Category: Urban Fantasy Page 12 of 44

On March 20, 2023

In Fiction, Urban Fantasy

Justice Calling

by Annie Bellet

DETAILS:
Series: The Twenty-Sided Sorceress, Book 1
Publisher: Doomed Muse Press
Publication Date: July 30, 2014
Format: eBook
Length: 154 pgs.
Read Date: March 7, 2023

What’s Justice Calling About?

In the college town of Wylde, Idaho (which I’m guessing is inspired by Moscow more than anything else—definitely not Wilder, Idaho, but isn’t anywhere near any actual college), the residents are essentially college students or some kind shape-shifter. And those who are neither are likely associated with the supernatural somehow. Like our protagonist/narrator, Jade Crow.

A Justice comes to town, convinced that Jade is going to do something to kill several shapeshifters. At about the same time, the mother of Jade’s best friend is found in her animal form—apparently after a taxidermist. Which is pretty disturbing no matter what—the fact that this is someone she knows makes it all the worse. With the law enforcement arm of the supernatural world (the Justice) considering her suspect number one, Jade’s life has gotten very complicated.

She’s able to get the Justice to step down (momentarily) while she and her friends start looking into things. What they find is terrifying—but it does get the Justice to start trusting Jade. Sadly, she has to expend enough power to draw attention to herself—old enemies are probably going to come looking for her.

Jade has to decide—is it time to leave and save her skin, or does she stick around and try to stop whatever dark thing is afoot in Wylde?

Jade Crow

Jade Crow strikes me as a variation on Atticus O’Sullivan with a little bit of Ree Reyes thrown in. Her past makes you think of Atticus—she used to throw around a lot of power and was a force to be reckoned with—but then she stopped using her power, changed her name, and did all she could to stay under the radar to save her life.

Her attitude and interests make me think of Ree.

I’m obviously not suggesting that Bellet ripped off Hearne and Underwood—or anything like that. I’m just saying as a reader, those are things I was reminded of.

So, what did I think about Justice Calling?

This is a fast read. A breezy introduction to this world and the magic in it.

I thought everything felt a little rushed—the action, as well as Jade’s need to leave town (and her budding relationship with Kirov). But most of that occurred to me after the book was over—in the moment it worked really well.

I’m curious about where the series goes from here—the fact that there are 9 more is a little on the intimidating side. But if this is anything to go off of, there’s a lot of reason to keep going.

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.

The Ballad of Bonaduke—Episode 18: The Takedown by R. T. Slaywood: Hey! Things happened!

On March 17, 2023

The Ballad of Bonaduke—
Episode 18: The Takedown

DETAILS:
Series: The Ballad of Bonaduke, #18
Format: Kindle Vella Story
Read Date: March 17, 2023

I heard the beeps of their radios as the shouts of “Gas!” became intermixed with the sound of wood and fists against riot shields. Then deep fear as, pop, pop, pop, the sound of guns going off. I ducked, covering my head with hands that wouldn’t stop shaking.

Please tell me those are rubber!

The Story So Far…

A drunken Michael Bonaduke decides to use a grift (with maybe some sort of magic/magic-like “help”) to win on a scratch-off lottery ticket so he has money to buy more to drink. He pulls off whatever he did, gets his money and some booze and stumbles off into the darkness to drink himself into oblivion so he can start again the next day. He’s hit by dark memories (probably what’s driving him to the drinking) of fire, pleading, and screaming. There’s going to be a price to pay for his grift, and he’s trying to be ready.

Before then, he gets himself drunk and we get some of his tragic backstory. As he ponders this, he decides to use some of his ill-gotten-gains to buy more booze and walks into a liquor store robbery. He foils it in some sort of magical fashion, gets some more to drink, and heads off to the park to drink until he’s arrested (probably for the failed robbery). At least that’s his plan, but it gets interrupted by being hit by a car. He wakes up on some sort of short, metal bed and is unsure what’s going on. It turns out that some group is subjecting him to a test—if he passes, everything will be explained to him (and hopefully the reader, too). He passes—and is brought somewhere for answers, or maybe training, or maybe another test. Time will tell (or things are going to get really annoying). Answers aren’t quick to come—but the mysteries and questions keep piling up.

