Tag Archives: Urban Fantasy

Wolves by C. Gockel

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Wolves
Author: C. Gockel
Series: I Bring the Fire #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Norse mythology, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2012

Thoughts

I really enjoyed this modern version of Norse mythology, all written from the point of view of Loki. He’s such a grey character throughout the mythologies and retellings that I’ve read. I love that Gockel stuck to this. He’s not evil, and all of his decisions are informed by something. But, he’s also not necessarily what I would call good either. Rather, he’s a bit of a chaotic neutral.

I love how the original Norse mythology is what informs Loki’s past. Rather than trying to change any of the original tales, Gockel has taken the known mythology and used that to inform Loki’s history. There is a totally different lens placed upon these experiences, rather than Loki being a troublemaker, rather, he’s often goaded into poor choices and wins out the day. It’s actually a little heartbreaking how poorly he is treated, and how much love he is capable of.

Amy was a likeable character, but not a loveable one. She was a little bit naïve, and yet worldly at the same time. In an almost unbelievable manner. I found it a bit difficult to connect to her. Whilst I was gunning for Loki to win the day, I didn’t have overly strong emotions about Amy. It was actually her grandmother that I liked more. However, I feel that she’s got a lot of potential growth, so I’ll be intrigued to see who she becomes as the series unfolds.

Wolves was a great start to the I Bring the Fire series and one that makes me want to read more. It was a fun and diverting read, without being too heavy and intense. I really enjoyed my time in this world, and I can’t wait to dive in again!

<- AtomicMonsters ->

Image source: Book Bub

A Karma Girl Christmas by Jennifer Estep

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: A Karma Girl Christmas
Author: Jennifer Estep
Series: Bigtime #3.5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Paranormal romance, Superheroes, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2011

Thoughts

This is my first foray into the world of Bigtime. I’ve read a few Jennifer Estep books before and enjoyed them. But now that I’m on my Christmas run, I thought that this one would be a good read. And I was incredibly correct. A Karma Girl Christmas is all about Karma Girl and her protecting a Christmas present. From super villains. It was gorgeous, cute and seriously funny. All while being all about the feeling of Christmas and the joy of giving.

As my first foray into Bigtime, the world building in this was phenomenal. Considering it’s actually a novella that takes place after the third book, that’s a fairly impressive feat. Now I can’t wait to dive into the rest of the Bigtime series and all of the joys that seem to come along with being in a world filled with superheroes and supervillains.

Honestly, the superheroes and villains stick to this story was absolutely hilarious. I mean, they literally all follow a script that they have to stick to. And then, the motivations of the villains in this story is also kind of hilarious. Not exactly the most evil of doers, but yet, they try and do something that is truly heinous – taking from children at Christmas time.

What I loved most about this story was that all of the superheroes pull together at the end. Carmen might be finding her own way as a member of the Fearless Five. But it’s all of the superheroes of Bigtime that choose to draw together to save the day. Kind of what Christmas is really all about, right?

<- JinxNightingale ->

Image source: Jennifer Estep

Hell and High Water by Charlotte E. English

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Hell and High Water
Author: Charlotte E. English
Series: Fae Fatales #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fae, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I absolutely loved that this story was one about three femme fatales, I mean, fae fatales. Meeting up after almost one hundred years apart. With all sorts of tragedies and secrets in their past. Not only was this a story about solving the murders and protecting the fae of New York. But it was also about unravelling the why and the how of the breakup of the fae fatales in the past. It meant that, with these two storylines unfolding, it was incredibly difficult to put this book down and be, you know, a responsible adult.

Even though I guessed who the evil mastermind of this series was, it was still a brilliant reveal. And, even if I had already guessed what was coming, I couldn’t predict just how that reveal and motivation would go. It was very fun to read about, and all of the hints that English dropped throughout made it a ridiculously fun adventure. Plus, even if I didn’t actually agree with the villain’s motives, I did actually understand how that level of anger could manifest.

I loved that, even though this was a story featuring three femme fatales, it was only written from the point of view of two. Fionn and Tai are great voices which give different perspectives on the occurrences of the book. And, although I would have loved to know a little bit more of what Dax thought. She’s kind of insane, so I liked having the lens of the two more sane characters within the trio. Plus, it gave a bit more context to how different characters have dealt with the same level of nonsense.

Honestly, I mostly just want to read more about Dax in future adventures (I’m hoping that there are going to be more adventures). She seems to be the most balanced of the trio, even if she’s definitely a bit of a nutter. Plus, the friendship between the two, that has lasted a lot of nonsense, is incredibly beautiful. Particularly how Fionn and Tai are always there to support one another. Even when they weren’t actually talking.

Hell and High Water is a bit of a who-dunnit mystery. A bit of paranormal fantasy. And a whole lot of fun. It was an unforgettably enjoyable adventure, and there’s a reason that I really love the fact that I have a number of English books filling my shelves and my TBR.

<- More Charlotte E. EnglishTBC ->

Image source: Second Sale

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

Book Review, , , , , , ,
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 ->

Image source: Pinterest

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