City of Ghosts (Downside Ghosts, #3)

Feb 14, 2012 new_user rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy

This book is full of BORING. LOL. No offense, fans. City of Ghosts has everything going for it except for meat and potatoes.

Stacia Kane's third Downside novel returns with the same tight, powerful prose, compelling dilemmas, and blood, sweat, and glass that crust Downside's streets.

Reviewing the last Downside novel, Unholy Magic, I doubted Kane's intentions and abilities approaching a challenge like drug addiction. In City, Kane demonstrates that her protagonist Chess's growth interests her. Wi...more

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Dec 24, 2012 Book Chick City rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy, book-list-2010, favorites

I have now read all three books of the 'Downside Ghosts' series in quick succession and I am so glad I did. I don't think I could have waited a year for each book to be released. I am already having withdrawal symptoms knowing I have to wait until autumn 2011 for book four, it's well...agonising.

This is such a fantastic series. There's enough kick-arse action to keep urban fantasy fans happy, but with the addition of the most heart-wrenching romance between Chess and Terrible, Paranormal Romance...more I have now read all three books of the 'Downside Ghosts' series in quick succession and I am so glad I did. I don't think I could have waited a year for each book to be released. I am already having withdrawal symptoms knowing I have to wait until autumn 2011 for book four, it's well...agonising.

This is such a fantastic series. There's enough kick-arse action to keep urban fantasy fans happy, but with the addition of the most heart-wrenching romance between Chess and Terrible, Paranormal Romance fans will be happy too. These books sit very well in both camps.

In this instalment, we see a lot more of Chess in action. Her job as a debunker has her working with an elite group called the Black Squad - the law enforcement of the Church of Real Truth - and she is having to deal with wraiths as well as ghosts and physchopomps. The pace is very fast and keeps the pages turning and I practically breezed through this book without stopping. I love Kane's fluent writing, the descriptions of the fighting and magical scenes are just superb, and I love the explanations of all the magical ingredients Chess needs to cast her spells.

What is slightly different about this instalment is that Chess has to share some of the limelight with another woman, Lauren. In both Unholy Ghosts and Unholy Magic, Chess is pretty much the only female and it is nice to see her interacting with another woman, even if she does hate her. But for me this is just part of the story in this book, it's not a necessity to have other women alongside Chess as she's a big enough character to hold her own, but it was a fresh change.

Chess's drug use takes a bit of a back seat to the action in City of Ghosts. Although she's still popping pills and needing them to get her through her life, it isn't as intense on the reader as it is in the previous books. She also makes a big decision about Lex and Terrible and we see her growing in strength.

After the ending of Unholy Magic, Terrible isn't talking to Chess, in fact he is trying his best to ignore her and is seething with anger at her betrayal. For this reason Terrible is not present for at least the first 160 pages, although he dips in and out, and I really missed him. But what comes is worth the wait...

Things heat up considerably between Chess and Terrible and I LOVED it - Kane has given these two characters amazing dialogue, which has me deeply immersed in their evolving, complex friendship/relationship that when certain scenes *if you know what I mean* occurred I was completely enthralled. My heart raced, my tummy knotted up... so much anguish, sexual tension and passion - just fan-bloody-tastic! Oh...and the ending....it had me in tears!

VERDICT:

Unholy Ghosts and Unholy Magic stayed with me long after I read them and it was no different with City of Ghosts. There's so many layers from the complex characters to the awesome world building of Downside. It's full of witchy magic, action and romance, I literally couldn't put this book down until I had read the very last word. I could go on and on about these books, they are just so brilliant! If you haven't started this series, you MUST!
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Jul 19, 2012 Kelly Maybedog Hawkins rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: what-modern-fantasy, why-favorites, why-favorite-series, why-favorite-authors

Update 7/19/12:
If it was even possible, I love Stacia Kane even more than before:
http://www.staciakane.net/2012/07/11/...

