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dameolga's review against another edition
4.0
I read the first three books in these series back to back and non stop, and when I stopped I felt like I lost contact to an old friend because the voice of this series is so distinct like a real person. The narrator was really comfortable for me to get into.
smaximiek's review against another edition
4.0
Third book in the series of Cal and Niko, two brothers in NYC that run a underground supernatural detective agency of a sort, with reluctant help from Goodfellow, a Puck of ancient age and a murky past.
As always, the book opens with a bang - in the first 60 pages, they meet a host of grandmothery spider creatures, a demon chicken, and discover that Scottish mass murder has been resurrected. Oh, and the Met Museum is overseen by a Valkerie. For a good reason.
This series is a good one for anyone who is a fan of the Supernatural tv series and Nightside books.
Yeah, its a about as crazy as it sounds. Seriously.
As always, the book opens with a bang - in the first 60 pages, they meet a host of grandmothery spider creatures, a demon chicken, and discover that Scottish mass murder has been resurrected. Oh, and the Met Museum is overseen by a Valkerie. For a good reason.
This series is a good one for anyone who is a fan of the Supernatural tv series and Nightside books.
Yeah, its a about as crazy as it sounds. Seriously.
january313reads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.5
surlyseahag's review against another edition
3.0
*sigh* How is it that an author can be good at some many things and then equally as bad at others? Who knows, but that’s the case with Thurman. He knows how to create a fantastic story, I mean, the world and characters he creates are totally his own and absolutely fantastic. However, when it comes to telling that story and focusing on that story, he loses his way. He also has the unfortunate ability to make awesome characters less awesome with each page.
On that note - I really hated the fact that our main character turns into a raging man whore who sleeps with whatever he can… all because he can’t have sex with the woman he actually loves. Sounds stupid doesn’t it? That’s because it is. I get that the author was attempting some emotional depth, but he failed miserably. The only thing he accomplished is making his main character less likable. Honestly, I wanted to jump inside the book and punch Cal in the throat. Or better yet, run up to the author himself and be like “WTF, man?!” It made zero sense. And it doesn’t help that Cal constantly pisses and moans about everything. He is in serious need of character development – it’s time this guy grows.
Another problem was the story, or rather, stories. There were two main stories going on at once in this book, and while both were an interesting read that I enjoyed, they had absolutely nothing to do with one another and therefore had no place in one book. The bigger of the two stories was the hunting and killing of a new bad guy in town, this is the story that should have taken center stage. The other story featured Goodfellow, and it was so random and so totally out of place in the book. It was yet another thing that made no sense. I have a feeling that the Goodfellow story was filler to fit in between scenes of the bad guy story. It was unnecessary and a bit annoying. I love learning more about Goodfellow, but that would have been better suited in a book of its own. Two wildly different tales in one novel makes it difficult to fully connect to a main plot.
It’s really unfortunate that I have to give this book such a low rating, because it truly was very entertaining and the stories were excellent (though misplaced). The world the author has created is brilliant and the tales are full of great twists and turns. The author really knows how to set a tone and create a unique and perfectly pictured landscape full of bizarre and captivating characters, but he needs to work on other things. Here’s hoping the next book in the series improves.
On that note - I really hated the fact that our main character turns into a raging man whore who sleeps with whatever he can… all because he can’t have sex with the woman he actually loves. Sounds stupid doesn’t it? That’s because it is. I get that the author was attempting some emotional depth, but he failed miserably. The only thing he accomplished is making his main character less likable. Honestly, I wanted to jump inside the book and punch Cal in the throat. Or better yet, run up to the author himself and be like “WTF, man?!” It made zero sense. And it doesn’t help that Cal constantly pisses and moans about everything. He is in serious need of character development – it’s time this guy grows.
Another problem was the story, or rather, stories. There were two main stories going on at once in this book, and while both were an interesting read that I enjoyed, they had absolutely nothing to do with one another and therefore had no place in one book. The bigger of the two stories was the hunting and killing of a new bad guy in town, this is the story that should have taken center stage. The other story featured Goodfellow, and it was so random and so totally out of place in the book. It was yet another thing that made no sense. I have a feeling that the Goodfellow story was filler to fit in between scenes of the bad guy story. It was unnecessary and a bit annoying. I love learning more about Goodfellow, but that would have been better suited in a book of its own. Two wildly different tales in one novel makes it difficult to fully connect to a main plot.
It’s really unfortunate that I have to give this book such a low rating, because it truly was very entertaining and the stories were excellent (though misplaced). The world the author has created is brilliant and the tales are full of great twists and turns. The author really knows how to set a tone and create a unique and perfectly pictured landscape full of bizarre and captivating characters, but he needs to work on other things. Here’s hoping the next book in the series improves.
underavioletmoon's review against another edition
4.0
Another fun read from this series. Just one quibble -- we all know Cal's been through a lot. So maybe he could cut back on the whining now, after 3 volumes of it?
sunflowerz32's review against another edition
4.0
A continuation of a very good series. The ending is perfect for another book in the series. I can't wait.
devannm's review against another edition
5.0
“Traveler, abide with me.” Red light blazed to bloody suns. “Abide in me. Special boy with the special taste. The taste of madness, the taste of me.”
