A Fantastic Sequel

This is the second book in a fantastic historical urban fantasy series. I loved it!

Ethan Kaille is an interesting character. He is a Thieftaker, a conjurer who uses his magic to track down thieves and the stolen items. I liked this eighteenth century gent. He has a very sharp mind, and is quite talented as a magical detective. He has a dark past, which gives him an air of mystery.

I downloaded this as an audio book, so I could listen to it while doing housework, or just before going to bed.
The tale was again narrated by Jonathan Davis, who brought the characters and story alive with his narration. I could listen to his voice for hours! In fact, I did! I became so involved in the story that I didn't realise how much time had gone by!

The story took me on a journey into eighteenth century Boston. I am not a history buff, but I am interested in this period in America's early history. The author has woven a wonderful tale into this backdrop.

Ethan Kaille reminded me of Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden. However, Ethan is very much his own character and has his own quirks and way of doing things. He uses elemental magic - earth, wind, water, air and fire - for his spells. It has been a pleasure watching this character grow in confidence with his conjuring abilities, and trying new spells.

In this story, he is hired by the Customs office to investigate a mysterious mass murder on board a Royal Navy ship. The mystery of the deadly conjuring sees Ethan facing even more danger than ever before. Meanwhile, Sephira Pryce, Ethan's nemesis and fellow Thieftaker, is determined to get more clients by hiring her own conjurer.

The story has several twists and turns, which kept me hooked from beginning to end. The descriptions of the characters and scenes brought Boston in 1768 to life; I could picture it quite clearly. I did, however, feel that some of the scenes were a little too long and drawn out at times. However, that being said, there was plenty of action and danger with which to keep me interested and entertained. There was one scene in particular that upset me. Not because it was particularly gruesome or anything like that, but just because Ethan was rendered helpless and I wanted to rescue him. Silly, hey? The mystery of who was behind the deaths on the ship was a huge surprise; I never guessed who the culprit was, and was totally shocked when they were revealed. The end of the story has a twist that I didn't see coming, and has me looking forward to reading/listening to the next book in the series, A Plunder of Souls as soon as possible.

D.B. Jackson has written a fantastic historical urban fantasy. I loved his writing style, which was fast paced and action packed, and the story flowed wonderfully from beginning to end. I would most definitely read more of this author's books in the future.

There are a few scenes of a sensual nature, though not explicit, and scenes of cutting (for spell making) that may upset some readers. Therefore, I do not recommend this book for younger readers or those of a nervous disposition. However, I highly recommend this book if you love paranormal, urban fantasy, mystery, thriller or detective genres. - Lynn Worton

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