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renpuspita's review
4.0
4 stars
Much better than its predecessor, Uncanny Collateral. Although, there are some glaring typos and I mean, really, really GLARING. Not just one, but 2-3 or maybe more. I hope the next book will be typos free (and yes, I know this is self publish).
I already familiarize myself with Alek and his world, that in my opinion the world building is not that hard to understand. If you read plenty UF and PNR like me, the supernatural creatures are what you already read, such as vampires, shapeshifters, witches, etc. Alek himself is part troll, like 1/8 troll from Norwegia. So he has this "Viking" vibe and I can't help imagine himself look like Travis Fimmell :P. Alek is still a debt collector work for Valkyrie Collections, still a slave for his employer, Ada. Still have this brother-sister relationship with his djinn-in-the-ring, Maggie (whom in her older days, dating Vlad the Impaler before her imprisonment). But there's some development , in which from his latest case, Alek finally got a lead to his parents that sold him to the slavery at the first place.
The stake (pun intended) is higher now, since Alek not only just have one client (a nasty vampire that want his thrall to come back), but two (also a vampire, but a Vampire Lord. More powerful than the former) and seems like he must double-crossed them both, threatened his moral and ethical dilemma. Although Alek have it's full in his hands, with his search for his parents that actually not that easy, his client double-crossing, no lead whatsoever while searching his target, and a malicious magician try to harm Maggie, things get better in romantic department. Alex has a new love interest, a witch name Olivia and I like her already. Alek also get a new pet, Eddie, a cute sphinx cat. Not that hybrid cat. This cat is an actual sphinx that demand he get a new temple (in the form of Alek's home), four can of albacore tuna, and constantly remind Alek (and Maggie) that he's a Prince of the Nile and herald of Goddess Sekhmet (and getting rebuffed by Alek since Sekhmet was already dead a long time ago). Cute didn't enough to describe Eddie the sphinx, but despite his cute appearance, ofc Eddie is not what it seems. Eddie might be the highlight of this novella for me <3.
Blood Tally is dark and gritty with so much violence but interesting plot and characters. I wonder if Alek will finally find his parents, release himself from his enslavement to Ada (although it seems that Ada actually care to Alek like her own son. But, you know...), save Maggie from her pursuer and maybe freed her too, his romantic relationship with Olivia, and yes, moarrr Eddie! The ending is open-ended and there's no sign of third book, but I really hope McClellan will write it in the future.
Much better than its predecessor, Uncanny Collateral. Although, there are some glaring typos and I mean, really, really GLARING. Not just one, but 2-3 or maybe more. I hope the next book will be typos free (and yes, I know this is self publish).
I already familiarize myself with Alek and his world, that in my opinion the world building is not that hard to understand. If you read plenty UF and PNR like me, the supernatural creatures are what you already read, such as vampires, shapeshifters, witches, etc. Alek himself is part troll, like 1/8 troll from Norwegia. So he has this "Viking" vibe and I can't help imagine himself look like Travis Fimmell :P. Alek is still a debt collector work for Valkyrie Collections, still a slave for his employer, Ada. Still have this brother-sister relationship with his djinn-in-the-ring, Maggie (whom in her older days, dating Vlad the Impaler before her imprisonment). But there's some development , in which from his latest case, Alek finally got a lead to his parents that sold him to the slavery at the first place.
The stake (pun intended) is higher now, since Alek not only just have one client (a nasty vampire that want his thrall to come back), but two (also a vampire, but a Vampire Lord. More powerful than the former) and seems like he must double-crossed them both, threatened his moral and ethical dilemma. Although Alek have it's full in his hands, with his search for his parents that actually not that easy, his client double-crossing, no lead whatsoever while searching his target, and a malicious magician try to harm Maggie, things get better in romantic department. Alex has a new love interest, a witch name Olivia and I like her already. Alek also get a new pet, Eddie, a cute sphinx cat. Not that hybrid cat. This cat is an actual sphinx that demand he get a new temple (in the form of Alek's home), four can of albacore tuna, and constantly remind Alek (and Maggie) that he's a Prince of the Nile and herald of Goddess Sekhmet (and getting rebuffed by Alek since Sekhmet was already dead a long time ago). Cute didn't enough to describe Eddie the sphinx, but despite his cute appearance, ofc Eddie is not what it seems. Eddie might be the highlight of this novella for me <3.
Blood Tally is dark and gritty with so much violence but interesting plot and characters. I wonder if Alek will finally find his parents, release himself from his enslavement to Ada (although it seems that Ada actually care to Alek like her own son. But, you know...), save Maggie from her pursuer and maybe freed her too, his romantic relationship with Olivia, and yes, moarrr Eddie! The ending is open-ended and there's no sign of third book, but I really hope McClellan will write it in the future.
iceangel9's review
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
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
4.5
The second book in the Valkyrie Collections series. Alek, the lead Reaper for Valkyrie Collections - who also has troll blood - doesn't catch runaway vampire thralls. Since he is a slave himself, he has made it clear this is a job he won't take, and his owner has honored that request - till now. Alek is asked to find a runaway thrall for a nasty jerk vampire, only to discover he is being asked to do this because the local vampire lord - who is blackmailing his boss - wants something the thrall has stolen from his master. When Alek discovers what the thrall has stolen and what it might mean for humanity, he decides he must find the thrall and destroy what he has stolen. Along the way, he frees a sphinx, who decides to move in with Alek and the genie who lives in his ring, and must work with a witch - Alek hates witches. Fans of the series will love this installment and will find themselves saying to McClellan "please sir, can I have some more."
ruhlen's review against another edition
3.0
Another fun entry into this surprisingly well done urban fantasy series by Brian McClellan. The characters are enjoyable, the plots are not too deep, and there is a twist or two that will keep you on your toes.
dhasenkampf's review
adventurous
fast-paced
4.5
I really enjoyed this short story. I only wish there were more to come.
cain1010's review against another edition
5.0
Rated PG-13 for some sexual references and violence.
I'm enjoying this series. The plot of the book is a nice gumshoe type mystery, save the world type of thing (a la Harry Dresden or Alex Verus). And I'm getting interested in the little dribbles of overarching plot with the mysteries behind Maggie.
If you like magic in a modern setting, strong male/female teamups, mysteries, debt collectors, vampires, cats or Mario Kart, you might be into this book.
I'm enjoying this series. The plot of the book is a nice gumshoe type mystery, save the world type of thing (a la Harry Dresden or Alex Verus). And I'm getting interested in the little dribbles of overarching plot with the mysteries behind Maggie.
If you like magic in a modern setting, strong male/female teamups, mysteries, debt collectors, vampires, cats or Mario Kart, you might be into this book.
murcatto's review against another edition
5.0
With these supernatural detective stories, the novelty usually wears off after the first book and the second book tends to be a lot less interesting. Not so with the Valkyrie Collections! This book adds a couple more interesting side characters and a tight fast-paced plot. And above all a protagonist who is not almighty.
Plus the excellent narration by Luke Daniels adds a lot to the fun of listening to this series. He really manages to make the characters come to life and adds some character that you might not get from just reading the book.
After hitting 8 out of 8 home runs, I'm really looking forward to McClellan's next book.
Plus the excellent narration by Luke Daniels adds a lot to the fun of listening to this series. He really manages to make the characters come to life and adds some character that you might not get from just reading the book.
After hitting 8 out of 8 home runs, I'm really looking forward to McClellan's next book.