Grave Peril by Jim Butcher

 

Jim Butcher remains consistent in this urban fantasy of good versus evil, courage, heroism, and mystery. This time we even get to see a development in Harry's romantic life. The mystery narrative is vivid and easy to hook yourself into. The vampiric pageantry is dark, yet opulent. And, Jim Butcher's lick for erotic humor continues to be amusing and unforgettable. 

The supernatural and paranormal befall the windy city, yet again and Harry Dresden, Chicago's investigative wizard is back on the case. Harry has gained some following after his run-in with another wizard involved in a local drug war and ironing out werewolf problems. In this 3rd installment of the Dresden Files, a young lady named Lydia seeks Harry's protection against a malevolent ghost. Meanwhile, Detective Karrin Murphy of Special Investigations calls Harry in for a personal favor. A strange madness has taken over the detective's very own, which only Harry can solve.

Being a Dresden File fan so far, I'm glad this book didn't disappoint and lead me astray. Sometimes a book series can do that. Start you off great and the author one day, just didn't have a great year. With this book, I'm still hooked. Compared to the first two books, we see some character development in Harry. He still is that assertive, protect the ladies first, Harry we know and love. But, in this book we find him being more autocratic. This becomes a trope sometimes when protagonists find themselves in more successful yet dangerous situations as the story progresses. For example, there have been T.V. shows I've seen where the protagonists get into situations where they make rash decisions over things they feel they don't have a choice or control over. Then they spew rhetoric as if their decisions were intended to benefit the team or group when they just want to achieve success over their agenda. I can only imagine this bossiness stems from the added work that has come along or even the thorn Harry might have felt on his side, having to tolerate a new partner. In addition to having a new partner, his new partner derives strength and power purely from religious faith, and sometimes imposes his views. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the book. There is also something intriguing, and maybe tenderly said about how authors choose to end their stories.

Overall, Grave Peril was phenomenal. My beloved Bob continues to titillate. I hold an added delight as I read Bob in action, in more chapters than one. The new characters were memorable as well. I hope to read more of them in the next books. 

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Fool Moon by Jim Butcher

 

In book two of the Dresden Files, Bob has done it again. He has a way to tickle my want for cute things every now and then. Although, Harry Dresden is beginning to be my favorite. A little empathy, reflection chivalry, and bloody (literally) toughness make you my favorite any day. I loved the first book, I'm glad I love this one.

Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden, Chicago's only investigative wizard is back on another case. The case is labeled the Lobo Killings for what appears as wolf-like attacks. Detective Karrin Murphy of Chicago PD's Special Investigations is on the hot seat with internal affairs. The last case she and Dresden worked on put a strain on what usually is a smooth work relationship. In addition to the detective's dismay,  the FBI is on the case.

In this installment of the Dresden Files, readers can expect the same supernatural mystery Jim Butcher has been well at crafting. However, this time there are bloodier scenes and a more vulnerable, maybe even sexy Dresden. Power and corruption are seen when we read again about Johnny Marcone's shady ways and the FBI's involvement in a land grab. And redemption is at stake as we see Dresden learn the value of trust and the meaning of partnership.

Fool Moon is a noteworthy sequel. It's like watching a favorite TV show or sports team. There is something about the Dresden Files that gets you invested. Will Dresden allow himself to be more giving towards his partners? This and the amount of explaining the FBI needs to do about the case, how can I stop now? The end has yet to be seen in sight!

Along with the Dresden Files, Jim Butcher is the author of the Codex Alera series and another current series starting with The Aeronaut's Windlass. Click BIO for more on Jim Butcher.

A Case of Four and Twenty Blackbirds by Neil Gaiman

 

Although this title is but one short story in a book of short stories, the book is still worth note-taking. M is for Magic is a collection of short stories using many characters and stories from children's books. It is a book that takes me back to calm rainy afternoons growing up when a major storm had passed. The village's electricity was down. The family was waiting for electricity to return online. Reading a book besides playing outside was preferable to turning the T.V. on to pass the time. For this book, an adult can pull some nostalgia, dare I say humor. At the same time, I recommend young adults in middle grades and up to read this book. There is a transition from childhood to adulthood taking place as we see the wholesome characters and scenes of nursery rhymes reveal a kind of innocence scratching off as we get older.

