So…I’ve been reading three very different books (yep, I read three books at the same time–what’s wrong with that?). One of the books (I’ve actually finished this one) is a sexy futuristic. One is a gritty serial killer tale. And one is a fast-paced YA urban fantasy.
The thing that hit me the most about these stories? All of the author have great voices–voices that perfectly fit their genres. And an author’s voice, well, the voice can totally make or break a book for me.
In the first book (actually an ARC, UNDERCOVER by the Bradford Bunch’s own Lauren Dane), the first page set the tone for the rest of the story. Lauren’s voice sucked me in right away. To me, Lauren has a sensual writing voice–she knows how to hit all the right notes in a story–and she’s great at stirring up emotion. (By the way, I blogged about Lauren’s story on Monday if you want to know more about this story.)
The second book is THE SEVENTH VICTIM by Alan Jacobson. This is a crime novel, a psychological thriller about a vicious serial killer. I picked up this book at the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance tradeshow (SIBA, baby!) over the weekend. When I was given this book, it came with a warning, “Careful…this one’s really dark.” Of course, that just made me want to read the story more! The person who warned me was right. The book is dark–because Jacobson’s voice is dark. Dark and gritty and perfect for a novel like this. The voice is so making this story for me.
The last book? BITE ME by Parker Blue. This book is a YA urban fantasy–and I love the title. 
Parker’s voice is edgy and smart. I smile as I read because this book takes me back to my Buffy days–yep, that kind of smart and sharp-edged humor. Love it.
Three very different books…three fabulous voices.
What about you? When is the last time that an author’s voice really stood out in one of the books you read?
October 1st, 2008 at 6:46 am
Hey Cynthia….good question….for me, Cassandra Clare pulled me into her YA urban fantasy from the get go…can’t wait for the third in her City series…I love Keri Arthur…love her Riley Jensen…she’s sassy, kickass….I just picked up Patricia Cornwall’s new book….havnen’t read a Kay Scarpetta book in a while, so we’ll see if she still has the ability to totally take me into Kay’s dark world…I hope so…love her other books!
October 1st, 2008 at 10:56 am
Hey Cindy!
Larissa Ione’s voice grabbed me and sucked me into something much darker and ‘scarier’ than I would normally read. I loved Pleasure Unbound! It opened a whole darker reading world, at least in the way it wasn’t something I would have picked up and read if the voice didn’t drag me kicking and screaming into.
October 1st, 2008 at 12:07 pm
aw thanks!
You know, I’m all about voice - I fall in love with an author’s cadence and the way she paints her world. Rachel Caine does this in her Weather Warden books and I also love Patricia Briggs’s voice too.
Lots of Bunchers are on my favorite list when it comes to voice too!
October 1st, 2008 at 12:17 pm
I really like the Bite Me title. It tells me what kind of book it is.
I’m reading Ally Carter’s Cross My Heart and Hope To Spy. It’s fast reading and fun. I don’t usually read YA, but Amy Knupp told me I’d like it and she’s right. I read the the first of the series — I’d Tell You I Love You But Then I’d Have To Kill You — last week, and thought it was great. So far the second one is just as good.
October 1st, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Holy Crap Lauren’s cover is gorgeous. As is the last cover!
Lauren, who was your cover artist for that?
October 1st, 2008 at 3:16 pm
Wow, Juliana, you’ve got me adding so many names to my list now–thanks!
Hey back at you, Rhonda! And, OMG, don’t get me started on Pleasure Unbound. Loved that one. Can’t wait for the next!
Lauren, thank you for writing a great read.
Hi, Edie! I love that title, too. And I love Ally’s titles, too–they’re so clever.
Zoe, isn’t it beautiful?
October 1st, 2008 at 7:15 pm
Bite Me sounds right up mine and my Daughters alley! *G* I’ve found that many authors have distinctive voices. Michele Sagara is one that resonates with me. *g*
October 1st, 2008 at 11:29 pm
Hm… when I read Pamela Clare’s first book in her I-Team series. (I won’t try to say the title b/c I’ll get it wrong). It was incredibly well written - and so… well true to life. I was impressed. Also I’m so excited for Lauren’s book!
October 2nd, 2008 at 5:40 pm
Zoe, I wrote to ask my editor so I’m just waiting to hear back. I don’t know and I’d love to give credit where it was due!!
October 2nd, 2008 at 5:44 pm
Cool! Thanks, Lauren!