readers will be able to enjoy this book no matter their preferred poison.
Harlow. Where do I begin? She and I did not get off to a good start. I found her bratty and very self-absorbed, and my opinion of her didn’t change until well past the mid-way point. I struggled to understand why she chose to alienate herself from her mother because of a man (her dad) she never met. Her attitude towards her inheritance on the tail end of her mother’s death was distasteful, and her prejudice against the fae was unjustified, especially given her genetics. Harlow does eventually begin to grow, and I found myself liking the character she might one day become if she continues down her new path. Unfortunately, the author made her heroine a little too hateful to the point that Harlow’s behaviour actually overshadowed some of this novel’s other merits.
Augustine is a phenomenal character, and I can definitely understand why he earned his own spin-off series. I liked how his dark and light sides battle each other; he wants to do right by Olivia, his mom and Harlow, but it’s so hard to please everyone, and revenge has a way of twisting even the best of intentions. I enjoyed the diversity and scope of Painter’s secondary characters; Dulcinea, Fenton and Lally were insta-favourites, and I look forward to learning more about their backgrounds and seeing what roles they will play as this series progresses. It’s also worth mentioning that the villain is especially heinous, and I’m optimistic that the hunt is going to be almost as satisfying as the eventual final showdown.
New Orleans is a great setting for this story, and the author makes good use of her location. I enjoyed the beginnings of Kristen Painter’s main plot arc, and see a lot of potential for future installments. HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN has one major downfall, but otherwise delivers on all fronts. I have high hopes for CITY OF ETERNAL NIGHT.
[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]http://rabidreads.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/KristenPainter.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]
A little about me: I’m a former college English teacher, but I’ve held a crazy mix of other jobs including maitre’d for Wolfgang Puck, personal trainer, and sales for Christian Dior Bijoux. On the writing side of things, I’m a two-time Golden Heart finalist and have been on the board of three different RWA chapters. What can I say? I like getting involved. I’m not adverse to bossing people around either.
I have a *slight* shoe addiction and occasionally indulge in an unnecessary handbag. Hah! That was a joke. There is no such thing as an unnecessary handbag. I love make up and jewelry and spa days. Yes, I’m a girly girl. But don’t think that makes me weak. I can (and do) kill off characters with the best of them. Speaking of which…
My forays into writing have been as varied as the jobs I’ve held. I’ve written poetry, articles for magazines, short stories, paranormal romances (that include fantasy, contemporary and steampunk genres) and now I’ve found a home with urban fantasy. I love worldbuilding and few genres give you the kind of license urban fantasy does.
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| May 14 | Doctor’s Notes | Book Soulmates | |
| Pamaceeve’s Blog | May 22 | Literal Addiction | |
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| May 15 | Step Into Fiction | Readers Confession | |
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Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
I absolutely agree with you about Harlow! I think this story could have been amazing had she forgotten about her daddy issues. I also agree that you probably should read the Comarre series because that gives you some idea behind Painter’s world, and the different fae, and vampires.
Darn it Harlow! Smarten up! LOL Thanks for the heads up about reading the Comarre series. Maybe I can squeeze in the first few books before the next Crescent City installment hits shelves.
Her covers are always pretty!
They are! This series seems to be all about purple. Hehe
I love that this had a strong plot and great world building but worried about not liking the main character. It is so hard to connect to a book and story if you aren’t in love with the main character.
It really is! I struggled with this one quite a bit because of the heroine. It probably would have been a 4+ star read if it wasn’t for Harlow.
I more or less agree with you about Harlow, though I think her issues made more sense when we found out about her heritage. I also loved the world and the Fae.
I would ask why she chose to make the new characters, especially the villain, the types of Fae that she did. Most of them are types that we’ve seen before in the Comarre series. I think it might be too spoilery if she actually answered that question though.
I think Harlow’s daddy issues rubbed me the wrong way because I lost my mom a few years back, and it pissed me off that she was treating her mom so poorly when I would give anything for one more minute with mine.
That makes sense. I read a romantic comedy about a woman going through a divorce and it hit so close to home I couldn’t find it funny.
Harlow definitely sounds tricky to like in the beginning of this one Carmel, but I’m glad by the midway point she starts to show some growth and you were able to warm to her just a bit. I really enjoyed the House of Comarre series, so I’m looking forward to giving this new series a try!
I don’t have to LOVE all of the characters from the get-go just to long as they grow throughout the series I’m good.
I love a good UB and looking forward to this new series. I am a little wary of Harlow
Hopefully you hit it off with Harlow more than I did, but otherwise it’s a good read overall.
Not such a great thing when the character’s issues make you dislike her so much. I mean, I can get behind some dislikable characters but there has to be something redeeming about them. Sounds like an interesting premise with promise for the next book!
I’m a firm believer in always giving a series a 2nd try, so hopefully Harlow grows on me in book 2.
