Genre: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 337
Published: 2010 Zebra
Shiarra Waynest's detective work was dangerous enough when her client base was strictly mortal. But ailing finances have forced her to accept a lucrative case that could save her firm - if it doesn't kill her first. Shiarra has signed on to work for a high-level mage to recover an ancient artifact owned by one of New York's most powerful vampires. As soon as Shiarra meets sexy, mesmerizing vamp Alec Royce, she knows her assignment is even more complicated than she thought. With a clandestine anti-Other group trying to recruit her, and magi being eliminated, Shiarra needs back-up and enlists her ex-boyfriend - a werewolf whose non-furry form is disarmingly appealing - and a nerdy mage with surprising talents. But it may not be enough. In a city where the undead roam, magic rules, and even the Others aren't always what they seem, Shiarra has just become the secret weapon in a battle between good and evil - whether she likes it or not.
My thoughts:
I liked this world and Shiarra because she was actually scared and careful around Others. Not racist, just very careful. And that makes sense, because of vampires, werewolves and mages suddenly came out then yes I would be scared too. And perhaps not mix with them when they can tear my head off.
Shiarra is a PI who takes a case she does not want to take. But somebody has to pay the bills. She knows better than to mix with mages and vampires. She is tough, but with a good head on her shoulder and she knows this case will likely kill her. And I do like that and that she tries everything to get out of a bad situation. She is a worthy kick-ass woman.
The story is about her trying to get an artifact, staying away from mean vampire Royce and just generally staying alive and kicking some ass later on. Since the person holding the artefact does not want to give it up.
The men then. She has an ex who turned out to be a werewolf so Chaz is in the doghouse now so to speak. Then there is charismatic and scary Alec Royce but evil vampires are so not for her, well we will see about that. The thing is that every sane person knows not to get involved with Others because they make you sign a contract. This is to protect humans but in that end that contract is way scarier cos in case of a violent death they can't be prosecuted.
I liked Shirra and her PI partner Sara, I liked Arnold who shows up later and I sure liked Royce. The only one I am a bit on the fence about is Chaz. Nothing wrong with him but it was mostly because of the crowd of posers he was with.
At the end the scariest thing in this book was the White Hats, creepy racists peeps scare the hell out of me.
Conclusion:
A good start to a new series. There is plenty of action and as for the romance, you know I can't tell you. A good book that I recommend. There is also this fun vibe over the book that I enjoyed.
rating:
Good
Cover:
Kick.ass
Source: For review
Chaz grrrrrr. Just wait until the third book.
ReplyDeleteRoyce reminds me of Roarke from the In Death series.
Well, maybe if I stumble across it or find it mooching around the shelves...bumping into it the night...in other words maybe. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI've got a review copy on its way to me *YAY* I'm really intrigued by the premise and the characters ;)
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy reading about heroines who are kick-ass. Shirra seems like a great protagonist. Lots of action and a good romance make any book fun to read. I think this seems like a nice summer read.
ReplyDeleteI've heard good things about this series and I sure do like the sound of Royce:) Looking forward to your thoughts on the next 2!
ReplyDeleteI do like PI/detective stories. A lot. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat review! A vampire or a werewolf I know its so hard for a girl to choose.
ReplyDelete@KT
ReplyDeleteI like that grrrrrr, I can see that Chaz will do something..now what will that man do?
From what I have heard about him I can see that
@Ana
Lol, you know there was no romance at all. Sure there was the jealous ex, thinking said ex was hot, thinking vamp was hot and then kicking his ass
@Leontine
Yay :D I hope you like it! I did want to start on book 2 at once but that is for next week
@MishA
Kick-ass women are great, so strong, and jut something I could never be. Trust me, I scare when I see a tiny spider
I love the 70s feel to this cover. I may have to give this series a try.
ReplyDeleteYou can't tell us about the romance? Even if I go all *puppy eyes* on you? Damn lol
ReplyDeleteI need to know that before starting a series LOL
It's on my books I need to read soon-List ;)
Oh I have this one on the ol' tbr. Yes!
