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A review by fairytale42
The Lies of Vampires and Slayers by K.M. Shea
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.5
You know me—I love me a K.M. Shea book, and this one did not disappoint! I was a bit worried at first if only because we'd already seen a vampire as a MMC in this series AND the last heroine (Pip) was a bit underwhelming. (She and the previous heroine, Leila, were pretty similar to each other.) However, I really liked Jade and the other characters, and I felt she was different from the previous heroines.
As protagonist, Jade is fiercely loyal and devoted to justice like the other Magiford heroines, but her sunny personality and shy awkwardness were all her own. And I loved her battle with the ongoing question of worthiness and striving for better even when the world seemed stacked against her. Jade was dealing with some minor self-esteem issues while also being away from her tight-knit family in a world that doesn't know what to do with lone slayers. Watching her carve her own path was heartwarming.
On the MMC side, I LOVE Considine, if only because he's dramatic and ridiculous like an anime side character, with all the dark charisma and cunning of a great villain. But of course, he does have a heart of gold...even if he hides it under layers of sarcasm, wit, and an air of indifference. In fact, I think that's what I liked best about him: it takes time to unravel his personality to see that he DOES care. Other gruff MMC or villains come off as either too soft (ruining the gruff persona) or too cold (which makes it unbelievable that they care for the FMC). Considine was the perfect blend of both. My one complaint is his age—how the HECK is he older than even Killian in Hall of Blood and Mercy, and he hasn't managed to care for anybody in that length of time? I've got questions.
On the plot side, I was unfortunately a bit bored. I loved seeing Jade's character arc and Considine's character arc, but the whole someone's-fighting-for-power-in-Magiford thing felt a little underwhelming. Simply put, I didn't know why I should care except that someone it would involve Jade. However, I trust the author to pull through with some wicked awesome twists—her books always do.
Overall, I loved this book because of the characters and the fun Magiford setting. It's best read after the last few books (there are many small cameos throughout that are so fun!) so you really get the vibe of Magiford better, but it can be read as a standalone. Can't wait to get this in paperback!
As protagonist, Jade is fiercely loyal and devoted to justice like the other Magiford heroines, but her sunny personality and shy awkwardness were all her own. And I loved her battle with the ongoing question of worthiness and striving for better even when the world seemed stacked against her. Jade was dealing with some minor self-esteem issues while also being away from her tight-knit family in a world that doesn't know what to do with lone slayers. Watching her carve her own path was heartwarming.
On the MMC side, I LOVE Considine, if only because he's dramatic and ridiculous like an anime side character, with all the dark charisma and cunning of a great villain. But of course, he does have a heart of gold...even if he hides it under layers of sarcasm, wit, and an air of indifference. In fact, I think that's what I liked best about him: it takes time to unravel his personality to see that he DOES care. Other gruff MMC or villains come off as either too soft (ruining the gruff persona) or too cold (which makes it unbelievable that they care for the FMC). Considine was the perfect blend of both. My one complaint is his age—how the HECK is he older than even Killian in Hall of Blood and Mercy, and he hasn't managed to care for anybody in that length of time? I've got questions.
On the plot side, I was unfortunately a bit bored. I loved seeing Jade's character arc and Considine's character arc, but the whole someone's-fighting-for-power-in-Magiford thing felt a little underwhelming. Simply put, I didn't know why I should care except that someone it would involve Jade. However, I trust the author to pull through with some wicked awesome twists—her books always do.
Overall, I loved this book because of the characters and the fun Magiford setting. It's best read after the last few books (there are many small cameos throughout that are so fun!) so you really get the vibe of Magiford better, but it can be read as a standalone. Can't wait to get this in paperback!
Content Warnings
Minor: Injury/Injury detail