Charming (Pax Arcana #1) Review

Charming (Pax Arcana #1)

Elliott James

Publisher: Orbit

E-Arc Courtesy of Netgalley & Orbit

John Charming isn't your average Prince... 
He comes from a line of Charmings — an illustrious family of dragon slayers, witch-finders and killers dating back to before the fall of Rome. Trained by a modern day version of the Knights Templar, monster hunters who have updated their methods from chainmail and crossbows to kevlar and shotguns, he was one of the best. That is — until he became the abomination the Knights were sworn to hunt.
That was a lifetime ago. Now, he tends bar under an assumed name in rural Virginia and leads a peaceful, quiet life. One that shouldn't change just because a vampire and a blonde walked into his bar... Right?

The first in a new Urban Fantasy series is usually a delicate balancing act of introducing new characters, world building especially how their world varies from ours and plot and while the story might lack a little, the characters and the world-building are great foundations for a series. It just feels like a little bit more mixing is needed but for the first in a series, this is a good effort and I will definitely be continuing with this series!

Charming has some interesting characters with a mix of powers and abilities although some characters are better developed than others; I liked Sig and her Valkyrie powers – she doesn’t just fall for John’s charms, but struggles with her current relationship and fitting John into her group. In many other books Sig would have been the main character but John Charming takes the lead. John has been on the run for a long time and has a very mixed heritage which makes him unique. When he runs into Sig and starts meeting the rest of her team, you really feel this is the first time he has interacted with anyone on a more than superficial level for a long time.

The world of magic and supernatural creatures is hidden from ours through old fae magic called the Pax Arcana and there are plenty of asides that give you the impression of a wider world still to be explored. So the weak link is really the plot. The search for the new vampire who may pose a drastic threat to humanity in the future is simply lacking any momentum. There is very little time spent building the vampire as a credible threat now or any personality for her which would add tension to the hunt. As such when the big finale arrived it was underwhelming and lacked any emotional resonance.

There is potential for an intriguing world and an expanded universe with so many possibilities so I will give the series a chance and see if the next book allows all the elements to work together.

Recommended for fans of Benedict Jacka and MLN Hanover. 7 out of 10

Frost Burned (Mercy Thompson #7) Review

Frost Burned (Mercy Thompson #7)

Patricia Briggs

Publisher: Orbit

Mercy Thompson's life has undergone a seismic change. Becoming the mate of Adam Hauptman - the charismatic Alpha of the local werewolf pack - has made her a stepmother to his daughter Jesse, a relationship that brings moments of blissful normalcy to Mercy's life. But on the edges of humanity, a minor mishap on an ordinary day can turn into so much more. After an accident in bumper-to-bumper traffic, Mercy and Jesse can't reach Adam - or anyone else in the pack for that matter. They've all been abducted. Through their mating bond, all Mercy knows is that Adam is angry and in pain. Outclassed and on her own, Mercy may be forced to seek assistance from the most unlikely of allies: the vampire seethe.

When I think back to the Mercy Thompson we met in Moon Called who was a very isolated and independent girl, it’s a very different woman who still manages to kick-butt in Frost Burned but has a wide selection of friends, family and pack to support her. In Frost Burned Adam and the rest of the pack are kidnapped and it’s up to Mercy to protect those left behind.

Mercy has help from some powerful friends but she also has those who could end up in trouble from their relationship with her. It was great seeing how these relationships have developed and evolved – and I have to say it was great to see all characters I loved from the previous books show up after the two-hander that was River Marked. Mercy has definitely become someone who will fight for those she loves and it was just as nice to see the softer side of her as well. For the first time a couple of chapters are told from Adam’s point of view and this insight into his head is a nice way of expanding the world and allowing us into a werewolf’s head. I also loved the visit of a wolf from the Martocks pack that we’ve met in the Alpha & Omega series!

There is plenty of action with fae, wolves, vampires and humans all getting some action. The impact of the fae action at the end of Fair Game, the Alpha and Omega novel is touched on but the full repercussions are still being discussed – which gives the feel that this world is much bigger than just Mercy, Adam and the pack. The writing just pulls you in and doesn’t let go until the end as first the actions and then the reasons behind them are teased out and played with. Who are the true monsters?

