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The Monster Librarian Presents:
Reviews for Horror Themed Adventure Books/Urban Fantasy/Fantasy
While these books are not actually scary per se they are centered around or based on horror elements. In these books often have vampires, werewolves, and zombies as characters vs. adversaries. Other cross genre types that will be included in this section are paranormal mysteries and paranormal comedies.
Dead
and Gone by Charlaine Harris*New Review
Ace, 2009
ISBN: 978-0-441-01715-7
Available: New and Used
Charlaine Harris' 9th installment of the Sookie Stackhouse series is a big transition book for the Were population of the small town of Bon Temps. At the start of Dead and Gone the Weres finally decide to go public. This is a huge deal, and the reactions of the townsfolk vary greatly. However, shortly after the announcement is made, there is a murder behind Merlotte's, and a Were has been crucified. The question is, is the murder related to the big announcement, or is there another reason for this horrible killing?. Sookie, with the help of her two favorite vampires, Eric and Bill, does everything she can to track down the person responsible, yet, as always, seems to put herself in more danger in the process.
The Sookie Stackhouse series is still going strong with this latest novel. I enjoy the way Harris balances out the mystery, humor, and romance in all of her books. She seems to know just what the perfect mix should be! I didn't enjoy this book as much as some of the earlier ones because it wasn't as focused on the vampire community as it was on some of the other characters in the series, and I am hoping that Harris will go back to spending more time at Fangtasia (the vampire bar) and other vampire hang-outs in future books. But other than that complaint, I have none! I always look forward to Harris' books and am already eagerly awaiting the next one. Highly Recommended!
Contains: Violence, Adult Language, Adult Situations
Review by Rhonda Wilson
Simon and Shuster, 2009
ISBN:9781416584124
Available: New
John Shirley is an underrated trailblazer in both science fiction and horror, Shirley's cyberpunk predates William Gibson, and his psycho-sexual splat punk horror predates Clive Barker. While Shirley doesn’t have the sales they do, he has the respect and blurbs of his peers. I suspect in this culture where TV and movies carry more weight than cult novels, one great adapatation is all it will take for Shirley to be discovered and freed from the genre ghetto. The project that is most likely to do just that is Bleak History, Shirley’s most mainstream novel, more easily tagged in the popular highly marketable genre of Urban Fantasy.
The plot sounds simple on the surface. The thin line between the world of the living and the dead is breaking down. Certain people like Gabriel Bleak the main character have powers over the supernatural. There is an agency that is monitoring the magic outbreak and recruiting people. I admit I was yawning a bit in the early pages. It is the extremely weird and original plots of Shirley's novels (check out City Come a Walking or Three Ring Pychus for out-there plots) that set his work apart from standard science fiction or horror.
I should have trusted Shirley to rise above and make a very original piece. Once the story starts to unfold, amazing things happen. I dog-eared page 159 as the page where my imagination started cooking. It's not that exciting stuff doesn’t happen before that, it's just that's when the story really takes flight.
The hard part for me as a reviewer is that a reader deserves to discover the details as the book unfolds. As the thin line between the natural and supernatural falls apart the thin line between our rights and tyranny also falls. In many ways Bleak History is about how we as a society or a country deal with threats. What if the threat was not terrorists, but magic? What would a country that has two political parties supporting the Patriot Act and one defending the use of torture, do to protect itself from a world where the power of the supernatural was really in the hands of people?
Shirley has written a novel containing intelligent action, horror and fantasy that will appeal to readers young and old. Bleak History should be in libraries around the country. Highly recommended.
Contains: mild violence, brief references to drugs and sexaulity.
Black Jack Derringer:
Book One: Ace of Spades by Karen Koehler
Skullvines Press,2009
ISBN:
Available:New
In this “weird western” novella Karen Koehler introduces us to a wild and untamed post-apocalyptic world. In the midst of this chaos, female bounty hunter Alice West is hell bent on making it in a male dominated society by any means necessary, even if it means teaming up with a front man to give her “business” some legitimacy. Enter Mr. Treen, an albino card hustler, who does more than just lend a face to her enterprise. Populated throughout with interesting characters culled from an endless parade of similar fare, Ace of Spades reads like Tombstone on acid.
At little more than forty pages, Ace of Spades is lightning paced. The reader comes away with an interesting snapshot of the author’s vision for a world gone wrong, and what it takes to survive living on the edge of civilization. It feels comfortable and familiar, which lends the story some weight. All in all, a fine start to what will certainly be an ongoing series.
Suitable for public and private collections, Ace of Spades is peppered with violence and adult language, but not to the extreme.
Review by Bob Freeman
Nekropolis
by Tim Waggoner
Angry Robot, 2009
ISBN N/A
Available: Coming Soon
Tim Waggoner has expanded upon a previously released novella, Necropolis,
to take readers on a wild ride with a zombie private eye name Matt Richter.
Richter lives in a shadowy realm known as Nekropolis that is made up of various
beings such as vampires, lykes, demons, etc... Richter meets up with Devona, a
half-vampire, who is distraught about losing a special artifact of her father's
called the Dawnstone. Richter offers to help her retrieve said artifact. Of
course, that's easier said than done, and Matt and Devona run into all sorts of
trouble along the way!
Nekropolis is an urban fantasy that also weighs heavily on the mystery
angle. Waggoner did a wonderful job with this story and I'm thrilled to hear
that there will be two follow-up novels. Waggoner’s writing is very descriptive.
While reading I was able to picture all of the various beings included in the
story and see them battling it out. Nekropolis would be a great addition
to any library. Fans of the paranormal will also enjoy Nekropolis, as it
crosses several genres. Recommended.
Contains: Mild Violence, Drug Usage, Profanity
Review by: Rhonda Wilson
The
Black Act by Louise Bohmer
Lachesis Publishing, 2009
ISBN: 978-1897370162
Available: New
The Black Act is set in a richly detailed fantasy
world and tells of the adventures of the fifth generation of Wise Women. The
book centers on twin sisters, Claire and Anna. At the beginning of the book,
Claire witnesses her Guild Mother's death while Anna is out. Before Anna
discovers that Claire learned the truth from their Guild Mother before her
passing, Claire runs off, seeking more information to go along with what she has
learned. Anna tries to uncover the secrets from her own scribe teacher,
Rosalind, and also find her sister. In the meantime, Claire's methods of
discovery have reawakened a curse as well as a battle between the Wood People
and the Dalthwein Clans. Anna and Claire must find the truths they need to know
about their pasts in time to figure out a solution to end the present battle.
The Black Act is a very creative story that keeps the
reader wanting to know how things are going to turn out. Bohmer describes the
world and all of the various groups of people in vivid detail. You can really
picture them in your mind, especially the Wood People as she detailed them to
every root! Throughout the book there are a lot of flashbacks, which tend to
get a little confusing. Still, The Black Act flows well and is very
enjoyable. Horror fans, especially those that like a lot of fantasy mixed
within will really enjoy this new author. I highly recommend that libraries get
a copy to introduce readers to Bohmer's writing style.