___________________________________________

I cried again. I had no idea I was such a wuss. Friends, please don't judge me: I wasn't lying, I really don't like this torrid love affair kind of stuff and if the plot wasn't string enough on its own I wouldn't be reading this series. At least there is finally something definitive on the love front. I don't have to run out and get...more Update 7/19/12:
If it was even possible, I love Stacia Kane even more than before:
http://www.staciakane.net/2012/07/11/...

___________________________________________

I cried again. I had no idea I was such a wuss. Friends, please don't judge me: I wasn't lying, I really don't like this torrid love affair kind of stuff and if the plot wasn't string enough on its own I wouldn't be reading this series. At least there is finally something definitive on the love front. I don't have to run out and get the next book to find out what happens next. I want to but since I've read three in two weeks and here are only five so far I think I need to pace myself.

But the plot does pace itself and is good. I didn't figure it out ahead of time or even really have a clue. I can think of only one creepy kind of loose end but not exactly. I don't like that she mixes drugs and that one drug can automatically cancel out another. I just find it hard to believe it works like that. The other big problem with this particular storyline is that in the middle there is a fabulous battle from which the heroine emerges with only a minor leg injury she dresses at home when in reality she would be dead. If not, the. She would be in ICU and on a ventilator for months.

As always, you just have to ignore the ridiculous premise. This time we are reminded that the church has gotten rid of racism, intolerance and xenophobia. Riiiggghht. Kane really gets how that would work. That's why in the book there are still slums, why Chess is looked down upon because she comes from a poor background, why all foster homes did horrible and evil things to her, why there are no minorities mentioned except the rival gang who are Chinese. One of them is a love interest but he really isn't. You can't trust him and he probably is evil. No black and whites here.

But aside from this base that pervades the series, the books are really good. As usual, here the pacing is perfect, the characters real, the situations thrilling and dangerous, and Chess really kicks butt. In fact, in this book more than the previous two, she does so not just with magic but physically with her fists and her knife and feet and elbows and so forth. Chess is love-sick but not simpering. Nor is she the smart-mouthed bitch who can't shut up to literally save her life that proliferate UF. She takes action but she gets scared. She's strong but she screams and thinks of running away.

I want to give it a five for an enjoyment. I feel I should take away a star or two for the lack of diversity other than gender. Right now I'm at a 4.5 so I'm rounding up. If I'm not still as obsessed with this three days from. Ow as I have been with all the others than I'll lower it. But somehow I doubt that will happen since I read the book basically in one sitting with only a couple of interruptions to drive someone someplace and I've already reread the scenes with Terrible in them. Another fictional character I'm in love with. There must be something really wrong with me. (less)

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Mar 04, 2012 Jen (Red Hot Books) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

The heroine is a lying drug addict with divided loyalties. The hero is ugly. And most of the dialogue is in a bastardized version of the English language. He calls her Chessiebomb for God's sake. It should be a disaster. But somehow, some way, the Downside Ghosts series has wormed its way into my heart... and this installment is the most powerful one yet.

Things blew up between Chess and Terrible at the end of the last book --and things are still a mess between them. Chess wants to make things ri...more The heroine is a lying drug addict with divided loyalties. The hero is ugly. And most of the dialogue is in a bastardized version of the English language. He calls her Chessiebomb for God's sake. It should be a disaster. But somehow, some way, the Downside Ghosts series has wormed its way into my heart... and this installment is the most powerful one yet.

Things blew up between Chess and Terrible at the end of the last book --and things are still a mess between them. Chess wants to make things right, but Terrible is avoiding her like the plague. She's keeping busy, though, with her latest assignment from the church. The elders pair her with another investigator to solve a series of grisly murders in Downside. The Lamaru are tied in somehow --and the situation is so serious, Chess must take a blood oath of secrecy.

The investigation is complicated; the discoveries are gruesome. And once again, Chess finds herself a target. Since all the madness is happening in his backyard, Bump takes an interest. And because her binding oath won't allow Chess to keep him informed, he pairs her with Terrible again. Only now, instead of a friendly partnership, things are strained and miserable between them.

