Poison Fruit - Book Review

 

Poison Fruit (Agent of Hel #3)

by Jacqueline Carey

What is it about:

The Pemkowet Visitors Bureau has always promoted paranormal tourism—even if it has downplayed the risks (hobgoblins are unpredictable). It helps that the town is presided over by Daisy Johanssen, who as Hel’s liaison is authorized by the Norse goddess of the dead to keep Pemkowet under control. Normally, that’s easier to do in the winter, when bracing temperatures keep folks indoors.

But a new predator is on the prowl, and this one thrives on nightmares. Daisy is on her trail and working intimately with her partner and sometime lover from the Pemkowet PD, sexy yet unavailable werewolf Cody Fairfax. But even as the creature is racking up innocent victims, a greater danger looms on Pewkowet’s horizon.

As a result of a recent ghost uprising, an unknown adversary—represented by a hell-spawn lawyer with fiery powers of persuasion—has instigated a lawsuit against the town. If Pemkowet loses, Hel’s sovereignty will be jeopardized, and the fate of the eldritch community will be at stake. The only one who can prevent it is Daisy—but she’s going to have to confront her own worst nightmare to do it.

What did I think of it:

This was the weakest book in this trilogy for me.

It still was an enjoyable read, but a couple of things pissed me off. And yes: Daisy ending up with the wrong person imo was one of them.

Still I had a good time with this book and the trilogy overall. It might not have ended with the bang I was hoping for (pun not intended) it did have some cool and suspenseful moments. 

I can advice this series to lovers of Urban Fantasy and I will probably read more by Carey.

Why should you read it:

It's a cool UF read.

Autumn Bones - Book Review

 

Autumn Bones (Agent of Hel #2)

by Jacqueline Carey

What is it about:

New York Times bestselling author Jacqueline Carey returns to the curious Midwest tourist community where normal and paranormal worlds co-exist—however tenuously—under the watchful eye of a female hellspawn…...

Fathered by an incubus, raised by a mortal mother, and liaison to the Pemkowet Police Department, Daisy Johanssen pulled the community together after a summer tragedy befell the resort town she calls home. Things are back to normal—as normal as it gets for a town famous for its supernatural tourism, and presided over by the reclusive Norse goddess Hel.

Not only has Daisy now gained respect as Hel’s enforcer, she’s dating Sinclair Palmer, a nice, seemingly normal human guy. Not too shabby for the daughter of a demon. Unfortunately, Sinclair has a secret. And it’s a big one.

He’s descended from Obeah sorcerers and they want him back. If he doesn’t return to Jamaica to take up his rightful role in the family, they’ll unleash spirit magic that could have dire consequences for the town. It’s Daisy’s job to stop it, and she’s going to need a lot of help. But time is running out, the dead are growing restless, and one mistake could cost Daisy everything…

What did I think of it:

After rereading the first book in this series I immediately grabbed this book, because I wanted more.

And I wasn't disappointed. This book is just as much fun!

Both Lurine and the ghouls are still my favorites of the mythical creatures. Luckily they all got their chance to shine.

I wasn't a fan of Sinclair when he was introduced in Dark Currents, and I didn't warm up to him in this book, but as he is the one at the center of all the events in this book I could live with him for the sake of an awesome suspenseful story. I kept reading to see what was happening next. 

Overall the storyline in this book felt a bit more meandering than in the first book, but as it was all cool and fun I didn't mind.

You bet I'll be picking up book 3 soon.

Why should you read it:

It's a really cool Urban Fantasy Read

Dark Currents - Book Review (reread/repost)

 

Dark Currents (Agent of Hel #1)
by Jacqueline Carey

What is it about:
The Midwestern resort town of Pemkowet boasts a diverse population: eccentric locals, wealthy summer people, and tourists by the busload; not to mention fairies, sprites, vampires, naiads, ogres and a whole host of eldritch folk, presided over by Hel, a reclusive Norse goddess.

To Daisy Johanssen, fathered by an incubus and raised by a single mother, it’s home. And as Hel’s enforcer and the designated liaison to the Pemkowet Police Department, it’s up to her to ensure relations between the mundane and eldritch communities run smoothly.

But when a young man from a nearby college drowns—and signs point to eldritch involvement—the town’s booming paranormal tourism trade is at stake. Teamed up with her childhood crush, Officer Cody Fairfax, a sexy werewolf on the down-low, Daisy must solve the crime—and keep a tight rein on the darker side of her nature. For if she’s ever tempted to invoke her demonic birthright, it could accidentally unleash nothing less than Armageddon.

What did I think of it:
This is a fun read.

I loved the word building in this book. It's very diverse and even though it lends from all kinds of mythologies it felt unique.

Daisy was a cool character with an interesting back-story. She of course does attract the attention of multiple men, because she's so special, but it wasn't annoying. The annoyance will probably come in upcoming books when she will pick the wrong guy(s) in my opinion.