This is one of the most consistent UF series and one of my favourites with a leading lady who you root for as well as a knack of getting into more trouble than a coyote really should. But when her friends and family are this good I just want to spend more time with this world. How long until the next book...?

Recommended for fans of Kelley Armstrong and Nicole Peeler. 9 out of 10

Ghost Story (Dresden Files #13)

Ghost Story (Dresden Files #13)

Jim Butcher

Publisher: Orbit

**Warning – Massive spoilers from the previous books in the series below**

Meet Harry Dresden, Chicago's first (and only) Wizard PI. Turns out the ‘everyday’ world is full of strange and magical things - and most of them don't play well with humans. That's where Harry comes in. As if being murdered wasn't enough, Harry's shade can't rest in peace. He learns that three of his loved ones are in mortal danger and only by discovering his assailant’s identity can he save them, bring criminal elements to justice, and move on. It would just be easier if he could interact with the physical world, and had a (working) crystal ball, and had access to magic. And he’s far from the only silent presence roaming Chicago's alleys. Hell, he put some there himself. And now, they're looking for payback.

Regular readers will know that The Dresden Files is one of my favourite UF series ever, heck it’s one of the best series ever and from book four on has been consistently good with plot twists, a slow building but intriguing story arc and characters you really care about. Ghost Story is no exception, but it is a little different than any of the previous books. Harry Dresden is dead, but has been sent back to Chicago six months after his assassination to find out which of his many enemies finally did away with him. However, as a ghost Harry doesn’t have access to his powers, his favourite back up or his old friends and things have changed a lot in the last few months without him…

Not having a physical presence is a major hindrance for our main character and it’s a testament to Jim Butcher’s writing style and characterisation that despite the majority of the book consisting of Harry talking to various different people, I was never bored. It was fascinating to see such a physical character coping without a body and figuring out who had killed him. Added to mix was some of the bad things that have been happening in the meantime and the fallout from the last book which have had far reaching impact on the world. The final section of the book was full of ghostly action though with some fantastically imagined action that have me leaning forward, urging Harry and allies on every obstacle.

This is quite a big book but honestly when the writing is this good it doesn’t matter as you just find yourself swept along at the break-neck pace. And the ending, oh the ending. If you thought Harry being dead was an obstacle, wait until you find out why Harry was killed and what’s in store next. Highly recommended read – but really you have to invest in the whole series – which I strongly recommend!

Recommended for fans of Kelley Armstrong and Mike Carey. 9 out of 10.

Guest Review: Silver Borne (Mercy Thompson #5)

While we were away on holiday last week my guest reviewer Sarah went through just as many books as me so I've asked her what she thought of one of my favourites...

Silver Bourne (Mercry Thompson #5)
Patricia Briggs

Publisher: Orbit

Being a mechanic is hard work. Mercy Thompson, for instance, just spent the last couple of months trying to evade the murderous queen of the local vampire seethe. And now the leader of the werewolf pack, who's maybe-more-than-just-a-friend, has asked for her help. A book of fae secrets has come to light and they're all about to find out how implacable - and dangerous - the fae can be. 
OK, so maybe her troubles have nothing to do with the job. But she sure could use a holiday...

Ah dear, back from a lovely week away with Mel in Portugal, to her sad loss, and a crazy week trying to deal with a week’s missed work, and an imploding iphone.  Finally there though, so I can now get down to reviewing one of the books I read whilst I was away. 

Now, from my previous reviews of Patricia Briggs’ series, you’ll know how much I love the very real, very likeable, coyote-shape-shifting heroine Mercy Thompson, so I won’t bore you by rehashing just how much I LOVE her!  Instead I’ll limit myself to the story itself.  There has yet to be even a vaguely weak story in this series, and Silver Borne is no exception. 

Arc plots are furthered - including the continuing repercussions from Mercy’s rape (which are so emotionally resonant they make your stomach squirm), the so-magic-its-almost-sentient fae walking stick, and Mercy’s relationship with Adam and the pack - but do not mistake this for a filler book, there is plenty of novel to get your teeth into.  The main sequences place Mercy at odds with homicidal, power-hungry fae, but when the sub-plot concerns Samuel, you know there will be no place for skim-reading.  Samuel’s story takes a turn that is so out of left-field I was bowled over – without giving the game away, Briggs yet again tackles an emotionally sensitive issue with power, passion and precision.

