For those who don't know, +Charity Langley and I have been friends since college. She always had some bit of some story but never could seem to get all of the bits together in one story-- she finally succeeded! And I loved it! (I might be a little biased, but her first novel attempt blew away what I was expecting!)
You are thrown right into the action at the very beginning and pacing of this novel is EXCELLENT. There isn't a single moment where something interesting isn't happening. I like the authors fresh take on the paranormal genre. The characters aren't completely heroes or monsters, but have flaws like any other person would. Vampires werewolves, fairies, gargoyles and a few more interesting creatures are brought into the mix that, like one of her goodreads reviewers said, I hope are expanded on in the next book.
And my favorite part of this book was that the female lead wasn't constantly weak and in distress. I am over stories where some weak woman has to be rescued by some white-knight, super-human warrior and ridden off into the sunset. They're a dime a dozen. The lead is a quick-witted badass who has managed to make it on her own, despite some regrettable stuff in her past. She isn't happy or perfect, but she's fun to ride along with during this book.
All of Charity's characters have a realness to them that is unique in the paranormal genre. It's sometimes like you could reach right into the book and touch them. They have personalities and thoughts that are unique to each character. I also appreciate that this novel was very dialogue driven. I'm a show-me not a describe for me type person.
All in all, this was the best book I read in 2013 (I still might be a little biased since the author is my friend and all). I highly, highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys dark fantasy, or urban fantasy, but if you're a prude with a stick a mile up your ass who has issues with violence, sex, sexual violence, and profanity this book isn't for you.
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