In the Case of Four and Twenty Blackbirds, a short story in the book M is for Magic, Little Jack Horner is a private investigator. He is tasked with finding the murderer of Humpty Dumpty. According to his sister, Humpty Dumpty having a great fall was no great accident.

This mystery was hard not to pass up and post on this page. Think of the best things about a great noir partnered with the whimsical trappings of your memorable if not favorite nursery rhymes. The thing about nursery rhymes is that when you're a child learning to read and simply uttering a complete word correctly feels encouraging to continue. Pair it with wholesome pictures of characters as cute talking animals, what's not to love? Compared to my previous reviews, I wanted to relax and take a break from the novel reading. But, at the same time, continue gathering up mystery titles.

Like all mysteries, not all is as it seems. With a mind for deduction, and critical thinking Little Jack Horner filters out the seedy personalities in this cool take on crime with the nursery rhymes of your childhood. The reader can reference nursery rhymes such as Sing a Song of Sixpence, Little Jack Horner, Little Bo Peep, The Queen of Hearts, Who Killed Cock Robin, and of course, Humpty Dumpty. I doubt the nursery rhymes tell much as to what happens in the story. But, it certainly was a nice guide to contextual understanding. Look at me getting all academic, just read the book and you'll see what I mean.

Neil Gaiman is the author of many children's books, fiction novels, graphic novels, T.V. shows, and short stories. He's also a champion for literacy and fair treatment of writers as a member of the WGA. Click on BIO to learn more about Neil Gaiman.

Storm Front by Jim Butcher

 

It's a bit off-kilter to compare this book to a TV series because the mediums are different. However, if you enjoyed watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer or its spinoff Angel, this book swims in the same urban fantasy genre. In this story of Good vs. Evil, we view the bad side of wielding magic with our uncontrolled emotions and the terrible results of involving ourselves with drug pushers. 

Harry Dresden is a wizard and investigative consultant who also works part-time with the Chicago Police Department with Detective Murphy. Detective Murphy is the woman the precinct calls when cases are out of the ordinary or extreme. Recently,  Harry Dresden received two cases in need of solving. The first was phoned in by a woman named Monica Sells. A wife with a shy streak who claims had lost her husband. The second case was phoned in by Detective Murphy ordering Harry Dresden to meet her at the Madison Hotel, where two lovers were found dead in strange circumstances. The narrative is entertaining and descriptive. The descriptive detail lets you feel the harrowing action sequences and unsettling imagery as a result of the murders. Another example of unsettling imagery I confess is both a good, and unusual depiction. His name is Bob and he is my favorite character. He is an intelligent, funny, but perverted spirit bound to a skull. He is Harry's lab assistant and is overly enthusiastic about all things of love and the good life. 

I definitely recommend this book for its noir quality. The dive-in bar, the P.I's office, the danger that lurks in corners just with a dash of magic. At the same time, a book like this would be the reason this page is up. It achieves the urban fantasy genre to the T. Or, read it for some of its whimsical characters, like Bob. However, I did have a little gripe about his personal style. To be walking around in a duster day in and out with a blasting rod, I've got to say I agree with Detective Murphy. Did he have to look conspicuously on an adventure to El Dorado? Overall, Harry Dresden has a fine quality about him. He's a bit on the rugged side, earnest and accommodating in solving his cases. But how he does it is why you read this book.

Click on BIO to learn more about Jim Butcher.

Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

It's interesting to me, the timing of when I read this book. As we enter the season for Halloween, I recommend this read with all its macabre details. Many chapters were utterly thrilling, terrifying, and grotesque. Some chapters really stabbed into my emotions. Because of that, it's difficult to love this book. But I liked reading it so much that pulling through those emotions was worth the pain of finishing it.