It's so devastating to see what has become of Chess and Terrible. His heart is clearly broken and he obviously still loves her even though he doesn't want to. There are moments between them that are so poignant and gut-wrenching, they left my chest feeling hollow. Chess and Terrible are both so destroyed by what has passed between them... I just wanted it to be fixed so badly. But at the same time, I had all this left over anger and angst toward Chess for creating the situation in the first place. Then I swing back around and remember the kind of life Chess has lived; what she has had to endure just to survive... the void in her life where most people have known love. It's such a mess. It's masterfully done. Truly.

The investigation wields some disturbing results. There are great twists and turns and I never saw the ending coming. Plus -- I have to say that the resolution between Chess and Terrible was so very, very satisfying.

This series won't be for everyone. But it most assuredly is for me. 5 stars.
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Jul 17, 2012 AJ rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: actiony, kindle, paranormal-uf, romantic, steamy

Wow, what a ride!! I had such a hard time putting this book down.

This book gets STRAIGHT back into the action, and doesn’t let up until the heart-pumping, fingernail-biting climax. As usual there are lots of spooky ghosts and very descriptive gore, but this book had even more twists and turns than the others in the series, and it took me longer than usual to figure out who exactly was the bad guy.

And through it all, Chess is still Chess, and for all of her fucked-up-ness, I absolutely love her!...more

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Dec 06, 2011 Penny rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: lovers of urban fantasy or anyone who is looking for something new

Shelves: crazypants-protagonist, dystopian, grrrl-power, guilty-pleasures, i-see-dead-people, mystery, urban-fantasy, witchy-woman, reviewed-books

(Hey everyone! If all goes well this will end up being an honest to goodness--traditional!--book review. Before I get started I feel I should warn everyone I have ADHD and my medication is starting to wear off, also I dislike doing things the way they should be done--did I mention I also have Oppositional Defiant Disorder? Because I totally do. Anyway, my point is, despite the fact that I'm attempting to write a legitimate review I might go off on a few tangents like this. Just thought I'd warn...more

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Jan 21, 2011 Erika Badass rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: nook, favorites

I owe Stacia Kane an apology. The first book was good, but I was put off by drug use. I let it cloud my mind and it took away from the reading experience for me. However, I still was fascinated by Chess and the host of characters in the Downside Series. Saying that... This book was SOOOOO GOOD!!!! From the very first page, to the very last word, this book brought out every emotion. It was riveting and draining. Emotionally unbalanced and frustrating. You really feel everything Chess feels. Staci...more

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Jul 14, 2011 L-D rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, magic-witches-mages, ghost-spirits-medium-reaper, urban-fantasy, favorites, multiple-reads-would-read-again, series

I really love this series. I was literally on the edge of my seat through Unholy Magic wondering how Chessie's life could possibly get any worse. If you are looking for a series full of love, flowers, and sunshine, this series is not for you. But I enjoyed the gritty honesty of the books and the way Ms. Kane created her own Downside dialect to draw you in even deeper. The fact that Terrible is not the stereotypical romance hero with perfect looks and a rakish style endears him to me all the more...more

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Mar 10, 2012 jD rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, 2012_5-stars, different-and-strange, fantasy_detective, fantasy_ghost

Suffice to say, I stayed up most of the night to finish this one. It had me by the short hairs so fighting was useless. I can honestly say this was the best of the 3 for me. I finally felt less vunderable as a reader in that I began to have a sense of what this series is about. The first two books were good but were mostly surface wrapping, framework. It's a common way to lay out a fantasy series but then you would need to have patient readers become dedicated fans. I believe that I was able to...more Suffice to say, I stayed up most of the night to finish this one. It had me by the short hairs so fighting was useless. I can honestly say this was the best of the 3 for me. I finally felt less vunderable as a reader in that I began to have a sense of what this series is about. The first two books were good but were mostly surface wrapping, framework. It's a common way to lay out a fantasy series but then you would need to have patient readers become dedicated fans. I believe that I was able to move my meter more towards 'true love' because I read 3 books back-to-back. The combination of that triple punch of Downside moved me from being weary to trusting that Chess was a hero I could get behind. Do I thrust that Ms. Kane is the sentimental type who will sprinkle in kittens and rainbows to win new fans to her series? Never gonna happen. Ms. Kane is true to the dark, unpredictable world she created and I respect that. So now it all comes down to whether I am going to continue with this chaos called Downside Ghost??????

