After reading volume one, I was eager to press forward into the second half of the Clean Sweep Graphic Novel story. Ilona Andrews' story was adapted bAfter reading volume one, I was eager to press forward into the second half of the Clean Sweep Graphic Novel story. Ilona Andrews' story was adapted by ChrossxXxRodes and illustrated by Shiaju Ageha for a sound partnership.
Whether one has read the Innkeeper Chronicles' first book, Clean Sweep or not, this graphic edition offers something original for all. I saw some small changes to the story in the first half that didn't alter the major plot points, but was delightfully surprised to get a brand new (never-before-seen) character and side plot in this second volume that fit well without altering the bigger story.
Dina and Sean had a fun bantering beginning partnership both on their mission to get the Dahaka and his vicious creatures dealt with and in the sizzling attraction. Arland's charming presence and Her Grace Caldenia's galactic experience and wit were well-displayed.
Again, the illustrations do great at showing facial expression and body movement, tone of the scene, and overall satisfying visual experience.
Clean Sweep is wrapped up in this second volume and I absolutely adored getting that final few pages of a scene from the story from Wilmosh's perspective. Great extra! So, if you loved what you got in Clean Sweep v. 1, this one raises the ante rather well....more
Christmas has recently passed and Domina Frevisse is kept busy with the administration of the priory and looking after the priory holdings. Her drearyChristmas has recently passed and Domina Frevisse is kept busy with the administration of the priory and looking after the priory holdings. Her dreary perusal of the accounts is interrupted when Master Naylor, the priory steward, brings before her a case involving a ne'er do well runaway village now returned. I've enjoyed Margaret Frazer's fifteenth century Oxfordshire world of the Dame Frevisse mysteries and it was with bittersweet anticipation that I arrived at the last published installment of the series.
Winter Heart is a novella-length installment that falls after the final novel, #17 The Apostate's Tale. The mysteries are all standalone, but there is Frevisse's personal story and the life of the priory that carries through the whole series so I recommend getting them in order.
In Winter's Heart, Frevisse must figure out if the obvious 'bad boy' did the murder or if he's actually telling the truth about being set up. I enjoyed seeing her cunning clever mind at work as she listened to the key players share their witness testimony and not see the significance of what they were saying like Frevisse does. Frevisse has always been one to follow the truth no matter if it seems to twist and turn in unorthodox and unbelievable ways. Interesting seeing her do it, in this instance, from the Domina of the priory's role and that of an older woman looking back on her more impetuous and adventuresome moments.
This was a short novella so it read swiftly, but it still retained all the medieval and historical religious detail and character development that the full-length mystery novels have. I reluctantly closed the book on the series, but now have a hankering to go back to the beginning and go again....more
Mid-fourteenth century Oxfordshire and the life of a priory nun who has a keen eye and clever intellect are the heart of the Dame Frevisse Mysteries. Mid-fourteenth century Oxfordshire and the life of a priory nun who has a keen eye and clever intellect are the heart of the Dame Frevisse Mysteries. The long, engaging series of novels by Margaret Frazer have been favorites and I thought it was over until recently I discovered there were some late short story tales added to the series.
The Stone-Worker's Tale is the third of the four short story standalones at the tale end of the series.
Dame Frevisse is on her annual family visit with her cousin Lady Alice. Alice is designing her own tomb and has a gifted journeyman mason working the carvings. Except Simon, the mason, and one of Alice's women have disappeared. Everyone says they eloped together, but Dame Frevisse isn't so sure.
With an economy of words, Margaret Frazer not only paints Frevisse's medieval world, but the cast of characters and the engaging mystery....more
Set in a medieval Oxfordshire in a small nunnery and village, the Sister Frevisse mysteries are full of medieval lore and solid mysteries, peopled by Set in a medieval Oxfordshire in a small nunnery and village, the Sister Frevisse mysteries are full of medieval lore and solid mysteries, peopled by complex, colorful characters led by Dame Frevisse. I've enjoyed the series for years, but only recently learned the author added a handful of short story tales.
The Midwife's Tale is the second of four follow-up short stories and can read as a standalone.
After Ada, the village midwife attends a new mother who dies in childbirth, she needs a minute. She was not alone having attended poor Cicily alongside two nuns from the priory, Elyn Brewster from the village, and the priest, but the nuns are still there when they all hear Elyn's scream. Seems in her time of attendance on poor Cicily someone attacked Elyn's husband. Ada watches with interest and little understanding as Dame Frevisse quietly goes on the hunt for a murderer.
