Section 1: Urban Fantasy Books Similar to Grave Importance
While grouping is a common trope in fantasy literature, it’s commonality does not diminish the effect. Putting the massive cast into smaller groupings helps readers in several ways.
First, each group usually has a goal, so it becomes shorthand for readers to remember which group is doing what. Second, by seeing each group individually and together, you see their immense differences and similarities, even if the characters would never admit to having anything in common with their “enemies.” Finally, readers see the world through multiple lenses, giving them a richer worldview and a better understanding of what is at stake in each story.
Section 2: Most Powerful Themes Represented in Grave Importance
At the same time, true partnership is more than the cliché of opposites attract. It’s about recognizing what each of you can bring to the table and how your offering enhances and lifts the other person.
Shaw shows partnership in extremes with the love of Greta (a human) and Varney (a vampire). But instead of doing the male monster entrancing and capturing the love/lust of the female human, Shaw throws that out the window in favor of real relationship moments. We see these characters worry about each other, be there to support each other, and muddle through it all. They are allowed to be vulnerable in this series, and they find their connection in that vulnerability.
The author further shows this theme of connection and simultaneously promotes diversity and inclusion. The other main couple and example of a strong partnership are the two male vampires, Ruthven and Grisaille. While both are vampires and non-hetero, they have different experiences with vampirism and opinions on existing among mortals. Finding each other and connecting in a way often denied to them (an aside of what society often denies the LGBTQ+ community) shows how differing life experiences can come together to help each other feel complete and seen.
Section 3: What I Did Not Like about Grave Importance
***Spoiler Alert***
Shaw almost always pulls out this trope to fix what seems completely unfixable. Whether using the devil, a demon, or God themselves, no matter how insane it gets, one of these deitific beings will fix it.
To be fair, Pratchett and Gaiman do something similar in Good Omens.
While I know this trope fits the genre pattern, it’s just not my favorite plot device. In both Shaw’s trilogy and Good Omens, the trope works and makes sense in each universe, but it still seems like an easy way out. Not that it was “easy” in either book. Nor would I diminish the work of these authors, who all did a fantastic job. I’m just picky.
Section 4: Who Will Love and Hate Grave Importance
Readers who prefer drama-heavy, overtly steamy, and somewhat toxic romantic relationships will probably not immensely enjoy this book or the series.
Section 5: L. Rigdon’s Star Rating of Grave Importance
Several storylines were playing parallel and interweaving with each other. While multiple storylines can prove vital to the whole tapestry of the story, they can interfere with the pacing and rising action moments.
While a complex story is not a dealbreaker, awkward pacing can impact the experience, as it did for me. Regardless, I highly recommend reading the entire trilogy.