Helpful Score: 2
The setting is Boston, where a large Irish migrant population goes hand in hand with this urban fantasy moving away from the usual werewolves and vampires, and takes it's supernatural aspects from celtic mythology. Evie Scelan is a bike messenger with a side business as a Finder. Her nickname is Hound because Evie has an ability to track things with scent. At the start of this book, Evie gets a mysterious phone call from ex-lover Frank. Despite her reservations with who he may be mixed up with, and the warning on the phone, she begins to investigate his disappearance.
Evie is a relatable heroine who thankfully doesn't do overly idiotic things, she goes into situations with her eyes open, but still gets into trouble despite her best intentions. She is a no nonsense, working class gal, trying to survive on her own who has a hard time letting other's in because of her talent. Her circle of friends is small but I hope that as the series continues that Evie will start to open herself up to others. I thought I saw a lowering of walls in a couple of instances in this book and the hint of a possible romance. Her character was my favorite part of the book.
I don't know much about celtic myths, but I knew enough to recognize some of the names of the major dieties, so it was a refreshing experience to read an urban fantasy that references that mythology and I wanted to know more about it after finishing the story. While the bad guys in this tale seemed to be shrouded in mystery until the second half of the book, once all the parties involved in the mystery that Evie unravels show up, this becomes an absorbing read.
I felt that this book had a satisfying ending (I saw this mentioned elsewhere and I agree), even though it is the start of a series. I was happy where it stopped with the promise of more to come. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens to Evie and her friends in book 2. I'd recommend this one to urban fantasy fans.
Evie is a relatable heroine who thankfully doesn't do overly idiotic things, she goes into situations with her eyes open, but still gets into trouble despite her best intentions. She is a no nonsense, working class gal, trying to survive on her own who has a hard time letting other's in because of her talent. Her circle of friends is small but I hope that as the series continues that Evie will start to open herself up to others. I thought I saw a lowering of walls in a couple of instances in this book and the hint of a possible romance. Her character was my favorite part of the book.
I don't know much about celtic myths, but I knew enough to recognize some of the names of the major dieties, so it was a refreshing experience to read an urban fantasy that references that mythology and I wanted to know more about it after finishing the story. While the bad guys in this tale seemed to be shrouded in mystery until the second half of the book, once all the parties involved in the mystery that Evie unravels show up, this becomes an absorbing read.
I felt that this book had a satisfying ending (I saw this mentioned elsewhere and I agree), even though it is the start of a series. I was happy where it stopped with the promise of more to come. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens to Evie and her friends in book 2. I'd recommend this one to urban fantasy fans.
I gave this book 3 out of 5 stars
This book is set in Boston. The main character is a bike delivery person, with an extra business on the side - finding things for people. Evie can find anything, so long as she has it's scent. It's a trick that she's always been able to do. However, this business is potentially more trouble than it's worth, because she has to balance her desire to use her talent with the need to keep under the radar of the "Bright Brotherhood", a gang that runs the magical side of Boston. Once they have you, they never let you go. Unfortunately, Evie's past intrudes on her lift, accidentally dragging her right into the searchlight.
I enjoyed the set-up of this book. I greatly enjoyed the use of the Celtic mythology. The author has some very clever ideas. I loved how the Red Sox got tied into the plot.
However, while the beginning of the book really grabbed me, I felt that the author had a hard time keeping the plot moving and keeping things pulled together. My attention started to wane toward the end of the book. I think the author had too many ideas and tried to put them all in there, which lead to a bit too much going on. There seemed to be some consistency problems with certain characters that supposedly know nothing about the magical world turning around and knowing a bit too much in the next chapter.
Overall though the world building and the characters are excellent, even if the plot is a bit wobbly. I'll definitely be giving the next book a try.
This book is set in Boston. The main character is a bike delivery person, with an extra business on the side - finding things for people. Evie can find anything, so long as she has it's scent. It's a trick that she's always been able to do. However, this business is potentially more trouble than it's worth, because she has to balance her desire to use her talent with the need to keep under the radar of the "Bright Brotherhood", a gang that runs the magical side of Boston. Once they have you, they never let you go. Unfortunately, Evie's past intrudes on her lift, accidentally dragging her right into the searchlight.
I enjoyed the set-up of this book. I greatly enjoyed the use of the Celtic mythology. The author has some very clever ideas. I loved how the Red Sox got tied into the plot.
However, while the beginning of the book really grabbed me, I felt that the author had a hard time keeping the plot moving and keeping things pulled together. My attention started to wane toward the end of the book. I think the author had too many ideas and tried to put them all in there, which lead to a bit too much going on. There seemed to be some consistency problems with certain characters that supposedly know nothing about the magical world turning around and knowing a bit too much in the next chapter.
Overall though the world building and the characters are excellent, even if the plot is a bit wobbly. I'll definitely be giving the next book a try.
It was slow to start with but in the end you can not put it down.
