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sshpurple1's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
needleclicker's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
smuttea_matcha's review against another edition
3.0
Delaney's powers of deduction are disappointing. She has a knack for getting herself into trouble, doesn't take the proper precautions, doesn't have crazy powers, but still, somehow, ends up on top. I feel like she has so much potential as a character to be more and I hope we get to see more of that. Ryder lost a lot of points with me in this installment . I feel like this book has a mishmash of unresolved things going on. Delaney never confronts Ryder for taking on the role of being Warden. Wtf is up with that? I still love the concept of gods and monsters vacationing in Ordinary, but I was hoping for more suspense and not obvious trails to who the big bad is. Monk could lead us on more of a chase and put us on the edge of our seats a little more.
Spoiler
really? He just had to say yes to Mithra?amym84's review against another edition
4.0
Originally posted at Vampire Book Club
As Ordinary, Oregon gets ready for its first ever Cake and Skate event, Police Chief and “bridge” Delaney Reed, besides still trying to work out her feelings for mysterious Ryder Bailey, has quite the full plate of her own.
Firstly, after Thor took up his powers three months ago to help Delaney close the murder investigation of the god Hemidall, he was forced to leave Ordinary for one year. He’s not very happy about it, to say the least, and he’s been letting his petulance show by way of constant downpour. Hey, on the upside umbrella hats are on trend again. Were they ever actually on trend in the first place?
Secondly, a vampire turns up dead, well un-undead. Dead again? This killing seems to be sending a message to Old Rossi (the prime vampire in town), and getting the vampire to open up about his past will be no easy task.
Thirdly, the god powers are stolen. Apparently when Crow also took up his powers three months ago he was supposed to leave town along with the others. It seems even without his powers Crow (Raven) is still the trickster, and he managed to make everyone believe it was ok for him to hang around. Apparently not, and this breach of contract was just the opening someone needed to swoop in a take the powers.
It was great to be back in Ordinary again. The setting, the characters were so delightful in Death and Relaxation I was happy to delve right in. This time around, I liked that Devon Monk devoted more time for the other creatures in Ordinary, namely the vampires. The gods still get their time, but it was really nice getting a closer look at other supernaturals since they make up Ordinary’s colorful atmosphere just as much as the vacationing gods.
I do have to say, though, that I felt the up-in-the-air relationship status between Ryder and Delaney took center stage here. I immediately drew comparisons between Ryder and Delaney with Buffy and Riley from Season 4 of Buffy. You know Riley’s part of The Initiative, and Buffy’s the Slayer. Agendas with common goals on the surface, but they’re both keeping that secret from the other. Just like with Buffy, we know what Delaney’s secrets are, but in the beginning Ryder’s are still a mystery to readers. I will say that we somewhat learn what Ryder’s involved with. I say somewhat because I felt as though the depth of his implication is still a bit hazy.
After reading Devils and Details, I understand why so much page time, and headspace, had to be devoted to Delaney figuring out where she stood with Ryder. Some pretty big events take place in this one. But because of this, I felt like things with the two investigations get a little too sidelined. As I was reading, and as the story is getting down to the wire, I knew things weren’t going to get a hundred percent resolved for both investigations. It just couldn’t happen. So while Devils and Detail was still a quirky, fun read, it felt like a transition book. There will be a lot of consequences from this that pop up in the next book Gods and Ends which I’m now anxiously anticipating in the spring.
As Ordinary, Oregon gets ready for its first ever Cake and Skate event, Police Chief and “bridge” Delaney Reed, besides still trying to work out her feelings for mysterious Ryder Bailey, has quite the full plate of her own.
Firstly, after Thor took up his powers three months ago to help Delaney close the murder investigation of the god Hemidall, he was forced to leave Ordinary for one year. He’s not very happy about it, to say the least, and he’s been letting his petulance show by way of constant downpour. Hey, on the upside umbrella hats are on trend again. Were they ever actually on trend in the first place?
Secondly, a vampire turns up dead, well un-undead. Dead again? This killing seems to be sending a message to Old Rossi (the prime vampire in town), and getting the vampire to open up about his past will be no easy task.
Thirdly, the god powers are stolen. Apparently when Crow also took up his powers three months ago he was supposed to leave town along with the others. It seems even without his powers Crow (Raven) is still the trickster, and he managed to make everyone believe it was ok for him to hang around. Apparently not, and this breach of contract was just the opening someone needed to swoop in a take the powers.
It was great to be back in Ordinary again. The setting, the characters were so delightful in Death and Relaxation I was happy to delve right in. This time around, I liked that Devon Monk devoted more time for the other creatures in Ordinary, namely the vampires. The gods still get their time, but it was really nice getting a closer look at other supernaturals since they make up Ordinary’s colorful atmosphere just as much as the vacationing gods.
I do have to say, though, that I felt the up-in-the-air relationship status between Ryder and Delaney took center stage here. I immediately drew comparisons between Ryder and Delaney with Buffy and Riley from Season 4 of Buffy. You know Riley’s part of The Initiative, and Buffy’s the Slayer. Agendas with common goals on the surface, but they’re both keeping that secret from the other. Just like with Buffy, we know what Delaney’s secrets are, but in the beginning Ryder’s are still a mystery to readers. I will say that we somewhat learn what Ryder’s involved with. I say somewhat because I felt as though the depth of his implication is still a bit hazy.
After reading Devils and Details, I understand why so much page time, and headspace, had to be devoted to Delaney figuring out where she stood with Ryder. Some pretty big events take place in this one. But because of this, I felt like things with the two investigations get a little too sidelined. As I was reading, and as the story is getting down to the wire, I knew things weren’t going to get a hundred percent resolved for both investigations. It just couldn’t happen. So while Devils and Detail was still a quirky, fun read, it felt like a transition book. There will be a lot of consequences from this that pop up in the next book Gods and Ends which I’m now anxiously anticipating in the spring.
ilia_'s review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this more than the first book. However, again, I didn't feel the attraction between the two characters and their reunion came out of nowhere. What? How?
spikeandbones's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
git_r_read's review against another edition
5.0
I will absolutely read anything Devon Monk writes. She could do additions to the phone book and I'd read it, update the tax code and I'd be there.
Ordinary Magic is a more lighthearted series than her others, but that does not diminish the writing or the story or characters. Very well-told and entertaining.
I like the premise of deities and supernatural beings needing, and having, a place to relax and vacation without worry so long as they follow the rules of the town. Seeing their personalities and how they choose to fit in and have jobs on the mortal plane is amusing and intriguing. Their interactions help move the story along but don't dominate or overwhelm.
I look forward to the next in series whenever it becomes available.
I can definitely recommend this book, this series and this author.
Ordinary Magic is a more lighthearted series than her others, but that does not diminish the writing or the story or characters. Very well-told and entertaining.
I like the premise of deities and supernatural beings needing, and having, a place to relax and vacation without worry so long as they follow the rules of the town. Seeing their personalities and how they choose to fit in and have jobs on the mortal plane is amusing and intriguing. Their interactions help move the story along but don't dominate or overwhelm.
I look forward to the next in series whenever it becomes available.
I can definitely recommend this book, this series and this author.