Contains: Sexual Situations, Violence
Review by Rhonda Wilson
Wild
Blood by Nancy A. Collins
White Wolf Publishing, 2006
ISBN: 978-1588468789
Available: New
After his mother dies, Skinner leaves everything he knows behind to find his birth parents. His search for "the father of his flesh" introduces him to some of the darkest parts of human society, the darkest of which isn't human at all. After a stint in jail, a breakout and several days riding along with his cell mate on a crime spree, Skinner stumbles upon a speed-metal band, who, instead of flinching from his other, bestial side, show him their own. The band of werewolves are on a journey of their own, headed
to an epic vargr (werewolf) gathering where they'll ritually battle for the right to mate with the females of the race. Skinner finds himself caught up in a violent dominance game, provoked by the beautiful, manipulative werewolf Jez.
There's a lot to this story, and much of it involves gushing of various bodily fluids. Collins' books are traditionally no-holds-barred when it
comes to "onscreen" blood, violence and sex. She lovingly describes what other authors skip. Wild Blood is a story where the rules are constantly changing and anything can happen. It's likely a better addition to a private collection than a public one, simply because of the intensity and level of the physical horror.
Contains: violence, sex, bestiality, rape
Review by Michele Lee
Roc, 2001
ISBN: 0451458125
Available: New
There are four types of werewolves in wizard Harry Dresden's Chicago; werewolves, those who use their own magic to change into wolves; hexenwolves, those who use other people's magic to shift shape;
lycanthropes, who change into beasts mentally, but not physically; and the elusive loup-garou, people cursed to change into a supernatural monster that resembles a wolf in the same way that a Harley resembles a child's first bike. In Fool Moon Harry is helping his cop friend Murphy find the cause of a series of beastly murders, but instead of just finding one kind of shape shifter he seems to be crossing them all.
Book two in the popular Dresden Files series pits wizard Harry Dresden against supernatural street gangs, an Internal Affairs investigation, secretive FBI agents, the mob boss of Chicago, a cursed philanthropist, and his non-human fiancée. Dresden also faces the ire of Murphy, who is still holding a grudge against him for not telling her all about the magical world of the Nevernever. Noir flavored, with a
higher body count and more personal damage that the first book, Fool Moon is a good read for lovers of paranormal mysteries as well as those who like the urban fantasy feel but might not be into kick-ass heroines. With ten books already out in the series and more guaranteed to be on the way, the Dresden Files series can be an excellent cross-genre choice for fantasy, mystery or horror readers, since it encompasses and redefines all three. Note: The Dresden Files also has a media tie-in. The SciFi channel recently hosted a series of the same name based on the books.
Review by Michele Lee
The
Lunatic Cafe by Laurell K. Hamilton
Jove, 2004 (reissue)
ISBN: 978-0515134520
Available: New
Anita Blake has quite a reputation. The Lunatic Café, book four in her ongoing adventures, thrusts the necromancer and vampire slayer into a battle between Marcus, the sadistic and ruthless alpha of the St. Louis werewolf pack, and his challenger—her fiancé Richard. Pushed "to do the right thing" by Anita and his lesser wolves, Richard is trying to make his half-hearted challenges into a real attempt to take the pack.
Complicating things, or maybe just pushing everyone over the edge, is Marcus, the reigning wolf leader, who hands Anita a list of mysteriously missing werewolves and hires her, on penalty of pain or worse, to find them. As Anita gets deeper and deeper into the shape shifter community she learns how many people are depending on Richard to overthrow Marcus--some with their very lives—and also that there are many more skin changers missing than anyone suspected. The Lunatic Cafe jumps headlong into werewolf politics, proving that Hamilton can build just as rich and complicated of a presence for the furry monsters as the undead. This very popular series seems to be almost as immortal as its lead characters. Those who think the Anita Blake books aren’t horror-influenced haven't experienced Hamilton's lovely trees of skeletons, cannibalistic shape shifters, and brutal supernatural slayings for themselves. Recommended for public library collections.
Contains: violence, sex
Review by Michele Lee
Blue
Moon by Laurell K. Hamilton
Jove, 2002 (reprint)
ISBN: 978-0515134452
Available: New
Anita Blake thought she'd seen the last of her fiance, Richard, when she ran into the arms of another man after watching Richard eat a man. But her loyalty to the alpha of the St. Louis werewolf pack runs deep, so when his brother calls at 3am to beg for Anita's help, she can't say no. When she learns that Richard is in jail, accused of rape, with his secret on the line and mere days until the full moon, she packs up her vampire guardians and blazes in ready to save a man who seems to have only hate and lust left for her.
Blue Moon is a turning point in the Anita Blake books- the first book in the series where the balance tilts toward romance and emotion. Action and suspense are still present, though. It is fast-paced and beautifully written, with an exciting climax and gripping emotional intensity. Blue Moon has a rich, full plot, with close to the best combination of Anita's uncompromising attitude, a supernatural mystery and the twisted power of love found in any book in the series. It is also one of the rare books in the series that leaves the vampires for other plots, and takes a well- deserved delve into Hamilton's take on those with fur and claws.
Contains: violence, sex
Review by Michele Lee
Mira, 2007
ISBN: 978-0778324218
Available: New
Faythe is a sassy werecat searching for freedom in an environment where
females of the species are rare and desirable. She's in college, trying to live a normal life when she is attacked by a stray werecat on campus. Her pleasure at handling the fight on her own is quickly suppressed when her ex-fiance shows up to take her back to the
family ranch. Female shifters, including Faythe’s friends and members of her family, have disappeared. Faythe's father suspects that someone is collecting fertile werecat females, and he's determined to keep his daughter safe.
A hybrid of dark fantasy and paranormal romance, Stray will appeal to readers looking for more than just a love story, and for something beyond unrelenting fear. Stray is a fine addition to private and public fiction collections.
Contains: violence, sex, attempted rape
Review by Michele Lee
Mira, 2008
ISBN: 978-0778325550
Available: New
This is Vincent's second book starring Faythe Saunders, one of the only female
werecats in the U.S. Faythe is training to be an enforcer for her Pride.
After cleaning up the discarded body of a stray, Faythe and her boyfriend Marc return to
the Pride's ranch to discover the corpse was not one of a kind. Faythe takes an active part in tracking the killer, who is leaving a trail of strays across her territory, as well as a serial killer that appears to be choosing victims that look like her. Faythe must stop them both, even if one of them might just be part of her past come back to haunt her.
Rogue is tighter than Vincent's first book, Stray. In this book, Faythe takes an active, physical role in the protection of her Pride. Rogue leans more toward horror than the dark-tinged fantasy of Stray. Faythe is a compelling character, making Rogue a fine addition to public and private libraries and likely to be quite popular with readers.
