Ex-cop. Graduate of the Magic Academy. Mage. I used to carry a badge for the NYPD. Now I carry wards stitched into my coat and a pistol loaded with rounds nobody admits exist.
My old partner calls me to the High Line for a triple homicide. Three bodies. Chests crushed. Claw marks cut too deep to blame on a pit bull. Magic residue clings to the concrete. Somebody wanted the city to notice.
The moment I say yes, Manhattan’s hidden world starts circling.
European vampires who ignore local blood laws. Hunters with military toys and murder on their checklist. A corporate faction called Zilra writing paychecks in the dark. SENSE, federal occult enforcement, watching me like they’re taking notes for my obituary.
And then the women show up, because of course they do.
Nari Song lives next door and runs a K-Pop dance studio. She looks cute enough to sell you a smoothie and steal your wallet. She also happens to be a five-hundred-year-old gumiho with nine tails, fox-fire, fast enough you’d think she can teleport, and a possessive streak she calls “protective.” She calls me jagiya like it’s already settled.
Lieutenant Sarah Kim is my SENSE handler and former partner. She does not flirt. She does not play nice. She does keep my license alive by bending rules until they squeal.
So, yeah. Monsters, gunfights, magic, banter, and the kind of women who make a sane man rethink the value of peace and quiet.
I don't read a lot of detective books, but I thought this was a fun read. I thought the MC was pretty likable, and it was nice that he was competent at his job. I thought the love interest, Nari, was also a pretty fun character, and I similarly appreciated that she was competent, if somewhat eccentric. I thought the plot was interesting to follow along, although I definitely felt a bit removed since I had no background information on anything happening.
I do have a couple of complaints about the story. First would be that it feels like the character has a lot of history, with a real chip on his shoulder concerning certain things. Some of that history forms like a cornerstone of the character, so it's hard to appreciate his grudge(s) when we know nothing about them, and it doesn't feel like the story really fills us in on them either. Second would be that I found the romance aspect to be kind of weak. I don't know whether to chalk this up to some history that we're lacking, or if it's just weak on its own. But, as mentioned previously, this isn't a comment against the love interest herself. I enjoyed her character. But as far as the romance goes I was just like... why is she so into him? Is it just because he's hot, or is there some other reason? I still enjoyed their interactions, but I wish it had been fleshed out a little bit more. On top of this, I found it kind of disappointing Finally,
Overall, still a fun read though. Interesting plot, and enjoyable characters. I appreciated that while the MC himself is capable, he has people around him that he can and does rely on. I had a couple of issues with the story, but nothing that ruined the book. I will add here though that it could've used some extra editing. I think I'll probably check out the second book in the series at some point.
This book was a very good start to a series. The MC is Ed Carter he was a detective for the NYPD, then three years ago he was out looking for suspects when a smoky anomaly attacked him and awakened his core. A core is what gives mages their magical abilities. Since then he's gone to wizard school and has learned to channel the different types of magic through his core. The author has created a unique world where everyday average people go through their life not knowing that there is a magical world filled with vampires, werewolves, mages, and other mystical creatures. SENSE is the government body that monitors these other beings and handles any crime committed by and to them. Like everything there are the local and powerful entities, Mr Chen, the five families of the American vampires. Sarah is his contact with the SENSE organization. He has a consulting license with them that allows him to get around and ask questions. His old partner is high up in the police department and that helps him out as well. I'm on book two and I'm learning more about what makes him so special that all of the major players are interested in bringing him into their sphere of influence.
I think by now when this author releases a new series it will be well written and entertaining. This one didn't disappoint, characters interactions and the familiar not familiar world is very enjoyable and engaging. The magic is unique and powerful and most importantly the MC is not maxed out OP!!! I really can't wait for more.
I usually skip this author these days, but in a combination of boredom and seeing the good reviews, I decided to give this a try. It's actually a pretty decent take on the jaded PI doing magic detective stuff. I also listened to the audiobook, it's good. I will for sure read the next one. Gives me hope for the future of this genre, less blatant erotica, and some actual narratives.
It was entertaining enough to hold my interest. I'm not much of a PI type story enthusiast. The plot moved along quite well after the 30% mark but the first 30-40% was a little slow. The use of corny plot devices left me rolling my eyes a lot as well as the "dragon ball z" fight seems at the end.
Very good start to a new series, first few chapters a touch slow due to story world building, but after that a fairly fun and engaging ride. Book two should be interesting.
I'm a big fan of private eye literature and a huge fan of fantasy. This is a worthwhile Endeavor to combine the two. An interesting take on Magic systems adds to the appeal. I'm looking forward to the next installment.
Great story as usual, very much up to the authors usual good story telling. Great story, well written, loveable characters, what's not to love. Looking forward to seeing more.
If you like Shadowrun you will love this book. Hard Boiled Mage detective face magical force kept hidden from the public at large. 3 potential femme fatales. Action scenes are great, but dialog is cliché.
Pretty good book overall. We really do need more books in the hard boiled magic noir genre. Pretty clean first entry with a bit of gray politics involved.
Id be more missed than MC at the end but what can you do. Looking forward to book 2.
This is a fine fantasy harem adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like the fox woman. I anxiously await the author's next novel.
MC is the typical character that relishes good over evil and has made his own life difficult. The plot and the action are thrilling and a great ride! Enjoy!!