Review of To Kill a Badger (Honey Badger Chronicles, #6) by Shelly Laurenston
Book series often become a comforting escape, and with Shelly Laurenston’s Honey Badger Chronicles, that comfort is paired with wild antics and fierce characters. As I dove into To Kill a Badger, I was eagerly anticipating the chaotic humor and heartwarming bonds I’ve come to love with this series. This sixth installment picks up almost immediately after the last, and I was ready to see how Nelle Zhao and Keane’s relationship would unfold amidst the turmoil with the de Medicis. Spoiler alert: it’s a rollercoaster, but not without its bumps.
Characters & Storyline
Nelle and Keane’s dynamic truly shines in this installment. Their chemistry is palpable, a delightful mix of flirtation and a shared mission that makes their relationship arc feel authentic and relatable. Keane, the quintessential grumpy cat, is charmingly juxtaposed against Nelle’s more chaotic leadership style. Together, they navigate alliances with other badger families, creating a narrative rich with banter and shenanigans that had me chuckling more than once.
However, the thrill of Nelle and Keane’s romance often felt overshadowed by the overwhelming presence of the "Old Crones." While their antics added humor and chaos, I found myself longing for more moments of teamwork from the beloved MacKilligan sisters. It felt like the focus shifted at times, diluting my connection to the main characters I adore. Instead of actively engaging with the de Medicis, the story veered off into side plots that felt secondary to Nelle and Keane’s journey.
Pacing & Character Development
The pacing also brought me some mixed feelings. The climax against the de Medicis was exhilarating, but at times it felt like a less compelling subplot rather than the focal point I craved after all the setup. I wish the alliances Nelle and Keane were forming had stronger ties to the larger conflict. Instead, their relationship sometimes felt like the main thread, and while I enjoyed their bond, it muddied the waters for the intense confrontations I expect when reading this series.
Moreover, I couldn’t shake off the strange shifts in character dynamics. Nelle’s previous fear of Charlie was completely absent in this book, and it felt jarring. The Dunn triplets, usually portrayed as sharp and buoyant supporters, seemed oddly reduced to mere background figures. Their lack of depth and dialogue left me confused, yearning for the nuanced portrayals I cherished in previous installments.
Then, there was Manse, who entered the narrative without sufficient context, making me wonder about his motivations and background. This felt like a missed opportunity for rich character development.
Final Thoughts
Despite these hiccups, the book charmed me with its humor and heartfelt moments. I walked away appreciating Nelle and Keane’s journey, even if I had to sidestep some of the more confusing plot elements. For those who’ve been invested in the Honey Badger Chronicles, To Kill a Badger still brings the joy of Laurenston’s signature style, albeit with a few missteps along the way.
This book might resonate most with readers who enjoy quirky romances steeped in action and camaraderie—especially those already familiar with the zany world of honey badgers. As for me, it has ignited a spark of curiosity about how the series will continue to unfold. Here’s hoping for a return to the spotlight for the MacKilligan sisters in the next adventure!
3 stars—while I liked it, I felt it didn’t quite capture the magic of earlier stories. But here’s to hoping the next one brings back all the beloved characters in full force! Happy reading!
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