Although I do love the first two book in the series as well, this one is where I think it really takes off. The first book is a good introduction and the second book is a good first 'real' adventure - although it tends to get bogged down in an unfortunate foray into short-lived romance - but this is where things really get cranked up to 11.
Sawney is a really great and creepy villain and definitely brings out the best/worst in Cal. And while Cal has been using his Auphe powers off and on for the first two books, this is where I think the switch in his brain first gets flipped and he just decides like 'fuck it' and lets go. And the more Auphe Cal is acting the happier I am because I'm just awful like that. But I do really love the showdown with him and Sawney at the end, definitely one of my favorite fights of the series.
Also I love that Delilah is in this one so much because I just really like her and Cal as a frenemies-with-benefits situation. I love how Cal thinks he's all big and bad and she's just like pfft, that's cute. It might not be a 'healthy' relationship by any means but she can more than keep up with him and I think also keeps him in line somewhat in regards to his overly emo nature. All in all just a really fun book and it's great to get some insight into Robin's past towards the end as well.
Although I do love the first two book in the series as well, this one is where I think it really takes off. The first book is a good introduction and the second book is a good first 'real' adventure - although it tends to get bogged down in an unfortunate foray into short-lived romance - but this is where things really get cranked up to 11.
Sawney is a really great and creepy villain and definitely brings out the best/worst in Cal. And while Cal has been using his Auphe powers off and on for the first two books, this is where I think the switch in his brain first gets flipped and he just decides like 'fuck it' and lets go. And the more Auphe Cal is acting the happier I am because I'm just awful like that. But I do really love the showdown with him and Sawney at the end, definitely one of my favorite fights of the series.
Also I love that Delilah is in this one so much because I just really like her and Cal as a frenemies-with-benefits situation. I love how Cal thinks he's all big and bad and she's just like pfft, that's cute. It might not be a 'healthy' relationship by any means but she can more than keep up with him and I think also keeps him in line somewhat in regards to his overly emo nature. All in all just a really fun book and it's great to get some insight into Robin's past towards the end as well.
sibley's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
cornerofmadness's review against another edition
3.0
The third book (nearly in a row) that was good all the way up to the end. This one didn’t end as badly as the other two but it had two big turn offs for me. That said, I really enjoyed it up until the last few pages. I’ve developed a fondness for Cal, Niko, Robin and Promise (and yes at this point I see them as a group or characters as opposed to this being only Cal’s story, though it is his pov).
This book had three subplots in order of descending importance 1) defeating a monster name Sawney Beane 2) find out who is trying to kill Robin and stop them 3) get Cal laid (and this is the subplot that nearly had the book hurtling across the room).
I was impressed that Sawney Beane was dusted off. He was a real person, thought to be one of the reasons for the werewolf legends. In this, since we had a werewolf bad guy last book, Sawney is a Red Cap who is running around slaughtering people, especially women and children. He has a taste for insanity and for that matter, a taste for Cal’s hybrid flesh. The Sawney storyline is very good, a bit gross but well done. It also introduces Delilah, Flay’s, a werewolf from last book, sister. She looks more human than her brother and is hired to help save Cal at one point and later to fight with their team.
The second story line is also interesting. Robin Goodfellows, the satyr/puck/god, has screwed, thieved and lied his way through millennia and now it’s back to bite him in the ass. Someone is trying to kill him but he won’t tell Cal and Niko why, though they suspect he knows. It also introduces another new character, Ishiah, a Peri who is Cal’s bar-owning boss.
Running through these two interesting storylines is Cal’s I’m 20 and wanna lose my virginity plot mixed with a bit too much angst (Cal’s good for that). He has a point. He is part monster and he could be passing that along especially if he sleeps with Georgina who he supposedly loves. He enlists Robin to find a non-human he can’t possibly impregnate.
I did like this book up until the last five pages. Part of why I’ll put lower under a spoiler alert. The other part of why I was annoyed is that book four pretty much starts on the last two pages. I prefer my books to be stand alone, even in a series and I was rather annoyed that this threw in another of my least favorite things (return villains) in the last second. Will I get the next one? Yes, because I do like the series but do I have problems with this, some yes. For those look below.
XXXXX
Spoilers.
XXXXXX
Seriously, I’m going to spoiling some of the ending here.
XXXX
Okay, I had real issues with Cal and his dick. Arguably Cal makes terrible decisions on a daily basis. He’s not all that bright. I can definitely understand his fear of spreading the Auphe genes but until almost two-thirds through it didn’t even seem like he even thought about birth control. He later does but dismisses it all as ineffective.
