Book Review: To Kill a Badger (Honey Badger Chronicles, #6) by Shelly Laurenston
From the moment I first encountered the extraordinary world of Shelly Laurenston’s Honey Badger Chronicles, I’ve been hooked. The wild antics, the fierce relationships, and of course, the unapologetic humor kept me turning pages. So when I got my hands on To Kill a Badger, the sixth installment of this vibrant series, my excitement was palpable. I was especially eager to see how Nelle Zhao and Keane would evolve — fans of the series will know these two have had quite the build-up. While I found parts of the story engaging, it ultimately left me with mixed feelings.
Set shortly after the events of the previous book, the overarching threat of the de Medicis looms large, armed with a sinister plan to paralyze the badger tribe. Nelle and Keane’s mission to forge alliances with other badger families offers a thrilling backdrop, with their budding romance blossoming amidst the chaos. I’ve always enjoyed Keane’s grumpy-cat demeanor, and his dynamic with Nelle made for delightful banter. Their relationship felt genuine, built on camaraderie and teamwork—exactly what we’ve come to expect from Laurenston’s couples.
However, while I cherished the way Nelle and Keane learned about each other, I felt the focus on their romance often overshadowed the main plot. My investment in the MacKilligan sisters and their antics was strong, but they felt sidelined by the introduction of the Old Crones, who took center stage in a way that felt dissonant. Sure, the chaos they brought was interesting, but I missed the familiar dynamics of our beloved badger family working together.
Though Nelle’s bravery shone brightly in this book, some characterizations struck me as inconsistent. For instance, her previous fear of Charlie vanished without trace—an odd shift for a character who was once terrified. Similarly, the Dunn triplets, previously depicted as intelligent and capable, felt alarmingly flat this time around. I found myself wishing for their witty interactions rather than the emotionless grunts they offered.
As for Manse, the new antagonist, his motivations remained murky. It seemed like his backstory was thrust into the plot without sufficient context, leaving me scratching my head. This disconnection left a certain bitterness, as I craved a more integrated storyline.
Despite these concerns, I can’t discount the elements I loved. The banter between Keane and Nelle is a standout highlight, and their chemistry was palpable. Moments of humor and sharp dialogue kept me chuckling, and the thrilling showdown with the de Medicis had me on the edge of my seat.
The pacing, while engaging in parts, felt uneven. There were moments when I wished for a deeper dive into the storylines I love, rather than shifting focus to new characters.
In conclusion, To Kill a Badger offers moments of joy and laughter but feels uneven compared to its predecessors. Fans of the series, particularly those invested in Nelle and Keane’s relationship, might find enjoyment in this outing. However, if you’re like me and drawn more toward the camaraderie of the MacKilligan sisters and their antics, you may feel slightly let down. Still, it’s a wild ride that continues to expand the colorful universe Laurenston has crafted, leaving me hopeful for what’s next in this unpredictable series.
If you’re ready for some laughs and charming chaos, this book is for you—but I would recommend going in with an open mind about the evolving dynamics!
Discover more about To Kill a Badger (Honey Badger Chronicles, #6) on GoodReads >>