At some point while reading City of Ghost, I realized three things that were important to me.
1) IT AIN'T ALL CHESS'S FAULT -- yes, Chess is quick to assign herself the blame for some of the f'd-up stuff that happens around her but some of it happens to her and not because of her. There is a difference.
2) KEEP UP OR SHUT UP -- Ms. Kane is not redundant in her prose or clue dropping, a reader must know when they are being handed a vowel and solve the puzzle. This is not a author who overstates things in a way that you can skip a paragraph here or there. I didn't like it at first because I had to remember too much crap but then I stopped worrying about it and just enjoyed the ride. It all got sorted out in the end
3) THIS IS NEVER GOING TO BE A LOVE STORY -- I really had to come to terms with this one. I don't need a love story to enjoy this series but being teased with one and having such an complex love interest just made me lose focus. Chess is a rich character. I don't know that there is enough substance to her character for her to really love someone and maybe that's not the worst thing. I adore Terrible but I have finally come to love Chess more. She has some emotional work to do and if he can't help her get there, he needs to step off.

So...series marriage? No, not even close, not enough trust. Moving in? No, but there are a few overnight things tucked away. The only thing I am sure about is that I am waiting for that June release with honest excitement.(less)

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Apr 30, 2011 Chichipio rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy, downside-ghosts

This is the third one in what, I just found out, was supposed to be a trilogy. The mysteries always were more or less standalone but there are a few things that have been going on since the first book that get nicely resolved.

After reviewing the first two books, there's not much left to say about the series. For more details, check my review of the first book.

This is a very good addition to the series where we get to know more about some characters, the city and the inner structure of the church...more

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Sep 24, 2012 Ceridwen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: alternate-history, america-and-environs, cats-and-dogs, daddy-drinks-because-you-cry, ghost-stories, grrrrl-power, mystery, omg-were-all-going-to-die, pulp, sexy-nihilists, urban-fantasy

I outlined all my complaints with this series in my review for the last book, so it's time for me to become a squeemonster and jump up and down clapping. My ratings for the books in this series have been all over the place, but in truth, this is just a bang up pulp series, and this book really distills the goodness down to a black tar of seriously freaking awesome.

Which is the thing about series. For book series, I have the tendency to wander off after one or even two books, my investment on th...more I outlined all my complaints with this series in my review for the last book, so it's time for me to become a squeemonster and jump up and down clapping. My ratings for the books in this series have been all over the place, but in truth, this is just a bang up pulp series, and this book really distills the goodness down to a black tar of seriously freaking awesome.

Which is the thing about series. For book series, I have the tendency to wander off after one or even two books, my investment on the world or characters not able to stretch beyond the several hours it takes me to get to the end of the installment. TV, though, that's a different beast even though it's series-similar, and I find myself on the hook for seriously uneven crap like The Walking Dead, beholden to the odd nail-biting set piece - and lord, can that show pull off the set piece - despite the shiftiness of the characters and dialogue. The series waits for that season ender, which will blow a budget on a burning barn and a bunch of character deaths that will pay me off for putting up with all the bullshit.

Here though, book three, Kane pulls together a whole bunch of disparate stuff from the first two books, things I wasn't even rightly tracking, and sets those bitches on fire in the very best way. This is squeal at the commercial breaks season finale fun, working out mythology details that you didn't even know were going on. Woooo! If I were the kind of reviewer to use pictures, there would be one here of clapping or something.