Contains: violence, sex
Review by Michele Lee
Ace, 1996
ISBN: 978-0441003570
Available: Used
Quantum Moon is the first in a series of strange lycanthrope novels set in
a future where the world is under one government and everything is rationed: food, fuel, and even water. Poverty and despair are a way of life. Ty Merrick is a district marshal (a cop) and she also happens to be a lycanthrope. But her painful transformations and
personality changes around the time of the full moon are more physiological than metaphysical and rarely involve fur. This is a strange combination since rampant desperation has led to an upswing in superstitious beliefs.
In Quantum Moon, Ty and her partner LaRue are on the case of a murderer
who killed the overweight wife of a lawmaker. In a world where food is strictly rationed, she is somewhat of a rarity. Ty herself commonly has to go without water, power or
food, but it is her job to find this privileged woman’s killer. Ty also has to “play nice” with a doctor who wants to use her lycanthropy to his own ends. Part police procedural, part werewolf book and part dark science fiction, Quantum Moon is one of the more unusual cross genre books out there.
Review by Michele Lee
Ace, 1997
Available: Used
ISBN: 978-0441004652
Ty Merrick isn't exactly a good person. She's more likely to steal evidence from crime scenes than bag it, she complains (a lot) and seems to have a serious grudge against the world. She's also not exactly a lycanthrope, but one day after falling unconscious from carbon monoxide poisoning she wakes up and something has changed. She calls herself a lycanthrope because part of her mind goes feral on the full moon and the days leading up to it bring spasms she calls stretches, physical growth that later reverses and enhanced senses that fade away on the waning moon.
Opalite Moon is the second book in the Ty Merrick series. In this one Ty and her partner LaRue are working the murder case of three members of a secret society call the Opalites (part trailer trash, part hippy, part gypsy).The murder mystery is decent enough, but the real draw to these books is the world setting. Ty lives in a dystopian future where the whole world is under one corrupt “humanitarian” government and the people are commonly starved of everything they need to survive. Vitola's version of lycanthropy is different, but likely not to the taste of typical werewolf fans. The overwhelming air of unfairness and poverty and the bitterness of the main character may make this book a hard one to swallow, but readers of dark science fiction may want to give it a shot. .
Review by Michele Lee
Ace, 1998
Available: Used
ISBN: 978-0441005215
Manjinn Moon is Vitola's third Ty Merrick book about an unusual lycanthrope living in a dystopian future. In this book, the government has abandoned the poor, overpopulated District One as a monster hurricane hits. Merrick and her fellow cops have been tapped to fortify the area while also tracking down a killer with psychic powers and discovering a government conspiracy that knows far more about her than she'd like.
Vitola's world is more about the science fiction than the werewolf, though the premise of a future world so short in natural resources that the poor people trade on supernatural hopes and dreams can be interesting. This book builds on the previous two in terms of world building, so those who enjoyed the first two books will enjoy this third book as well.
Review by Michele Lee
Pride by Rachel Vincent
Mira, 2009
ISBN: 978-0-7783-2649-6
Available: New
Third in Vincent's Werecat series, Faythe Saunders is facing challenges
more intimidating than ever. You'd think being a werecat is difficult enough,
but in this book she is facing the werecat tribunal, on trial for her life as
they believe she has committed murder! Not only that... there is a new tabby in
town and this tabby is different than any they have ever seen. Faythe is on a
mission to help herself and the tabby keep their lives!
Faythe is definitely not a young tabby anymore! Pride shows how much
Faythe has grown up by how she takes control of so many situations and makes
decisions without waiting for the Alphas to give her the go ahead. She is head
strong and definitely heading in the direction of taking over her father's
position one day. This book seems to be a "key" book in the series to show what
her role will be one day. There is a good mix of paranormal, dark fantasy, and
mild horror within this book... as well as a touch of romance and humor so it
should fulfill the wants and desires of most readers. I highly recommend it as
an addition to any library.
Contains: violence, adult situations, adult language
Review by Rhonda Wilson
Ace Fantasy, 2007
ISBN: 9780441014897
Available: New and Used
Kate Daniels is a mercenary hiding a dark secret. Science and magic are waging war in post-apocalyptic Atlanta, and shapeshifters, vampires, and stranger things, have established themselves successfully, while skyscrapers are crumbling and electronics are useless pieces of metal. The creatures of the city are mere pieces of debris caught up in the drift.
In Magic Bites, Kate’s mentor, a Knight of the Order of Merciful Aid, has been killed in one of a series of bizarre slayings that has set the Masters of the Dead and the city’s shapeshifters at each other’s throats. The Order is unwilling to put itself in the middle, and doesn’t hesitate to exploit her personal grief to settle the problem, appointing her as an emissary. To find her mentor's killer she must face down the Beast Lord as well as the Masters of the Dead, necromancers who ride vampires around from the safety of their citadel. Magic Bites is a strong mix of fantasy and horror spiced with dark humor. It's something different for dark fantasy, paranormal horror and fantasy fans, which should earn it placement in private and public collections alike.
Ace Fantasy, 2008
ISBN: 9780441015832
Available: New and Used
Andrews shows her horror roots in the second Kate Daniels book. Set in a world where magic and science are fighting for dominance, and tearing the landscape up in the process, Kate Daniels is a mercenary and Knight of the Order of Merciful Aid, charged with cleaning up paranormal messes (like the guy with a true, fire-fleshed salamander threatening to burn down the city in the opening scene). A set of missing maps, stolen from the Beast Lord, Curran, spins out this tale which pits Kate against a magic surge- a sudden, powerful flux of magic that will mean disaster for science and extreme power for all the magic borne creatures of Atlanta. Worse yet, an ancient Celtic War deity has decided to harness the surge in order to come back into the world. Kate, allied with the city’s shape shifters, will have to stop the rebirth, or face the death deity on the battle field.
Andrews’ books are fast paced, spiked with dark humor, a bit of lust, and plenty of action. The post-apocalyptic world setting adds a lot of interesting appeal and take readers into sinister places that lighter fantasy often avoids. Magic Burns is a standout dark urban fantasy novel, and Andrews is building a large audience with each offering. Magic Burns would be an excellent addition to fantasy or supernatural horror libraries, both public and private.
Magic
Strikes by Ilona Andrews
Ace Fantasy, 2009
ISBN: 9780441017027
Available: New
Set in a post-apocalyptic Atlanta
broken by a dominance battle between elements of science and magic, book three
in the Kate Daniels series precariously and expertly balances the growing
romance between the Beast Lord and Kate, the revelation of Kate's dark secret,
and an underground Bloodsport-style competition between supernatural creatures.
When Kate's friend Derek is beaten,
brutalized and left to die Kate's investigation leads her straight to the
Midnight Games, where the strangest creatures of the magical world battle for a
legendary gem. But the Reapers, who are prime suspects in Derek's attack, are
after the gem for other reasons, reasons that would be very, very bad for the
magical and non-magical inhabitants of Atlanta alike.
The most focused of the series so
far, the time in this book is split well between Kate's emotional attachments
and past and the miasma of death, blood and battle that surrounds the Midnight
Games. Rarer still, Andrews brings quite a few elements in from all over the
globe, establishing her world as one of the few to deviate from a primarily
white-Western-European mythical world. The inclusion of Greek, Nordic, Japanese
and Indian elements makes this book a fine addition to libraries striving for a
more multicultural collection.