Again, I can only say how much I enjoy this series whether short or long story form (though I prefer long and wish this were longer)....more
Set in a medieval Oxfordshire in a small nunnery and village, the Sister Frevisse mysteries are full of medieval lore and solid mysteries, peopled by Set in a medieval Oxfordshire in a small nunnery and village, the Sister Frevisse mysteries are full of medieval lore and solid mysteries, peopled by complex, colorful characters led by Dame Frevisse. I've enjoyed the series for years, but only recently learned the author added a handful of short story tales.
The Witch's Tale is the first of four follow-up short stories and can read as a standalone.
A village free woman who is a skilled herbalist shares a kinship with Dame Claire the priory Infirmarian. Suddenly, Margery is accused and doesn't deny that she killed her abusive, angry husband by witchcraft. Dame Frevisse is frustrated by the Crowner's determination to take her at her word and Margery can't be saved. Or can she?
So much in such a short story. Definitely recommend....more
After my first sip of cozy fantasy with the first book in the series, Legends and Latte, and loving it, I was more than willing to return for more VivAfter my first sip of cozy fantasy with the first book in the series, Legends and Latte, and loving it, I was more than willing to return for more Viv the Orc and her adventures. And, in case you’re wondering, an author as narrator made for a two-punch of fabulousness.
My full review will post at That's What I'm Talking About TBA....more
The fifteenth century comes alive for a Dame Frevisse historical mystery set at Christmas time in the St. Frideswide’s Priory and local village. YearsThe fifteenth century comes alive for a Dame Frevisse historical mystery set at Christmas time in the St. Frideswide’s Priory and local village. Years ago, I read the series and now I’m glad to return to Margaret Frazer’s talented work to get it on audio narrated by the estimable Susan Duerden a familiar favorite narrator.
The Servant’s Tale is the second standalone of the Dame Frevisse series. Though, it reads/listens fine out of order, I will say that there is a flow to the books, characters and relationships and an assumption of how the worldbuilding is laid out that the books are read in order. For those who like to note details, this is the first book where Joliffe the Player and his fellow thespians are introduced and will later go on to have a spinoff series.
The Servant’s Tale opens with a poor villager woman servant’s point of view worrying about how to keep things together with a drunken, lousy husband overdue from his last chance work given by their lord’s steward, her sons running about and leaving their meager animals and hovel home untended while she is working herself to the bone up at the priory earning enough to buy her youngest son’s freedom for the priesthood (which he doesn’t want) and hopefully hold their pittance of land for her oldest son (who’s shaping up to be a drunken brawler like his dad) to farm in his turn. Her woes increase when her husband is found injured by a troupe of players on the road and the killings start. Most of the village and priory think the traveling players are the most likely culprits, but Dame Frevisse who shares the narration is convinced that they must look deeper because the deceased were not without local enemies and motives. Although, she admits to herself that she may be biased because her own former life as a traveler has her feeling kinship to the players. Christmas time at the priory and a series of murders to solve made for an engaging story. I loved the way Susan Duerden captures the tone of the story and voices all the characters, but particularly her Dame Frevisse voice.
All in all, it was a solid story with well written and obviously researched medieval and religious period background, character and plot development and an overall story from two different class point of views. Definitely a recommend to other historical cozy mystery fans.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy 2.12.25....more
Hercule Poirot is asked to look into a theft with international political ramifications over the Christmas holidays, but his positive response hinges Hercule Poirot is asked to look into a theft with international political ramifications over the Christmas holidays, but his positive response hinges on whether the country house has the central heating. He arrives in the midst of a family group enjoying traditional Christmas festivities including a Christmas pudding with an odd stone hidden inside.
One of Christie's lighter fares and perfect for a seasonal cozy mystery. Charles Armstrong told the shorter tale well and I enjoy his rendition of Poirot and the other characters. A quick holiday treat!...more
Readers encounter a certain Black Volhv priest to Chernabog early on in the Kate Daniels’ series who then becomes the occasional recurring character. Readers encounter a certain Black Volhv priest to Chernabog early on in the Kate Daniels’ series who then becomes the occasional recurring character. Ilona Andrews writes an amazing world, plot, and characters and this is especially true because readers like me fall for the minor characters right along with the main talent. Roman is just such a one and I was jazzed as can be to see him get his own story beginning with this Sanctuary novella.
