Anita Blake poll!

[mhalachai]

In honour of Friday, an Anita Blake poll. Seriously, now, which book do you like? Dislike? Why? Discussion is key!




[Poll #555564]

Comments

Newbie questions

[(Anonymous)]

Hello all. I am new here and very curious about the AB universe. I was introduced to Mhalachai's journal and Inevitable through Beren's journal while I was reading Beren's Black Magic by Moonlight. That being said, I have noticed that there is a significant difference between Beren's AB characterizations and Mhalachai's. My question is: which characterizations are closer to canon? I am considering buying the series and I was wondering what to expect. Additionally, Nathaniel is my favorite character so far. When does he enter the series? Thank you very much!

Re: Newbie questions

[watcher457.livejournal.com]

good question. hmm... i think mhalachai is closer, but there is a very big catch. you have to keep in mind that, for a large portion of the story so far, mhalachai's anita is suffering trauma from the effects of the cruciatus curse that bellatrix put her through. anita isn't always so very unsure and scared. she is very vulnerable in this story. however, she is less likely to trust, more quirky... i think inevitable is truer to her character.

Re: Newbie questions

[watcher457.livejournal.com]

oh, and as for nathaniel... er... burnt offerings, i believe. he's later in the series.

Re: Newbie questions

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

Nathaniel enters the scene in Burnt Offerings, the middle of the series. He plays a role in Blue Moon, the next one, and starting in Narcisus in Chains, becomes a major player. I know what you mean about Nate, he's one of my faves too.

I'm a bad person to ask, seeing as how I'm the one writing my story :) I'll pimp this question in a post in the LJ later tonight so people who aren't me can come and answer.

Also, if you're up to buying the series, I suggest looking at local second hand stores. I can usually find most, if not all, of the titles there (except for the last one, it's still in hardback.)

Re: Newbie questions

[uten.livejournal.com]

Heh, you must have good used book stores then. I bought them all and just gave them to my sister when she came over to visit from Australia a few weeks back (as they pay over $20 a novel for the paperback). I'm replacing mine with e-books anyway once Incubus dreams drops in price when it comes out in paperback in the next few weeks as the e-book prices are the same as the hardback mmpb prices.

As for your characterization, if you go by Incubus dreams, there's not enough sex, but apart from that, your characters are done well. I also think you handled Anita's reaction to the curse quite well, although it left me with questions that have yet to be answered, because of her extreme reaction. She is after all, the most magical of the people in the AB universe and her powers are still growing and being unveiled.. I look forward to the next chapter as it will be interesting to see if you can capture Dumbass as well as you can all the AB characters and Harry.

And I'm hoping Harry stays in the States or is a Were and takes at least some of the AB cast with him back to Hogwarts. But we don't always get what we want..

Let's see, as far as your story goes, I check two authors everyday for new chapters - you and Jeconais. I don't comment because often typing hurts my hands, but I think you need the boost - you are doing very well on your characterizations. And I look forward to more, even the new missing bits (which is a great idea BTW).

Re: Newbie questions

[(Anonymous)]

The first time heard about the Anita Blake books was when I read this story. I then bought the books two at a time and set to reading. I was surprised at how close Mhalachai got the characterizations to Hamilton's own writing. I think that the first person POV helps to attain that likeness.

Re: Newbie questions

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

Interesting that you say that. I've written Anita both 1st person POV and then in the third person, and I have to say that in first person it's much easier to get a feel for her.

Re: Newbie questions

[watcher457.livejournal.com]

i totally agree. i've written her both ways as well and i can't help but want to write her in first person.

Re: Newbie questions

[houses7177.livejournal.com]

Mhalachai's characterization of the AB group is probably the best I've seen, overall, in any fanfic. (I say this even in regards to myself- the only time AB characters have shown up in my fics is one by one- and pretty much only Edward). Mhal's balanced- her characters have good and bad sides, but she doesn't play favorites. This means that canonically: Anita can be a bitch, she can be a protector, she can be contrary, she can be brave, she can be suicidal, she can be brash, she can be rash, she can be afraid of love yet very loving. Everyone takes what they will differently from the books, as is only fair, but I would be wary of any fanfic writer's portrayal that has anyone all good or all bad. That said, I've not read Beren's Black Magic series, so I can't comment on her characterization.

Nathaniel plays a much bigger role in the last book than in any before that, and when he does show up it's in a very small role. He's worth the read, however, and I enjoy the books where he shows up immensely.

Re: Newbie questions

[watcher457.livejournal.com]

i love your icon. might i snitch it?

Re: Newbie questions

[houses7177.livejournal.com]

Certainly! I don't care if you credit or not (really. I mean it.), but if you do, houses7177 in the keywords. I do adore Edward so.

Re: Newbie questions

[watcher457.livejournal.com]

a person after my own heart, and such a lovely icon too. *sighs* will credit.

Re: Newbie questions

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

Re Nathaniel, pre-ID he's used mostly as a plot device to get Anita into a pickle. In Burnt Offerings, he's used to get Anita in charge of the leopards; in Blue Moon, he's used to get Anita attached more to Damian, in NiC, he's used to get Anita to Micah... and so on. Only in ID did he become a real person with real issues to Anita.

And thanks for your kind words about characterization. It means a lot, coming from you :)

Re: Newbie questions

[child-labor.livejournal.com]