Helpful Score: 2
Dead Reign is a unique addition to the Marla Mason series in that, Marla isnt able to protect her city because she has been exiled. This being the case, Rondeau gets his much needed time to shine. Having Walking Death after you cant be a good thing, and Marla has to go to hell, literally, to defeat him. I thought that Pratts ideas for Death and hell were very interesting. Hell cant really be a fiery pit of despair can it? Well, not in Marlas world. Marlas trip to hell gives us a much needed look into her past, and helps build her into a much stronger protagonist for us readers. It also leaves the plot wide open for upcoming books in the Marlaverse.
Usually, I have a problem when a bunch of characters are added into a story, but in this case all of the players are necessary and each has their own unique flavor. Pratt manages to construct these new sorcerers, and make them shine with their distinctive personalities. Not leaving one to fall flat. A small issue I had with the book was that there was a lot of build up for an epic battle scene between Marla and Death/Rondeau and Death, but we dont see that. I think this was mainly a platform to show growth in all the main characters. I dont think Dead Reign is as GREAT as Poison Sleep was, but it definitely lives up to my expectations for fantastic Urban Fantasy.
If you plan to pick up this series, definitely start from the beginning with Blood Engines (Marla Mason, Book 1) . Each book could honestly stand alone if you really wanted to start with a different one, but youll miss the little nuisances between the characters and their city of Felport.
Usually, I have a problem when a bunch of characters are added into a story, but in this case all of the players are necessary and each has their own unique flavor. Pratt manages to construct these new sorcerers, and make them shine with their distinctive personalities. Not leaving one to fall flat. A small issue I had with the book was that there was a lot of build up for an epic battle scene between Marla and Death/Rondeau and Death, but we dont see that. I think this was mainly a platform to show growth in all the main characters. I dont think Dead Reign is as GREAT as Poison Sleep was, but it definitely lives up to my expectations for fantastic Urban Fantasy.
If you plan to pick up this series, definitely start from the beginning with Blood Engines (Marla Mason, Book 1) . Each book could honestly stand alone if you really wanted to start with a different one, but youll miss the little nuisances between the characters and their city of Felport.
