Tag Archives: Urban Fantasy

Fixer by Jeff Somers

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Fixer
Author: Jeff Somers
Series: The Ustari Cycle #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Horror, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2013

Thoughts

I absolutely loved the world building in this novella – it was a fantastic reality of blood magic and chaos. There was a whole underbelly of magic and mayhem that I can’t wait to dive deeper into. And that’s not accounting for the great character building of Lem and Mags. Blood magic isn’t a new concept in the stories that I read, but the way that it is portrayed is entirely new. I love that it is all built on a seedy underbelly of blood and life. All of which is transactional.

Lem is a fascinating narrator, one that I want to get to know more of. I love that, when there are constant bad decisions to be made, he chooses to do the “right thing”. All driven, of course, by his love of Mags. Love that the simplicity of Mags and the way he sees the world is what makes a man who could potentially be evil be a good man. And one that I want to get to know more of.

This is a fantastic prequel to The Ustari Cycle, I can’t wait to see how the occurrences in this story lead to a world of hurt for Lem and Mags. Forced servitude, blood trading and all sorts of horrible nonsense are going to be incredibly fun and interesting to read about!

<- More Jeff SomersWe Are Not Good People ->

Image source: Simon & Schuster

Tailed by Seanan McGuire & Kelley Armstrong

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Overview

Title: Tailed
Author: Seanan McGuire & Kelley Armstrong
Series: InCryptid #0.90, Otherworld Companion
In: Urban Allies (Joseph Nassise)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2016

Thoughts

I honestly did not know that I needed this in my life! I mean, Verity and Elena having a crossover? And hunting a poacher? Yeah, I was definitely programmed to love this! two of my favourite authors and series getting together and making this short story baby? I was so deliriously happy!

Verity is not only on the hunt for poachers, but I also love that she is investigating how their actions impact the entire ecosystem. It takes something I love about the InCryptid series – that the cryptids belong in the world like every other animal. And that they have an impact on the ecosystems and the functioning of our world.

Then there’s Elena, she’s just on a school trip with her children. Trying to integrate with society a little and teach her children to be a little less… Clay-like. I actually want more of her insane twins (which I think I have books on my TBR for this). But, I love that even though she crosses paths with Verity, she is still true to herself and somewhat removed. Kind of a hilarious way for the two women to cross paths if I’m being honest.

If I have one complaint about this short story, it’s that Verity and Elena spend next to no time together. They’re kind of just within the same vicinity, not actually making friends. I think if the two women got together, things could go even more entertainingly haywire!

<- Ladies’ FightSweet, Blissful Certainty ->

Image source: HarperCollins Publishers

Black Dog by Caitlin Kittredge

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Black Dog
Author: Caitlin Kittredge
Series: Hellhound Chronicles #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Demons, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

This was a fantastic and unforgettable dark urban fantasy with a strong and kick ass female lead. I’ve read two short stories attached to Black Dog and the Hellhound Chronicles, but this is the first time I’ve read the actual novel that tells the start of Ava’s story. In fact, it’s the first full-length novel that I’ve read by Caitlin Kittredge, even though I’ve had a number on my shelves for a while and always love her short stories. Honestly, I couldn’t put this novel down and I am so glad that I finally got to reading it!

I love that although Ava is obviously a major instrument of change, she spends this whole story just trying to survive and get out of the mayhem she has found herself in. I mean, honestly, that’s what most people are trying to do – just survive the mayhem and nonsense they find themselves in. the fact that Ava also starts to find herself and discover just who she is makes it all that much better. I loved all of the chaotic moments throughout this story and her own internal struggles as well. Probably why I connected so completely so quickly to her character.

Although Leo is obviously going to be Ava’s big love interest, and the two have an instant connection, I love that she doesn’t go gaga over him immediately. They are weirdly drawn to one another and definitely succumb to that attraction. But, it isn’t that whole love at first sight, meant to be together vibe. Rather, they are attached a little, and thrown together by circumstance again and again. Sometimes it’s those that we are just thrown with repeatedly that can end up giving us our happily ever after vibes. Plus, even if their fates are intertwined, they still end up finishing out this series of battles with a tentative truce, rather than an unforgettable love story (and I read romances for that, not urban fantasies).