Lethe: the Ninth House and the Ancient Eight of the Veil represent the secret societies of Yale University. They delve into topics of the education and learning of the supernatural, including keeping that part of Yale financially afloat. Alex Stern is nowhere near Yale material. A high school dropout she has experienced the seedier parts of life. After being involved in a heinous crime with her ability to see ghosts, she is plucked from that old life and is now among the Ivy League population for that special ability. A murder occurs during a secret society ritual, and Alex is tasked to investigate whether Lethe caused it. Although the authorities confirmed otherwise, there is more afoot, and not all is as seems. We follow Alex into another world as she pulls through dangerous and harrowing situations inside and outside the veil. In this thrilling, dark adventure through college life and the supernatural, she heads into horrific means to find the truth in this mystery of power and corruption. 

Leigh Bardugo generates a rich world-building narrative. However, in this story's case, she was blessed with a world already been built, setting the stage to tell her mystery. Leigh Bardugo immerses readers with descriptive detail. I can hear the flesh curdle when I read on about the "victima". On the flip side, the story has a way of going back and forth between the timelines. I had to backtrack some pages to review some context in the later chapters. Although it was a challenge going back and forth, I don't feel it is a factor in hating the book. With ghosts and essential characters who aren't present in the story, you're going to need a lot of historical context. Plus, at the heart of it, it's a mystery. If the writing didn't whirl you into a sort of who-done-it confusion, one might think the mystery has been ill-executed. One of the things that kept me hooked on the book is the characters. There are no bland characters in this book. Among the characters that guide Alex, is Darlington. Despite his academic and somewhat disconcerting personality, he is essential. In Alex's simple terms, he is a snob. He reminded me of people in real life. He is that person you hate at work but you need him around because he has a skillset you don't have. Then there is Dawes. She is soft-spoken and gentle but executes her will with fierce logic. She is my favorite.

Leigh Bardugo is popular for her Young Adult writing in the Shadow and Bone trilogy. For the Ninth House, don't be expecting a YA read. This is 100% adult material. The characters carry themselves with adult confidence and determination that is not focused on within a YA story. There is excessive drug use and partygoing in this story that the youth are often protected and discouraged from engaging in, not to mention explicit blood and violence. Besides a rousing story, I wondered if there was a goal in shedding light on some things. There are characters who sit in positions of power and I completely question their ethics. There was one unsuspecting character to whom I rooted for, given the tragedy laid upon her. But after what transpired, I was glad she experienced that.

Overall, I hope you'll enjoy this great read. Although it is not the kind of writing Leigh Bardugo is popular with, you must admit. Whether it's Young Adult or Adult, she is one heck of a bewitching storyteller.

Click on BIO to learn more about Leigh Bardugo.

A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

 

If you liked the magical machinations of Harry Potter...If you're enthralled by the scenes of Victorian London with their coats and androgynous fashion through the likes of Coco Chanel, gray yet, romantic scenes of the Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern...That tourist-visit feel you get when reading Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman, dive in and enjoy this book.

A Darker Shade of Magic takes place in London, four kinds of London. You have Gray, Red, White and Black.  Gray London's knowledge of magic is summed up in legend and folklore. Red London is the thriving magical kingdom, where magic is seen as equal and balanced to its practitioners. White London sees magic as something to be commanded and dominated. Black London is overtaken and in dark ruin. The monarchs of each London wielded magic to assist in their reign. Black London's magic is seeping through the cracks and White London was left to fend off for the rest of London. Politically, the four Londons are closed off and only speak to each other through the Antari to keep it that way. Kell is an Antari or Blood Magician. The Antari are the only ambassadors to these Londons. Kell is thrown into a political plot to stop magic from Black London. With surprising friends he makes on the way we see how his journey unfolds.