Moon
Called by Patricia Briggs
Ace Fantasy, 2006
ISBN: 0441013813
Available: New and Used
Mercy Thompson is unconventional from the beginning. She's a mechanic for a
small town, not to mention a tattooed skinwalker who can become a coyote at
will. Mercy was orphaned by a magical father before she was born, and fostered
by werewolves, and although she doesn’t truly belong with them, Mercy feels a
connection to the wolves, no matter how intense and violent they might become.
When
a stray werewolf shows up at her shop begging for a temporary job, she gets
sucked into a plot that threatens the lives of the area alpha as well as the
werewolf Merrok (ruler) who helped raise Mercy. Mercy is not necessarily violent
or intense. She is weaker than most of the supernatural creatures around her.
But her calm, somewhat defiant persona makes her an easygoing viewpoint
character surrounded by werewolves and vampires that are straight out of horror
movies. Mercy is the calm point of the dark, violent world. She knows
when to fight back, when to let strong characters handle things, and how to
quietly defy the big bads without having their ire crash down on her.Something
of a softer dark urban fantasy book, due to Mercy's charm, the world is no less
bloody, violent or horrific than most other werewolf books. This one is likely
to catch the eye of readers who love dark fiction that's not unrelenting in
terror or gore.
Prey by Rachel Vincent
Mira, 2009
ISBN: 978-0-7783-2681-6
Available: New
In Rachel Vincent's fourth installment of the Shifters series, lots of action takes place. The novel starts of with several of the werecats, including the main character, Faythe, traveling through the "free territory" in order to meet-up with Faythe's boyfriend, Marc, while en route to deliver a new werecat mother, Manx, to a temporary home while she is on trial for murder. Unfortunately, the group is ambushed by a large pack of stray werecats. At first, the thinking is that the strays were after the tabbies, Faythe and Manx, but when Marc later turns up missing they realize there might have been a bit more to the ambush. Now Faythe and the rest of the south-central Pride are on the search for Marc in hopes that he is still alive when they find him!
Rachel Vincent continues on with a very well-written and tight series. I feel that this book is the most emotional of the series so far. As I’ve read all of the books, I've gotten attached to the characters, and the events in this particular book really got to me. I found myself crying for the whole of two to three chapters. Vincent is an author to keep an eye on for new books, as hers truly are "new". She keeps the storyline interesting and fast-paced with fresh ideas that haven't been done before. Highly Recommended.
Contains: violence, adult situations, adult language
Review by Rhonda Wilson
Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs
Ace Fantasy, 2007
ISBN: 9789441914736
Available: New and Used
There's something almost soothing about Mercy Thompson, mechanic and skinwalker, adopted werewolf and friend to the fae. She's the kind of urban fantasy heroine who can walk through a door without some sort of power challenge. She keeps a junked out car in the middle of her yard to disturb the local Alpha's view, “forgets” to tell people things to avoid fights and uses their own training, body language and tempers against them.
In the second book in the series, Mercy's vampire friend Stefan asks for her help, and ends up dragging her into one of the darkest plots imaginable. Briggs pulls no punches, pitting the almost sweet, barely supernatural Mercy against a demon-possessed vampire whose very presence threatens the emotional control of vampires, humans, werewolves and fae. Mercy has to step up and find the vampire and his maker before more people die, particularly the people she's come to care about.
Blood Bound is a solid supernatural mystery shot through with veins of true darkness and a collection of odd and intriguing characters. The Mercy Thompson books already have an established audience who should be pleased to find this one included in the library stacks. Recommended to public and private libraries.
Review by Michele Lee
Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs
Ace Fantasy, 2008
ISBN:9780441015665
Available: New and Used
Coyote walker Mercy Thompson has faced killer werewolves and has gotten mixed up in vampire feuds, but in Iron Kissed she is roundly told to keep out of fae business. Her friend and mentor, Zee, is being set up for the murder of a cop (who wasn't exactly innocent), by the local cops, and the Gray Lords are willing to sacrifice Zee to keep fae secrets hidden. But Mercy refuses to abandon her friend, no matter what everyone around her says, or what it might cost her.
This is possibly the darkest Mercy book so far. Still reeling from the events at the end of the last book, Mercy is questioning herself and her actions. This book takes her to terrible places, where the reader might have trouble following her. Briggs expertly portrays the fae in the tradition of Grimm's fairy tales, complex creatures that despise humans, except as toys, but are strangely dependent on them.
Iron Kissed and the other books in the series are recommended for public libraries, and for private collectors who like dark fiction, but might be tired of the familiar tropes of horror.
Review by Michele Lee
Kitty
and the Midnight Hour by Carrie Vaughn
Warner Books, 2005
ISBN: 0446616419
Available: New and Used
Kitty Norville is the newest member of her local pack, and by fluke, starts a
late night advice show for supernaturals that takes off in ways she never
anticipated. Both her alpha and the local vampire lord want her show shut down,
but in a rare act of defiance Kitty fights for it, which ends up costing her.
Kitty and the Midnight Hour is a very uncomfortable book. The pace is off, parts
feels skipped over entirely, there's no real resolution, and, worse, Kitty
herself is a overly submissive woman in an abusive relationship with everyone in
her pack. It's very hard to get into this one and the repeated sexual and
emotional abuse is enough to seriously put off some readers. However the Kitty
series appears to have a large following, and it may be necessary to include
Kitty and the Midnight Hour in public collections due to demand. However,
readers buying for their private collections should read before buying to see if
Vaughn's style is to their tastes.
Review by Michele Lee
The Sacred Book of the
Werewolf by Victor Pelevin
Viking, 2008
ISBN: 078-0-670-01988-5
Available: New and used
A Hu-Li is a two thousand year old Chinese werefox in the body of a fifteen year
old girl playing the role of a Russian prostitute. After
falling for an insatiable Russian werewolf she finds herself caught up in the
epic quest for the super-werewolf, a fabled creature among were-beasts, who will
someday appear and reveal the truth of all things.
The Sacred Book of the Werewolf isn't a horror novel, but a skeletal core built
mostly of a love story, twined with esoterica and padded with meaty social and
political commentary. It's a slow read, a hard read with many asides, which
while darkly humorous are hard to digest en masse. But there's a beautiful end,
where even A Hu-Li shucks the pretensions of sex and beauty and even tails, that
will resonate with readers who can make it that far.
Review by Michele Lee
The Midnight Eye Files: The Sirens
by William Meikle
Black Death Books, 2008
ISBN: 978-0-9799881-2-7
Available: New
Poor cover art may turn many away from this book… a poor synopsis on the back will discourage many more. In fact, the synopsis on the back is completely irrelevant.
