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_isabel_'s review
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This series has been on my radar for absolutely ages: I was always waiting for the right moment to start it, because it sounded just like the kind of thing I would grow obsessed with in no time. I wasn't wrong in the slightest: I loved this book, so so much.
My only complaint is the short length: lots and lots of action, chemistry and new information, plus a tiny bit of romance and steam, is condensed in about 150 pages. However, this is a 12-book long series, so it makes a lot of sense and I can definitely be patient.
I adored the premise of the story, the world-building with it's very vivid paranormal atmosphere, the psychic/"stiff" detective units, the utterly weird and creepy and slightly terrifying things the various different psychics can do. All of it was fantastic.
The best part though? It won't be a surprise to anybody, but the very best thing of this book is its MC. Victor Bayne is a riot, a dumpster fire, disaster gay medium: he spends half his time drugged to high heavens, and the other half being an awkward human being with brilliant, debilitating and terrifying powers. I loved him, so very much: he's broken and flawed and self-deprecating and hilarious and witty and insecure and ugh, he's just the kind of character I know will top my favourite MCs list.
Jacob Marks, the love interest, was a bit more difficult to understand: we don't get his POV, so although he treats Victor very nicely and is quite open with his attraction to him, you can't help but be a bit wary: maybe it's Victor's POV rubbing off on me, but I feel like there's definitely more to him. Although this first book isn't very romance-centred, there are a few steamy moments between Victor and Jacob (steamy, seriously hot ones!), and the chemistry between them is very palpable.
The mystery part of the plot was fantastic too: the murders were gruesome and creepy, the serial killer absolutely disturbing and it had me on the edge of my seat the whole time.
I'm so looking forward to reading more, but I'm especially looking forward to reading more about Victor and, hopefully, see a bit more of his medium powers in action: I've just bought the next few books, so I know what I'll be doing for the foreseeable future.
My only complaint is the short length: lots and lots of action, chemistry and new information, plus a tiny bit of romance and steam, is condensed in about 150 pages. However, this is a 12-book long series, so it makes a lot of sense and I can definitely be patient.
I adored the premise of the story, the world-building with it's very vivid paranormal atmosphere, the psychic/"stiff" detective units, the utterly weird and creepy and slightly terrifying things the various different psychics can do. All of it was fantastic.
The best part though? It won't be a surprise to anybody, but the very best thing of this book is its MC. Victor Bayne is a riot, a dumpster fire, disaster gay medium: he spends half his time drugged to high heavens, and the other half being an awkward human being with brilliant, debilitating and terrifying powers. I loved him, so very much: he's broken and flawed and self-deprecating and hilarious and witty and insecure and ugh, he's just the kind of character I know will top my favourite MCs list.
Jacob Marks, the love interest, was a bit more difficult to understand: we don't get his POV, so although he treats Victor very nicely and is quite open with his attraction to him, you can't help but be a bit wary: maybe it's Victor's POV rubbing off on me, but I feel like there's definitely more to him. Although this first book isn't very romance-centred, there are a few steamy moments between Victor and Jacob (steamy, seriously hot ones!), and the chemistry between them is very palpable.
The mystery part of the plot was fantastic too: the murders were gruesome and creepy, the serial killer absolutely disturbing and it had me on the edge of my seat the whole time.
I'm so looking forward to reading more, but I'm especially looking forward to reading more about Victor and, hopefully, see a bit more of his medium powers in action: I've just bought the next few books, so I know what I'll be doing for the foreseeable future.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder and Drug abuse
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