The narrative style takes you on an adventure. If you can imagine yourself reading a book and screaming at it to teleport you into that setting, this is one of those books. The narrative also attaches a descriptive style. Each London, despite their different colors, has their similarities. And within those similarities, differences enliven each London with a kind of culture, vivid characteristics, and locales. For example, while you have the River Thames in Gray London, they're called the Isles in Red London and the Sijlt in White London. But, still that ever-flowing river is indicative of London. All these descriptions simply embellish the adventurous narrative and I'm just sucked into another world.

This book plays off on courage and heroism, some aspects of survival, looming war, and maybe a dash of love. Our main character Kell is quite the modest hero. Sure, he might do a naughty thing or two between the Londons but when a loved one is near death, he goes on and saves them. Lila is quite a strong woman. I've read some reviews that spoke of her as annoying, but I can't help but root for her. She is my favorite character. There were chapters that made you wonder what is in store for the ambitious and aspiring sea-faring pirate. She at times was the voice of reason and spunk. Both displayed copious amounts of courage as they confronted the dangers around them. Lila has also survived such a hard life. It's only fitting she chooses her destiny. I recommend this book in three ways. If you read the physical book, not only will you enjoy the story, but you'll partake in that book page smell. Unless it was tainted with cigarette smoke or other unpleasant smells, that book page smell can be rather invigorating as you read.  Now, the physical copy is rather thick, so if you're in a position that lacks self-space, the eBook is just as great. I read my copy with the free Kindle app for Android. Watching the animated pages while swiping has always been a delight. Lastly, I recommend the audiobook as well, because Steven Crossly's narration adds life to the characters with his accent and various intonations. If you're like me, and easily distracted by outside sounds while reading, listening to the audiobook while reading my eBook helped me immerse and comprehend the story immensely.

I love this book. So much, so that I am fan-casting. Overall, I look forward to reading the next chapters of this story. V.E Schwab has built an engrossing world. It is a trilogy. I feel the story is resolute but still ambiguous enough to want to read the next installment.

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Certain Dark Things by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

If you took an interest in reading my blog through the labels, you should read this book. Certainly, generalizing might leave one wanting, but those labels were the very reason I had to review this book. If you're a fan of Silvia Moreno-Garcia, you must read this book. She to me, is like enjoying a musical artist and becoming their fan. Your intro to their work was at a later point. But you cannot, in my opinion, call yourself a fan until you've experienced their older work. The itty-bitty pieces defined the artist as what they are present. I recommend this book because you dear readers love urban fantasy and mystery. Read this book too, to enrich your vampire lore. I stepped into a world of vampire lore unfamiliar to me. Even what I knew about vampires was told differently and it was still cool and awesome.

What you've got here is an intriguing piece of work. It's action-packed and filled with thrilling descriptions. You've got vampires, humans, cops, and criminals. You will want to know how and if our characters make it through the dark streets of Mexico City alive or if they'd be swallowed whole? In an alternate universe, Mexico is swarming with vampire cartels. You have the Aztec vampires, native to the land, and the Necros, colonizers from Europe, fighting for turf. Mexico City is a vampire-free zone. The human cartels defend the city to the teeth. Unfortunately for the vampires, that human element has its vices, which make it difficult for vampires to survive in the city. Atl is an Aztec vampire on the run from the Necros after a defeating skirmish. Entering Mexico City, although it is dangerous for vampires, it evens out the playing field for Atl. Domingo is your streetwise 17-year-old garbage digger. One look and Domingo is drawn to Atl. Through Domingo and Atl we meet otherworldly and criminal characters with one goal, an escape from the city. Our main characters although entitled to our love, the character that won my heart was Bernardino. He reminds me of Papa Midnite from Hellblazer or Constantine. He is neither friend nor foe and his role puts fear in everyone, yet he enables you to unexpectedly trust. 