My real issue is we’ve seen for two and half books that he loves George. Even as he goes with Robin to find a lay, he’s thinking about her. Everyone, Niko, Promise and even Robin, tell him that he’s making a mistake in not being with George but since she refuses to read her own future, Cal isn’t going for it. Then in dances Delila and he sees her scarred belly and thinks wow, wonder if she can’t get pregnant. Later she confirms it as she’s hot on his tail. Here’s the disturbing part, she slept with the killer from last book and he clawed her womb out but she had no problems in being with the killer. She’s a werewolf and in this world, pretty much they’re nothing but mobsters and killers. Cal knows she’s a killer and thinks humans are food.
I have huge issues with him selecting her over George. Okay we let George go. I could live with that. But to decide a murderer is going to be your lover is a bit much (for that matter the really dark turn of events in the Robin plotline is a bit much too). I can’t see Niko being okay with this for his brother. Sorry I can’t.
And another real problem I have is that it never occurs to Cal that he’s probably sterile. Most hybrid are. Not once does it cross his mind that he’s as sterile as a mule. Okay, Cal isn’t bright but he talks about this with Niko and he never seems to think about it either. Yes we can’t take Cal to a doctor since he’s different inside but really a microscope and a counting grid slide and some patience does the trick.
I do know I’m going to have trouble with the series if he’s shacked up with a killing machine just saying.
This book had three subplots in order of descending importance 1) defeating a monster name Sawney Beane 2) find out who is trying to kill Robin and stop them 3) get Cal laid (and this is the subplot that nearly had the book hurtling across the room).
I was impressed that Sawney Beane was dusted off. He was a real person, thought to be one of the reasons for the werewolf legends. In this, since we had a werewolf bad guy last book, Sawney is a Red Cap who is running around slaughtering people, especially women and children. He has a taste for insanity and for that matter, a taste for Cal’s hybrid flesh. The Sawney storyline is very good, a bit gross but well done. It also introduces Delilah, Flay’s, a werewolf from last book, sister. She looks more human than her brother and is hired to help save Cal at one point and later to fight with their team.
The second story line is also interesting. Robin Goodfellows, the satyr/puck/god, has screwed, thieved and lied his way through millennia and now it’s back to bite him in the ass. Someone is trying to kill him but he won’t tell Cal and Niko why, though they suspect he knows. It also introduces another new character, Ishiah, a Peri who is Cal’s bar-owning boss.
Running through these two interesting storylines is Cal’s I’m 20 and wanna lose my virginity plot mixed with a bit too much angst (Cal’s good for that). He has a point. He is part monster and he could be passing that along especially if he sleeps with Georgina who he supposedly loves. He enlists Robin to find a non-human he can’t possibly impregnate.
I did like this book up until the last five pages. Part of why I’ll put lower under a spoiler alert. The other part of why I was annoyed is that book four pretty much starts on the last two pages. I prefer my books to be stand alone, even in a series and I was rather annoyed that this threw in another of my least favorite things (return villains) in the last second. Will I get the next one? Yes, because I do like the series but do I have problems with this, some yes. For those look below.
XXXXX
Spoilers.
XXXXXX
Seriously, I’m going to spoiling some of the ending here.
XXXX
Okay, I had real issues with Cal and his dick. Arguably Cal makes terrible decisions on a daily basis. He’s not all that bright. I can definitely understand his fear of spreading the Auphe genes but until almost two-thirds through it didn’t even seem like he even thought about birth control. He later does but dismisses it all as ineffective.
My real issue is we’ve seen for two and half books that he loves George. Even as he goes with Robin to find a lay, he’s thinking about her. Everyone, Niko, Promise and even Robin, tell him that he’s making a mistake in not being with George but since she refuses to read her own future, Cal isn’t going for it. Then in dances Delila and he sees her scarred belly and thinks wow, wonder if she can’t get pregnant. Later she confirms it as she’s hot on his tail. Here’s the disturbing part, she slept with the killer from last book and he clawed her womb out but she had no problems in being with the killer. She’s a werewolf and in this world, pretty much they’re nothing but mobsters and killers. Cal knows she’s a killer and thinks humans are food.
I have huge issues with him selecting her over George. Okay we let George go. I could live with that. But to decide a murderer is going to be your lover is a bit much (for that matter the really dark turn of events in the Robin plotline is a bit much too). I can’t see Niko being okay with this for his brother. Sorry I can’t.
And another real problem I have is that it never occurs to Cal that he’s probably sterile. Most hybrid are. Not once does it cross his mind that he’s as sterile as a mule. Okay, Cal isn’t bright but he talks about this with Niko and he never seems to think about it either. Yes we can’t take Cal to a doctor since he’s different inside but really a microscope and a counting grid slide and some patience does the trick.
I do know I’m going to have trouble with the series if he’s shacked up with a killing machine just saying.