Book Review: To Kill a Badger (Honey Badger Chronicles, #6) by Shelly Laurenston
I have to admit, the Honey Badger Chronicles have consistently held my attention for their wild antics and endearing chaos. When I learned that To Kill a Badger, the sixth installment in Shelly Laurenston’s series, was coming out, I found myself looking forward to diving back into the world of fierce and unapologetic honey badgers. After the cliffhanger ending of the previous book, I was excited to see how Nelle Zhao and Keane would navigate their blossoming relationship amid the ongoing chaos with the de Medicis—an intriguing couple I’ve admired since their initial introduction.
This book picks up right where we left off, as Nelle and Keane scramble to forge alliances with other badger families to counter the imminent threat posed by the de Medicis. Their journey together is filled with witty banter and hilariously chaotic schemes, reminiscent of previous couples in the series. Keane, with his grumpy demeanor, juxtaposed against Nelle’s more carefree and daring nature, results in a delightful dynamic that kept me laughing throughout the read. Their chemistry is palpable, and watching them fall for each other added a warm layer to the unfolding action.
However, while I relished moments of their relationship’s development, the narrative felt uneven at times. The de Medicis threat culminated in an exciting showdown, yet it oddly took a backseat to the alliances Nelle and Keane were working to secure. This shift left me wanting more focus on the showdown, as the action-packed resolution felt almost secondary to the budding romance. Additionally, the introduction of the "Old Crones," Mads’ aunt Tracy, and her merry band of badger friends brought a mix of chaos that I enjoyed—but at times they overshadowed the dynamic established by the MacKilligan sisters and their team. I yearned for more scenes featuring the team working in unison, rather than placing emphasis on characters that felt disconnected from the main storyline.
Character development is where I encountered some hiccups. Nelle, previously terrified of Charlie, seemed to lose that fear without much explanation, leading to some jarring discrepancies for readers who’ve witnessed her earlier trepidation. Similarly, the Dunn triplets, typically portrayed as savvy and sharp, appeared almost flat in this installment, hardly contributing to the story until the end. It felt like they’d been stripped of their personalities, which was disappointing, especially given their established roles in previous books.
On another note, the enigmatic character Manse left me scratching my head. His sudden introduction and unclear agenda regarding the honey badgers added confusion rather than intrigue. It felt as if readers were expected to already have a grasp of his significance, which oddly detracted from the new layers being woven into the existing tapestry.
Despite my critiques, I did enjoy the book, especially Nelle and Keane’s relationship. The humor and action were still very much alive, showcasing Shelly Laurenston’s flair for creating laugh-out-loud moments amid high stakes. For fans who love romantic comedy and quirky characters, this book provides a certainly enjoyable experience, even if it strayed in some aspects from what I’ve come to adore in the series.
Overall, To Kill a Badger is a mixed bag of hilarious moments, evolving romance, and some narrative quirks that might challenge loyal readers. If you’re a fan of Laurenston’s signature wit and vibrant cast, you’ll likely find enough enjoyment here to keep you entertained. While this installment didn’t fully hit the mark for me, I’m still eager to see where the Honey Badger Chronicles go next. Who knows what more chaotic adventures await us?
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