Leopard’s Prey by Christine Feehan – a Review

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Leopard’s Prey by Christine Feehan – a Review

 

leopard's prey

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To begin my review of Leopard’s Prey, written by Christine Feehan; I would first like to take a moment to point out that I am not your typical romance novel reader.  It wasn’t until about 11 years ago, that I found myself exploring this genre.  However, the style of books in which I strictly read before; did often contain a love story.  In a sense, the Epic Fantasy genre, has forever shaped my definition of “romance”.  What I am attempting to convey, is that I may not view romance, in the same manner as other’s do in today’s literature.  Not to be critical towards the enjoyment of those who read romance for the sensual side.  In fact, for those of you who love one, two…..or ten *cough* scorching sex scenes between the main couple, this book will make you VERY happy.  *;) winking
 
Moving on…I will admit, Christine Feehan is one of very few authors I read in the paranormal romance genre.  So in essence, perhaps I am not the best judge on what is considered a great PNR novel.  Sex, which is a huge part of most books contained in the romance genre–is not what I neccessarily see as intimacy.  When infused with emotion, sex can certainly enhance the connection between the main couple…yet for some, I find it can become a major hinderance.  For me personally, true romance has always been, and forever will be, defined by the emotion an author builds within me, and the journey of the characters themselves, to reach the destination of love.  
 
Getting to the actual book, Leopard’s Prey follows the character of Remy Boudreux .  The oldest of five brother’s to the heroine of the previous installment; Saria.  This was a very highly anticipated release for me, because from the moment Remy burst onto the pages in Savage Nature, I was fascinated with his sheer, primal intensity.  The nuance of a hunter very high up on the food chain, made him memorable to me as a reader. So…one can imagine my disappointment, a quarter of the way through his story; upon encountering the same issues I have had with other installments of this particular series. 
 
In summation, the foundation of the relationship between our hero and heroine, seemingly based upon sex–left me feeling disconnected.  In fact, Remy is so astute (yeah right) in his perception of the “pull” he feels towards his woman, that he even states this to her.  I grasp that we as readers are suppose to recognize that what they have goes beyond sexual chemistry, but I always look for an author to SHOW me, not tell me that it is so.  Due to the large amount of intimate content within this book, I found myself questioning their bond right along with the heroine.  I have always said you can Take the most action packed novel in the world, and if the characters lack depth; the book goes nowhere in my opinion. The same rules apply for highly sensual storylines.  It is all about balance.    
 
Dont get me wrong.  I do not mean to imply that there are no high notes.  There are some great elements to this story, and a massive amount of potential.  Most importantly I feel, being the history between the main couple.  This backstory is very well done, and packs an emotional punch.  I loved that the hero was the single contributing factor to the salvation of our heroine, Bijou or more specifically “Blue” as Remy calls her.  The female lead is the daughter of a famous singer who was adored in life, and could do no wrong in the eyes of his fans.  What occured behind closed doors tells a far darker story.. 
 
As a child, Bijou was labeled a rich, entitled snob by classmates in school, including our hero’s own brother Gage.  It was only Remy, a young cop at the time; that knew the hell with which her life entailed. As with all children whom experience a horrible upbringing, there comes a pivital moment in Bijou’s adolescence where she could have given in.  Following down the same drug laced path of depravity her father had walked.  Yet because of Remy, Bijou’s world changes in a single moment, and she breaks the viscious cycle with which she was raised. It is a moment where our hero shows her something she has never before understood.  Caring.  It is at this fork in the road, that Bijou realizes one individual in her dark existence gives a damn about her.  This powerful revealation is presented to us in the platform of a blazing memory of Remy’s, and is very moving.  This scene struck me in the heart when I read it.  It created an instantaneous connection for me, and these characters.  Their bond was a tangible thing I could feel.   
 
Which brings me back to my earlier statement of how sex, delivered by an author as a platform in which “romance” is built–can be a hinderance for some literary couples.  To put it frankly….there was too much of it in Leopard’s Prey.  Yes, this is a series interwoven with the animilistic urges of shapeshifters who are equal parts beast, and man.  True.  But this under current was not balanced out properly with the addition of other concepts, in regards to plot.  Due to the lack of balance; the emotionally profound connection that was built between the main characters–stalled; and never grew into something memorable for me. 
 