Slavic mythology and the post-apocalypse urban fantasy world of Kate Daniels blend for the backdrop for an engaging dark priest-style adventure. Roman, avoiding the winter holidays with family and fretting about not getting some well-earned time off from his godly boss, gives sanctuary to a mysterious teen boy who arrives in his back woods just before a cocky group of mercs show up demanding Roman hand over the kid. Roman’s got his own magic, his own menagerie posse, and a grumpy attitude so the demand doesn’t set well and he digs in for a good scrap with all the mercs and their magical support throw at him.
When all is said and done, readers get a fabulous insight into Roman’s entertaining perceptions, his way of mentoring the young man who turns out to need the sort of guidance that only one like Roman can give, and the revelation of Roman’s past which gets some strong resolution through the quirk of a god.
This was my first time listening to Chris Brinkley's narration work, but I enjoyed how he interpreted Roman's voice and voiced the rest of the characters. I hope he narrates the rest of this series and that I encounter more of his voice work.
Sanctuary wraps up in a good place, but leaves space for further adventures for Roman and his new-old acquaintances along with his adopted crowd of unusual pets. Roman is a wonderful nuanced character I look forward to knowing better as his chronicles progress. Incidentally, there is a bonus short story at the end following up on a small portion of the novella. Kate Daniels’ fans are the primary target for this book since it would be a hard place for new readers to jump in though I suppose it could be done. ...more
After the turbulent and smashing finish to The Iron Druid Chronicles, here comes a follow-up series sharing that world, but introducing a new protagonAfter the turbulent and smashing finish to The Iron Druid Chronicles, here comes a follow-up series sharing that world, but introducing a new protagonist, characters, and situation. Oh course I was going to read them.
Ink and Sigil introduces Al MacBhairass, sigil agent working to keep the passage of fae and otherworldly types to earth all legal and above board. But, the book opens with Al learning his apprentice, who, in a series of unfortunate lethal deaths of his apprentices, is the latest to die. Gordie’s death reveals his criminal trafficking in fae and the bigger issue of who he was working with and how he got sigil magic recipes that were not what Al had taught him yet.
Ink and Sigil progressed with this mystery of Al’s while introducing him and the others he works with. Al is under a curse that forces him to use text speak because prolonged exposure to his voice sets people against him. Whether action scenes or investigation time, intros and reflections, Kevin Hearne’s brand of humor and wit are strong throughout.
I confess that I nearly DNF’d because the raunchy humor and the plot stalling out in the earlier half had me less than impressed with the new start. I liked Al and Nadia, his security and office manager but Buck the hobgoblin got on my nerves as did Al and Buck together. However, I kept at it and eventually settled in and got engaged so that in the end I was eager to see what came next. There were some good series threads begun in this one like the mystery behind Al’s curse and a tight knot of found family and friends around poor widower Al whose curse estranged him from his son.
Luke Daniels was lights out fantastic narrating with all the accents and characters peopling this book. His narration style is entertaining, but doesn’t distract from the story itself.
All in all, I was glad I kept going and ended up being well-satisfied. Al is a very different style main character from Atticus, but has his own strengths and struggles. I think the series will grow stronger and I look forward to being along for that.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy on 11.25.24....more
After meeting Al and his Ink and Sigil work that’s part of the Iron Druid world, I was geeked to dive back into a new Al MacBharrais adventure this tiAfter meeting Al and his Ink and Sigil work that’s part of the Iron Druid world, I was geeked to dive back into a new Al MacBharrais adventure this time in the land Down Under. Kevin Hearne writes entertaining and exciting characters and plots in a well-crafted urban fantasy world.
Paper & Blood is the second in a connected Urban Fantasy trilogy that is a spinoff to the Iron Druid Chronicles. It really does work best when read in order including the entire Iron Druid books.
Al gets an alarming call from a fellow Sigil agent’s apprentice. Her mistress is missing and so is the nearby sigil agent who went searching for her already. Al has to go to Australia to start where the incident happened, but he’s not going alone. Al drags Buck the hobgoblin along and plans to solicit the help of the Iron Druid who is in the area tracking down another outburst of supernatural phenomena disrupting Gaia. But, it’s Al after all so he ends up with a few other surprising helpers along the way.
Meanwhile, Al knows he has to give due thought to who put the curses on him because Buck’s life is in acute danger while the curses are in play. He gets some hints about the curses and learns something interesting about his mysterious receptionist Gladys who is not simply an efficient Canadian.
