Author: Bill Blais
5 out of 5 stars
Book Info: Genre: Urban Fantasy Reading Level: Adult
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book to review on conjunction with a blog tour that is upcoming. I then forgot I had it and, because it looked really good, picked it for myself on Amazon when I noticed it was free. I am happy to provide, as always, an honest review.
Synopsis: Kelly McGinnis has spent her adult life trying to do the right thing, but as a newly down-sized mother of twins and the wife of a man living with Muscular Sclerosis, she also knows that trying isn’t always enough.
While interrupting a scene of police brutality, Kelly unwittingly releases a real, live demon. After she manages to kill the creature through gut instinct and blind luck, she is approached to join a secret group of demon hunters who reveal an underworld of monsters and magic. Kelly’s mill-town upbringing proves an unexpected asset and the pay more than covers her husband’s treatments, but the work begins to undermine her sense of right and wrong as she struggles to maintain her ‘normal’ life.
When she encounters Umber, a compelling incubus with an unexpectedly human story, Kelly learns that the truth is far stranger and more terrifying than she imagined.
My Thoughts: First, thanks to Annabelle Cadiz for contacting be about taking part in the blog tour for this book. Watch for a guest post from the author, Bill Blais, on my blog.
I really enjoyed this book. It reminded me of the Kate Connor – Demon Hunter series by Julie Kenner. I really enjoy that Kelly is just a basic soccer mom – a bit overweight, a lot frazzled – and not some preternaturally powerful, butt-kicking Barbie doll like so many of these urban fantasy heroines. The main thing that bothered me is how big a deal they made out of her being short – she’s 5’4”, which is not much below average, and certainly not so short she’d have trouble getting her cup of coffee from a Starbucks counter! I’m only 5’3”, and while there are many things I have to stretch for, I really do not recall Starbucks counters being so tall I couldn’t reach them. Also, comparing herself to a 10-year-old is ridiculous - I was no more than 4’8” when I was 10; I hit my growth spurt and reached 5’2” by the time I was 11. Obviously Blais must be quite tall to think 5’4” is really that short!
At any rate, I think fans of urban fantasy, especially those who would enjoy a realistic woman for a change, will really like this book, book one in the Kelly and Umber series (although Umber doesn’t show up until way at the end). Book two – called Hell Hath no Fury – is also currently available and I’ll definitely be picking that one up as soon as I can, because after reading the first three chapters (included at the end of this ebook as an excerpt), I’m very curious about what happens next. Check this book out, and also check out the separate guest post by Bill Blais on my blog, Now is Gone, at katysozaeva.blogspot.com.
Thanks, Katy! I'm very glad you liked it so much. Well, except for the height thing, obviously (Hm. Are our Starbucks counters higher in Maine? I'm 6' and the end counter where they put my drink is up at chest height, which is just about eye-level for Kelly at 5'4. Now you've got me wondering though. I'm going to have to stop in again and bring a tape measure...).
ReplyDelete*laugh* No wonder you think she's so short, since you're a giant person ... LOL Well, I did mention that "I don't remember having to stretch" to read the Starbucks counter - I don't go to Starbucks. I try to support the local coffeehouses when I do out for coffee - which is pretty rate, since it's so expensive. I'm more a gas station cappuccino person ... :-)
DeleteA friend bought me the 2nd book in the series, to watch my blog for the review; I have a lot of books I want to get read "ASAP" and that is one of them. Hopefully in the next couple weeks!
Fee Fi Fo -- Whoa! *trips over enormous feet and falls flat on enormous head*
DeleteI agree about supporting local, though I actually don't drink cappuccino or espresso or any coffee at all. It always smells better than it tastes to me.
I do, however, admit to an irrational and unthinking addiction to a good Chai Latte (after my first taste at a Starbucks years ago). Like yourself, though, I have a hard time paying for it, so it usually builds up for a few months until I crack. Even then, it seems so hard to get one done right, anymore (not too sweet, too milky, etc.).
As for HHNF, I hope it stands up to expectations, but either way, I look forward to seeing what you think and I'll keep an eye out!
*laughs* Yeah, the post went up earlier today, IIRC.
DeleteYeah, I just saw that. Clearly not keeping a very sharp eye out. Very embarrassing.
ReplyDelete