Recommended Reads

(Just in case you got an ereader for a gift and don’t know what to get.)

Aftermath by Ann Aguirre

Aftermath is the fifth book in a six book series, which means if you love science fiction with rich detail and characters, grand world-changing adventure and a dose of romance this isn’t the book to start with. (You should start at the beginning Grimspace.) And if you’re already a fan of the series, well you don’t need me to tell you to check out this book.

 

But I enjoyed Aftermath quite a bit, though within it Aguirre is attempting to wrap up several strands in Jax’s universe. In the last book Jax, March and crew took on military orders and faced down an invasion of the flesh-eating nasties of the universe, the Morgut. In the process she reprogrammed the entire system of markers inside grimspace which makes interstellar travel possible. Now her actions see her facing treason charges, arrested and waiting in prison for trial, trying to deal with the public and personal cost.

A lot happens in this book, and the pace is larger scale than the previous books. This is the first book in the series that doesn’t feel like a complete story of its own, but it does a necessary job of both wrapping up some plot threads and pushing Jax and company into new paths in life.

Aguirre proves that her Jax-universe has plenty more secrets, and that the character arc of Jax herself doesn’t include giving up all the wanderlust and charm that readers came to love for a happy ending. Aftermath is an enjoyable, vivid read. I recommend the whole series, especially for character-based science fiction fans (like those who enjoy Star Wars and Serenity).

Fate’s Edge by Ilona Andrews

The third book in Andrews’ rural-modern fantasy series is also the first to be a less satisfactory starting place for new readers. And again fans of the series already will find all the things they love about it here for their eager eyes.

In the Edge series there are three world settings, the Broken, where magic doesn’t work, the Weird, where magic developed instead of science and fantasy-style nobles and bluebloods rule, and finally the Edge, a space between the Broken and Weird that collects exiles, runaways and all manner of odd folk. Fate’s Edge focuses on Kaldar (also in the second book) a swamp rat swindler turned Special Agent for the Weird. His female lead is Audrey, a woman whose family used her magical talent for thievery only to betray her in favor of her addict, abusive brother.

There’s a lot more world-building and setting related material here than in the previous books. The past books and the Weird politics are far more essential to the story. Likewise, there’s a difficulty in a book where both leads are, by legal if not moral standards, bad guys (just not as bad as the evil, magical skewed, murdering Hand). There’s quite a few times where the romance element between Kaldar and Audrey is shoved to the background. The main plot, too, takes an unconventional path as the leads seem to get distracted with side plots rather than attacking the problem at hand directly (like the leads in the first 2 books did).

That said, I really enjoyed it. Andrews’ writing style is richly detailed, wonderfully expansive and unconventional. It’s action-y and engaging, an enjoyable read from page one. But this isn’t where new readers should start (you should start with On the Edge).

A Clockwork Vampire by K.H. Koehler

Koehler’s A Clockwork Vampire is part steampunk, part modern urban fantasy and part classic Agatha Christie-style mystery. This delicious blend of different is pure fun.

Eliza McGillicuddy is an inventor by trade and a wife by choice. Her husband is a vampire with a clockwork heart and a dark secret that’s about to knock on their door. He’s the Heir and Enforcer to one of the most reclusive and dangerous vampires in the world, a master who wants him to come back and solve a series of vampire murders. Eliza has a few secrets herself, none of which makes facing a centuries old vampire lord any easier.

Koehler’s world building is stellar, her characters charming and complicated and her story outrageous fun. A Clockwork Vampire has a lot to offer readers who both love, but are tired of genre tropes, or those looking to expand their interests. I highly recommend it to paranormal fans and can’t wait for the next book in the series.