I enjoyed the reunion with Atticus now calling himself Connor and his two dog pals Oberon and Starbuck. Connor isn’t the main character, that is still Al, but he gets some significant page time including a couple of his old tales around the campfire and there is a raucous one from Buck. I settled into this book much easier than the first one. I knew the score and the introductions are over, but the characters grew on me in the last book and that happened even more so here. Al has a different way of going about things and it is his different thinking from the big bad immortals and magic users around him that wins me over so strongly.
This was a rollicking urban fantasy adventure and I can’t wait to get to the last leg of the trilogy and hopefully get some answers to Al’s mysterious curse while having a good time with the whole gang of characters especially Al.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy on 12.19.24....more
You’ve heard that old adage, “While the Cat’s away…” Well, while the Marok’s away, the pack comes under vicious attack and the werewolves must do muchYou’ve heard that old adage, “While the Cat’s away…” Well, while the Marok’s away, the pack comes under vicious attack and the werewolves must do much more than play.
Burn Bright is the fifth of the Alpha & Omega series, but also the #15 of the Mercy Thompson world. Personally, I do not read the two series or think of them as separate, but rather just two sides of the same coin. However, it is also versatile in that a reader can get away with only reading one series or the other if that is their preference.
Charles has been left in charge of the Aspen Creek Pack while Bran goes to help rescue Mercy. He is not pleased with this state of affairs and then he takes a distress call from one of his da's wilding wolves- strangers on their lands and a traitor in their midst.
I enjoyed the action and suspense as Charles and Anna work to figure out what is going on and prevent an insidious plot even while the story highlights just how far they have come as a mated pair and individuals. Anna is faced with the demons of her past and Charles with letting her be who she is without smothering her and respecting her as his equal partner and not just his mate needing protection.
Another great piece was the spotlight on Bran's haughty mate, Leah. She is given a prominent role and, yes, I'm going to say it, I loved it. What this book revealed about Leah, and even Bran, was as captivating as the exciting parts. The dynamics between Leah and Charles as step-family and even a small peek into Leah's history particularly with Mercy was engaging.
Oh, and Charles and Anna are surrounded by the fabulous cast of recurring quirky minor characters in Aspen Creek and some great new ones- Asil the Moor, Tag, Sage, and so many others. All are one big crazy family and pack. And yet, it was tension-wrought as someone, known to them all, was a pack traitor and selling them out.
Holter Graham continues to impress upon me just what a high caliber narrator he is and how much he can take a good story and make it even better.
As, with each new story, Patricia Briggs reveals more magic and legend- fae, witch, and werewolf, in this case. There were several exciting moments and the end was a great climax. A new worthy enemy is revealed and left me eager for what is to come in the series. ...more
A nostalgic look back to a time in Monterey's history spotlighting the growth of fishing, the Wharf, and the Sardine Industry. As a descendant of one A nostalgic look back to a time in Monterey's history spotlighting the growth of fishing, the Wharf, and the Sardine Industry. As a descendant of one of the Sicilian families who came to Monterey to fish and also work in the canneries, I was particularly interested in the historical account and pictures Randall Reinstedt put together in this quick-read book.
Beginning with a summary of Monterey's long history as a settlement first to indigenous peoples, then the Spaniards, Old California, and more modern history of the arrival of the Europeans and a growing fishing industry where in its heyday Sardine was king. The pictures come with good explanations and follow a chronological order. There are explanations of innovations to the industry from the fishing boats, to the canneries, and to the Wharf, big events like fires and festivals, and finishing where Steinbeck came on the scene as the canneries and wharf life were fading away to write of those times and help bring in a new industry to the area- tourism.
I had a good time reading the book. I saw much that was familiar and also appreciated learning bits I didn't know. An easy read guide that would appeal to those visiting the area and wanting more knowledge or those who have a connection to it all....more
I'm revisiting this series on audio and was excited about it because the books were starting to get vague in my memories after all these years.
Fair GaI'm revisiting this series on audio and was excited about it because the books were starting to get vague in my memories after all these years.
Fair Game is the third installment to Charles and Anna’s story. A quick word to any newbies to Patricia Briggs: One gets more out of these stories when both the Alpha & Omega and Mercy Thompson series are combined as one series. There are references to the other series and the longer one reads in both series there is an understanding the reader-listener is already keeping up with both series simultaneously.