It isn’t that I lack the ability to understand Ms. Feehan’s take on shapeshifter romance.  As I said above, these character’s are written with a duality that pushes for visceral urges between the couple.  I do grasp the concept.  One of my most favorite series presents shapeshifters amongst its characters.  My problem with the shifters of THIS series; stems from the fact that they have always held an underlying implication that the female’s–once their Leopard emerges–could be drawn sexually to a male who is not their intended “mate”.  Like I previously stated in the opening of my review–this has been an ongoing struggle with me and this particular series.  For me, a mate means there is only one.  So the way with which this beastial plot thread is woven into the storyarc of the Leopard series–is off putting at times for me personally.  *shrugs*  
 
Despite this, I will say that the ending action was very well done.  The “twist” was creatively written–although I did see it coming–and I love that it was the heroine who came to the rescue of her dangerous, lethal Leopard.  I also immensely enjoyed seeing Drake Donovan again, and the familial banter between the entire family.  Definately worth reading…but Leopard’s Prey is not one for the record books in my opinion. 🙂 

Reviewed by Miranda
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39 thoughts on “Leopard’s Prey by Christine Feehan – a Review”

  1. Great review Miranda. I for one have enjoyed Christine’s reads ,I love the Dark series with that said I am just reading Leopard’s Prey so it will be interesting to see how I feel about this read when I’m done .

    • Hi Lori. Thank you so much for the compliment. Christine Feehan is one of my top favorite authors. I have been reading her work for over 11 years. The ghost walker and Dark series are my most enjoyed of her work, with the Sea Haven just below them. For whatever reason, the Leopard series has been a source of conflicting opinions for me since it began. Savage Nature completely blew me away, and as I said, Remy touched my heart immediately. The delivery was not personally balanced enough for me, but I didnt mean to imply that it was a bad read by any means. I hope you enjoy the book! 🙂

      • Hey Miranda, sorry if it sound like that , I so did not mean it that way . I could tell that you read Feehans other books but it was this series that bugged you. That’s why I was interested in what you said and how you felt . I am looking forward to reading this book to see how I feel and to see what your feeling about that bugs you. As they say you can’t please everybody all the time but what the heck we have the Dark series we Love. ; p

        • No need to apologize Lori. I am always interested in hearing what other people think about a book that I have read as well. it never ceases to amaze me how we can all read the same books and take away different experiences. I enjoy book discussions nearly as much as reading the books themselves. 🙂

  2. Very nice review Miranda!! I finished the book last night and really enjoyed it. I thought it was a great continuation of the series. And, I do agree that the sex scenes, especially the first one, were brutal. But, that said, she wanted him as bad as he wanted her. I do like how things finally settled down and they were able to enjoy each other rather than be frenzied all of the time.

    I did find all of the “goings on” a little confusing at first!! All of the suspects kind of blurred for me until I could remember who was doing what to and for whom! LOL!! But I really did enjoy the book.

    Again, very nice review. Well done!!!

    • Thanks so much Ms. Vickie! Interesting that you mention the first love scene because I have never felt so uncomfortable reading a sex scene in all my life! Lmao. I am thinking…..dear God will this ever end? Poor woman. *snort*

      Again, not to imply that I didnt grasp why there was so much sex, it is just that like Ms. Barb. said I notice a significant pattern change in Christine’s work. I have been reading her books for over 11 years, and something I have always loved was how she somehow manages to balance sex, with emotion, action, suspense, and plot.

      When compared to Savage Nature, this book felt more like everything took a background to sex. But as I said…I may not be the best judge. 🙂

  3. Wonderful and honest review, Miranda. I have the book ready to read, but I plan to wait a bit til I am in the mood. The last few books of Christine has turned me off somewhat, as I feel her writing has changed. In the past she would have great characters, exciting suspenseful stories, a wonderful romance with a great couple, and some hot sex scenes. Now it seems she is concentrating mostly on the sex. If she wants to do sex scenes predominatley, she should have done another series, and not ruin the existing. Hopefully Dark Lycan will return us to fabulous Dark series we have come to love.

