Review:
First, a heads up, if you haven’t already read the blurb, you might wanna skip it. It’s a bit spoiler-ish. Now that that’s out of the way…
If there’s one thing that can be said about this series, it’s that it’s super consistent, and consistently GREAT. The books are not predictable or repetitive, it’s just that you know there are certain things you’re going to get each time you read a new book in the series.
If there’s another thing that can be said about this series, it’s that it has always been an interesting mash-up of urban fantasy that is typical in that it delivers on the tropes you look for as a UF reader (a fast pace, lots of intense action, a snarky MC who fights monsters and supernatural creatures), yet still breaks the mold in many ways and stands out from the crowd.
So, what are all the consistently great and mold-breaking things that made me love this book?
Cal is such a great character, one of my favorites. He’s snarky and funny without being mean. He’s a feminist (it’s not stated, but he totally is). He cares about people. He’s struggling with PTSD and is constantly getting beat up in his line of work, but he never gives up.
Cooper might seem meek at first glance since he’s an archivist rather than one of the people out in the field fighting monsters, but he’s feisty and just as determined to protect the citizens of Aurora as all the rest of them.
Erica has been badass from the start. She’s a super powerful witch, and she’s also intelligent, mature, and a good friend to Cal.
The whole team that Cal works with is so full of loyalty and care. I feel like a lot of UF leads work alone, but, in these books, there’s a whole organization and team of people who really have each others’ backs and look out for each other, not only in the field but also in life.
*SPOILER (for the previous books)* I’ve been lowkey shipping Cal and Cooper since Book 1 (Cal is bisexual), so I’m excited that’s finally happening! I have to admit though that I’m disappointed we didn’t get to see their first kiss or any of the transition from friends to more-than-friends. Their relationship honestly felt a bit rushed and thrown into this book all the sudden. Still makes me happy though. *END SPOILER*
Everything about these books is so realistic. I could see all the things in these books happening. That is, if the supernatural stuff happened, I could see the public and DSI agents and main characters in the books reacting like this. Even the supernatural stuff is believable in that it’s not over-the-top, the supernatural baddies act in believable ways with believable motivations, etc.
These books have a lot of relevance to current events in our real world. And the serious, heavy situations are always given the gravity they deserve.
These books are always perfectly paced with so much action. They’re the kind of books that grip you and make you not want to put them down. This one especially got intense and unpredictable (although I feel like I say that for every book).
I recognize that this is more of a series review than a single book review, but that’s because sometimes it’s really hard to find new things to say when you’re already at Book 4 in a series. And this book just had all the same great things I’ve loved about all the previous books! So, to summarize, I yet again loved Cal and his strong spirit, the action-packed plot, the realism, and all the relationships/friendships!
Recommended For:
Fans of Books 1-3 in Clara Coulson's City of Crows Series. Anyone who likes action-packed urban fantasy, supernatural creatures, a hilariously snarky but also realistic and compassionate protag, and touching friendships/team dynamics.
More Books in the Series:
Book Review: Soul Breaker (City of Crows Book 1) by Clara Coulson
Book Review: Shade Chaser (City of Crows Book 2) by Clara Coulson
Book Review: Wraith Hunter (City of Crows Book 3) by Clara Coulson
Book Review: Doom Sayer (City of Crows Book 4) by Clara Coulson
Book Review: Day Killer (City of Crows Book 5) by Clara Coulson
Book Review: Spell Caster (City of Crows Book 6) by Clara Coulson
Book Review: Dawn Slayer (City of Crows Book 7) by Clara Coulson
Book Review: Storm Master (City of Crows Book 8) by Clara Coulson
I can’t focus… the guy on the cover… his hair… so big…
Do You Dog-ear?
I didn’t even notice until you said it lol. Pretty sure that’s a different model than was on the first couple covers though, so I picture the character a little differently anyway!
I’ve never heard of this series, but wow that’s a nice cover for a self pub’d book! It sounds like fun, I do love urban fantasy. Definitely something I’d consider reading if I had more time.
It’s such a great series! I love UF too XD
As much as I love urban fantasy series, they’re often inconsistent…so one that’s consistently delivers the goods is one that I need to be reading! The fact that serious events are given their due is another point in Coulson’s favour.
This is definitely a great one! I love always knowing it’s gonna be good when I pick up a new book in the series. And I do love how she always gives serious situations the gravity they deserve.
I love when a series can deliver the things you expect but without getting repetitive. That is surprisingly rare- especially in UF.
Karen @ For What It’s Worth
This one definitely manages it, one of the many reasons I love it so much!
Reviewing sequels is tricksy dammit!!!! Well done 🙂
It is tricky sometimes! Thanks 🙂
Too late! I read the blurb. Don’t you hate it when they do that? 🙂 Just kidding, I spoil myself all the time anyway.
I like the idea of a wizard losing it and destroying half a block though! And it’s set in Michigan? Kinda cool. I’d love to read a UF set here. And the DSI sounds kinda cool… same with the witch. I do like my realism too where magic is concerned…
Lol. Luckily it’s the fourth in the series, so people probably aren’t paying much attention to the blurbs anymore? At least I didn’t. And it wouldn’t completely ruin the story anyway, but it did give away something you don’t find out til like 50%. Anyway, it’s a great series! Erica is an awesome witch. And I do like the balance of magic and realism!
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Yay for a consistently good series. It’s always good when it keeps delivering, that’s always a worry in series that a book will be a let down. Seeing you talk about this book totally makes me want to read. I haven’t read any UF in a little while so maybe I’ll check this series out.
I love that I know I’m in for something good every time I pick one of these up. If you’re in the mood for UF, this is definitely a series that I recommend!
A male main character who is a feminist? YAS PLEASE. We need more of those. And I really like the sound of this one sticking to the genre but still managing to be unique within it – that’s how you know you have a really good story and I think it’s one of my major problems when it comes to reading contemporary. More books need to do that. I think deep down all books have a relevance to today (which is why I try and include it in all my reviews) so yes would be my answer to your question.
He has soooo much respect for all the women around him and what they can do. And he just has respect for everyone. Oh, that’s a good point! Every book has relevance in some way. I just meant that this series has things like terrorism and the kind of major problems our world has been having, so it seems especially relevant to me.
I should read this series JUST because it has a feminists male character in it!!! I Don’t see as many as I would like to see! HUMPH! And series that always keep you on your toes because they are not predictable AND that are realistic are also a precious gem! 🙂
It’s so good! And you’d love Cal! If you’re ever in the mood for this kind of UF, I rec it!