Fair Game begins about six months after book two, Hunting Ground. The wolves have just come out of the closet with the fae to the human public and it has made their every action much more important. Before the coming out, certain infractions among the wolves were left as a warning. Now, it is a killing issue and these killings occur more frequently than ever never leaving Charles, as the Enforcer, time to recover from what he must do. Charles’ has always done his duty and performed in the name of justice, but as of late he is weighted down heavily by guilt and remorse. He cuts himself off from Anna and she is terrified that they are losing him.
A creative solution is found to give Charles some respite from this soul-eating job. Bran decides to send Anna and Charles to liaison with the FBI in Boston to stop a serial killer who has targeted humans, fae, and werewolves. Anna and Charles find that the FBI team also includes people from two other agencies who can barely tolerate each other (surprised?) let alone the idea of working with werewolves. Some of the team consider them as nothing other than monsters (yay team). They are joined by the fae father of this last victim. Time is running out as they all work to find the answers. In the meantime, Anna and Charles have Charles’ inner demons to work on too.
The plot was as intriguing and captivating as what one can usually expect in this series. It is multi-layered and kept me on my toes. The relationship between Charles and Anna is obviously a keystone to the story, but the action was exciting too. I was on pins and needles as Charles and Anna were working hard to repair the fractures in their relationship caused by his wet work for Bran and the deep guilt Charles was bowed under had a mystical quality that was keeping him from functioning at his best right when things got dire and deadly for them all. Something big happens at the end that will have repercussions on both series.
The characters were well written. I loved the introduction to the new characters in Boston. The Boston alpha, Isaac, was amusing the way he deliberately tried to irritate Charles and soon learned that he had a tiger by the tail. The FBI agent, Leslie Fisher is tough, skillful, but has intellect and humor too. The small scenes with Bran and Asil are always good.
But as great as the plot and characters are, it is the world building that takes these books from just the ‘great’ to the abso-fabulous level. Patricia Briggs is a world builder and story teller par excellence. Now I’ll be impatiently waiting for the next installment.
Holter Graham is a fabulous narrator and I've been enjoying what he brings to the story.
My full review posted at The Reading Frenzy on 12.17.24....more
The Christies are away, the new vacuum cleaner is in route, the maids are love crazy over the new valet, and a mysterious invitation to a murder is deThe Christies are away, the new vacuum cleaner is in route, the maids are love crazy over the new valet, and a mysterious invitation to a murder is delivered to Mallowan Hall. Phyllida soon discovers that someone is not playing games when the corpse at the party turns out to be truly dead. Colleen Cambridge’s Phyllida Bright mysteries seem to get better and better each new installment.
Murder by Invitation Only is the third in a 1930s era historical cozy mystery series. The mysteries are all standalone, but the ongoing development of characters and relationships makes them best when they follow each other in order.
I’ve enjoyed throughout this series how there are several little Easter eggs tucked in hinting at plots for Agatha Christie’s books and also having Agatha Christie and her husband Max as minor characters in an otherwise fictitious plot. Phyllida Bright and her circle of below stairs fellow staff and some of the villagers make up the prominent ongoing cast. The acrimony between Phyllida with Dobble the butler, her masterful leadership of the household, and her ongoing mutual sarcastic encounters with Bradford the chauffeur all make for fun times even while a murder needs solving.
Phyllida seems to be a murder magnet. She is now in the close vicinity of a corpse for the third time. Each encounter leaves her better prepared and more skilled at her amateur investigations. This time, a storm and a knocked out bridge keep Scotland Yard from arriving on time so Phyllida tugs up her garters and steps in to not only assist (cough, ahem) the constable, but give the staff in the deceased’s home a well-needed boot up the bum. Murder is no excuse for dull furniture or late tea.
Either I’ve finally gotten adjusted to Phyllida’s top-lofty ways or she was toned down a bit so I was not irritated by her know-it-all superiority and could simply appreciate an efficient woman get to the bottom of things in a house full of suspects who slowly divulge what they know and how each has a motive for killing off Wokesley. I cottoned to the solution right away and the why not long after when certain things came out in the witness interviews, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story.
In the previous book, I was a little disappointed not to get any hints as to the mystery of Phyllida’s past or even that of Bradford. This was not the case in Murder by Invitation Only. No full disclosures happened, mind, but there were some pretty big hints and I can’t wait to see if I’m right as the series progresses.
All in all, this was my favorite of the series so far and I’m now caught up on the series and must eagerly anticipate the newest release. I recommend this to those who enjoy historical cozy mysteries and particularly the ‘upstairs-downstairs’ array of characters.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 12.8.24.
