Hellforged Review

Hellforged (Deadtown 2)

-       Nancy Holzner

Publisher: Ace Fantasy

A demon is stalking Vicky's dreams-just as several of Deadtown's zombies are viciously attacked and become really dead. And when Vicky realizes she is the only connection between the victims, she suspects that the demon is somehow working through her dreams to become Deadtown's living nightmare

Occasionally you come across a book that reminds you of all you love about your favourite genre. And for me the Deadtown books just bring the joy and fun of Urban Fantasy back. Vicky is in trouble again when zombies in Deadtown are being killed and the police are told not to investigate. Added to which the demon who killed her father is back and haunting her dreams.

I love Vicky as a character – she is independent but not cold, sure of who she is and can kick serious demon butt! As a shapeshifter she has the power to change into any animal she wants and I love that it’s not just the predators she changes into – she uses all sorts of different animals to protect those she loves. This time round Vicky spends a lot of time with her aunt, who has more secrets and it was interesting to see Vicky as the student to her aunt’s Yoda as it brought a different perspective to her character.

Vicky’s friends and love interests are varied and help make this world fully fleshed out. I actually liked her on-off boyfriend, Kane a lot more this time around but missed the connection she had with fully human detective Daniel. There is plenty of action with Vicky fighting demons – both real and her own. Not everything is wrapped up neatly and there are some very intriguing hints of what else is going on in the world. For a completely fun, fast-paced and joyous Urban Fantasy, this is one series that is very hard to beat.

Recommended for fans of Rachel Vincent and Kelley Armstrong. 9 out of 10.