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3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
Sometimes you step tentatively into a book, not quite sure where the intersection of your hopes and expectations will lie. Urban Fantasy is not generally a must-read genre for me, but I’ve become a fan of Kristi Charish’s Adventures of Owl. Having said that, however, I know that much of the appeal in that series (for me, at least) is in the archaeology and the mythology. As such, I really wasn’t sure if I was up for a more, for lack of a better word, generic urban fantasy.
Well, let me spare you the suspense and declare that The Voodoo Killings marks the start of another fantastic series – one that I wouldn’t have otherwise been drawn to, but which I am very glad I was. It’s a ghost story with a twist, and a voodoo tale with far more depth than even a fan of her work might expect. Strange is a very different sort of heroine than Owl, more likable in personality and more deliberate in her planning, but still just as compelling.
Where the book really began to win me over, though, was with our first trip into Seattle’s Underground City – and not the one tourists get to explore. There’s some real world building here, establishing it’s paranormal place in the world, while still tying it to the history of Seattle. This is a world where ghosts and zombies are real, and where a different sort of Voodoo allows the mortal world to intersect with the supernatural. On that note, this is not your grandmother’s Voodoo, and while I’m sure there are some readers who make take issue with the appropriation of a culture/faith, I really like what she did with it here.
Of course, characters and setting are only part of what makes a good book work so well. Fortunately, the central mystery here is legitimately compelling, and genuinely exciting. It’s a testament to the narrative strengths of Charish that she’s able to so casually walk the reader through a zombie’s mystical bindings, and point out how unusual they are, and make us care about it. I was hooked early one, and wanted to know what the heck was going on. Once the issue of mass murders enters into the equation, it just gets even more interesting.
The Voodoo Killings is a fast paced paranormal adventure that somehow also manages to feel down-to-earth. Even with all the supernatural trappings, it’s still a story to which the reader can easily relate. Yes, it’s violent and gory, complete with chilled goblets of mashed brains, but never so over-the-top that you have trouble suspending disbelief. It’s also an exceptionally well-written tale, demonstrating the further refinement of Charish’s unique voice.
http://beauty-in-ruins.blogspot.com/2018/07/giveaway-voodoo-killings-by-kristi.html
Well, let me spare you the suspense and declare that The Voodoo Killings marks the start of another fantastic series – one that I wouldn’t have otherwise been drawn to, but which I am very glad I was. It’s a ghost story with a twist, and a voodoo tale with far more depth than even a fan of her work might expect. Strange is a very different sort of heroine than Owl, more likable in personality and more deliberate in her planning, but still just as compelling.
Where the book really began to win me over, though, was with our first trip into Seattle’s Underground City – and not the one tourists get to explore. There’s some real world building here, establishing it’s paranormal place in the world, while still tying it to the history of Seattle. This is a world where ghosts and zombies are real, and where a different sort of Voodoo allows the mortal world to intersect with the supernatural. On that note, this is not your grandmother’s Voodoo, and while I’m sure there are some readers who make take issue with the appropriation of a culture/faith, I really like what she did with it here.
Of course, characters and setting are only part of what makes a good book work so well. Fortunately, the central mystery here is legitimately compelling, and genuinely exciting. It’s a testament to the narrative strengths of Charish that she’s able to so casually walk the reader through a zombie’s mystical bindings, and point out how unusual they are, and make us care about it. I was hooked early one, and wanted to know what the heck was going on. Once the issue of mass murders enters into the equation, it just gets even more interesting.
The Voodoo Killings is a fast paced paranormal adventure that somehow also manages to feel down-to-earth. Even with all the supernatural trappings, it’s still a story to which the reader can easily relate. Yes, it’s violent and gory, complete with chilled goblets of mashed brains, but never so over-the-top that you have trouble suspending disbelief. It’s also an exceptionally well-written tale, demonstrating the further refinement of Charish’s unique voice.
http://beauty-in-ruins.blogspot.com/2018/07/giveaway-voodoo-killings-by-kristi.html
"A copy of this book has been provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review"
I haven't read a lot of urban fantasy books but I might start reading more now because I enjoyed this one so much. The characters are great, you really keep learning more and more about them right up until the end (even the ghosts/ghouls/zombies have fantastic personalities)! The writing flowed so nicely and I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Voodoo Killings. I can't wait for more of this series to come out, the ending definitely left me wanting more. ps. I can seriously see this being a movie as well, I hope it gets optioned!
Thank you Netgalley, Penguin Random House Canada, and Vintage Canada for allowing me to read this book.
I haven't read a lot of urban fantasy books but I might start reading more now because I enjoyed this one so much. The characters are great, you really keep learning more and more about them right up until the end (even the ghosts/ghouls/zombies have fantastic personalities)! The writing flowed so nicely and I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Voodoo Killings. I can't wait for more of this series to come out, the ending definitely left me wanting more. ps. I can seriously see this being a movie as well, I hope it gets optioned!
Thank you Netgalley, Penguin Random House Canada, and Vintage Canada for allowing me to read this book.