Honestly, this whole novel is just one chaotic moment after the other. Every time I though I’d be able to pause in reading it to you know… join the real world, some other piece of intense chaos occurred. I mean, it was annoying because I just didn’t want to put Black Dog down, and wanted to dive straight into Grim Tidings (I didn’t, but still). Yet, that’s exactly what I want in a good fantasy novel – a story that is just one chaotic moment after another, barrelling towards a great finish and battle at the end. There are hints of what is going to happen next in their lives in Ladies’ Fight, but now I need to know more!

<- More Caitlin KittredgeLadies’ Fight ->

Image source: Barnes and Noble

Finding Magic by Stacia Kane

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Finding Magic
Author: Stacia Kane
Series: Downside Ghosts #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Ghosts, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2012

Thoughts

I’ve read a Downside Ghosts story in the past, but this is actually the beginning of the series. And it’s also been a long while since I’ve read the original short stories. Finding Magic is a great introduction to this world. It gives a lot of information about this urban fantasy reality that I absolutely ate up. It makes me want to dive into this series and find out what happens to Chess further down the road. She’s at a point of conflict in her life during this, and I wonder how that’s going to resolve leading into the novels within the series.

It was interesting that this is a world in which religion and ghosts play a key part. The history of the intersection between religion and ghosts was integral to this story, and I seriously enjoyed how it became a misaligned feeling throughout. It also highlighted the conflict in Chess. She seems to be seeing the reality behind the religious / cultlike power. It sets the powers that be up to be fallible and corrupt, but also makes you question everything throughout. Chess is so down on herself, painfully insecure and I’m unsure as to whether I enjoyed that more or less.

Alongside all of the phenomenal world building, I really enjoyed the mystery of this story. It was a good murder mystery, and I spent most of the book trying to figure out just who the guilty party was. I was intrigued and it meant that it was incredibly difficult to put this aside for more responsible adulting.

<- More Stacia KaneUnholy Ghosts ->

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The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires by Molly Harper

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires
Author: Molly Harper
Series: Half-Moon Hollow #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2012

Thoughts

Iris and Cal are a really fun couple (as with many Harper couples) and I love how they are kind of slow burn. They start off creating a friendship and really getting to know one another, and this slowly progresses to a really beautiful little romance. They also have so many awkward and seriously humorous moments throughout to balance some of the darker chaos that they are up against.

I love that Iris’ business is all about running errands for vampires. But it’s so modern and filled with modern conveniences, a little less lurch about it. Plus, it is a really good way to introduce readers to the politics and dynamics of the urban fantasy world which Harper has created. Plus, what a brilliant business woman – she recognises an area that is lacking, and with gumption and decisiveness, starts her own business that she thrives within. I love that at the conclusion of this story, Iris is still being an amazing boss bitch and looking at even expanding on her original idea.

Cal is a little overhanded with his protective streak, but I like that he does try to be better. I mean, some people are just a little bit intense and overbearing at times. But, he acknowledges this. And even if he doesn’t always succeed, he does try to do a whole lot better for Iris and their future together. I mean, he does exist in a world of vampires and all sorts of horribles that go bump in the night. So it even makes sense, so the way Cal and Iris are able to balance out this intensity is kind of beautiful.

There are so many creepy characters throughout this. Ophelia definitely gets the evil note going, even though she’s actually one of the good guys. And, I kind of want to have more of her special brand of eerie. Then, there’s Jack the Creep and Mr. Dodd. I love how Iris is able to get revenge on both of them for their actions. Albeit in VERY different ways. They are wonderfully intense characters that get some form of justice at the end. Which is so very much needed.