Whilst book 4 has been my favourite in the series thus far, that opinion does not decry in the least from Silver Borne, which was a captivating, pacey read with real depth, showcasing once again Briggs’ ridiculous talent as a fantasy author.  One for fans of Kelley Armstrong and Carrie Vaughn, 9 out of 10.

The Minority Council (Matthew Swift #4) Review

The Minority Council (Matthew Swift #4)

Kate Griffin

Publisher: Orbit

Matthew Swift, sorcerer, Midnight Mayor, is in charge. Or so he'd like to think. And London, being London, is having its issues. Drug use is rampant. Teenage vandalism is driving away business. Violent crimes are on the rise. Once upon a time, Matthew Swift wouldn't have given a toss. Now it's his mess to clean up. Especially when the new drug on the market is fairy dust and the production process involves turning humans into walking drug labs. And when the teenage vandals are being hunted by a mystical creature. And when the petty criminals of London start dying by magical means. 
It becomes clear that not only is this Swift's mess to clean up, but someone is trying to tell him how to do his job. Now he has to sort out who's behind the crime wave and who's interfering in his business. Swift has a lot of old enemies and few friends. If he's going to save London from a rising tide of blood -- he's going to have to learn his lessons and fast

Matthew Swift is one of the few remaining Sorcerers left in London – wizards who can create spells and manipulate the magic of the city. Added to that is the Midnight Mayor, protector of that city. He is also having a bad day. When he finds out that something is sucking the souls out of teenagers in his city and a dear acquaintance calls asking for help, he decides that these things must be dealt with, no matter the cost.

Matthew is a unique character – he came back from the dead merged with the blue electrical angels of the wires and is enormously powerful and at the same time completely helpless. He is both inhuman and humane. He cares about the city, but not at the expense of the people. As well as Matthew we meet again his apprentice Penny. She is total awesome but at the same time vulnerable and realistic, with a perchance for speaking too much and swearing a lot. Matthew also gains an assistant in the shape of Kelly, who over the course of the book becomes very endearing.

Kate Griffin’s writing is once again melodic and descriptive, allowing you to fall into this London, this world and be swept along with the other debris as the story races around the city and between subplots. London is depicted as a magical place but at the same time it is not dressed up like a Richard Curtis film to look all sweet and innocent. It’s a magnificent city full of the best and worst of humanity, with some parts falling into disrepute and decay, while others thrive. I love this view and the scenes set in areas I’m familiar with add a fission of depth and colour.

This is London UF done well and done differently. However, unlike the previous instalments of Matthew Swift’s adventures, there was a certain hint of menace missing. While this threat is more personal and emotional for Matthew, it was not a threat to the city and as such seemed to miss a certain element for me. Not that this was a bad instalment in the series – just not my favourite! I would still highly recommended this series!

Recommended for fans of Anne Rice and Jim Butcher. 8 out of 10

Early Review: Hot Blooded

Hot Blooded (Jessica McClain #2)

Amanda Carlson

Publisher: Orbit – to be released 23^rd April 2013

E-Arc Courtesy of Netgalley and Hachette Books

It hasn't been the best week for Jessica McClain.
Her mate has been kidnapped by a Goddess hell-bent on revenge --- but Jessica is playing for keeps. Because she's the only female werewolf in town...it comes with its own set of rules...and powers.Aided by two vamps, two loyal Pack members, and one very reluctant human, Jessica must rescue her man while coming to terms with what being a wolf really means.
All in a day's work for a girl.

If the first book in this series, Full Blooded was fast paced, then this second book was Usain Bolt on skates, going downhill. Wow. There is little time for Jess or any of her friends to catch their breath as she, her brother, Tyler and their pack-mate Danny head off to rescue her mate, Rourke from the crazy goddess Selene. The only help they have are two tracking vampires and a police detective, Jess is trying to save now he knows about the supernatural world. The story is relentless action while at the same time exploring Jess’s new abilities and what makes her different (apart from being the only female werewolf of course!)