Things get hairy and Bonaduke leaves and finds himself back in the neighborhood he started from. Taking refuge in a homeless encampment, Bonaduke has to make some decisions. He starts to get his thoughts in order when the police begin a raid at the camp.

What’s The Takedown About?

There’s a big action scene involving the police raiding the camp—Carp is looking out for Bonaduke, if the police get him, he’s in for worse than whatever they have in mind for the homeless. So he arranges for Bonaduke to get away—and Bonaduke takes him up on it.

While the camp is decimated, a few people are beaten, and his escorts disappear, Bonaduke almost makes it out of the park only to be detained by a couple of detectives. He tries to evade them but gets detained.

As their car pulls away, Bonaduke realizes that this isn’t a department-issued vehicle. These aren’t detectives, and things are getting worse for him.

So, what did I think about The Takedown?

There’s a paragraph or two that needed editing—it was just hard to understand the details of what was happening—but I got the gist (I just hate to have to slow down and decipher things in the middle of an action scene).

Still, this is a great improvement. Action’s good in a story that really doesn’t have a defined plot arc yet. Hopefully, this propels us into something that will start to resemble a plot. Slaywood’s still being coy with answers, and that’s okay. I just hope we start to get something concrete and can leave vague pronouns and allusions behind and start using titles and names.

3 Stars

The Ballad of Bonaduke—Episode 17: In Tents by R. T. Slaywood: Stalling Again, but Less Frustratingly So

On March 3, 2023

The Ballad of Bonaduke—
Episode 17: In Tents

DETAILS:
Series: The Ballad of Bonaduke, #17
Format: Kindle Vella Story
Read Date: March 2, 2023

The Story So Far…

A drunken Michael Bonaduke decides to use a grift (with maybe some sort of magic/magic-like “help”) to win on a scratch-off lottery ticket so he has money to buy more to drink. He pulls off whatever he did, gets his money and some booze and stumbles off into the darkness to drink himself into oblivion so he can start again the next day. He’s hit by dark memories (probably what’s driving him to the drinking) of fire, pleading, and screaming. There’s going to be a price to pay for his grift, and he’s trying to be ready.

Before then, he gets himself drunk and we get some of his tragic backstory. As he ponders this, he decides to use some of his ill-gotten-gains to buy more booze and walks into a liquor store robbery. He foils it in some sort of magical fashion, gets some more to drink, and heads off to the park to drink until he’s arrested (probably for the failed robbery). At least that’s his plan, but it gets interrupted by being hit by a car. He wakes up on some sort of short, metal bed and is unsure what’s going on. It turns out that some group is subjecting him to a test—if he passes, everything will be explained to him (and hopefully the reader, too). He passes—and is brought somewhere for answers, or maybe training, or maybe another test. Time will tell (or things are going to get really annoying). Answers aren’t quick to come—but the mysteries and questions keep piling up.

Things get hairy and Bonaduke leaves and finds himself back in the neighborhood he started from. Taking refuge in a homeless encampment, Bonaduke has to make some decisions.

What’s In Tents About?

Bonaduke goes into his tent for some wine and some introspection–he brushes against memories of that tragedy that set him on his current trajectory, what he did after passing the test the day before, and so on. He then settles to sleep and dreams a very vivid dream.

So, what did I think about In Tents?

This was okay–Slaywood’s still trying to be mysterious about Bonaduke’s past while having him dwell on it–which just makes it vague and annoying (if you ask me). I appreciate what I think he’s trying to do there, but I’m convinced it’s working.

I did like this one a bit more than the last couple of episodes, which helped my patience build regarding Slaywood’s long game. Still, I want some clarity, some movement, and less waffling. Maybe that’s because I’m shallow, but I don’t think so.

