marklpotter's review
5.0
McClellan's First Foray Into Urban Fantasy Is A Win
One of the things that makes me believe an author is great rather than good is their ability to write in multiple genres. A lot of my favorite authors don't even bother, they stick to what they're good at and I love them for it. After the Brian's first two series I will admit to being skeptical of a jaunt in to urban fantasy but he has quelled all of those concerns and shown that his talent is not limited to the epic fantasy that have been hooked on since the first page of Promise of Blood.
I wouldn't even know where to begin if I were attempting to write a proper book review, and I'm thankful that I don't do that for a living, but I can promise you that if you like well crafted urban fantasy with interesting magic that isn't quite like anything else out there then you can't go wrong with this book. My one complaint is that the second book isn't out yet but that's just me wishing that everything I read could be as good as this. McClellan spoils me when it comes to good writing and this hasn't been an exception.
One of the things that makes me believe an author is great rather than good is their ability to write in multiple genres. A lot of my favorite authors don't even bother, they stick to what they're good at and I love them for it. After the Brian's first two series I will admit to being skeptical of a jaunt in to urban fantasy but he has quelled all of those concerns and shown that his talent is not limited to the epic fantasy that have been hooked on since the first page of Promise of Blood.
I wouldn't even know where to begin if I were attempting to write a proper book review, and I'm thankful that I don't do that for a living, but I can promise you that if you like well crafted urban fantasy with interesting magic that isn't quite like anything else out there then you can't go wrong with this book. My one complaint is that the second book isn't out yet but that's just me wishing that everything I read could be as good as this. McClellan spoils me when it comes to good writing and this hasn't been an exception.
mferrante83's review against another edition
4.0
An entertaining urban fantasy read. This series deserves some more visibility.
kitvaria_sarene's review against another edition
4.0
Quick and fun Urban Fantasy.
I liked the main character and his "partner" quite a bit. I don't think I've read a book with a Reaper as main character yet, so that was quite a pleasant change!
The tone was funny and the dialogue worked well for me. Didn't feel forced or stiff, but flowed nicely.
The mix of mythology, mystery and fantasy balanced well with the action and banter and I more or less flew through the book.
I was a bit worried about how well the author could do a quick and fun book when I love his epic tomes. Quite well is the answer! Sometimes it felt a bit too rushed for my personal taste and every now and then a scene felt a bit rough, but overall I enjoyed it a lot.
I definitely hope there'll be more UF by McClellan as he hit the spot with this one!
I liked the main character and his "partner" quite a bit. I don't think I've read a book with a Reaper as main character yet, so that was quite a pleasant change!
The tone was funny and the dialogue worked well for me. Didn't feel forced or stiff, but flowed nicely.
The mix of mythology, mystery and fantasy balanced well with the action and banter and I more or less flew through the book.
I was a bit worried about how well the author could do a quick and fun book when I love his epic tomes. Quite well is the answer! Sometimes it felt a bit too rushed for my personal taste and every now and then a scene felt a bit rough, but overall I enjoyed it a lot.
I definitely hope there'll be more UF by McClellan as he hit the spot with this one!
larabesque's review against another edition
4.0
I managed to nab this when it was free on kindle. It's a fun little story that contains all sorts of beings and fun mishaps and action in a world that could easily be our own. It was a really nice in-between-reading-other-books book, though it deserves to be read in one solid sitting.
If you want a quick and fun urban fantasy read, this just may be your thing.
If you want a quick and fun urban fantasy read, this just may be your thing.
selinadragonair's review against another edition
4.0
With only 150 pages this was a real snack. Well paced, interesting and fun. Ideal for in between books!
abrahamismail's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
renpuspita's review
3.0
3 stars
Honestly, I read Uncanny Collateral from Des 27th last year, but because I'm super busy, I just can continue read it last weekend X)).
Decide to purchase Uncanny Collateral when I see newsletter from McClellan that told the ebook is currently free and its continuation, Blood Tally, currently on sale. I mean, what a deal! And a deal indeed. This is my first McClellan's book, although his first series, Powder Mage already catch my interest (just, not enough time to read. Classic). It's like your usual urban fantasy, even I admit, I rarely read UF with male protagonist (only Dresden Files, sadly). While I said usual, Uncanny Collateral still have unique factors. Such as, the hero, Alek Fitz is like a debt collector, only he work in supernatural field. He's also part troll and have this unique dynamic with his djinn, Maggie. No romantic plot, since Maggie is more like big sister to Alek and I love their witty banter.
Uncanny Collateral is perfect for a short read and you can read it in one sitting. You will definitely enjoy Alek's dry humor and sarcasm, and who doesn't? The debt collector part is very interesting and kinda differentiate Alek from the rest of all UF heroes-heroines out there that usually are detective, PI or law enforcement of sort. Although he's a debt collector, Alek is also a slave of his boss. And yes, literally slave. Not easy to read and I hope Alek will get out from his predicament.
A nice start for a new series! :)
Honestly, I read Uncanny Collateral from Des 27th last year, but because I'm super busy, I just can continue read it last weekend X)).
Decide to purchase Uncanny Collateral when I see newsletter from McClellan that told the ebook is currently free and its continuation, Blood Tally, currently on sale. I mean, what a deal! And a deal indeed. This is my first McClellan's book, although his first series, Powder Mage already catch my interest (just, not enough time to read. Classic). It's like your usual urban fantasy, even I admit, I rarely read UF with male protagonist (only Dresden Files, sadly). While I said usual, Uncanny Collateral still have unique factors. Such as, the hero, Alek Fitz is like a debt collector, only he work in supernatural field. He's also part troll and have this unique dynamic with his djinn, Maggie. No romantic plot, since Maggie is more like big sister to Alek and I love their witty banter.
Uncanny Collateral is perfect for a short read and you can read it in one sitting. You will definitely enjoy Alek's dry humor and sarcasm, and who doesn't? The debt collector part is very interesting and kinda differentiate Alek from the rest of all UF heroes-heroines out there that usually are detective, PI or law enforcement of sort. Although he's a debt collector, Alek is also a slave of his boss. And yes, literally slave. Not easy to read and I hope Alek will get out from his predicament.
A nice start for a new series! :)