I loved Jess’s determination and how much she cares for others. Her care for Ray despite their troubled history was a nice insight into her personality especially as other supernaturals never really gave him much thought. Her growing friendship with the vampire, Naomi also shows her willing to rethink the inbuilt prejudice many supernaturals have. The relationship between Jess and Rourke feels a little more natural this time (it was a little too insta-love previously) and I really liked the way Jess’s powers are different from anything else in this world without making her too isolated. She already has family, friends, a mate and her own thoughts and opinions.

The action is frenetic and involving with each new challenge different and distinct. Jess doesn’t back down no matter what is thrown at her. At the same time she learns more about vampires in general and Naomi in particular, which helps give a wider perspective of what Jess could mean to the wider supernatural world and not just the wolves. I was hooked right from the beginning and never bored as Jess fought and thought her way to Rourke. While there is a nicely contained story here, the wider arc is not neglected and the ending will certainly have you wishing the next book, Cold Blooded was out much sooner than October!

Recommended for fans of Patricia Briggs and Jaye Wells. 9 out of 10

Tempest's Fury (Jane True #5) Review

Tempest’s Fury (Jane True #5)

Nicole Peeler

Publisher: Orbit

 Jane's not happy. She's been packed off to England to fight in a war when she'd much rather be snogging Anyan. Unfortunately, Jane's enemies have been busy stirring up some major trouble -- the kind that attracts a lot of attention. In other words, they're not making it easy for Jane to get any alone time with the barghest, or to indulge in her penchant for stinky cheese. Praying she can pull of a Joan of Arc without the whole martyrdom thing, Jane must lead Alfar and halflings alike in a desperate battle to combat an ancient evil. Catapulted into the role of Most Unlikely Hero Ever, Jane also has to fight her own insecurities as well as the doubts of those who don't think she can live up to her new role as Champion. Along the way, Jane learns that some heroes are born. Some are made. And some are bribed with promises of food and sex.

Poor Jane! She just can’t catch a break. Ever since she discovered that her mother was a Selkie and she is a Halfling with some pretty impressive powers, Jane has been hunted, chased and intimidated by other supernatural powers. She never takes it lying down and has managed to carve out friends, powers and abilities of her own. Now she is expected to be the champion of right and unite the supernatural world as Morrigan and Jarl attempted to raise evil long thought defeated. But at least she has Anyan by her side…

Jane, Anyan and Blondie, one of the Originals leave Rockabill and head to London to tackle the growing threat and meet a variety of new supernaturals. I love the way Nicole Peeler has used London as a background to the struggle and woven in different areas of the UK. I loved Borough Market getting a high profile visit – it’s one of my favourite places in London and the amount of food on offer is always a fantastic outing for your tastebuds  - I raise some stinky cheese to Nicole for perfectly capturing the sights, sounds and tastes of the market. I also enjoyed the visits to Brighton, Paris, York and Whitby, with the atmosphere of each place being well captured. As a ‘local’ I love it when it feels like the UK has been portrayed correctly – nothing winds me up when someone misinterprets the environment or geography of somewhere I know!

The action is well paced with the plot gathering twists and turns as Jane and co race to prevent Morrigan raising an ancient evil. The fight scenes are tense and exciting while nicely balanced with character moments as Anyan and Jane figure out their new relationship – plus Jane’s libido and stomach have their say as always! One element I love with this series is how human Jane remains despite her growing powers and expanding world view. She worries about her Dad and her job and cares about protecting people who can’t protect themselves. Off many UF heroines I’ve read, Jane has remained grounded and human while still adapting to her new life and I just adore her for that.

This book moves the overall arc of the series forward significantly and rackets up the tension like never before. And that ending! Yes, there is a cliff-hanger that will leave you going “Noooo….” I feel almost lucky that I’ve been saving Tempest’s Fury for so long as it means that there’s not long to go before Tempest Reborn is out! Exciting, fun and a very relatable heroine makes this one of my favourite UF series - and I can’t wait to see how it turns out!