    • Thank you so much Ms. Barb. I worried that this one was too opinionated, and appreciate you allowing me to post it despite how the words flowed. 🙂

      I agree about the difference in style. I do notice a significant difference since I began reading her books 11 years ago.

      Despite my reservations on Lycan’s being brought into a Carpathian series, the first chapter of Dark Lycan was phenomenal to me. My interest was grabbed instantly, which is what I need a novel to do. I have high hopes as well for this Dark trilogy.

  4. Wonderful review, Miranda. I enjoy how you explain your feelings when writing your review. I do want to read this series, and agree the recent books of Christine have been somewhat different.

    • Thank you so much Amy. Unfortunately it is impossible for me to review a book without describing my feelings about it, or its characters. I am entirely too long winded sometimes. 🙂

  5. Wonderful review Miranda straight from the heart.

    I know of what you speak when the shifter female becomes a sexual target due to her ‘fertility or heat’. Some authors have the ability to blend this particular aspect of the storyline smoothly while others push the proverbial boundary of assault vs consent.

    I have yet to read Leopard’s Prey. Since I started this series in paper back I am waiting for my copy ….lol. Jake and Emma’s story was probably one of the most eye-opening and physically/sexually aggressive Leopard storylines and I enjoyed it very much so I am hoping the same can be said about Leopard’s Prey. My only regret is that the storyline is still in the Bayou. I want to go back to the jungle and have a reunion similar to Dark Celebration 😉

    • That is an amazing compliment, thank you Sandy. I appreciate that you ladies allow me to use TRC as an outlet for my thoughts on certain books.

      I am actually in the minority on Jake and Emma’s book. That one was the least enjoyable for me in this entire series, although it is a fan favorite. Typically the darker the male, the more drawn I am to their character. When compared to the fictional likes of Jericho Barrons, Christian Grey, and Kaleb Krycheck–Jake is a kitten (pun intended).

      It was not his aggression that bothered me, again it was the references of a “mate” in this series….and yet there are hints that if the male does not exhibit his claim, the female could be reciprocating to another male. It is a contradictory theme because as I said above, a mate is a mate. Meaning one.

      The reason I struggled with Jake’s character, is because he knew Emma was his mate, and yet wanted nothing to do with commitment until her Leopard began to emerge and drove his crazy with Jealousy. I want an emotional connection between couples, not physical, and this series is so focused on the physical, animilistic urges.

      I have always had an issue with the whole “shifter” primal theme (until Nalini Singh that is) so this is nothing new. LoL. I wish I wasnt so picky, I would have more to read. *snort* If you loved Jake’s book, I am confident you will love Leopard’s Prey. Remy is pretty damn intense.

  6. Great review Miranda, I started to read this book this afternoon and so far I am loving it… but only 45 pages in so it is just getting moving in many ways. Looking forward to seeing how it reads. Love CF’s work and looking forward to more. 😀

    • Thanks MaryAnn. I started the book, and ended up at page 200 not even two hours later, so it is a good read. I just missed the balance of other elements Savage Nature had. 🙂 Glad your enjoying it!

  7. Its always great to read your honest opinion on a book, Miranda. I agree with all of you, I love CF’s books, the leopard series is my last favorite. Notice I said last, not least because I love what she writes. Reading how the female is in heat for any male is off from the way she writes her normal soul mates but I guess that goes along with the characters since they are part animal. If she wrote every storyline exactly the same, we would get bored! Great review my friend! Two thumbs up coming your way!

    • There you are my friend!

      And…..I could write a horrible review and you would still give me your Peach colored thumbs up because you love me. *grin* But thank you for the compliment anyway.

      You put it exactly right. These characters are part animal, and I grasp the whole heat thing, and urges….but if you would read Psy-Changelings *glaring at you for taking so long to do so* You would understand that it can be done in a way that in no way belies the “one” mate concept.

