She Returns From War
Lee Collins
Publisher: Angry Robot – Release Date
7th February 2013
E-Arc Courtesy of Netgalley &
Angry Robot
Four years after the horrific events in Leadville, a young woman from England, Victoria Dawes, sets into motion a series of events that will lead Cora and herself out into the New Mexico desert in pursuit of Anaba, a Navajo witch bent on taking revenge for the atrocities committed against her people.
She Returns From War is the second book featuring Cora
Inglesbury, supernatural hunter in the 1800s – think a female Dean Winchester
in the Wild West! However, rather than following the action from Cora’s point
of view, the whole story is told from Victoria Dawes viewpoint. Victoria is a
young woman who vows revenge on the supernatural creatures that caused her
parents death and searches out Cora to help. However, Cora’s past has caught up
her and Vicky gets stuck in the middle...
One
of things I loved about this story is that it doesn’t feel like time has stood
still for Cora. This is set a number of years after The Dead of Winter and some
things have changed. Cora is still a hard woman, but fair. There is never any
idea that she is some special warrior – just some-one who works hard, has some
skills and some luck. Victoria is a little naive but determined. Both women
feel natural – real rather than stereotype heroines. The action is exciting and
well-paced. The story flowed together seamlessly and felt more coherent than
the first book. I liked the hints of native American magic which adds to the
world already established.
This
really is a fresh air in the world of supernatural hunters – the ending (which
I don’t want to spoil but is a real surprise!) really brings one story to an
end and starts a new one showing that Lee Collins isn’t afraid to move things
forward. This really highlights that he is an author to watch! Many others
would have been content to keep the series going in a continual loop for a few
more books but Lee takes risks and I am very much looking forward to see what
he writes next!
Recommended
for fans of Kate Griffin and Chris Holm. 9 out of 10
CO? NM? Oh and then you throw in a female Dean Winchester? Okay, this looks like something I need to put on the wishlist ASAP!!
ReplyDeleteOoo, for fans of Chris Holm? It definitely goes onto my wishlist! :) Great review, Mel!
ReplyDeleteHmm, thanks! This is new to me. :)
ReplyDeleteDid you say a female Dean Winchester in the Wild West? 'Cause that's what my eyes THINK they saw. SOLD! I love the sound of this, adding to my tbr.
ReplyDeleteGreat review!