Recommended for fans of Patricia Briggs and Jaye Wells. 8.5 out of 10

The Revenge of Eli Monpress Review

The Revenge of Eli Monpress (Spirit’s War & Spirit’s End – Eli Monpress #4 & #5)

Rachel Aaron

Publisher: Orbit

Eli Monpress is vain. He's cocky. And he's a thief.
But he's a thief who has just seen his bounty topped and he's not happy about it. The bounty topper, as it turns out, is his best friend and master swordsman, Josef. He's been keeping secrets from Eli. Apparently, he's the only prince of a rather feisty country, and he's been ordered to come home to do his duty. This means throwing over personal ambitions like proving he's the greatest swordsman who ever lived.Family drama aside, Eli and Josef have their hands full. The Spirit Court has been usurped by the Council of Thrones and someone calling herself the Immortal Empress is staging a massive invasion. But it's not just politics - the Immortal Empress has a specific target in mind: Eli Monpress, the greatest thief in the world.

*Sigh* I have a massive crush on Eli Monpress. He just charms me with every adventure, every outrageous scheme, every wink. I adore Miranda’s stubbornness to stick to her morals no matter what. I love Josef and Nicco’s loyalty to each other and Eli. I love the idea of objects and elements having spirits, thoughts and opinions. I just love this series and I’m so sad that it has come to an end. That one of the reasons I’ve been holding off reading this for so long as I didn’t want it to end. But what an end! Wow! I already read and reviewed Spirit’s War when that came out on kindle last year (read it here) so this review is just for the final book – Spirit’s End.

Spirit’s End is how all fantasy series should end – with the stakes higher than ever before, with each character getting a chance to shine, with each subplot and question answered and the world never being the same as it was before! After the devastation and upheavals of Spirit’s War, things don’t get any easier here with the Shepherdess finally getting her hands on Eli, the Demons outside still scratching their way into the world and the Spirit Court divided. Some of the book is taken up with tying the loose ends from Spirit’s War, with Josef’s island still devastated and in need of recovery and the Spirit’s Court’s refusal to go to war for the Council of Thrones also has consequences. Nothing is forgotten and there are consequences for everyone from their actions.

While the stakes are higher than ever before, Rachel Aaron has retained the joyful banter between characters and Eli can always raise a smile or two no matter what is happening. With the world altering events, these light touches enable the story to balance the dark and light. The characters are all true to themselves – and for most of the final 250 pages I could barely breathe as it felt like there was one climax after another. I kept thinking it couldn’t get any more tense – and then it did! This has been one of my favourite Fantasy series I’ve ever read with a delightful balance of character, plot and world-building that manages to hit all the right notes for frantic fun and deadly consequences.

While I will miss Eli and co and can see the possibility for more adventures in this world, I’m happy with where we end. Plus I’m really looking forward to Rachel Aaron’s next story! I think this series gets stronger with every book and only having five books means it’s not as overwhelming a fantasy series such as The Wheel of Time. Go on, give it a go! The books get better and better as you get to know the characters and the wider world is explored. But remember Eli is mine! J

Recommended for fans of Patricia Briggs and Scott Lynch. 10 out of 10 

Taken (Alex Verus #3) Review

Taken (Alex Verus #3)

Benedict Jacka

Publisher: Orbit

Welcome to Fountain Reach. Ancient seat of the Aubuchon dynasty. Majestic setting of the White Stone tournament. 
Alex Verus' (not necessarily reliable) reputation attracts all sorts. Most are plain bonkers. Yet there's one invitation he just can't refuse. At Fountain Reach, Alex is perfectly placed among the noted and notorious to figure out why apprentices have been vanishing. But the tournament is a minefield of ancient grudges and new threats and Alex can't afford to miss a trick as his elusive adversary stays one step ahead in this most dangerous of games...

This series is starting to growing on me. I have got my head around Alex Verus gift – as a diviner he can see the future – but only in the short term if a decision is made and only if he is focusing on it. Otherwise he can be surprised as much as anyone else. With Luna now officially his apprentice and the change this has brought to their relationship, Alex is much more involved in the world of wizards and the Light Council affairs. So when apprentices start to go missing, Alex is asked to investigate.