Anyway, should I say something about this series in general? Okay. In the late 90s, there was a ghostacalypse that killed off much of the world's population, and also set into power The Church, a paranormal but non-theistic order that keeps the murderous dead at bay. Chess is a ghostbuster in this organization and also a huge freaking junky, and much of the series details her mixed allegiances, from her work life to her love life. This book pays off all of those threads in a serious way. And that despite my reservations which are still on record from the second book. But sometimes the squeal of the series finale, up out of seat at that last scene, is happy enough to overcome more complainerly tendencies. Wooooooo!

Woooo!
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Jun 14, 2012 JennyJen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, deliciously-gut-wrenching, gritty, kickass, be-still-my-heart, she-is-not-just-a-pretty-face, magic, booooring, can-barely-wait, antsy-for-the-next-book, fave-authors, can-t-get-enough, even-better-the-2nd-time, ghosts, hero-whose-ass-i-wanna-tap, poignant, read-2010, riveting, romance-sans-the-cheese, tearjerker, uf, witchery, re-read, read-2012

This series is amazing. I cried throughout and was so emotionally involved with Chess & Terrible. I ached for them. The books are poignant and full of wonderful, heartwrenching angst. That may not sound good to some, but it's wonderful to me. I like stories and characters that are alive, real, and raw. The series really blew me away. I'll wait the long wait for the next book anxiously.

Re-read in April 2012. Still wonderful.

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Mar 05, 2012 Annie the Destroyer *Leather Lust* rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-go-rabid-over, drinks-on-me, favorites, my-hottie-harem, king-of-the-harem, read-in-2012, genre-urban-fantasy, wraith-or-ghosts

When bodies start showing up all over Downside, Chess must work with the Black Squad agency and a pretentious, self-righteous partner named Lauren. This case is top secret so to keep it that way, Chess is put under a binding spell that prohibits her from speaking the details of this case to any unauthorized personnel. However, conflict arises when her drug dealer wishes to be informed on the latest happenings in his area. But one uttered word causes splitting pain to course through Chess, leavin...more When bodies start showing up all over Downside, Chess must work with the Black Squad agency and a pretentious, self-righteous partner named Lauren. This case is top secret so to keep it that way, Chess is put under a binding spell that prohibits her from speaking the details of this case to any unauthorized personnel. However, conflict arises when her drug dealer wishes to be informed on the latest happenings in his area. But one uttered word causes splitting pain to course through Chess, leaving her in an uncomfortable position.

Meanwhile, things are still rocky between her and Terrible. With the events of the past book still present in his mind, Terrible has been avoiding Chess, not giving her the time of day to make her apologizes. Amidst all the action of Chess’s job and the heartbreak over her confusing relationship with Terrible, this book touches upon more darker issues on self-hate and self-image.

This book broke my heart. Reading it was a roller-coaster ride of emotions, bringing the highs and lows in equal measure. Just when I was beginning to hate Terrible, Kane gives her readers something to rejoice about.

What I loved about this series is that there’s a great following and love for Terrible. He’s not your average hero. He’s not handsome, but an enigma. Dark. Mysterious. Loyal. Honorable. It’s his actions that define him and I don’t think I’ve seen anything like this before in fiction. To see such a great love for him shows that Kane has accomplished something that has rarely been done.

Furthermore, Kane has managed to balance action and romance throughout this series. It’s kind of remarkable how much I’ve come to love this series in the short time since I’ve discovered it. I didn’t think there would be a series I could come to love this hard, but Downside has done it and I’ve become a junkie, waiting for my next fix.

If you haven’t read this series, you are seriously, SERIOUSLY missing out. Not only is this series incredibly unique, but Kane never ceases to surprise her readers with the unexpected. With Stacia Kane, expect the unexpected.

But one thing is for sure, I will be returning to this series for many rereads in the future. It’s just too good to pass up!