3 Stars

The Ballad of Bonaduke—Episode 16: Stephen Carpenter by R. T. Slaywood: The Cast Expands in a Promising Way

On February 17, 2023

The Ballad of Bonaduke—
Episode 16: Stephen Carpenter

DETAILS:
Series: The Ballad of Bonaduke, #16
Format: Kindle Vella Story
Read Date: February 9, 2023

The Story So Far…

A drunken Michael Bonaduke decides to use a grift (with maybe some sort of magic/magic-like “help”) to win on a scratch-off lottery ticket so he has money to buy more to drink. He pulls off whatever he did, gets his money and some booze and stumbles off into the darkness to drink himself into oblivion so he can start again the next day. He’s hit by dark memories (probably what’s driving him to the drinking) of fire, pleading, and screaming. There’s going to be a price to pay for his grift, and he’s trying to be ready.

Before then, he gets himself drunk and we get some of his tragic backstory. As he ponders this, he decides to use some of his ill-gotten-gains to buy more booze and walks into a liquor store robbery. He foils it in some sort of magical fashion, gets some more to drink, and heads off to the park to drink until he’s arrested (probably for the failed robbery). At least that’s his plan, but it gets interrupted by being hit by a car. He wakes up on some sort of short, metal bed and is unsure what’s going on. It turns out that some group is subjecting him to a test—if he passes, everything will be explained to him (and hopefully the reader, too). He passes—and is brought somewhere for answers, or maybe training, or maybe another test. Time will tell (or things are going to get really annoying). Answers aren’t quick to come—but the mysteries and questions keep piling up.

Things get hairy and Bonaduke leaves and finds himself back in the neighborhood he started from.

What’s Stephen Carpenter About?

Apparently, Bonaduke wasn’t as unwelcome as I thought at the homeless camp—it’s just that he needs to talk to the top man—Stephen Carpenter, a long-time acquaintance who knows something about Bonaduke and his abilities. But not enough.

Carp welcomes Bonaduke and reminds him that he has a place in the community and is welcome to stay—but he wants something, too. He wants Bonaduke to work for the betterment of the city’s homeless.

Bonaduke just wants to drink and sleep some right now, so Carp cuts the conversation short—for now.

So, what did I think about Stephen Carpenter?

Everyone’s being too vague for my tastes at the moment (I really don’t think I’d care if I was reading this in a longer form, but minced up like this, I need something more to hang on to). But at least something’s happening—here’s someone who has a history with Bonaduke (more of one than our protagonist realized) and pushes him to action. Something this story really needs (even if it ends up not being what Carp is looking for).

This is better and gives me hope I won’t be always frustrated by this series.

3 Stars

The Ballad of Bonaduke—Episode 15: A Walk In The Park by R. T. Slaywood: I’m Getting Tired of This

On February 10, 2023

The Ballad of Bonaduke—
Episode 15: A Walk In The Park

DETAILS:
Series: The Ballad of Bonaduke, #15
Format: Kindle Vella Story
Read Date: February 9, 2023

The Story So Far…

A drunken Michael Bonaduke decides to use a grift (with maybe some sort of magic/magic-like “help”) to win on a scratch-off lottery ticket so he has money to buy more to drink. He pulls off whatever he did, gets his money and some booze and stumbles off into the darkness to drink himself into oblivion so he can start again the next day. He’s hit by dark memories (probably what’s driving him to the drinking) of fire, pleading, and screaming. There’s going to be a price to pay for his grift, and he’s trying to be ready.

Before then, he gets himself drunk and we get some of his tragic backstory. As he ponders this, he decides to use some of his ill-gotten-gains to buy more booze and walks into a liquor store robbery. He foils it in some sort of magical fashion, gets some more to drink, and heads off to the park to drink until he’s arrested (probably for the failed robbery). At least that’s his plan, but it gets interrupted by being hit by a car. He wakes up on some sort of short, metal bed and is unsure what’s going on. It turns out that some group is subjecting him to a test—if he passes, everything will be explained to him (and hopefully the reader, too). He passes—and is brought somewhere for answers, or maybe training, or maybe another test. Time will tell (or things are going to get really annoying). Answers aren’t quick to come—but the mysteries and questions keep piling up.

Things get hairy and Bonaduke leaves and finds himself back in the neighborhood he started from.

What’s A Walk In The Park About?

So, our man needs a place to lay low and make some choices, so he heads to a homeless encampment he used to stay at. He apparently left under a cloud and it doesn’t seem he’s welcome.

