Reviews

Retired sworn soldier Alex Easton (accompanied by faithful friend and fellow soldier Angus) returns home to Gallacia to check the state of their inherited lodge, and finds that their longtime caretaker recently died of a mysterious illness. Easton hires a cranky old housekeeper/cook, whose grandson joins her as a general handyman - no one else will take the job, due to vague rumors of a supernatural entity on the property. Despite their recent strange experiences at the Usher's home (from the first book, What Moves the Dead), Easton scoffs at the idea of a so-called moroi. Of course, things soon get weird and spooky.

Those of you who read my reviews should know by now that Kingfisher can pretty much do no wrong for me. I loved revisiting Easton, Angus, and Miss Potter in a new setting, facing a new challenge. While this one doesn't match the Gothic spookiness of the first book (a comment I've read more than once), I feel like it's apples and oranges, like Kingfisher was going for a slightly different tone here, and I appreciated that. I also liked that the story delved deeper into Easton's war experiences and their struggles with soldier's heart (PTSD). As always: excellent characters, excellent story, excellent writing with the heart and humor I've come to expect from this author. Highly recommended.

cashewenemy's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

enjoying this series!

More...