Black Howl, by Christina Henry, is the third installment in her Urban Fantasy series called Black Wings. This book is for those that like a darker UF story with snark and action galore.
Plot:
Something is wrong with the souls of Chicago's dead. Ghosts are walking the streets, and Agent of Death Madeline Black's exasperating boss wants her to figure out why. And while work is bad enough, Maddy has a plethora of personal problems too. Now that Gabriel has been assigned as her thrall, their relationship has hit an impasse. At least her sleazy ex-fiance Nathaniel is out of the picture--or so she thinks...
Unfortunately, I didn't pick up this series until this current installment which may be why I felt a little left out in parts of the series's backstory. But from where this book picks up I got a pretty good taste of what was happening now and where things are leading in the future. Maddy is an Agent of Death and also happens to be the granddaughter of Lucifer himself, and even though she's nothing like him that kind of family tie is always going to make folks judgmental. Going against a major player in Hell's court Maddy sets out to rescue her wolf-friend Wade.
With ghosts going bonkers it's up to the local Agents and Maddy to bring an end to all the madness. But that goal takes a lot of work and struggle coated with betrayal and manipulation. I was a little disappointed that Maddy, despite all her strengths and struggles, seemed to get herself into awful situations time and time again. If it wasn't for her close set of immortal friends and family the girl would be long dead. Or dead again that is. She's got some mad skills and continues to rush into battle even when outnumbered and outgunned but as the reader you're waiting for her to slow down and think things through first.
Gabriel and Samiel are two fascinating and captivating characters that I loved reading about. Some major twists and turns have the group constantly on their toes, added to the heartache and loss of loved ones I was invested in the story's plot and final cliffhanger ending. It's picking at bones though, but I could have used a lot less of the "ands" in sentences and more description when the action picks up. Situations get a little rushed here and there when more vivid description would have been helpful. It's a quick read but packed to the brim with adventures.
Getting 3 and 1/2 'Dunkin doughnut eating' Sheep
KD
I have read this series so far and really enjoy it. If you can go back and read the first two it might help your overall impression. But since I have yet to read the latest I can't comment too much.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the review, as always. Thank you for sharing
Thank you for your great review once again. I always appreciate your opinion and after reading the author's interview will definitely start with book one.
ReplyDeleteI totally would and I am eager to hear what you think of it! :) baaaa
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