Embers by Laura Bickle

Pocket, 2010
ISBN: 1439167656
Available: New, used & wide-release digital

Anya is an arson investigator in Detroit who has just discovered a ritual symbol and a countdown on the floor of a burned warehouse. She’s also a Lantern, charged with elemental fire magic, and a devourer of wandering spirits (a gift she reluctantly puts to use in her off time work as a ghost hunter). Her private and professional lives are about to collide when she finds out her firebug might be a Lantern too.

Embers is different in a number of ways. Detroit and its decay play a very important role in the tale. Anya herself isn’t just a private detective, she has an official role in the law enforcement of the city. Also, the villain in this book is one of the most human, sympathetic bad guys to be found in urban fantasy. Embers also simultaneously deals with traditional occult such as demons, ghosts, paganism, as well as more exotic, fantasy occult such as Lanterns, elementals, and Ishtar. Plus, it has one of the cutest, best sidekicks ever, a salamander (fire elemental) named Sparky. Recommended as part of paranormal romance and urban fantasy collections, public and private.

Contains: sex, Language, violence