      Christine accomplished the concept beautifully in Savage Nature. Not sure why I felt Leopards Prey missed the mark in this regard. Maybe I am just too distracted waiting for Heart of Obsidian. *snort*

  8. Hey Miranda great review. I have to say I always love reading your reviews as u give a very honest and real look at the book. I’m just in the early stages of the book and can already see the points u make happening. I shall read in and see how I feel by books end. I’ll come online and let u know. I too have noticed a change in her writing and am wondering about it. Hopefully she returns to her magic of old w Dark Lycan.

    • Why thank you kindly Marcie Mouse. I cant wait to hear your thoughts on Leopard’s Prey. You know I always enjoy viewing a book through the eyes of another. Its great to look at a book from anothers point of view.

      I miss chatting with you, and our book chats. 🙂 I really hope you start visiting me on the community again regularly, and share your literary experiences with me like the good ol’ days….preferably about the Psy-Changelings series….*hint hint nudge nudge* heehee

      I hope you enjoy the book Ms. mousey!

  9. Miranda, excellent review. I enjoy the Shifters sereis but I don’t care for Sarai brothers at all. Why? They didn’t take care of their sister regardless if she was shifter or not. I have a big problem with that. Remy continued his excuses by blaming his leopard for everything. When Jake was bitch slapping Robert I wished it had been Remy but I think he got the message and his behavior when up a notch or two with me. Love the murder mystery of the story very much.

    • Thank you so much Lavonda. I can certainly see where you are coming from. Another element to the shifters in the Psy-Changelings series is the concept of “Pack”. There is an entire familial group of Leopards, and wolves in this series by Nalini Singh. All members have a role to play in the heirarchy, and all members are looked after, cared for, and all members contribute to every aspect of the Pack’s way of life. It is an all for one, and one for all foundation. If Saria had been part of the Dark River leopards of the Psy Changelings world…nothing would have prevented her brothers from doing everything in their power to see to her care, and protect her. This unity of family and friends is something I now miss when reading Christine’s take on shifters because it is such a warm wonderful concept to be loved and cared for, and protected by a “Pack”

      • Forgot to mention something, in regards to your comment that Saria should have been cared for by Remy and the other’s regardless if you was a shifter or not.

        In the Psy-Changelings world, it doesnt matter if a person is a human, changeling, or Psy. Once you are accepted as Pack, every single other member would lay down their life for you if it came to it.

        It truly is a beautifully written element. Like you, I believe I would have connected more emotionally if Saria’s brothers took care of her as a child.

  10. Great review, Miranda. I don’t know this series, but have read the Dark series. I do agree with many of you, things have changed in the last few books, as it seems the focus on excitement and action, seems to be missing.

    • Thanks for stopping by Wanda! I hope you get your copy of Leopard’s Prey soon, and that it is everything you wished it would be. 🙂

    • Thanks so much Alicia. I really appreciate when a reviewer is honest myself, because that is how I guage whether or not I should take a chance on a book I was on the fence about. I can only offer the same honesty I would want to get from a reviewer when writing my own reviews. 🙂

  15. I didn’t want to read this review until I was done with the book, but I agree with Miranda. I found it lacking. Savage Nature was so great and I had high expectations for Remy. Oh well!! 🙁

    • Chin up Jules…..one more day until Heart of Obsidian releases! *spinning you around in a happy dance twirl*

      It’s (insert K name here)’s book. Yaaaaay!!!!

      *cough* Not that I have been counting the days or anything….

  16. Miranda, I really enjoy reading your reviews! Raw and real! I respect that!

    I haven’t ventured into this series or Christine Feehan other than the fist dark book so she is relatively new to me! I have heard so much gushing about her writing and creativity! Thanks for a fantastic and honest review, I really love seeing this through your eyes!

    Rachel 🙂

  17. I have to disagree with most of your review Miranda. These are Leopards not humans and you can’t expect the sex to be the same a all. I didn’t feel there was an over abundance of sex in he book either. Loved Remy and Bijou. When he told her his Leopard chose hers, as hers had chosen his the next line said He’s so crazy for her , as I am just as driven for you. Bijou only heard what she wanted to. I didn’t take that as meaning just his Leopards interest, she did. Love this series and I thought it was a great addition.

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