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A review by roksyreads
Steal the Key by Maz Maddox
adventurous
emotional
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
5.0
A necromancer, an incubus and a vampire walk into a bar…
Dallas Wilde is starting to think that his life is one bad joke after another. In a race against time to steal a key belonging to a Death Goddess to keep it from falling into the wrong hands, he’s also got to face the possibility that the ruthless family he abandoned are hot on his heels and hunting the same relic he intends to destroy. As if saving the world wasn’t tricky enough, chronically broke Dallas is late on his rent again, trying to get a handle on his shaky necromancy powers, and dealing with complications of the romantic kind thanks to a gorgeous but aloof incubus and an unfairly attractive vampire Thrall. But no matter how much Dallas is juggling in his personal life, the clock is ticking. He’s got to steal the key, avoid his family, and figure out his love life before things go to hell in a handbasket—all whilst staying alive.
The first word that comes to mind is: ouch. Because that was a whole lot of feels. With a focus on hurt/comfort, I spent a lot of time fighting back tears whilst reading this second novel in the Wilde Contracts series, Steal the Key. Especially in the closing chapters. The compelling and emotional plot combines supernatural mystery, romance, action, and a good dose of humour that makes for an addictive read. One of my favourite aspects was the inclusion of plenty of lore for the urban fantasy setting and characters, that was well-woven into the narrative without overbearing exposition. Key side character Barnaby was a highlight in this one, and possibly grew to be my favourite character of the series. As an ancient historian, I totally vibe with him. Another great read from Maz Maddox, I’m looking forward to the finale, Save the Vampire—even though it means I’ll officially have run out of series by Maddox, who has become one of my all time favourite authors this year.
Dallas Wilde is starting to think that his life is one bad joke after another. In a race against time to steal a key belonging to a Death Goddess to keep it from falling into the wrong hands, he’s also got to face the possibility that the ruthless family he abandoned are hot on his heels and hunting the same relic he intends to destroy. As if saving the world wasn’t tricky enough, chronically broke Dallas is late on his rent again, trying to get a handle on his shaky necromancy powers, and dealing with complications of the romantic kind thanks to a gorgeous but aloof incubus and an unfairly attractive vampire Thrall. But no matter how much Dallas is juggling in his personal life, the clock is ticking. He’s got to steal the key, avoid his family, and figure out his love life before things go to hell in a handbasket—all whilst staying alive.
The first word that comes to mind is: ouch. Because that was a whole lot of feels. With a focus on hurt/comfort, I spent a lot of time fighting back tears whilst reading this second novel in the Wilde Contracts series, Steal the Key. Especially in the closing chapters. The compelling and emotional plot combines supernatural mystery, romance, action, and a good dose of humour that makes for an addictive read. One of my favourite aspects was the inclusion of plenty of lore for the urban fantasy setting and characters, that was well-woven into the narrative without overbearing exposition. Key side character Barnaby was a highlight in this one, and possibly grew to be my favourite character of the series. As an ancient historian, I totally vibe with him. Another great read from Maz Maddox, I’m looking forward to the finale, Save the Vampire—even though it means I’ll officially have run out of series by Maddox, who has become one of my all time favourite authors this year.