Alex has been slowly gathering his own ‘scooby’ gang of friends and acquaintances who also become involved in his adventures and these characters are fascinating; Luna with her unique curse, Sonder and his book-learning, Arachne and her tailor skills. This time round we are introduced to two other apprentices – Anne and Viriam who are just as appealing and different. I love the different relationships Alex has with each of them and they have with each other. It really fleshes out the world and anchors Alex. Alex himself is still a bit of a mystery. He had a tough upbringing and doesn’t trust easily. He protects his own fiercely – whether that’s his life or his friends and doesn’t hide from conflict – but prefers to be sneaky as it gives him an edge. I think that element alone makes him fairly unique in protagonists. He has no ‘honour’ as such. That doesn’t mean that him won’t stand up for himself, but he will try to do everything to give himself the advantage.

The investigation and action are neatly intertwined and the plot pacey. The pages were easily swallowed up as I became engrossed in the story. The writing has become smoother and the plotting more natural as the series as progressed (It wasn’t bad before but you can tell this is an author relaxing into his craft and evolving). The magic system is one I like especially the changes in how Luna can control and manipulate her curse now.

There is one thing that bugs me slightly – some of the bad guys always manage to escape at the end which makes it feel like there are a lot of loose endings. I can understand the reluctance to kill of an intrigue foe but after three books in the series, it seems a little repetitive – like always playing the same attack in a game of chess. However, overall this is series is evolving and I look forward to the next instalment – I’ve even pre-ordered it from Amazon already!

Recommended for fans of Suzanne Johnson and Ben Aaronovitch. 7.75 out of 10

The Midnight Mayor Review

The Midnight Mayor

- Kate Griffin

Publisher: UK – Orbit

It's said that if the ravens ever leave the Tower of London, then the Tower will crumble and the kingdom will fall. As it happens, that's not so far from the truth ...One by one, the magical wards that guard the city are failing: the London Wall defiled with cryptic graffiti, the ravens found dead at the Tower, the London Stone destroyed. This is not good news. This array of supernatural defences - a mix of international tourist attractions and forgotten urban legends - formed a formidable magical shield. Protection for the City of London against ...well, that's the question, isn't it? What could be so dangerous as to threaten an entire city? Against his better judgement, resurrected sorcerer Matthew Swift is about to find out. And if he's lucky, he might just live long enough to do something about it ...

A Madness of Angels was one of my favourite reads last year and The Midnight Mayor follows the same vein. While initially the story is somewhat similar to A Madness.., the character of Matthew Swift is explored in more depth. At first he’s woken up confused and chased by Spectres and soon realises the Midnight Mayor is dead and London is under attack. This time however, instead of Swift’s motivation being revenge, its fear for himself and his city that drives his actions. As the book progresses we follow Swifts journey – both literally and figuratively and see a more vulnerable side than we’ve not seen before and eventually it is his humanity that saves the day. There are times when he fears he won’t survive and that made me connect to him more this time than in the first book. The relationship between Swift and his enemy/partner Oda is expanded in this story and has a very bittersweet feel to it.

The writing is as atmospheric and beautiful as ever with the descriptions of London dirty, truthful and spot on. The action travels all over the city from Morden to Willesden and it obvious Griffin loves this city. As a Londoner myself it just made me love the book even more as I recognise the attitudes of the people and the places described.

This is an Urban fantasy book as it deals with sorcerers in a city setting, but this is very much set in our world with little in common with the ‘regular’ urban fantasy – and perhaps better for it.

Recommended for Mike Carey and Jim Butcher fans – but read A Madness of Angels first. I don’t think it’s necessary to read this book, but it is an excellent book as well. 10 out of 10 – highly recommended.

The Changing Covers of Urban Fantasy

There's the whole adage of never judging a book by it's cover, but sometimes it's the cover that first attracts your attention. I know I've been suckered in purchasing books based on a good title, nice cover and an interesting blurb! So what is the typical fantasy cover? Well, Orbit may have the answer.

They have done a survey of the covers of Fantasy books released in 2010 and compared them to 2009 releases, including my particular favourite genre -  Urban Fantasy -Orbit UF Cover. It's pretty interesting to see how covers have changed in just a year - and I have to say (or write in this case!) I much prefer the typical 2010 cover - I never liked high-heels and short skirts on my heroines! Have a look and let me know what you think. What do you like on front covers?