I love it when a book comes out of nowhere and surprises me. Got this on sale and hoped this would be “good enough” B-Movie urban fantasy fare; instead discovered a great story that tempts me to burn a full credit on book 2. This has all the feels of favorite series without being derivative – rare in this crowded genre. Because I try to reward great books that don’t yet have thousands of reviews, this review will run a bit long. Feel free to just skip to the buy button.
World:
The world is a dystopian blend of Kate Daniels (magic phases back into the world, throwing society back to feudal houses fighting thru ronin/mercenaries called Ghosts and reviving vampires, werewolves, trolls, and elves) and Ready Player One (plugging into The Green to escape reality). But, it doesn’t get bogged down in the romance side of Kate Daniels or the Disney-vibe of RP1. Nope, the vibe is UF-noir that isn’t as dark as Nightwise and has a way more likable, but still sordid, MC like Sandman Slim.
Characters:
Connor is like John Constantine; he’s a jaded, cancer coughing Ghost desperately avoiding getting involved in anything other than keeping his dying self alive. Only Connor isn’t some super powerful mofo-with-magic-mojo; Connor is a necromancer with barely a clue what that means or how his magic dice work… except there’s clearly a dark price every time he uses it. Finally! I’m tired of MCs being white, uber powerful, single men surrounded by gals who fawn all over them (the Dresden effect- ugh!). As far as I can tell, he might be white, but otherwise Connor has a kid and an ex, magic that’s as much curse as blessing, and his dying bod is skeletal. Oh, and he’s impotent. And yet, he’s a fascinating, flawed MC…that I actually like. Other authors please take note!
Connor is joined by equally unique characters, like Dany (a wheelchaired but still tough as nails Ghost), Amos (a fat, trash talking, lecherous, racist Ghost), and Jinn (an Asian, part elf with mad-biker skills). And behold, this even passes the Bechdel test!
Writing:
Not quite as snarky or mouthy as Quincy MFng Harker, this is nonetheless a book willing to drop the occasional Fbomb as it delivers gritty, wry humor. The mystery unfolds with plenty of action and twists. Even better, there are unexpected and meaningful character deaths.
Narration:
Phenomenal narration, especially for a male voicing females. Ultimately, I was enthralled and won over. There are two idiosyncrasies which listeners may find hard to get past. First, the narrator has this thing where he’ll say “character x laughed” and then the narrator will also do the sound effect of laughing. It was very pronounced, and off-putting, in the opening scene… but don’t worry, it happens much less for the rest of the book. Second, I swear it sounds like Charlie Sheen narrating MC Connor. I couldn’t shake that ear-wig (and now, dear listener, neither will you… mwahaha!)
For similar books, I recommend most of the series mentioned above (except maybe Sandman Slim). Also, if you’re looking for an undiscovered gem, but want faster, funnier, and a little lighter, try Uncanny Collateral. Or, just dig in and enjoy this 4.5 book series.