Death, Love, and Courage are themes readers can easily pull out of. You can't have a vampire book without death. Atl is on the run after her family and clan were killed and burned by the Necros. It takes courage to head to a city dangerous to vampires for safety. Atl is also the spoiled and debaucherous second child. She took many things for granted because she didn't need to worry much. However, you see a change as her resources have been reduced by her enemies. Can you imagine groveling to those you need help from after the debauchery you've caused? As for Domingo, despite his street smarts, his ideas are limited. One can look at Domingo as courageous maybe naive, but one look from Atl was met with quiet enthusiasm and desire. Domingo is attracted to Atl. However, I feel the writing leads you to tread lightly when falling in love. I'm reminded of the song No More I Love You's by Annie Lennox...Lovers and Monsters. Now if Silvia Moreno-Garcia's goal was to introduce me to another wonderous world of vampire lore she has certainly achieved much. My knowledge of vampires was strictly from Dracula, Anne Rice, and every TV show that portrayed vampires as dangerous predatory monsters. Monsters who seemed to possess the leathery skin of bats, sharp teeth, or spawn from hell, whatever that might look like. Occasionally, I'd dip my feet into the likes of Twilight, where you have the monsters capable of love, but overall predatory monsters. I never would have imagined vampires have the likeness of majestic birds.

For the most part, I can't say I hated this book. The genre, the characters, the story it wished to tell was so cool. But I can't say I love it either. While I believed in Atl's struggle, she wasn't someone with whom I related. She was an immature child throughout the book. I felt the good and well intentions of Domingo, but he was pigeonholed from the start. I had hoped for something more glorious for the two of them. I'd say it comes down to a 4.9/5 Like.

I bought Mexican Gothic first. Mexican Gothic seems to be the darling when Silvia's name appears on the windows of bookstores and libraries. But I didn't start reading her work until I read Gods of Jade and Shadow. (Another recommendation for another day, if one hasn't been written already.) Certain Dark Things was one of Silvia Moreno-Garcia's first works. While I love her writing, sometimes you can tell when it is someone's first time doing things or if the work was done through an earlier self. There were many plot holes or situations where I wished there was more to be said about the characters. What vivid characters they are! For example, what backstory presented why these characters were in the situation they were in? What reason did Veronica need to change her name? What duty required Bernardino to be involved with a race of vampires so different than him? What happened to Domingo or Atl after the fact? I felt more could have been explained to enrich this story. Having a thicker book has never stopped any author from telling more. This is not to say these inconsistencies are a bad thing. The genre itself is so cool that I hope Silvia Moreno-Garcia will take this opportunity to produce more stories from it. The way some authors had created side stories or spinoffs of their other work. Ana's story would make such a great prequel. Another story can be told of Bernardino and the usage of the Tonalli. 

For me, Sylvia Moreno-Garcia has a magnetic way of speaking. There is enough sophistication in her narrative to conclude she's different, special, and educated. Words like Demarcation and Kyphosis might compel a reader to run to a dictionary, but she leaves a good amount of context to help avoid that. Not to mention, the Mexican terminology that is written in this book. I say Mexican because not only is Spanish used, but words native to the Aztec culture. All of that can accuse her of being technical and visceral. Then she starts cursing profanity and it simply pulls you back and zeroes you into focus and on the same page of understanding. She is able to wield the words in a way that doesn't exclude you. I'm hooked and enveloped. I love her style so much, I read four of her books in one month. I go to the bookstore and it's so hard for me to resist getting another title from her. She is my author of the year.

Click on BIO to view more on Sylvia Moreno-Garcia.

A Darker Place by Laurie R. King

I love this book. When books resonate with your life, and bring about what you aim to accomplish for yourself, how can you not love the book? I doubt my life is a facsimile of Anne's but, the ever reflecting on choices you make, the constant endeavor that you're living your life right through your choices will always be on your mind. And, when a book reflects that, there's a kind of cathartic validation. I recommend reading this book while taking a 14-hour flight somewhere or somewhere where you won't be bothered. I was glued to the pages. 

