Readers of my reviews and blog know I love Lumsden’s noir modern alt-history fantasy world.

What to Expect

A new adventure for Shade the Collector and his buddy Dwayne. This time a river spirit entrusts him with a coprolite (petrified excrement) to hide and guard. Naturally, the shadowy intelligence agency that employs him on occasion immediately gets him to find a matching piece — or else.

When follows is a small-town adventure, where nothing is quite what is seems on the surface and old spirits roam land (and still vie for dominance).

What I liked

Lumsden certainly hit his stride. Though the book is longer than previous, it doesn’t feel that way. The pace is clipping, the action gripping, and the horrors chilling. Lumsden has a unique take on shapeshifters, and with Shade being one we get a front-row view into their world. This and the world-building in general make it one of the most original urban fantasy worlds / series today.

What to be aware of

This is book two of Lumsden’s second series in that world. That said, there is no problem jumping right in. There are elements to Shade’s life that form an overall arc, but if you want to jump in here you can.

Felix’s and Jack’s Reviews

Both Felix and Jack enjoyed the novel tremendously. Felix was a friend of the previous protagonist, but Shade is another one he could share drinks with. Morally grey protagonists is a theme he enjoys.

Jack found the discourse on shapeshifters and nature spirits very illuminating. Different from his world, so fascinating on a professional level.

Summary

Highly, highly recommended if you want original urban fantasy. If you want a taste, read my review of the first book or this interview with Shade.

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Enjoying the reviews, but wondering who the heck are those Felix and Jack fellows? Glad you asked! Felix is the protagonist of the Togas, Daggers, and Magic series, an historical-fantasy blend of a paranormal detective on the background of ancient Rome, and Jack is the police detective running the Unusual Crimes Squad, dealing in occult crimes in modern-day Australia.

Come meet Felix and Jack on the free short stories and novels!