There are way too few positive female relationships in literature. I love that Harper writes a really positive and supportive sister relationship in The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires. Iris might be a bit of a mother figure to her teenage daughter, but she is also her friend and confidante. I love the way these two tag team throughout this story and build each other up in every moment. It is just too beautiful and maybe my favourite relationship in this entire book.

<- More Molly HarperDriving Mr. Dead ->

Image source: Kobo

Dead Man by Domino Finn

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Dead Man
Author: Domino Finn
Series: Black Magic Outlaw #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Urban fantasy, Zombies
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2015

Thoughts

I really loved this novel. I mean, it wasn’t one that I couldn’t put down, but it was still one that I was hanging to get back into. The perfect mix for a book sometimes. Don’t get me wrong, page-turners that are impossible to put down are great. But, sometimes it makes me more hesitant to read another book by that author – because then I’ll get too bogged down in it. Finn manages that perfect amount of action – enough that I really wanted to keep on reading and find out what was going to happen next. But not so much that I couldn’t possibly move past this story. Plus, the amount of action and drama throughout this just makes me intrigued as to what other chaotic nonsense Cisco is going to get into.

The idea of waking up dead, ten years after the fact, and unravelling the pieces to what actually happened was a pretty intense journey. I mean, I couldn’t quite get my head around it for the entirety of the story. And I enjoyed the adventure that Cisco and his chaotic past took me on. I can’t wait to find out more of what happened in that ten year interim, and also, how he was shaped as a zombie-man. Then, there’s the discovery of Finn’s special brand of magic throughout this. It’s not often that I can read an urban fantasy which has world building that comes as a surprise. I love that the mix of practiced beliefs and magic all combine into a very unique form of magic. One that, again, I can’t wait to find out more about.

I particularly loved the use of Bokors and Hoodoo throughout Finn’s world building. Cisco has an unforgettable narrative voice that I couldn’t forget. And having Hoodoo and Bokors explained with his special brand of sass and quirkiness was seriously enjoyable. I mean, this was ridiculously fun and added to the rest of the story. Dead Man was filled with so much angst and drama, and the use of different practices to create it just added to the enjoyment. This was also one of the darker urban fantasies on my shelves, which, at this point in my life was a great fit. And I loved how much fun I had reading it.

I can’t wait to read the next book in the Black Magic Outlaw series, Shadow Play. I mean, this was an intense and fun adventure all on its own. And now, after all of the discovery and chaos in Dead Man, Cisco has a chance at a second life. He might have lost all of his family and friends, and burnt a whole lot of bridges, but I feel that he’s about to find a whole new place in his life. I’m so excited to go on this next journey with him!

<- More Domino FinnShadow Play ->

Image source: Goodreads

Booked for Kidnapping by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Booked for Kidnapping
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: Vigilante Magical Librarians #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

Well, this story took a turn that I wasn’t expecting. I thought that the kidnapping in this would be of a politician or someone else embroiled in this massive conspiracy. However, in the end, it was Janette who was kidnapped. And a lot more of the story was about that and figuring out just why and how than anything else. I mean, more of the conspiracy is unravelled, and the pieces to start maybe getting power back is revealed, but it was still mostly about Janette’s mysterious kidnapping and subsequent escape.

I love how the activities in this story and the teasing apart of more of the motivations of this story set everything up perfectly for the next story. I think this is a part of a trilogy, and I can’t wait to see how everything rounds out and ends. I can’t wait to find out how the vigilante librarians are going to thwart the evil plans of the powers that be. I mean, it makes me feel physically ill reading some of this storyline (because it is so rooted in reality), so I would love to read how the good guys actually win!

Brad and Janette are all kinds of sweet and cute. I love how their relationship has grown throughout this series. And that they are perfectly and happily matched to one another. Although there isn’t much steam on the pages, I really enjoy how they build up to it in their relationship. And how, eventually they are able to become comfortable with one another and find their way to intimacy… it may not be steamy on the page, but it is in my mind!

