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andra_mihaela_s's review
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
First of all, I want to thank Netgalley and Burning Chair for the e-ARC of "The Great Big Demon Hunting Agency" by Peter Oxley.
The first thing that drew me to this ARC among the sea from the Netgalley read now section, was the title >...>...tell me that it doesn't call to you when combined with the cover! >..<
We follow in this almost 250pages urban fantasy with thriller and horror/paranormal elements 2 low-life grifters, Spencer(the mousy, street smart and extremely coward little guy) and Bart (the empty-headed big muscle guy) while they try to figure out a way to make ends meet after once again they fall short on the food chain of London's Est End; all these while London trembles at the mentioning of the Tappers! >..>
CW: possessions; violent deaths; manipulative men to the extreme; domestic abuse;
Let me tell you...in the beginning I wasn't sure if these 2 would keep my attention...I never read something similar before..or, at least, with similar MCs, but Spencer and Bart pulled through for me :). Loved how they communicated with each other, how despite being small fry they didn't give up and the author shone a light on them, so we can see that even these people have worthy stories and are not just background props for the main hero in some big fantasy!
Another character..Tessie got me confused a little..that's why I cannot give this book 5 stars...she's a woman of scientific beliefs that wants to be acknowledged and considered worthy in every possible scenario, but with her husband...Marchant wasn't that I thought him to be (he was a pathetic person and I loved how the author decided to do to him in the end ^^) but she became this fragile flower around him without any good reason. Early in the book we have a scene when we meet Tessie...and I believed that will be an accurate portrayal of her personality, only to be contradicted next time I see her...anyway...I'm not completely sold on her, that's for sure!
When it comes to the plot, for such a short book, we have all the elements of a thriller(says the person who never read an actual thriller..>..>) : suspanse, gory bits, a mystery or several, characters that act in confusing ways, actions scenes and lots of planning!
I must say that not everybody will be happy with the plot development: some bits are fast-paced and easily solvable when they shouldn't be, others...Spencer lets his cowardliness play leading role on the stage...but if you keep in mind all Peter Oxley wanted to say in this novel... I don't think you can say he wrote some stuff at the expense of others. I firmly think he chose the right parts to focus on! This "Grate" Agency has room only for growth! ^^
As I said before, this one is fast-paced and equally character work and world-building. I looked into his back-catalog and I believe this will be the start to a new series in the one established with The Infernal Aether...not really sure, so don't quote me on that. Anyway..I really want to see what happens next with our gang and the villains. Also,...where is our helpful magician and what role will he play in the bigger picture????? >..>..Cannot wait to find out!
In the end, I believe this book is perfect if you want something on the shorter side with an urban fantasy setting mixed with thriller and paranormal elements that focus onto lesser known POVs.
Enjoy
The first thing that drew me to this ARC among the sea from the Netgalley read now section, was the title >...>...tell me that it doesn't call to you when combined with the cover! >..<
We follow in this almost 250pages urban fantasy with thriller and horror/paranormal elements 2 low-life grifters, Spencer(the mousy, street smart and extremely coward little guy) and Bart (the empty-headed big muscle guy) while they try to figure out a way to make ends meet after once again they fall short on the food chain of London's Est End; all these while London trembles at the mentioning of the Tappers! >..>
CW: possessions; violent deaths; manipulative men to the extreme; domestic abuse;
Let me tell you...in the beginning I wasn't sure if these 2 would keep my attention...I never read something similar before..or, at least, with similar MCs, but Spencer and Bart pulled through for me :). Loved how they communicated with each other, how despite being small fry they didn't give up and the author shone a light on them, so we can see that even these people have worthy stories and are not just background props for the main hero in some big fantasy!
Another character..Tessie got me confused a little..that's why I cannot give this book 5 stars...she's a woman of scientific beliefs that wants to be acknowledged and considered worthy in every possible scenario, but with her husband...Marchant wasn't that I thought him to be (he was a pathetic person and I loved how the author decided to do to him in the end ^^) but she became this fragile flower around him without any good reason. Early in the book we have a scene when we meet Tessie...and I believed that will be an accurate portrayal of her personality, only to be contradicted next time I see her...anyway...I'm not completely sold on her, that's for sure!
When it comes to the plot, for such a short book, we have all the elements of a thriller(says the person who never read an actual thriller..>..>) : suspanse, gory bits, a mystery or several, characters that act in confusing ways, actions scenes and lots of planning!
I must say that not everybody will be happy with the plot development: some bits are fast-paced and easily solvable when they shouldn't be, others...Spencer lets his cowardliness play leading role on the stage...but if you keep in mind all Peter Oxley wanted to say in this novel... I don't think you can say he wrote some stuff at the expense of others. I firmly think he chose the right parts to focus on! This "Grate" Agency has room only for growth! ^^
As I said before, this one is fast-paced and equally character work and world-building. I looked into his back-catalog and I believe this will be the start to a new series in the one established with The Infernal Aether...not really sure, so don't quote me on that. Anyway..I really want to see what happens next with our gang and the villains. Also,...where is our helpful magician and what role will he play in the bigger picture????? >..>..Cannot wait to find out!
In the end, I believe this book is perfect if you want something on the shorter side with an urban fantasy setting mixed with thriller and paranormal elements that focus onto lesser known POVs.
Enjoy
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Kidnapping, and Emotional abuse
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