A Darker Place tells the story of Anne Waverly, a university professor who specializes in religious studies and cults. Her expertise is doubly sought due to her past experiences as a former cult member. Anne is a cerebral character who often has reflective and at times conflicting discussions with herself to get a job done. When Anne takes on an investigative job, she embodies a different persona, perhaps accentuated by the job's clandestine nature. Throughout the book, Anne Waverly wears her Ana Wakefield hat and is sent to Arizona to investigate the Change Community that was started by four individuals named Steven Change, Thomas Mallory, Jonas Seraph, and Samantha Dooley. On her mission, she meets characters that help her navigate through the Change Community, particularly two children to whom she develops a maternal instinct and probably awakens memories of her own family. It's a redemption story, for Anne seems the need to participate in this investigation due to her dark past as a former cult member with her family. She seems driven by the death of her family and somehow creates a secondary family with the two children she meets within the Change Community.

This story has expanded my understanding of cults. When you hear the term, it's safe to assume that a large number of people recall the events of the Davidian compound in Waco, Texas, the sarin gas attack in a subway by the Aum Shinrikyo, and the Manson Family to say the least. Even when you look up the word "cult" in any dictionary, it paints an ominous picture and something to be avoided. Yet, people are still drawn to them and their enigmatic leaders. People continue to participate in them, despite the negative press. I am a religious convert. When I converted, I remember bringing home an accessory, essential to the practice. My roommate at the time asked me what is it that I was holding. I said humorously, "I've joined a cult." In my mind, I simply changed religious practice. But reading up on some of these organizations, they all stemmed from or placed on their foundations, concepts from well-known religious practices. In some cases, members of my previous religion disagreed with some of the outreach groups within the same practice and labeled them a cult. So, I'm caught questioning myself. How close or far am I, participating in a cult?

People who enjoy a great mystery would enjoy this book. The investigative lingo isn't too complicated, yet smart. I am uncertain as to how strong the theme of spiritual community plays, but for anyone who feels the need to tap into or renew their spirituality, maybe their sense of spiritual community might take a liking to this book. The story does not touch on the use of a specific faith. It does take reference to quite a few. But, when one sees community as a source of spiritual fulfillment, I see how readers of that kind will enjoy this story if not appreciate an understanding. It's not often that I gravitate toward the main character as my favorite, but Anne Waverly is. She is smart resourceful, and independent, even sexy to a degree. Despite feeling insecure about the outcome of her investigation, she tackles the problems head-on with a kind of confidence.

Like most fiction I've enjoyed, the narrative was compelling. The story went on like a cop show on TV. The story has a mix of wholesome events that connect you with the characters. Then there were chapters filled with action and suspense. Laurie R. King has a simple yet descriptive way of putting you into the vivid locales. Whether it be Arizona's cola and dry deserts or feeling the solemnity of the meditation room, you were in this investigation with Anne. You can feel the sweat beads drip off of Anne's face as she escapes being caught for snooping. If Laurie R. King's goal was to rewrite the meaning of cult she certainly has. If not rewrite it, then certainly expand upon what is already a narrowed judgment call written in dictionaries. In chapter 28, the character Jonas Seraph says,

    "Why do they love the word cult? Jonas was saying irritably. They use it as a term of opprobrium, certainly of derision. Did you know that 'cult' is from the Latin cultus, from the verb incolere, meaning to inhabit or care for a place? And that is related to the Greek kyklos, wheel, which in turn is linked to the Sanskrit chakra? You do know what chakra is? He demanded, stopping on the stairs to peer down at her...He grunted and continued. "Cultivate, culture, they're all the same, though I would say in this country we're more a cultigen than a cultivar. You don't have the faintest idea what I'm talking about, do you?"

In the end, I've rooted for Anne throughout her investigating adventure and journey of implied self-redemption. Everything I read leading to the final outcome was both a relief and exhilarating. To end this review, I did want to mention.  Due to when this was published, some things don't often apply today from when they were mentioned. Things like video rental cards and payphones are quite a rarity in this day and age. 

Click on BIO to learn more about Laurie R. King.