I honestly can’t get over the power of unchecked politicians and just how terrifying that truly is. I mean, this is so obviously based in the reality of what is happening in America. And, what makes me really scared is that it seems as though the politicians in Australia are headed in the same direction. It is a terrifying reality, and a reminder that power corrupts absolutely. And unchecked power is just… terrifying.

<- Booked for MurderMore R.J. Blain ->

Image source: Rebecca Frank Design

King of the Kingless by Jay Lake

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: King of the Kingless
Author: Jay Lake
In: Hex in the City (Kerrie L. Hughes)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2013

Thoughts

It may not have been the best time in my life to read this story – a tale of a wizard who is dying from cancer. But, even though it was a little bit close to home at the moment, it was so well written that I still thoroughly enjoyed this and couldn’t stop thinking about this tale. Even though he’s sick and about to say goodbye to the life that he’s led, he still continues to try and protect his very misguided “way” of life.

I love that in this story, witches are light and life. Whilst the men are just kind of… mired in shit. As a woman, I loved that this was the separation of genders. Plus, it was a reminder that power doesn’t always come from being positive and giving of life, but, in the case of the wizards, it is about giving up things in life. I definitely like the witches’ approach to magic and power much better.

Valdimir as a leader and mentor is so incredibly toxic that I couldn’t even. I feel like, without his leadership and with the influence of the witch, there is much more hope for all of the characters in this story. At least, I finished this short story with a feeling of hope.

<- Hex in the CitySpeechless in Seattle ->

Image source: Goodreads

Stroke of Enticement by Nalini Singh ReRead

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Stroke of Enticement
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #4.5
In: Wild Invitation (Nalini Singh)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance,  Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2013

Thoughts

It doesn’t matter how many times I read this novella, Zach and Annie are still so incredibly sweet and cute. I mean, they just zing from the first moment, and I love that Zach understands the need for patience in courting his sweet mate. Plus, there’s the absolutely beautiful nature hike dates that they go on… picture perfect in every way.

Zach’s qualifications as a PhD work brilliantly to subvert Annie’s family expectations of who and what an academic should be. I also love that he is quiet about it, and doesn’t use his intelligence to show off or put others down (something I’ve seen too much of in the recent past).

I seriously enjoyed how Zach slowly builds the relationship. However, like many people, he makes a few too many assumptions, and probably could stand to be a little more honest in the future. Still, it doesn’t take away from how yummy and cute this whole story is. And I will reread this again and again and again.

<- Mine to Possess ReReadHostage to Pleasure ReRead ->

Image source: Nalini Singh

Mine to Possess by Nalini Singh ReRead

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Mine to Possess
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #4
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2007

Thoughts

I had honestly forgotten just how good Clay and Tally’s story actually is. I mean, it’s a really sweet second chance, childhood sweethearts story at its core. But, it also introduces the Forgotten, the battles that the Psy are playing more and more. And just, in general, is a stupidly enjoyable story. It’s got so much drama and passion, but also a level of sweetness and history that isn’t around in many of the other couples throughout the Psy-Changeling world.

There is so much trauma and angst throughout this story – I mean, Clay and Tally’s past gets more and more tragic as it unfolds. And, although both made stupid decisions, it’s really easy to see how they arrived at those decisions. It’s also incredibly enjoyable to journey with them as they both start to overcome the decisions of the past. I’m such a huge fan of the character growth that Singh imbues into her stories – and Clay and Tally are a particularly good example of this.

I’m well aware that I’ve been an incredibly lucky human in that I have a small family unit who is incredibly loving and supportive. But, I also have Found Family who help me complete my life and support me through everything. I love that for Clay and Tally, they are surrounded by Found Family. And that, even if they are a little bit quieter than some of the others, they are just completely accepted and loved for just who they are.

This is one of my favourite Psy-Changeling books to read, yet, its also a couple that I tend to forget about in hindsight. I think because there is something about Clay and Tally that is so much less dramatic and more comfortable than all of the other couples. Which, in this reread, makes them even more intense and powerful as a happily ever after.

<- Caressed by Ice ReReadStroke of Enticement ReRead ->

Image source: Open Book Society