In this second book in the Midnight Eye Files series, PI Derek Adams and his agoraphobic sidekick are hired by an old woman to head to a small town in the north and retrieve her son so he can attend his father’s funeral. What follows delves deeply into the ancient Norse mythology including sirens, Odin, Loki, a shape shifter and some not-so-friendly locals.
Although this is classified as horror, and it does contain a monster, this book is more of an irreverent supernatural crime thriller. If it weren’t for the heavy use of profanity, I would recommend this as a young adult novel. Even though it lacks gore and isn’t really frightening, it is a fun book. If you are looking for a light read that doesn’t take itself too seriously, then reading this can make for an enjoyable time. The gore is light, and there are references to past sexual contact (and men with the wounds to prove it). The book does contain heavy profanity from a specific character, adult subjects such as suicide, and gore.Age appropriate for 15 and up.
Contains: Sex, violence, monsters, gore, profanity.
Review by KDP
Solaris,2009
ISBN: 1844165930
Available: New
Evil Ways is a sequel to Black Magic Woman, and the second installment in an urban fantasy series starring paranormal investigator Quincey Morris, great grandson of the infamous Texan who battled Dracula alongside Van Helsing in the Stoker classic, and his partner, Libby Chastain, a practicing white witch.
Evil Ways is a plot-driven story, and the author creates a near frantic pace as he establishes an intricate mystery with a broad cast of characters. There’s plenty of character development to draw readers in and keep them coming back for more, both for the protagonists and for federal agents Dale Fenton and Colleen O’Brien, who appear as recurring characters. Mr. Gustainis shows considerable skill in keeping the reader invested in the story with atmospheric storytelling, and his spartan prose keeps the serial from becoming bogged down.
Gustainis utilizes many of the conceits found within the urban fantasy genre, but brings enough of a unique voice through to elevate this series above the majority of its peers. Plenty of action and an explosively intricate plot combine to make Evil Ways a novel well worth reading. Readers advisory note: fans of urban fantasy and occult detective novels , particularly of Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files, will enjoy this book. Recommended for private and public collections.
Contains adult language and situations
Review by Bob Freeman
Five Star, 2008
ISBN: 9781594147067
Available: New
In Gypsy Blood, we meet Carnival, a half gypsy who is a fortune-teller and also a part-time slayer of demons and other creatures. His dead father’s soul is trapped inside him, and acts as a guide, counselor, and foil for Carnival. In Gypsy Blood Carnival falls in love with a vampire, and promises to take care of her, which includes killing people to provide her with blood. As Carnival searches for a way to “cure” his vampire lover, he is embroiled in larger demonic plans. Carnival is an interesting character, who, despite his impressive occult skills, is deeply flawed in his decision making. Steve Vernon has an amazing imagination and his storytelling skills work their magic here, making Gypsy Blood an engrossing read. Readers advisory note: This is a no-holds-barred story, with graphic depictions of gore, sexuality, and rape, so be cautious in recommending it to readers of dark and urban fantasy. However, it may appeal to readers who normally wouldn’t consider reading fantasy, such as those who enjoy the more extreme and graphic horror of Edward Lee or Tim Waggoner.
The
Chronicles of the Planeswalkers
Part I:
Alliances by B.T.
Robertson
Lachesis Publishing, 2007
ISBN-10: 1885093500
Available: New
The Chronicles of the Planeswalkers Part I: Alliances is a fantasy tale that takes place on the plane of Vaaluna. Although the title says 'part I' this is not actually the first part of the story arc(part zero precedes it), and readers who start with this book will feel like they have missed something.
The story follows Aerines, a Krayn elf, on his search for a magical book that will help him learn to use his magic and find his destiny. He is accompanied by a wizard and his bizarre staff, a giant, an odd little fellow from another plane, a father he doesn’t get along with, and several other battle-hardened elves. Their trek takes them across Vaaluna, a plane on the brink of war, where dark elves, chitinous creatures, and half man/half dire beasts are preparing to take over the world. Adding to the chaos, assorted pirates and villains are seeking the pieces of an elfstone tied to an ancient god.
The Chronicles of the Planeswalkers Part 1 has some original ideas that separate it from the crowd. For instance, the wizard’s staff is sentient- able to talk and even cast spells. The wide variety of characters and scenes, and the intriguing plot twists will hook readers and keep them turning pages. The developing relationships between friends and enemies are suspenseful and sometimes surprising, and give the story a fresh feel. At times, though, the book is confusing. There are several point of view shifts, and some of the names are similar enough that it was easy to mistake who was speaking, such as the wizard Aeligion and the elf Aerines. Even so, the book is a pleasure to read, and brought me back to my Dungeons and Dragons days. The Chronicles of the Planeswalkers Part I would certainly make a nice addition to any fantasy collection.
Review by Bret Jordan
The
Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski
Orbit,2008
ISBN:0316029181
Available: New
The Last Wish is a translation of a collection of related stories about Geralt de Rivia, a witcher. Witchers are mutant sorcerers who hunt monsters for pay, but Geralt has a conscience when it comes to his job, and his strength of character is sorely tested in these stories. The Last Wish is more of a dark fantasy than a true horror novel, and some of the tales have a touch of fairy tale to them. The story “A Grain of Truth” provides a unique look at Beauty and the Beast, and “The Lesser Evil” presents the reader with a twisted Snow White-like character. The Last Wish is an action packed, monster filled book with exciting and interesting characters and solid plotting. Recommended for the dark fantasy section or general collection of any library. Note: The popular video game The Witcher is based on this book, making it a potential bridge to reading for video game lovers. The Last Wish was originally published in Poland in 1993, and has just recently been translated into English. More of Sapkowski’s work is being translated into English and published in paperback, so readers who enjoy The Last Wish will have plenty to look forward to.
Review by Bret Jordan
A
Whisper of Southern Lights (Book 3 of The Assassin Series) by Tim Lebbon
Necessary Evil Press,2008
ISBN: N/A
Available: New
There are some writers with so much talent that they transcend their subject matter. Such is the case with Tim Lebbon and A Whisper of Southern Lights. For those who have followed The Assassin Series from the start, this is another action-packed thriller in just the manner that we’ve come to expect. At only 65 pages, Lebbon fills every nook and cranny with an overwhelming input of sensory data. Every step of the way you feel like you’re a part of the story, that you’re in the Japanese work camp, in the thick of the jungle, in the sewage line… and Lebbon makes you truly feel the weight of the centuries old conflict between the Demon Assassin Temple and Gabriel, whose thirst for revenge for the murder of his family spurs him on. I cannot recommend this series highly enough. Tim Lebbon is a treasure. This book is for readers with a thirst for high-octane adventure stories, fans of historical horror (World War II), and anyone who enjoys well written prose.