So, what did I think about A Walk In The Park?

I think it’s fitting to just repeat what I said about the last episode here. If the story isn’t going to move, there’s no reason for my posts to move.

This is another filler episode where not much (anything) happens. I’m getting really tired of these. It’s hard to have an opinion about treading water. I feel shallow complaining about this, but…

2 Stars

The Ballad of Bonaduke—Episode 14: Consequence by R. T. Slaywood: Walking Quickly but Treading Water

On February 3, 2023

The Ballad of Bonaduke—
Episode 14: Consequence

DETAILS:
Series: The Ballad of Bonaduke, #12
Format: Kindle Vella Story
Read Date: February 2, 2023

The Story So Far…

A drunken Michael Bonaduke decides to use a grift (with maybe some sort of magic/magic-like “help”) to win on a scratch-off lottery ticket so he has money to buy more to drink. He pulls off whatever he did, gets his money and some booze and stumbles off into the darkness to drink himself into oblivion so he can start again the next day. He’s hit by dark memories (probably what’s driving him to the drinking) of fire, pleading, and screaming. There’s going to be a price to pay for his grift, and he’s trying to be ready.

Before then, he gets himself drunk and we get some of his tragic backstory. As he ponders this, he decides to use some of his ill-gotten-gains to buy more booze and walks into a liquor store robbery. He foils it in some sort of magical fashion, gets some more to drink, and heads off to the park to drink until he’s arrested (probably for the failed robbery). At least that’s his plan, but it gets interrupted by being hit by a car. He wakes up on some sort of short, metal bed and is unsure what’s going on. It turns out that some group is subjecting him to a test—if he passes, everything will be explained to him (and hopefully the reader, too). He passes—and is brought somewhere for answers, or maybe training, or maybe another test. Time will tell (or things are going to get really annoying). Answers aren’t quick to come—but the mysteries and questions keep piling up.

What’s Consequence About?

Bonaduke finds himself in front of the liquor store and sees some cops nearby. The last thing he wants is to be connected with the events he witnessed (but can’t prove he didn’t do)—so he tries to subtly walk away quickly. He also becomes convinced that he needs to get rid of the $5 bill he picked up from the liquor store thanks to his grift. That doesn’t work so well.

So, what did I think about Consequence?

This is another filler episode where not much (anything) happens. I’m getting really tired of these. It’s hard to have an opinion about treading water. I feel shallow complaining about this, but…

2 Stars

The Ballad of Bonaduke—Episode 13: Realizations by R. T. Slaywood: Right Back Where We Started From

On January 20, 2023

The Ballad of Bonaduke—
Episode 13: Realizations

DETAILS:
Series: The Ballad of Bonaduke, #12
Format: Kindle Vella Story
Read Date: December 2, 2022

While previously, just seconds before, I had resented her for disappearing, I now resented the fact that I feared whatever she had become.

Just say vampire.

The Story So Far…

A drunken Michael Bonaduke decides to use a grift (with maybe some sort of magic/magic-like “help”) to win on a scratch-off lottery ticket so he has money to buy more to drink. He pulls off whatever he did, gets his money and some booze and stumbles off into the darkness to drink himself into oblivion so he can start again the next day. He’s hit by dark memories (probably what’s driving him to the drinking) of fire, pleading, and screaming. There’s going to be a price to pay for his grift, and he’s trying to be ready.

Before then, he gets himself drunk and we get some of his tragic backstory. As he ponders this, he decides to use some of his ill-gotten-gains to buy more booze and walks into a liquor store robbery. He foils it in some sort of magical fashion, gets some more to drink, and heads off to the park to drink until he’s arrested (probably for the failed robbery). At least that’s his plan, but it gets interrupted by being hit by a car. He wakes up on some sort of short, metal bed and is unsure what’s going on. It turns out that some group is subjecting him to a test—if he passes, everything will be explained to him (and hopefully the reader, too). He passes—and is brought somewhere for answers, or maybe training, or maybe another test. Time will tell (or things are going to get really annoying). Answers aren’t quick to come—but the mysteries and questions keep piling up.

What’s Realizations About?