ReplyDeleteI have to say I loved that the ex was in the doghouse. LOL Plus, with a kick-ass heroine, I know this book series is for me. YaY!
@Jenny
ReplyDeleteBook 2 is coming next week and then a review of book 3 the following :D let's see what happens to Royce and Chaz
@Chris
They are fun :D
@Jenny
I think I am Team Fang today, and it changes
@Ryan
ReplyDeleteI did not see that but now I totally do :D
@Caro
Bad Caro! Do not try the puppy look with me, as a puppy eyes expert I am immune.
But I need to tell you something...ok I get some serious vibes coming from Royze and she wants Chaz since he is so big and hunky. It is UF after all, so no smexing around
@Melissa
Hihi, who would not freak if they boyfriend suddenly turned into a werewolf. Men!
Kick-as chicks are the best. I will keep you updated
"Others because they make you sign a contract. This is to protect humans but in that end that contract is way scarier cos in case of a violent death they can't be prosecuted." - Ah, paranormal creatures that have got all their bases covered, including legal ones!
ReplyDeleteHaven't seen this series. Thanks for the introduction. It sounds good. Fantastic review!
ReplyDeleteYay! Glad for your stamp of approval because I just got this book for FREE on amazon. *dances*
ReplyDeleteThis one didn't do it for me. But I am glad you enjoyed it B. :)
ReplyDeleteM
Oh I have this one and want to get to it. Ha! Now, at least I have it. It's safe on my shelves, as long as not one come to invade the shelves... Okay, so I'm swamped with books at the moment. Thanks for the wonderful review. :)
ReplyDeleteOh good, you liked it! I have this one coming soon for me to read. It makes me feel good that you enjoyed it. :)
ReplyDeleteThe MC sounds empowering, which I just love! Fantastic review! :)
ReplyDelete@Blodeuedd *sigh* Ok that's better than nothing! Thank you *g* I can live without the smexing but I don't like much Love Triangles =P
ReplyDeleteThis sounds really good!
ReplyDeleteAnd if KB/KT Grant says that Royce reminds Roarke I just have to have it!
I saw this ebook for free for awhile I think...
ReplyDeletewoo-hooooo. glad to hear you liked it. i'll be reading it next month too!
ReplyDelete@Steph
ReplyDeleteOh they sure have. Can't have anyone going to jail for accidentally drinking too much blood now can we ;)
@Alexis
Thanks! it was a really good start to a series
@Missie
Hihi, I hope you enjoy it! Freebies rock
@Michelle
Oh pooh, too bad it wasn't what you were looking for.
@Melissa
ReplyDeleteShelf invading..knowing your taste in books then yes I might just come and invade that shelf and steal them all ;)
Bad Blodeuedd! She is a meanie, lol.
But yay for having it
@Julie
Yay, I do hope you will like it too, and keep an eye out for Royce ;)
@Melissa
Thanks! Soon I will get to read book 2, yay, ok I could do it at once but I have to read another series for review
@Caro
ReplyDeleteWell, oh shame on you, are you trying to get me to spill the beans. Into the corner of shame with you Caro (pssssst.. do not fear the triangle here)
@Elysium
And I want to get to know this Roarke fellow
@carrie
Amazon!! Dunno if it is there any more though
VV
Yay, I hope you like it to
Nice to have a character with some real reactions to the craziness around her. Royce sounds great!
ReplyDeleteI like the sound of this book. Reminds me a bit of Blood Ties by Tanya Huff.
ReplyDeleteUm... locking all doors and windows franticly. And now putting safe guards on the shelves as Blodeuedd and Melissa (Books&Things) are going to be invading my den....
ReplyDelete@Alyssa
ReplyDeleteShe felt normal that way cos who would not freak?! ;)
I would run screaming around for a while, lol
@Simcha
Never read that one, but I did see an ep of it but not for me..or I did not give it a chance
@Melissa
You should not have told me about her plan. Now I shall email her and together we shall come up with a master plan mouwahahaha
Duuuu, dwat! *palm forhead* Okay, okay. I'm in trouble now! ;D LOL!
