A Family Affair (Cassie Palmer #4.1)
Karen Chance
Kindle Book
Both
A Family Affair and it’s sequel short
story, Shadowland are free on Karen
Chances website – and before I catch up with Cassie Palmer and the going-ons in
Las Vegas, I thought these would remind me of the world!
Both
these stories are told from John Pritkins point of view. John was always one of
the most intriguing characters in the series – a mage bodyguard to Cassie
Palmer as the Pythia, the top clairvoyant in the world and part incubus, he has
cast a long shadow over the series and it is good to see how much he has come
to care for Cassie. In fact the torch he holds for Cassie is very sweet and gives
some nice colour to the usually glowering figure.
In
A Family Affair, John’s father promises to stop trying to kill Cassie if John
will recapture an escaped demoness from hell...unfortunately his father may
take advantage of John’s absence to get rid of Cassie in the meantime. This was
a nice exploration of the demon realms and some of John’s past. However, the character
that stands out the most is Cassanova – the combination of a vampire possessed
by an succubus spirit is interesting but it’s Cassanova’s complete disregard
for anyone by himself and his willing to say anything is great fun – think Cordelia
from Buffy! Overall, this is a nice gift from Karen exploring part of ‘normal’
life for Cassie and John now.
Recommended
for fans of Patricia Briggs and Ilona Andrews. 7 out of 10
-----------------------------------------
Shadowland (Cassie Palmer #4.2)
Karen Chance
Kindle Book
This
is pretty much a direct sequel to A Family Affair. When one of the Pythia’s
presents turns out to be a bomb, John Pritkins jumps into one of the demonlands
in order for revenge. However, all is not what it seems back at Cassanova’s
hotel in Vegas...
This
is a much simpler story and as such is much more fun. The split again between
action in Dante’s Hell on the strip and the actual Shadowlands is a nice
contrast – and there is less difference between them than you would expect!
John’s reaction to the bomb is so heart-felt and moving. Cassanova is as fun as
before – definitely one of my favourite characters. However, my favourite part
of the story is the ending – which manages to surprise John and leave a smile
on your face!
Overall,
these have both been good reminders of Cassie’s world and Karen Chance’s
writing. It’s made me really excited to pick up Hunt the Moon, Cassie’s fifth
book!
Recommended
for fans of Ann Aguirre and Jacqueline Carey. 8 out of 10.
OOOh I didn't know these ones and I complet I would love to learn more now!
ReplyDeleteI love these characters and really need to dive back into this series. Love the sound of the novellas. I also really enjoy John and Cassanova! Great characters.
ReplyDeleteI think I would want book 1 first
ReplyDelete