Favourite Quote:
She’d never been able to resist temptation—especially an unhealthy one—and at that moment he was another pill, another line; one she needed, one she would die if she couldn’t have, and her entire body was already vibrating in anticipation.

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Feb 11, 2013 Susana rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013, favorites, stacia-kane, urban-fantasy

Not wanting to resort to saying the same old things, i will try to keep this short and concise.
Why this book is amazing:(a list by Susana "addicted in quality urban fantasy" Silva, lol

1- Great characters, flawed, but realistically real.

2-Intense story, with some heartbreaking and adrenalin filled moments.

3-The love story....WOW!! What can i say? They make an incredible couple!

4- Impossible to let go Once you finish it, i dare you to not pick the next one! That's how great this is!!!

(okay i won't...more

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Feb 01, 2013 Jill rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

Oh, how happy I am that I stuck with this series! Although the second book improved on the first, City of Ghosts, the third installment, is where everything finally came together. And when it did, it was incredible.

One of my biggest issues with the earlier installments was the lack of explanation for the supernatural elements. Often, Chess would solve the main intrigue by doing some fancy ghost debunking tricks, but these tricks were never truly spelled out for the reader. Kane doesn’t spell any...more Oh, how happy I am that I stuck with this series! Although the second book improved on the first, City of Ghosts, the third installment, is where everything finally came together. And when it did, it was incredible.

One of my biggest issues with the earlier installments was the lack of explanation for the supernatural elements. Often, Chess would solve the main intrigue by doing some fancy ghost debunking tricks, but these tricks were never truly spelled out for the reader. Kane doesn’t spell anything out here—subtlety is much more her style—but I think after a three books of being plunged into this odd world where in 1997 ghosts came to life and contributed to the foundation a new global order, I’m finally understanding how everything works.

Something I’m still not entirely pleased with but have resigned myself to is the writing. Kane writes well; however, she can be longwinded. I would have excised entire paragraphs of the text in order to curtail superfluous description and keep the pace fast. That said, the only other popular Urban Fantasy series I’ve read is Katherine Marie Moning’s Fever series. Though the Fever series inspired me to explore this genre, I found Moning’s prose to be pitiful. So I guess I’ll take Kane’s verbosity to Moning’s amateur style.

My favorite part of this series is the characters. Specifically, the relationship between two characters—Chess and Terrible. In this book, their “relationship,” if you can call it that, is seriously troubled. I love reading about imperfect and endangered relationships; it’s so much more exciting for me because there is so much for the characters to gain, or conversely, so much for them to lose. The moments with Chess and Terrible are electric, and I want to read about their relationship forever and ever.

Individually, Chess’s character grows a lot, and in this book, there are some well-deserved epiphanies for this fucked up yet sympathetic drug addict witch. Her main emotional arc is complete, but I anticipate more adventures for her and Terrible in the following books. My hope is that Kane abandons her established pattern of creating multiple book character arcs and single book plot arcs; I would love to see Kane develop mysteries that span several books because her intricate plots could really shine in such a format. (less)

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Mar 26, 2012 Kimberly rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: amazing-amazing-amazing, sex-is-on-fire

Loved it... loved it... loved it!! But can anyone tell me why im scared for book 4?? Ive read the back cover on it.. i reealllly dont want Lex to stir things up. I dont think these books are good for me though. I'm totally abusing the Queens english by responding to my boyfriend when he asks "are you ok?" and i say "yeah, right up. true thing dat". I just want chess off the DRRRRUUUUGS maaan. I feel slightly like im on narcotics myself whenever she chomps on 4 cepts. But il be brave and read on....more

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Aug 08, 2012 Leea rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Would this endless mind-fuck ever end?

This is the book i've been longing for. If you're a fan of Chess and Terrible, then this is the book you've been hoping for. First off this review is going to suck. My head is still too full of what happened and I feel a little shell shocked. It's so lame to say but, so much happens in this book. It almost blew my mind. Magical moments where Chess got out of some Ghostly situations that you thought were impossible. Heartbreaking moments with Terrible, that...more

Would this endless mind-fuck ever end?