Contains: Adult language, Violence
Review by Bob Freeman
New American Library, 2006
ISBN: 0451460855
Available: New
Proven Guilty is book eight of The Dresden Files, a series of detective novels featuring Harry Dresden, the only wizard listed in Chicago’s yellow pages. In Proven Guilty, Dresden and his partner Karrin Murphy battle phobophages, supernatural creatures that feed on fear. These appear during a horror film convention, where they take on the shapes of movie monsters and attack the attendees. This is a great set-up for a story, but Butcher never really follows through. Instead of battling monsters, the novel’s pace slows to a crawl as Dresden spends his time playing politics with other wizards. Readers hoping for the wizard-detective versus monsters battle the story promises will be frustrated. The “fear-monster” conflict never takes center stage, and when it does materialize, it’s not very frightening. Butcher’s tongue-in-cheek style, while occasionally amusing, disrupts the action and takes the bite out of situations that might otherwise have built to genuine suspense. The story is also interrupted by unnecessary and intrusive exposition and narration.
Unfortunately, Proven Guilty can not stand on its own merits. Butcher does not include enough background information, so newcomers may find themselves lost. In fact, halfway through I found that I had no idea what was going on. Additionally, the story trails off, with nearly every conflict introduced in the novel left unresolved. The book really feels like a place holder between books 7 and 9, and does set up the next book nicely, so fans of The Dresden Files will probably want to read it. Newcomers, however, will want to start at the beginning and work up to this one, if they’re still interested when they get here.
Warning: This is book eight in The Dresden Files, which is a series of detective novels featuring Harry Dresden, the only Wizard listed in Chicago’s yellow pages. This series is also the basis of the show “The Dresden Files” on the Sci-Fi Channel.
Contains: violence and “adult situations.”
Review by Horror Master
The
Blackburn & Scarletti Mysteries Volume II by Karen
Koehler
KHP Publishers, 2007
ISBN: 0979988101
Available: New
FBI agent January
Blackburn and Father Dorian Scarletti,a dhampir (half human/half vampire)
working for the Vatican, are off on two new adventures. The first involves the
investigation of a murder in New Orleans that has a supernatural angle to it.
In the second story Blackburn and Scarletti investigate the supposed haunting of
a soap opera set that has Scarletti facing demons of his past. Koehler
continues to deepen the relationship between Blackburn and Scarletti, and also
explores Blackburn’s bond with Scarletti’s mentor, The Jackal, who saved her
life in the first volume by making her his ghoul. The writing is solid with
continued character development and exploration. Koehler presents interesting
individual stories that feed into the larger story arc. The Blackburn and
Scarletti Mysteries, Volume II, will appeal to wide range of audiences,
including those who enjoy paranormal mysteries and urban fantasy as well as
horror readers. Recommended for public libraries.
Contains: Violence
Dark Hart Press
ISBN: 0978731867
Available: New
If only every author’s first novel could be so fun. And that’s exactly what you get with Bryon Morrigan’s debut, a fun and exciting “man versus monster” story that invokes elements of Aliens and Top Cow’s short-lived comic series Inferno. Set in Iraq, The Desert is one part military drama and one part horror novel as we follow soldiers into Hell, and we’re not being metaphorical here. Morrigan handles the military angle with a deft hand and his characters are very believable. You can tell that the author is writing from experience, as the people and places they populate leap off the page. The overall story is engaging, though the pacing is a bit off at times. What’s most compelling about this novel is that it is not your run-of-the-mill horror story. It is original and draws you to the edge of your seat on more than one occasion. Bryon Morrigan has the right stuff and is well on his way to becoming an exciting new face in a genre in desperate need of just that. Readers advisory note: Fans of military fiction, as well as readers who appreciate a good monster tale, will enjoy this book. Highly recommended for public library collections. Contains: Adult language, Violence .
Review by Bob Freeman
Tapestry
of Dark Souls by Elaine Bergstrom
TSR, 1993(reissued 2007)
ISBN: 1560765712
Tapestry of Dark Souls is one of a series of books set
in TSR’s supernatural roleplaying universe, Ravenloft. The first third of the
book is written in first person by a merchant’s wife. She describes monks who
spend their entire lives in a hidden monastery guarding a magical tapestry with
the ability to capture and contain evil beings. The most powerful creature
within the tapestry, Morgoth, wants out, and calls out for help from those
willing to venture into the evil land. A greedy merchant and his wife answer the
call, but before they can return home, the merchant is trapped in the tapestry,
and his wife bears Morgoth’s son, Jonathan. When disaster strikes the mother,
the monks decide to raise the child themselves. In the meantime, Morgoth watches
over his son and tries to influence him. The rest of the book concentrates on
Jonathan and his story. When the boy leaves the monastery, he travels to a
nearby village to start a life of his own. Werewolves, goblins, witches, and
other dangerous creatures live in the woods around the village, sometimes even
taking villagers who wander into the forest during the daytime hours. In the
midst of these events, Jonathan is plagued by the mistrust and jealousy of the
townspeople. Eventually, he is tricked into helping Morgoth escape from the
tapestry, causing the fall of the monastery’s guardians and the possible rise of
an evil high lord who sees people merely as food for his vampiric needs.
Tapestry of Souls had many plot twists and surprises, and was a suspenseful and
entertaining light read. Tapestry of Souls is a must for anyone collecting
Ravenloft books, and would make a nice addition to a horror section of any
library. Review by Bret Jordan
Contains: Violence, Gore . Review by Bret Jordan
Carpe
Demon: Adventures of a Demon- Hunting Soccer Mom by
Julie Kenner
Berkeley Trade, 2005
ISBN: 0425202526
Available: New and Used
Julie Kenner turns the world of a stay-at-home mom on its
head to present us with a fun, fast, and entertaining read. Kate Connor retired
from demon hunting long ago, but when a demon crashes through her kitchen window
and attacks her, battling evil must, reluctantly, go to the top of her to-do
list. Balancing the needs and wants of her teenage daughter, her toddler, and
her loving (if politically ambitious) husband, already a challenge, becomes even
more difficult when she must deal with the demands of demon hunting and the
secrecy required. Kenner is right on target in describing the situations and
emotions mothers deal with, like leaving a child in day care for the first time,
Some readers will find that she’s a little heavy on the foreshadowing, so the
“mystery” of the story isn’t much of a puzzle, although there’s plenty of action
in between playdates and grocery runs. Carpe Demon is lighter in tone and
less graphic than other books in the “chick lit with fangs” genre. While readers
of the Sookie Stackhouse and Betsy Taylor sagas may enjoy Carpe Demon for
its paranormal angle, Kenner writes the kind of screwball humor that fans of
Jennifer Crusie might appreciate. On the whole the book stands alone, but I was
glad to see the author left room for a sequel. With any luck, Kate Connor will
continue to navigate the treacherous waters of motherhood, marriage, and demon
hunting with wit and success, and take us along for the ride. Carpe Demon could
fall into general fiction or romance collections as well as paranormal fiction.
Highly recommended for public libraries, and a good choice for teen readers
looking for something to follow up their Buffy reading spree. Contains: mild
language, references to sex, violence(on several occasions Kate fights and kills
demons in human corporeal form) kidnapping and threats to small children, and
references to a parent or spouse dying.