The book sounds great with the exception of a bratty heroine, Carmel. I, too, enjoy good worldbuilding and plot, and I really enjoy character growth. But I think I might have an issue with Harlow as well. I’m glad you liked the overall plot arc and found pleasure in the book, overall. Great review!
The heroine was really my only complaint with this book; the male protagonist is very likable which helped.
Thanks for the great review! I do have her first series on my shelves and really want to read it. I love the sound of this multiverse a lot as well.
I think I got book 1 in her other series at RT last year, so I really have no good excuse for not having read it yet. LOL
I have the first book in her other series but didn’t know of this series. I think I would ask her about her research- how much she has to do for each book.
I sometimes wonder how authors manage to keep all of their worlds & characters straight in their heads which is why… I’m a reader and not a writer. LOL
Ok I hope I don’t want to rip the book to shreds when I get aggravated with Harlow because I hate annoying bratty characters but hopefully Augustine will balance that for me I’m still super excited I think my copy arrives tomorrow!
There’s a lot of scenes with just Augustine or him + Harlow, so you do get a lot of breaks from her bratty-ness. I hope you enjoy it!
I was really looking forward to this one, but my excitement just went down a notch 🙁 I will still listen, maybe the narrator can give me a better impression of Harlow. Will see 🙂
Thank you Carmel 🙂
The narrator could definitely have a HUGE impact on how Harlow is perceived. Here’s hoping that Elijah Alexander works some audiobook magic with this one!
I like a lot of Kristin Painter’s books, but I haven’t given this series a try. I may bump it down on the list, if the main character is as bratty is it sounds. That drives me crazy.
Not everyone was annoyed by the main character as I was, so it’s hard to say for sure.
this looks awesome 🙂 I’m just diving into her first series so I’m happy to get started. Ummm… I’d ask her about inspiration 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Nice! i hope you enjoy her House of Comarré series.
I would ask Kristen where she gets her inspiration for her books from.
That seems to be a popular answer today! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Oh gosh, I skimmed after the Harlow paragraph, I can be easily swayed so I want to have zero expectations at this point. Will be back after I’ve read it (will actually start today coz I’m a crammer, always been, always will be).
Hehe ok I’ll watch for your reading updates on GoodReads.
This is one book that caught my eye when I first saw the cover. It just says *grab me* I think if I had to ask Kristin anything it would be ‘how does it feel to be published and how does she handle good/bad reviews’. I always love hearing what established authors have to say!
Chanzie @ Mean Who You Are.
Great question! I met Kristen Painter at RT last year and she’s a hoot.
This one showed up at my door from Orbit last week! I’d originally passed on requesting from netgalley, given my already huge review pile there, but I can’t deny I’ve always been a bit intrigued even from the start. So I’ll definitely be reading it now! Looks like a good beginning to a series, I’m probably tackle it next…let’s see how I deal with Harlow 🙂
It sure is easier to resist a book on NetGalley than on your doorstep. LOL
“I have a more difficult time playing catch-up than I do jumping on the bandwagon at book 1.” — this is exactly where I am with Kristen’s work. My cousin handed me the first 3 HOC books with a promise that I’d love them but when do most bloggers have time to read 3 books in a row from a single series? lol
I might have to jump on this one though. Thanks for the review Carmel!
My question for Kristen is why she chose to set this series in NOLA? It tends to be heavily used in the genre so I imagine it is not a super easy choice?
I can’t remember the last time I read a series back-to-back… ok that’s not true, it was Jennifer Estep’s EA series, but still… that was like a year ago. Time is always an issue.
I started the book on audio and the story hooked me. The audio was horrid though so I am going to try to win so I can finish it 🙂
Oh no! I was hoping that the narration would help sway my views on Harlow. Guess not.
Yeah the narrator gave characters foreign accents when they have none. Check out my review later this month. I’ll tell ya all about it. LOL
I have been wanting to try this author as well, but I am like you and more apt to jump on a new series than try and play catch up. I like the sound of the world and NO is a great setting. Hopefully I can get beyond Harlowe’s issues.
You can’t go wrong with New Orleans! It’s on my “places I must visit” list.
I loved this world and the story but like you Carmel, I couldn’t connect with Harlow. I thought her extrememly immature for her age (she’s in her 20s, right?), at times I thought she could easily be a 17 year old. I thought her daddy issues were a sad excuse for pretty much disowning her mother and didn’t really find anything redeeming in her character until the very end of the book, but I’m still not sold on her or why Augustine finds her so fascinating…just didn’t see it in this book. I hope she grows up a little more in the next book, yeah I’m a masochist so I’ll be continuing on with the series! LOL
Sounds like you disliked the heroine even more than I did. LOL I did not think that that was possible. But, at least you’re not the only masochist around Lori, because I will be continuing this series too.
I think it’s because I expected her to start off that way and eventually change her attitude but she didn’t. I don’t hate her, she’s just not my cup of tea…haha
Such a great cover!! The story is kick ass too. Congrats on your up and coming release day!!