ReplyDeleteMelissa
ReplyDeleteThose shelves are not save. I have The art of war by Sun Tzu. The ancients shall guide me and fellow conqueror Melissa
*insert really evil laugh, much more evil than previous laugh*
LMAO!!! ;D
ReplyDeleteOh I can't hide them to save my life with that art of war at hand. I say pack and run!!!!! is all I have left.
LOL!
And I do not have a book about finding people or books. Just how to conquer and rule. Well played my friend, well played
ReplyDelete;)
LOL!
ReplyDeleteAs long as Melissa doesn't have a tracking book, my books and I are safe. lol.
On the run... the life of a book hoarder.
LOL!
And I do not read CIA books or anything like that either. But you know the moment you stop I will be there, stealing tour books ;) Maybe you should go into the witness protection programme ;)
ReplyDeleteBPA - Book Protection Association. A new program started to help safeguard those who hoard their books from others that desire them.
ReplyDeleteThose who desire anothers books can become very dangerous so some book lovers have to go into hiding. We have a special new program in process now. The people are moved periodically to safe zones with lovely library style shelves to divert the eyes of others from these sacred books.
If you need to join others that are no longer safe from their booking friends, or that their books are no longer safe. Please call us and we will rush in to assist you in any way for safeguarding books in your home, or helping you move along around the world keeping the books safe from others prying eyes.
LOL!
ReplyDeleteOh yes the BPA, I have heard whispers about them but never learnt anything more. I think my hoarding has not attracted that many thieves yet. Instead I still lust after more books.
LMAO!
ReplyDeleteOh this is to fun.
Well, now that I see their ad I guess I must call them. ;D
Although I do have to say there are some books on your shelves I think I would love to have. I was actually thinking I should take my books to a safe house then sneak to your home and Melissa's to see what ones I could snag off the shelves while you are starring a empty shelves at my place. ;D Mauuuwww ha ha ha ha...
No no, bad Melissa. My madness as infected you.
ReplyDeleteOh my poor books! How on earth will I save them! I do have some hidden away and you will not know where. But the rest are here. Though on the second floor. So I am thinking...perhaps the neighbours would not mind a little moat and perhaps a few crocodiles swimming around. yes, and of course studying the aRt of War more.
But in my madness I will be chasing your books, oh who will hold the fort?
Oh the hints you drop here. Give me more please. ;) I am gathering intel to make my invasion quick and stealthy. he he he
ReplyDeleteAnd that book Art of War will have to be destroyed or come with me.... hmmm, which is the best decision. Well, I can't destroy books, so I will just bring it with me.
he he he hehe...
Oh no, do not try to trick me by saying that 75 % of my books can be found at my parent's place. I know better than that, ha!
ReplyDeleteYou shall not have Art of War. That is my battlecry
Hmmm, please, keep chatting. And how are your parents these days? Are they going on vacation anytime soon?
ReplyDeleteOh, and the map to the battle can be stolen just as easy as any other book. So don't carry it on your person at all times. ;D
lol!!!
Awww thank you for asking. Well both are at home since it is vacation time but they usually take these walks during the day. And of course dad is gonna bring the car to the mechanic soon. On Monday that is. before noon.
ReplyDeleteI also have On War by Claus von Clausewitz so I know all the tactics (need books on war to write an epic battlescene at the end of my fantasy series ;)
Hmm...not sure if this is the series for me but I'm glad that you enjoyed it overall! It sounds like a very interesting series and I'll see as you continue to read it if it might be something I need to check out. :-)
ReplyDeleteI've read so many raving review about this series, I am glad you also enjoy it. IT is already on my wishlist.
ReplyDeleteDeanna
ReplyDeleteYou will be kept updated, more to come soon..sooon :D
And I am very interested to see what happens next
Aurian
I hope you enjoy it too if you try it
Is it me or is the font on the cover over used for this genre?
ReplyDeleteLiz
ReplyDeleteI never thought of it but now when you say it O_o