Sequels are: California Demon
Demon in my View (due to be released in July 2007)
Review by Francesca the Librarian
Something
From the Nightside by Simon R. Green
Ace, 2003
ISBN: 0441010652
Available: New and Used
This is the first book in Simon R. Green's excellent Nightside Series. John Taylor is a man with an uncanny knack for finding lost things. In this book, John returns to his birthplace, the Nightside, to find a missing girl. The Nightside is the dark center of London where's it's always 3AM and gods and demons wander the streets with more ordinary mortals. John's life in Nightside isn't exactly easy: he's being stalked by creatures intent on killing him for no apparent reason and when that's not happening, he's being hailed as the future king. And there's the pesky timeslip that John and his client fall through, showing the end of the world as we know it and the uncomfortable news that John caused it. Currently, there are seven books in the series, the majority of them held together by the plot thread of whether John finding out who his mother is really will destroy the world. This series is great for combining horror with high humor (if your sense of humor is skewed and a little dark) and the supporting cast is great. Recurring characters include: Razor Eddie, Punk God of the Straight Razor, Deadboy, Shotgun Suzie (more often called "Oh god, run, it's her!"), and a surreally perky secretary. Highly recommended. You can find this series in the sci-fi/fantasy section of the bookstore. Review by Havoc
Sequels:
-- Agents of Light and Darkness
-- Nightingale's Lament
-- Hex and the City
-- Paths Not Taken
-- Sharper than a Serpent's Tooth
-- Hell to Pay
The Pressure of Darkness by
Harry Shannon
Five Star, October, 2006
ISBN: 1594144702
Available: New
Jack Burke is a man with connections, a former special forces operative who makes ends meet by doing various odd jobs for the mob, the government, and private individuals. Jack is hired to investigate the particularly grisly death of horror novelist Peter Stryker by Stryker's daughter. The police want to rule it as a suicide, but she isn't convinced. Jack's investigation leads into the world of the occult, where he faces a menace that seeks to kill most of the people on the planet. Shannon has put together a solid horror tinged adventure, with elements that will appeal to readers in different genres, including mystery, action/adventure, and occult fiction. Jack is an intriguing and fascinating character who will draw readers in. Jack is complex- he doesn't think in terms of black and white and must make certain ethical compromises in order to survive and thrive. Fast-paced and engrossing, The Pressure of Darkness is a book readers will want to finish in one sitting. Burke has very much the feel of F. Paul Wilson's Repairman Jack character and fans of Wilson's books will definitely enjoy The Pressure of Darkness. Recommended. Contains: Violence and Gore
Alabaster
by Caitlin R. Kiernan,
illustrated by Ted Naifeh
Subterranean
Press, August, 2006
ISBN: 1596060603
Available: New
Alabaster is a collection of short stories about Dancy Flammarion, a young albino girl from Georgia who is on a mission to slay various monsters and demons. Dancy is directed in her mission by an unseen angel who only Dancy can hear. Even the reader is not privy to the angel's words or instructions. In addition, Dancy has the occasional conversation with animals both dead and alive. Caitlin Kiernan paints Dancy as a reluctant, unassuming, supernatural assassin who is focused on her target and will walk away from other malevolent creatures. The monsters in the book remind me of James Bond villains, down to the gloating monologues. They all have unique features and characteristics and are imaginatively drawn. In addition, they all seem to know about Dancy and her monster slaying deeds, but instead of killing her quickly they tend to talk to her or toy with her and die because of it. Where Alabaster falls short is in the action department. Kiernan builds up the tension, so the reader expects action, but she doesn't follow through. Kiernan has developed an incredibly interesting and sympathetic character in Dancy Flammarion, but the execution is awkward, and Dancy's adventures would benefit from more descriptive detail about and emphasis on the action.
Afterlife Battlefield
by Johnny Ostentatious
Active Bladder Press, December 2006
ISBN: 0976172933
Available: New
Zack Fury, feeling all alone in the world with no hope for the future, takes his own life with the help of a twelve gauge shotgun. Instead of finding himself in either heaven or hell, Zack wakes up in the world of Holcyon, where suicides go. Zack meets Melody, an Australian singer who committed suicide by enticing a crocodile to kill her. They find themselves in the middle of a war between the forces of good and evil, with the fate of the whole dimension hanging in the balance. Johnny Ostentatious has created a fantastic world in Holcyon, blending traditional mythological elements such as the gorgon Medusa and the Egyptian god Anubis with creatures of his own design. Instead of giving us the usual stock hero, Ostentatious gives us Zack Fury, a rebellious punk who can't seem to do what he is told. Unfortunately, there is an awkward and confusing detour in the plot that interrupts the flow of the story, but even so Afterlife Battlefield is a really fun read, with a touch of the absurd. While the author populates Holcyon with people who have committed suicide, it is clear in the story that the author has an anti-suicide message without getting too preachy about it. Recommended. Contains: suicide, violence
KHP Publisher, March, 2002 (1st ed.)
ISBN: 0967922003
Available: New and used.
No, this book isn't about a teenage vampire slayer from Sunnydale. Karen Kohler instead introduces Alek Knight, a half-human, half-vampire who works for the Vatican, enforcing the rules that vampires and other supernaturals have to live by. Alek is one slayer in a coven, or collective, of slayers. Alek uncovers a secret concerning the genesis of the vampires and the church's plans for them that pits him against his mentor and the other slayers. Koehler does a great job of creating her world with a balance of the Roman Catholic Church policing the vampire community with the slayers. Alek is tormented on many levels, in turning against his mentor and father figure, dealing with tragic events in his past, and his conflict over his companion on his quest, Sister Theresa. This erodes his image as a take-no-prisoners mega-slayer. Alek comes across as more fragile than tragic, and the exposition spent on his various torments stops the forward momentum of the story. The story is populated with colorful and interesting characters and the world she creates is an intriguing one. This is one book of a number set in this world which lends itself to many potentially fun tales. Koehler's books set in this world have the potential to become a staple of the genre. Other titles set in this world include The Blackburn and Scarletti Mysteries, Vol. 1, and Dark Miracle. Contains: scenes of sexuality, gore, and strong language.
The Blackburn &
Scarletti Mysteries, Vol I
by Karen Koehler
KHP Publisher, June, 2006
ISBN: 0976791471
Available: New
The Blackburn & Scarletti Mysteries, Vol I consists of two novellas. The first novella, Sins of the Father, introduces us to FBI agent January Blackburn and her new partner, Father Dorian Scarletti, vampire and agent of a special division of the Vatican that deals with the paranormal. Scarletti and Blackburn team up to solve a particularly gruesome murder of a Chicago thug with the words "I REPAY" written on the mauled body. In the second novella, The Hyde Effect, Blackburn and Scarletti track down a vicious killer who leaves wolf hairs by the body in another supernatural murder mystery. In Blackburn and Scarletti, Karen Koehler has given life to her protagonists, creating them with frailties and foibles. Scarletti's affiliation with the Catholic Church also adds a twist to the stories. The plots of the novellas move at a good pace and does a great job of keeping the reader involved in the story while providing background on characters and past events. Readers will be hooked by the characters and the many unanswered questions introduced in this first volume. Koehler has presented a very strong start to a new horror mystery/adventure series. Recommended. Contains: Violence and a little gore.