Thanks for stopping by!
Yeah maybe, but I will wait and see what people say about book 2 whenever that ones comes out
Probably not a bad call.
It must be so difficult to have a heroine you don’t like. Doesn’t happen to me a lot but it’s upsetting. I was really curious about this one I confess but as I’m not in the US orbit didn’t accept my request but now I’m also curious about the world the author built, it sounds so rich and complex. I would love to discover it. I actually have the first book of the HOUSE OF COMARRE series but I still haven’t read it, I’ll have to try to see how it is. Thanks for the review.
Aaw, that’s too bad about Orbit declining your ARC request. That happens to be a lot too. I understand the copyright issues, but it’s still annoying, especially when it’s an eBook.
If she is as brave as her heroines??
Great question! Hehe
I have House of the Rising Sun downloading tomorrow and have really been looking forward to it. We’ll have to see what I think of Harlow 🙂
I’ll be curious to read your thoughts!
The characters and story line do sound like they make this one really worth reading.
It’s not a bad start to a series; another one for “the pile.” 😉
Carmel, your rating is about right for how I felt about House of Comarre series. First book was amazing, second disappointing and I gave up on the third. So far my impressions are that the author has potential but she chases too many ideas to give any one of them a really goon spin *shrugs* Great review!
I had heard that about her other series which is why I’ve been reluctant to bump it up my list… hopefully this one will fair a bit better.
Question is, just how annoying would Harlow strike me as? I’m one of those poor souls who can’t love a book if I don’t love the MC or the main couple. From what you’ve so kindly shared with with us about her, I’m thinking I wouldn’t like her at all. The world-building sounds fantastic and I’d probably fall for it regardless of the MC. Will give it a try, I can’t resist good world-building 😀
She’s not the only MC, so hopefully the other characters and the world-building will win you over if she can’t.
I’ve eyed this one a couple of times on Netgalley and just couldn’t make up my mind. It sounds interesting, as long as I can handle Harlow in the beginning. 🙂 Good to know up front.
Who knows, maybe you and Harlow will be BFF’s! 😀
Ya. I also skipped this on NetGalley. But I am joining this giveaway damn it, because that is too good to pass up. I tend to read books I win more regularly just because they are right in front of me.
I’m the same way.
Yeah, I do better just jumping on a new series instead of starting one that’s so deep in too. I actually like the fact that you wish there was more world building. Weird? Yes. 😀
That’s not news to me Christy; I already new that you were w weirdo (j/k). 😉
I haven’t had a chance to read The House of Comarre series yet, although I have the books on my TBR shelf, so I’m hoping I can start this series without having read them. Or will reading them first be best?
I can’t say for sure not having read them myself. I’ve been told that Augustine doesn’t show-up until book 4 or 5.
Ohhhh! This sounds like a great series!
Who would she cast in the movie version of her books???
Great question! Good luck!
I don’t know, Harlow does not sound like my cup of tea. But the world-building does sounds amazing.
Sometimes you have to take the good with the bad.
I would love to ask Kirsten Painter how she comes up with her unique plot lines? I haven’t read The House of Comarre yet but have certainly heard a lot about it, didn’t realise she had a new series out. This one sounds really good, will be adding to the TBR for sure! Lovely review Carmel!
Thanks Jeann, happy reading!
Oooh, the premise is pretty interesting, yeah. I’d love to read more about this one, plus the cover is amazingly well-done. 🙂 Thanks for the review, love! Can’t wait to meet the heroine. I have a feeling we’ll initially have a rocky start, but that’s what character development is for! 😀
Faye at The Social Potato Reviews
Exactly! I love it when an author wins me over through the course of several books. It makes the whole experience more enjoyable IMO.
I’m about 75% into reading this one and plan to review it in the next day or so. I’ll come back and read your review then. I don’t want you influencing me woman. 🙂 Hey…Do you mind if I include a link to your review when I post mine? Just to give my millions of readers (bahaha) another review opinion to take a gander at.
For sure! I’ll be sure to check-out your review later this week. 🙂
Great review Carmel! I haven’t read any of Kirsten’s books… but I have books 1-3 in the HOUSE OF COMARRE series…. I need to get onto it I think. It is funny how you can not like a character in the beginning, and as the book progresses they grow and become a more likable character. I think I’d like to meet Augustine too…. he sounds great!
Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace
Thanks! And, those are usually my fav kind of characters; the ones that grow on you. 🙂
How do you get your idea’s for your book. BTW love the covers.
The covers are indeed kickass, and great question!
Love the cover. How much input did you have?
Another great question! Thanks for stopping by Mary. 🙂
Did she came up with the idea for the cover herself? 🙂
I read the HoC series and really enjoyed it. This cover is wonderful. I have no idea what I would ask. I could probably come up with something after reading this book. 🙂
I’d ask Kristen if she was a Plotter or pantser.