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A review by mad_about_books
Seven Kinds of Hell by Dana Cameron
5.0
I am drawn to books with an archaeological bent. I once took a no-credit class at The New School, in New York, that covered different aspects of the subject. It was an evening class, and I made a point of including myself in the group that went out to dinner after the two and half hour lectures, the dinner that usually went on for several more hours. I never got home from that class before midnight. Pyramids, Egyptian or otherwise, clay pots in ruins, or "Ancient Aliens" and those far-fetched theorists? I'm there!
Along with archaeology and questionable related theories, my books of choice generally fall into the realm or science fiction and fantasy and all its sub-genre (horror, urban fantasy, hard sci-fi, and any other you can name that aren't romance novels disguised to confuse). As I started reading SEVEN KINDS OF HELL, I knew it was my kind of book. I enjoy genre fiction that breaks the rules… vampires turn to ash in sunlight, the bite of a werewolf will make you go all hairy under a full moon.
Archaeology aside, Dana Cameron knows how to build a story. It may seem to start a little slow, but it builds and builds, with every chapter, to a page turning crescendo. I found myself liking Zoe Miller more and more with each new obstacle placed in her way. She fights her way from 'I must be a crazy person' to acceptance of what she actually is while maintaining her compassion for those in her orbit. I have to admit that I am nearly always put off by self-deprecation in a female protagonist, especially when she come off as whiney. I found Zoe Miller to be less self-deprecating and more just plain old confused about her situation.
As Zoe comes to grips with herself, she allows herself to be a tad more trusting of those who offer their help. Like the construction of the story, Zoe's circle expands as her understanding grows. Like any good mystery tale, this one contains no extraneous information. There is a reason for everything and it all falls into place.
I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, PACK OF STRAYS. I find that I really want to know more about Zoe Miller and the Fangborn.
I especially want to thank Ms. Cameron for "and I wonder how many ‘ritual objects’ in the world are nothing more than toys a potter made for his kids" because I have asked myself this very question on several trips to several museums. In particular, in The Museum of Natural History, in New York City, there is a carved, alabaster deer, with an eyelet under the chin, and wheels under the feet that is marked "object of unknown use." (Anyway, that's what it said when I was there a number of years ago.)
Along with archaeology and questionable related theories, my books of choice generally fall into the realm or science fiction and fantasy and all its sub-genre (horror, urban fantasy, hard sci-fi, and any other you can name that aren't romance novels disguised to confuse). As I started reading SEVEN KINDS OF HELL, I knew it was my kind of book. I enjoy genre fiction that breaks the rules… vampires turn to ash in sunlight, the bite of a werewolf will make you go all hairy under a full moon.
Archaeology aside, Dana Cameron knows how to build a story. It may seem to start a little slow, but it builds and builds, with every chapter, to a page turning crescendo. I found myself liking Zoe Miller more and more with each new obstacle placed in her way. She fights her way from 'I must be a crazy person' to acceptance of what she actually is while maintaining her compassion for those in her orbit. I have to admit that I am nearly always put off by self-deprecation in a female protagonist, especially when she come off as whiney. I found Zoe Miller to be less self-deprecating and more just plain old confused about her situation.
As Zoe comes to grips with herself, she allows herself to be a tad more trusting of those who offer their help. Like the construction of the story, Zoe's circle expands as her understanding grows. Like any good mystery tale, this one contains no extraneous information. There is a reason for everything and it all falls into place.
I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, PACK OF STRAYS. I find that I really want to know more about Zoe Miller and the Fangborn.
I especially want to thank Ms. Cameron for "and I wonder how many ‘ritual objects’ in the world are nothing more than toys a potter made for his kids" because I have asked myself this very question on several trips to several museums. In particular, in The Museum of Natural History, in New York City, there is a carved, alabaster deer, with an eyelet under the chin, and wheels under the feet that is marked "object of unknown use." (Anyway, that's what it said when I was there a number of years ago.)