Five Star, October, 2004
ISBN: 1410402150
Available: New and Used
Tim Waggoner presents a horror based mystery/adventure tale in Necropolis. Necropolis is a city created in another dimension where all sorts of supernatural creatures have migrated, fleeing humans. Matthew Adrion, a once-human cop killed in Necropolis, has returned as a zombie with a soul, who works as a private detective for the various denizens that inhabit the dark city. Devona, a half vampire, asks for Matthew's help in recovering the Dawn Stone, a powerful artifact in her care. In his quest to retrieve the Dawn Stone, Matthew travels all over Necropolis, meeting all sorts of interesting creatures. Waggoner does an excellent job of crafting a complex supernatural world that flows seamlessly into the story, making it easy for the reader to get caught up in the action rather than lost in minutiae. Necropolis is one part mystery and one part adventure with a brilliant horror base. Highly recommended. Contains: Violence
Shadows Over
Somerset 1: A Cairnwood Manor Novel by Bob Freeman
KHP Publisher, April, 2006
ISBN: 0976791447
Available: New and Used
Shadows Over Somerset is the first book by Hoosier author Bob Freeman. Freeman's ambitious first novel introduces us to the Cairnwood Clan, a family with an ancient and terrible secret. Michael Somers is the youngest of the Cairnwood family who was removed from the family by his mother when he was young, he is unaware of his family's curse. Michael is brought to the Cairnwood family mansion in Somerset, Indiana at a time when an ancient evil threatens the family. Freeman fits a great deal into the book, including vampires, werewolves, and witches. His story has a serious tone rather than the humorous banter that characterizes the work of Wm Mark Simmons, but there are definitely some entertaining moments! I thought that vampire flunkies Dawn and Eve were wonderful characters and stole the show for some of the book. Reading Shadows Over Somerset is like putting together a puzzle. Freeman introduces different characters and events at the beginning of the story, and it takes time to understand how they all fit together. Shadows Over Somerset is intended to be the first in a series, and it has enough open plot lines to intrigue the reader. It will be interesting to see how Freeman develops the series. Contains drug abuse, sexual situations, violence to children, and gore.
ROC Fantasy, March, 2006
ISBN: 0451460758
Available: New
The second book I have read this week with the main character named Cal, coincidence...why yes. In this book Cal is short for Caliban, a half human half elf with an elf father and a human mother. Elf in this case doesn't mean friendly beautiful pointy eared D&D character, rather a dark malicious creature with lots of pointy teeth dedicated to violence. Cal is on the run from his father's people with his older brother Niko trying to keep him alive. Along the way they meet all sorts of creatures from fairy tales and myths including trolls, vampires, and a banshee. As a character it is hard to really like or sympathize with Cal, he seems to be very much the perpetual victim and it is really the secondary characters , like Niko, that carry the story. This is Thurman's first book and I look forward to reading his next offering. His imagination comes through in his writing, which makes the story fun to read . Contains: Violence and a little gore.
One Foot in the Grave by WM Mark Simmons
Baen Books, April 1, 1996
ISBN:0671877216
Available: New and Used
Poor Chris Csejthe. He can't remember last night, and now he finds that his wife and daughter are dead and that he is slowly
turning into a vampire. This is the first in a series of books centered on
Chris and his adjustment to life in the very complex and hostile world of
vampires, werewolves, and the supernatural. Simmons
is a talented writer and includes some classic dialogue. Contains some violence and sexual situations.
Dead on My Feet by WM Mark Simmons
Baen Books, September 6,2005
ISBN: 1416509100
Available:
New and Used
The continuation of the misadventures of Chris Csejthe. In this book
Chris has been tracked down by both East Coast and West Coast vampire
communities, in addition to having to deal with zombies, paramilitary groups,
and a virus that threatens humanity. Simmons has a knack of for packing as
much into his books as possible. On top of all of the undead action, there are
also passages where characters spend time philosophizing about the existence and
nature of God. Second in the series. Contains violence.
Habeas Corpses by WM Mark Simmons
Baen Books, November 1, 2005
ISBN: 1416509135
Available: New and Used
The third installment of the misadventures of Chris Csejthe,
who is now head of the New York Domain of Vampires. He has to battle
not only rivals for his leadership for the New York Clan of Vampires but a
mysterious other who is out to spill Chris’ blood for a different reason altogether. Simmons packs a lot in his books,
and this one includes not just vampires but Native American spirits and the
Third Reich. Somehow he brings it all
together in a coherent plot that is fun to read. I will be looking forward to
his next book. Third book in the series. Contains violence and sexual
situations.
Heretic: The Templar Chronicles by Joseph
Nassise
Pocket Books, September 27, 2005
ISBN: 0743470958
Available: New and Used
While Simmons' books mentioned above contain fun dialogue and
humor. Massise’s book is a no nonsense horror adventure novel. The book is
centered on Cade Williams, a man who has supernatural abilities and is a member
of a special operations unit of the Knight Templars a division of the Church
meant to battle the supernatural and protect humanity. In this first book the
Knight Templars are under attack by necromancers attempting to find the powerful
relics. Contains violence.
Infernal: A Repairman Jack Novel by F. Paul Wilson
Forge Books November 1, 2005
ISBN: 0765312751
Available: New and Used
This is the ninth in the Repairman Jack series, the continuing saga of Jack, a fix-it man who solves problems that normally can't be resolved through legal means. Jack finds himself in the middle of a conflict between two extra dimensional forces. In this book, Jack finds himself having to help his brother, who has gotten himself into trouble. Jack must track down who has killed a member of his family. A fine addition to the Repairman Jack series that leaves you wanting more. Contains violence
Urban Fantasy Series
Tanya Huff’s Victory Nelson books- Blood Debt, Blood Price, etc.
Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake and Meredith Gentry books
Kim Harrison’s “Rachel Morgan” books starting with Dead Witch Walking
Kelley Armstong’s “Women of the Otherworld” Bitten, Stolen, Dime Store Magic
Patricia Briggs’ Mercy Thompson books Moon Called
Mercedes Lackey “Children of the Night” “Jinx High” “Burning Water” “Sacred Ground”
Horror Adventure Series Lists from Havoc:
Vamps: Tanya Huff's Blood books. There are five books, about the adventures of
retired cop Victory Nelson and Henry the vampiric bastard son of Henry VIII.
Really. Also includes demons, werewolves, mummies, zombies, and ghosts. And, of
course, the shortest yet most deviant sex scene ever: We kicked the dead bodies
out of the way so there would be room on the floor. Go, Vicky! Found in
sci-fi/fantasy. This series continues with the Smoke books, featuring Tony. So
far, wizards and ghosts. Some people will probably care that the lead character
is gay and lusting after an increasingly less straight guy.
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Slayer
by Karen Koehler 