That aside: The story was both funny and suspenseful. I kept trying to guess what would happen next, and how Daisy would solve things. I loved how a lot of different supernatural creatures get involved and introduced. I especially liked the ghouls, and Daisy's friend Lurine.

Although the murder mystery is resolved in this book, there are some things happening in this book that lend themselves for more intrigue and suspense for the next book, so you bet I will be getting my trotters on it to find out what's next for Daisy.

Thought on rereading:

Another book where I almost didn't remember anything. But I had book 2 in my TBR since 2015, so I decided to do a reread to refresh my memory. And this is such a cool read! Why did I forget about it? I immediately picked up book 2 after finishing my reread. 

Why should you read it:
It's an entertaining Urban Fantasy read.

A Fantasy Medley 3 - Book Review

A Fantasy Medley 3
by Yanni Kuznia (Editor), Jacqueline Carey, Kevin Hearne, Laura Bickle and Aliette de Bodard

What is it about:
In “Goddess at the Crossroads,” Kevin Hearne shares a thrillingly memorable episode from the past of his popular Iron Druid Chronicles hero Atticus O’Sullivan, revealing how one night’s dark encounter with the cult of Hecate served as inspiration for Shakespeare’s witches in the Scottish play.

With “Ashes,” Laura Bickle revisits Detroit arson investigator and powerful spirit medium Anya Kalinczyk as she, her five-foot-long salamander familiar Sparky, and Hades’ Charon pursue a destructive fire elemental named the Nain Rouge through the city’s festival in his dubious honor.

“The Death of Aiguillon” finds Aliette de Bodard exploring an episode sixty years prior to the start of her latest novel, The House of Shattered Wings, in which the survivors of an ongoing magical conflict in Paris eke out a grim existence, and one woman’s wish for a better life is granted at a terrible price.

And in “One Hundred Ablutions,” Jacqueline Carey, author of the much-beloved Kushiel’s Legacy series, tells the tale of Dala—a young woman chosen by her people’s overlords to be an exalted slave among slaves—and of the twining in her life of ritual, rebellion, and redemption.

What did I think of it:
Goddess at the Crossroads by Kevin Hearne
This was a fun story featuring Shakespeare and witches.
I haven't read the Iron Druid Chronicles (yet), but had no trouble understanding the story. I really liked the writing and the characters. I will have to dig up the first book in the series from my TBR pile and give it a try one of these days.

Ashes by Laura Bickle
If you know me, you know this story is why I wanted this anthology.
And Laura Bickle doesn't disappoint. This is a really cool and touching story. Anya and Sparky team up with Charon to save the city from destruction. I will keep hoping for more books and stories in this series, but if this story is the last then I'm happy with how Bickle leaves things for Anya and Sparky.

The Death of Aiguillon by Aliette de Bodard
I will admit I couldn't get into this story and didn't finish it.

One Hundred Ablutions by Jacqueline Carey
This is a beautiful and sad story.
I've only read one of Carey's Urban Fantasy books, but reading this story I'm tempted to pick up one of her Fantasy books as well. I loved the writing, the setting and the the mood that Carey sets here.

Why should you read it:
Sparky!!!

Dark Currents - Book Review

Dark Currents (Agent of Hel #1)
by Jacqueline Carey

What is it about:
The Midwestern resort town of Pemkowet boasts a diverse population: eccentric locals, wealthy summer people, and tourists by the busload; not to mention fairies, sprites, vampires, naiads, ogres and a whole host of eldritch folk, presided over by Hel, a reclusive Norse goddess.

To Daisy Johanssen, fathered by an incubus and raised by a single mother, it’s home. And as Hel’s enforcer and the designated liaison to the Pemkowet Police Department, it’s up to her to ensure relations between the mundane and eldritch communities run smoothly.

But when a young man from a nearby college drowns—and signs point to eldritch involvement—the town’s booming paranormal tourism trade is at stake. Teamed up with her childhood crush, Officer Cody Fairfax, a sexy werewolf on the down-low, Daisy must solve the crime—and keep a tight rein on the darker side of her nature. For if she’s ever tempted to invoke her demonic birthright, it could accidentally unleash nothing less than Armageddon.

What did I think of it:
This is a fun read.

I loved the word building in this book. It's very diverse and even though it lends from all kinds of mythologies it felt unique.

Daisy was a cool character with an interesting back-story. She of course does attract the attention of multiple men, because she's so special, but it wasn't annoying. The annoyance will probably come in upcoming books when she will pick the wrong guy(s) in my opinion.

That aside: The story was both funny and suspenseful. I kept trying to guess what would happen next, and how Daisy would solve things. I loved how a lot of different supernatural creatures get involved and introduced. I especially liked the ghouls, and Daisy's friend Lurine.

Although the murder mystery is resolved in this book, there are some things happening in this book that lend themselves for more intrigue and suspense for the next book, so you bet I will be getting my trotters on it to find out what's next for Daisy.

Why should you read it:
It's an entertaining Urban Fantasy read.