My first venture into the Who Was series of biographies aimed at the Middle Grade crowd went well. I adore Laura Ingalls Wilder and her Little House tMy first venture into the Who Was series of biographies aimed at the Middle Grade crowd went well. I adore Laura Ingalls Wilder and her Little House tales so I was happy to pick up this carefully crafted biography that hit the historical facts, but in such a way to help the reader imagine the person and their life in brief.
For those who have only read the Little House books or watched the show, parts of Laura's bio will be startling because yes, she did leave out moments in her childhood or changed things for various reasons. This is adheres to the facts and brings up the sad as well as happy times with the focus reading group being decidedly young.
I enjoyed this one and appreciated the sharing of the bibliography so I can look for even more source material on a favorite author. Definitely recommended to Middle Grade and even among the more advanced chapter readers or the young at heart....more
Even as an adult, I delight in reading Scooby Doo mystery adventures. What fun to come across the You Choose Stories: Scooby Doo series! There are tweEven as an adult, I delight in reading Scooby Doo mystery adventures. What fun to come across the You Choose Stories: Scooby Doo series! There are twelve variations of the story for Scooby and the Gang.
The Ghost of the Bermuda Triangle takes place on a mystery cruise to... where else? The Bermuda Triangle, gulp. There are a few quick intro pages to the setting and fun with the gang and then the ghost appears and they are split up. At this point, the reader begins choosing the path of their adventure.
Yes, I went back and followed each one for a good time. Throughout the book, there are color illustrations to enjoy.
All told this was a great time and I recommend to beginning chapter readers and young at heart alike....more
As an Innkeeper Chronicles fan, I couldn't not read the Graphic Novel version. Clean Sweep has been formatted into two volumes so I read this first voAs an Innkeeper Chronicles fan, I couldn't not read the Graphic Novel version. Clean Sweep has been formatted into two volumes so I read this first volume.
Oh the fun of seeing all our favorite Innkeeper characters in well drawn artwork and the sassy dialogue and thought balloons. I enjoy that there are some subtle difference in the storyline from the original. The crackling energy between Dina and Sean is great. The action scenes make you feel the energy and pace step up just viewing the artwork and quick read dialogue boxes.
I am in a fever to get my hands on the second volume and recommend this edition to fellow fans....more
A whimsical and fun comic book rendering of that time in Jane Austen's life when she was young, vivacious and had suitors, but also a secret passion fA whimsical and fun comic book rendering of that time in Jane Austen's life when she was young, vivacious and had suitors, but also a secret passion for writing. A short piece and all done in black and white images, but engaging as the young Jane of this slightly fictional tale had to decide which love would get her future.
The story is brief, but complete with a good rising action and resolve. There was an extra section of explanation from the author for the elements of real life background for Jane Austen and the Regency period.
All in all, a fun way to experience a fictional biography of my favorite authoress....more
As I continue through the Kate Daniels series, I have come to enjoy many of the colorful side characters too. Gunmetal Magic steps aside from Kate as As I continue through the Kate Daniels series, I have come to enjoy many of the colorful side characters too. Gunmetal Magic steps aside from Kate as the lead and puts Andrea Nash in the hot seat as a heroine. I enjoyed watching her grow. She was already a scrappy fighter and tough woman because her early years were horrific and she had to fight for everything. However, she had some personal growing to do which involved accepting herself, accepting that others would accept her real self, and trusting others to help. She had to hit rock bottom before this all could take place. So in true fashion, the authors write her an exciting case that coincidentally involves Rafael and manages to segundo in Kate and the rest of the gang as back up.
Andrea is a fun if exasperating heroine that I enjoyed to read along with her as the narrator. She has a stubborn-streak, a flair for drama (what bouda worth their salt doesn't?), and a wicked sense of humor. I was thrilled by the exciting investigation adventures and bit my lip with groans as Rafael pulled a cruel stunt and then it was game on between him and Andrea.
One of the characters, Roman, the dark mage, who appeared earlier in the series was a compelling character and I really hope to encounter more of him as the series progresses.
It was definitely worth the read and fans of Kate Daniels would miss out if they skipped it. Kate and Curran are there so its not exactly a drought of their presence.
Renee Raudman continues as the series narrator and I enjoyed her storytelling and handling of a lot of characters. I was not as keen on the way she had Andrea do that whisper-whine thing when she was stressing. But this was small potatoes.
All together, both stories were fantastic and all round delicious Urban Fantasy that leaves me hungry for more....more