Bonaduke rushes out, trying to catch up with his sister-in-law to get some more answers, but can’t find her. Then he realizes that he forgot to get dressed post-shower. When he gets back to the apartment, he’s alone. He gets dressed and decides to get out while he can—who needs answers when you can get away from the weirdness? He eventually finds himself back at the liquor store we started this story.

So, what did I think about Realizations ?

Eh…I’m of two minds. First—this makes total sense. You’ve got yourself a guy bent on self-destruction—and has been for years. Sure, there’s all this stuff going on around him that he’d like to understand. But more importantly, he’s got a chance to get away from it all and find a new bottle to disappear into. Obviously, what’s behind Door Number 2 sounds better.

On the other hand, in addition to fingers, you’ve got my perennial frustration at the lack of answers. At this point, it almost feels like Slaywood is just stringing us along. I’m pretty sure that if I read this as one story/novella/whatever rather than in installments, I wouldn’t feel this way and it’d all flow nicely. But as an episodic read, I’m unconvinced.

Still, I want answers, so I’ll be back.

3 Stars

The Ballad of Bonaduke—Episode 12: Whose There? by R. T. Slaywood: A Family Reunion

On January 13, 2023

Had to take a couple of weeks off when things got busy on the homefront, but I’m back now (and apparently my 1-2 weeks became a month and change. That wasn’t my intention).

The Ballad of Bonaduke—
Episode 12: Whose There?

DETAILS:
Series: The Ballad of Bonaduke, #12
Format: Kindle Vella Story
Read Date: December 2, 2022

“May I come in?” She asked from bluish lips that flashed a pair of pointed teetch as she spoke. I felt like a rabbit in the presence of a snake.

Or a fly to a spider

The Story So Far…

A drunken Michael Bonaduke decides to use a grift (with maybe some sort of magic/magic-like “help”) to win on a scratch-off lottery ticket so he has money to buy more to drink. He pulls off whatever he did, gets his money and some booze and stumbles off into the darkness to drink himself into oblivion so he can start again the next day. He’s hit by dark memories (probably what’s driving him to the drinking) of fire, pleading, and screaming. There’s going to be a price to pay for his grift, and he’s trying to be ready.

Before then, he gets himself drunk and we get some of his tragic backstory. As he ponders this, he decides to use some of his ill-gotten-gains to buy more booze and walks into a liquor store robbery. He foils it in some sort of magical fashion, gets some more to drink, and heads off to the park to drink until he’s arrested (probably for the failed robbery). At least that’s his plan, but it gets interrupted by being hit by a car. He wakes up on some sort of short, metal bed and is unsure what’s going on. It turns out that some group is subjecting him to a test—if he passes, everything will be explained to him (and hopefully the reader, too). He passes—and is brought somewhere for answers, or maybe training, or maybe another test. Time will tell (or things are going to get really annoying).

What’s Whose There About?

Before the conversation started in the last episode can bear any fruit, there’s a knock at the door. Before the door is opened, Bonaduke feels a chill—at first you think it’s the kind of chill someone gets when they’re nervous/worried—and he is both, but there’s more. It’s a physical chill that he’ll feel a lot of (and more intensely) as the episode goes on. It’s a relative he hasn’t seen in more than a decade—who apparently is one of the people who put him in this situation. Or maybe she’s just working with the people who abducted him—I’m not sure yet (although I lean toward the latter).

She delivers some bad news and some conditions to the others in the apartment, messes around with Bonaduke (she is not warm and fuzzy to her relative), and leaves. One of the men in the apartment leaves, and the other tells Bonaduke that it’s time to give him that explanation he has been waiting for (the reader, too).

Naturally, that’s when the episode ends.

So, what did I think about Whose There?

We start to get some answers here, and more are promised. Of course, we get new questions, too. Regardless, this is the best episode in quite a while. Things happen, a little more supernatural ability is thrown around, and it looks like the story is about to go somewhere.

Okay, the editing on this one was just bad. Distractingly and annoyingly bad. It happens (I know that better than anyone). But ick.

Regardless, I enjoyed this one, and am eager for the next.

3 Stars

My Favorite Non-Crime Fiction of 2022