Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book from the author. This has not influenced my review.*
Oh gosh, I’m eight books in, I’m starting to run out of things to say about this series that I haven’t already said many times. But the fact that I’m still reading it, that it’s still keeping my attention after so many books, says something all on its own, I think.
This is a great urban fantasy series! It has tons of action, a solid plot for each individual book with interesting larger threads connecting them, lots of supernaturals, and characters you can’t help but love. Cal is such a compassionate person who wants to help others, but he never loses his quippy sense of humor.
I don’t want to say too much about the plot since many things have happened and been revealed over the series, and I don’t want to spoil them for anyone who hasn’t started, but this one continued the loose threads of the last book and culminated in a pretty epic battle scene, leaving a few threads to continue on with in the next book.
I do, however, feel like the series has become very straightforward and action-focused. There’s nothing wrong with that, but I personally would love a little more getting to know the characters, more relationship growth between characters, more side plots or things kind of happening in the background that aren’t life-or-death. I’m not saying the characters and relationships don’t have depth, just that I feel like there used to be a little more focus on these kinds of things and on the personal stakes and emotion, and it made me feel more connected to the story. This could be a purposeful and/or temporary thing caused by Cal’s situation though, since his whole life was upended. I think that’s why the big battle scene was my favorite in this book—I could feel more emotion and personal stakes for Cal.
But I am still enjoying the series! I still love the characters, the fast pace and action definitely keep my attention, and there are still some possible interesting plots and relationships to come in future books. This book even ended with a tease at something that I’m looking forward to seeing and learning more about.
Overall, this was another great book in this fast-paced, action-packed urban fantasy! I always love getting to spend time with Cal, Cooper, Erica, Lucian, and this whole gang of lovable characters, whichever ones turn up, wherever they are, as they take down baddies together.
Recommended For:
Fans of Books 1-7 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
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Wow, congrats on sticking with this series! I don’t think I’ve ever read a series longer than 4 or maybe 5 books. I usually end up getting bored!
Lol what about HP, that one is seven books?? I get you though. I feel daunted to start series that already have more than five or so books, and I can start to get bored with series after a while if I feel like they’re not going anywhere.
There’s real comfort in checking in on characters that you’ve been with over the course of several books. Sometimes it is fun to just enjoy the visit, even if there’s not much new in terms of character development.
Yes, exactly! That’s why series often become comfort reads for me, even the books I haven’t read yet, because it’s comforting to spend time with characters you know and love.
I have to say over time I have started to read less action packed books and read more emotionally driven ones – but I have switched from watching more emotional films to all the action packed ones? So I am not sure what’s going on here, but I guess I like some things more in different medias. I am glad you are so far into the series and still loving it this much ^.^ You’re right, that speaks volumes.
Lol that sounds funny, but it is interesting how we all have different taste for different mediums. I also have diff taste when it comes to books/movies than I do with books. But yeah, I do think it’s good I’m still enjoying this 🙂
I’m with you, if you’re still enjoying a series 8 books in it must be doing something right, even if you can’t find new words to explain what that is. Sorry that the action took a front seat over the characters in this one but I suppose when you’re this far into a series the big points of character development have happened, now it’ll be slower forwarding the plot that’s been developing in the series so far.
Definitely a good sign when you’re still enjoying a series this far in. Though I do still hope for a bit more character-related stuff in future books!