Honestly, I wanted to like this. I received an ARC from the publisher, and was excited to see it labelled as urban fantasy, because I'm a huge fan of Patricia Briggs and Rachel Vincent and the like. I think my problems revolved around the fact that there was a lot of world-building that kept me quite confused. Maybe a personal understanding of the Seattle Underground would have made it clearer (that whole scene where they enter the underground just bewildered me), but the combination of ghosts in mirrors and a special sight and levels of zombie reanimation... it was just a lot all at once. (I'm also not a huge fan of zombies, so that probably didn't help. My fave urban fantasies are definitely about shapeshifters). I kept reading about 4 chapters past where I initially wanted to stop in case I was just shy of the thing that would hook my interest, but I still only made it about 40% of the way through this book before I put it down for good. I've never read another Kristi Charish novel, but I have to say, this probably wasn't the best introduction I could have had.
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Fans of Georgia Kincaid, Kim Harrison and Ilona Andrews will feel right at home slipping into Kincaid Strange’s world. The setting and world had aspects that I am familiar with making it easy to lose myself in the story. Charish added a nice spin to it with the voodoo, world building, and summoning rituals.
Kincaid is twenty-seven, broke, single and living in Seattle with a ghost. She is a Voodoo Practitioner who aids police by raising the dead to find out who murdered them. She also does odd jobs like resolving family will disputes and more. I immediately liked Kincaid. She is quirky, does her own thing and on occasionally loses her cool. I loved Nate, her ghostly roommate and Charish did a fantastic job of sharing their friendship. They worked wonderfully on the case together. Think Rachel Morgan and Jenks. It quickly becomes clear that Kincaid is more comfortable around the deceased than the living.
The world building is solid, and something I have begun to expect from this author. I was surprised this was not set in NOLA, but that also tells you I agreed to review this by the author's name alone. If you have not read her series, Adventures of Owl I totally recommend them. Back to the review- we are in Seattle, in a world where the paranormal, zombies, ghouls and ghosts exist. Laws are in place regarding the raising of zombies and holding séances but the new Chief of Police wants to ban Voodoo and denies the paranormal exist.
It looks like each novel will surround a case, and in Voodoo Killings a stray zombie turns up in Kincaid’s neighborhood. Cameron Wight has no idea how he died and why he is a zombie. Finding her number at a local bar he calls Kincaid for help. This puts Kincaid in a bit of pickle because being caught with an unauthorized zombie could land her in jail. Kincaid’s problems only escalate as a rash of murders targeting zombies and voodoo practitioners puts her and the entire Underground City (a paranormal hub located under Seattle) in danger. The story was fast paced, filled with snark, danger and relationship tension. I thought the mystery was well done, and even the villains were creepy, bitchy and fleshed out. Charish had me engaged with the characters and even managed to tug at my heartstrings. I am curious about Kincaid’s relationship with a certain detective.
Susannah Jones narrates The Voodoo Killings and I think she is a perfect match for this series. Her voice for Kincaid rocked and reminded me a little of Georgina Kincaid. She had just the right mix of snark and sweet. I liked her pacing, and listened to this at 1.2X. She provided different voices for the characters, even some of the scary paranormal ones, which only enhanced my enjoyment. The story unraveled in vivid 3D for me as I listened. My only issue and it is a small one, was that I kept hearing a noise. At first, I thought it was paper or pages turning. About 50% in I realized it was Jones swallowing. I have heard narrators catch their breath or exhale, but most of the time it is edited out. It is silly, but it distracted me a little and I found myself waiting for her to swallow again.
Audio provided by author. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Kincaid is twenty-seven, broke, single and living in Seattle with a ghost. She is a Voodoo Practitioner who aids police by raising the dead to find out who murdered them. She also does odd jobs like resolving family will disputes and more. I immediately liked Kincaid. She is quirky, does her own thing and on occasionally loses her cool. I loved Nate, her ghostly roommate and Charish did a fantastic job of sharing their friendship. They worked wonderfully on the case together. Think Rachel Morgan and Jenks. It quickly becomes clear that Kincaid is more comfortable around the deceased than the living.
The world building is solid, and something I have begun to expect from this author. I was surprised this was not set in NOLA, but that also tells you I agreed to review this by the author's name alone. If you have not read her series, Adventures of Owl I totally recommend them. Back to the review- we are in Seattle, in a world where the paranormal, zombies, ghouls and ghosts exist. Laws are in place regarding the raising of zombies and holding séances but the new Chief of Police wants to ban Voodoo and denies the paranormal exist.
It looks like each novel will surround a case, and in Voodoo Killings a stray zombie turns up in Kincaid’s neighborhood. Cameron Wight has no idea how he died and why he is a zombie. Finding her number at a local bar he calls Kincaid for help. This puts Kincaid in a bit of pickle because being caught with an unauthorized zombie could land her in jail. Kincaid’s problems only escalate as a rash of murders targeting zombies and voodoo practitioners puts her and the entire Underground City (a paranormal hub located under Seattle) in danger. The story was fast paced, filled with snark, danger and relationship tension. I thought the mystery was well done, and even the villains were creepy, bitchy and fleshed out. Charish had me engaged with the characters and even managed to tug at my heartstrings. I am curious about Kincaid’s relationship with a certain detective.
Susannah Jones narrates The Voodoo Killings and I think she is a perfect match for this series. Her voice for Kincaid rocked and reminded me a little of Georgina Kincaid. She had just the right mix of snark and sweet. I liked her pacing, and listened to this at 1.2X. She provided different voices for the characters, even some of the scary paranormal ones, which only enhanced my enjoyment. The story unraveled in vivid 3D for me as I listened. My only issue and it is a small one, was that I kept hearing a noise. At first, I thought it was paper or pages turning. About 50% in I realized it was Jones swallowing. I have heard narrators catch their breath or exhale, but most of the time it is edited out. It is silly, but it distracted me a little and I found myself waiting for her to swallow again.
Audio provided by author. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer
3.5
This book had a plot that I've never read in any other book before. There were a few things I could have lived without for example, there was quit a bit of unnecessary detail that I found made the story drag on, the plot was quit slow but it eventually picked up, the characters were not very well developed and I felt that we knew barely anything about our main character, as there was no backstory. Overall this was a great fast and easy read, would reccomend.
This book had a plot that I've never read in any other book before. There were a few things I could have lived without for example, there was quit a bit of unnecessary detail that I found made the story drag on, the plot was quit slow but it eventually picked up, the characters were not very well developed and I felt that we knew barely anything about our main character, as there was no backstory. Overall this was a great fast and easy read, would reccomend.
Ahoy there mateys! I won this book from Matey Tammy. Though urban fantasy is not me thing, this just sounded so fun. The main character, Kincaid Strange, is 27, lives in Seattle, and is a voodoo practitoner. She lives with a ghost, is always broke, and raises zombies. She has to solve a murder mystery. It was a satisfying read even though I don't feel the need to pick up more of the series. I did pass me copy to the First Mate's sister who absolutely adored it. So if urban fantasy floats yer boat, I suggest ye pick this one up. Arrr!
3.5 starrer
An urban fantasy featuring a lead with a diff kind of power to the ones we are used to reading, and also set in, well, Seattle. This book tickles the right notes, even if its only the 1st in a series. Quite a decent read, the specifics of our lead's powers seemed a bit wonkyish but passed muster for now. The prose isnt particularly noteworthy but the world of ghosts and zombies sure seems fun
An urban fantasy featuring a lead with a diff kind of power to the ones we are used to reading, and also set in, well, Seattle. This book tickles the right notes, even if its only the 1st in a series. Quite a decent read, the specifics of our lead's powers seemed a bit wonkyish but passed muster for now. The prose isnt particularly noteworthy but the world of ghosts and zombies sure seems fun
I always forget how much urban fantasy annoys me until I start reading it. Took me forever to finish this because I kept getting frustrated and putting it down. Main character was stupidly stubborn and chronically on the brink of death. I found myself praying this next chapter would be the chapter where she got a good night's sleep.
By 80% through I found myself enjoying it tho and will begrudgingly read the next book lol
By 80% through I found myself enjoying it tho and will begrudgingly read the next book lol
The Voodoo Killings was a fun, fast paced book, full of imagination. The book is a contemporary urban fantasy set in Seattle — and the location is used to its full advantage with amazing descriptions of the underground city. The paranormal has become a part of everyday life — with zombies, ghosts, and other supernatural beings. Charish has a fresh take on urban fantasy in this book that is compelling, light, and drew me in right away.
Kincaid is a voodoo practitioner, just trying to make ends meet and sort out her love life when she becomes embroiled in someone else’s problem. I love how human Kincaid is — she makes huge amounts of mistakes and runs headlong into things before thinking them through, but she is also passionate and stands up for herself. She’s the kind of heroine I love to read about, one who could be anybody but who doesn’t need others to save her and can roll with the punches or even use the punches to her advantage.
The other characters — the artist-turned-zombie and the grunge-rock-icon-turned-ghost — are terrific and almost steal the show. They are not stereotypical zombies and ghosts and definitely have their own personalities.
The Voodoo Killings is a fantastic first book in this series and I’ll definitely be on the lookout for book 2. I recommend this book for anyone looking for a quirky urban fantasy or murder mystery.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review.
Kincaid is a voodoo practitioner, just trying to make ends meet and sort out her love life when she becomes embroiled in someone else’s problem. I love how human Kincaid is — she makes huge amounts of mistakes and runs headlong into things before thinking them through, but she is also passionate and stands up for herself. She’s the kind of heroine I love to read about, one who could be anybody but who doesn’t need others to save her and can roll with the punches or even use the punches to her advantage.
The other characters — the artist-turned-zombie and the grunge-rock-icon-turned-ghost — are terrific and almost steal the show. They are not stereotypical zombies and ghosts and definitely have their own personalities.
The Voodoo Killings is a fantastic first book in this series and I’ll definitely be on the lookout for book 2. I recommend this book for anyone looking for a quirky urban fantasy or murder mystery.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review.