This is the book i've been longing for. If you're a fan of Chess and Terrible, then this is the book you've been hoping for. First off this review is going to suck. My head is still too full of what happened and I feel a little shell shocked. It's so lame to say but, so much happens in this book. It almost blew my mind. Magical moments where Chess got out of some Ghostly situations that you thought were impossible. Heartbreaking moments with Terrible, that had to chip away at his anger and hurt.

At the same time, that pride was still there. Yeah, she had done it. She had said it right to his face. She’d been terrified but she’d done it, she’d said those words that she’d never said before—at least, never said them and meant them.

I think what I enjoy most about reading the Downside Ghost Series are the subtle ways that we see Chess fall deeper into her addiction. Her taking 4 cept instead of 3. Her longing for the smoke filled room and her dreams of being able to reward herself from a long hard days work by loosing herself in them. How Terrible wont forgive her. She messed up, she knows it and he knows it but little by little Chess chips away at him. Her messed up past makes these moments all the more sweeter and I found myself longing for them to be cruising down the streets of Downtown in Terrible's Chevelle listening to music and quietly sitting next to each other while desire and hope pulses between them.

Chess lied to herself every day; it was just something she did, like taking her pills or making sure she had a pen in her bag. Little lies, mostly. Insignificant. Of course there were big ones there, too, like telling herself that she was more than just a junkie who got lucky enough to possess a talent not everyone had. That she was alone by choice and that she was not terrified of other people because they couldn’t be trusted, because they carried filth in their minds and pain in their hands and they would smear both all over her given half the chance.

Chess broke my heart in this book. Honestly, she made me cry more than once. Her desperation was right there on the pages and my heart bled for her. For her past, how she's messed up and mainly because she really doesn't know any better. Chess is just doing the best that she can - at times it's just too hard to read.

In closing, read this book. It's wonderful and has everything a great Urban Fantasy novel should. A kick ass Ghost hunter, sexy as hell side kicks (yeah, 2) and a budding romance to rock the ages. (less)

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May 06, 2011 Jenn rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: supernatural, urban-fantasy, library, favorites

I do really like this series, but of the three this is the book I have the most complaints about. Mostly due to the 'mystery' storyline and because I do not think that some parts of it were adequately cleared up. But otherwise that one beef, I love the underlying story and romance angle. Chess is a mess and through out the books her drug use has escalated. Mostly in this book because I think she knew she did some horrible stuff and didn't know how to deal with the consequences so she liked stayi...more

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Sep 13, 2010 Donna The Happy Booker rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, read-in-2010, ghosts, witchery, favorites, dystopian-or-post-apocalyptic

Not surprising, another 5 star rating from me for the 3rd book in this series. This is exactly what I'm looking for everytime I open a book by an author new to me, a story that grabs me and holds my attention, makes me laugh, cry, get angry, etc. The funny thing is, I don't always like the main character, Chess. She really makes some awful choices. But at the same time, her character is so believable and her story so compelling that I can't help but to root for her through all the ups and downs....more

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Feb 05, 2013 Nina rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: epic-battles, fake-boyfriend-parade, heartbreaker, hey-you-2013, i-spy-a-mystery, murder-she-wrote, paranormal, series, swoon, urban-fantasy, wtf

CHESS. YOU'RE KILLING ME.

But it's so good, so don't stop.

This was another super twisty mystery and the creep factor started with the getting of the case and Chess dealing with the Black Squad, an Elder and a Binding Oath. Cuh-reepy, but really well done, and I loved the tension it brought to the story because hey, SHE CAN'T TELL ANYONE WHAT'S GOING ON, but everyone wants to know what's going on with the dead bodies at the Slaughterhouse and the weird dogs and the tunnels. There's a lot of stri...more

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Mar 13, 2012 AH rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: own, alpha-males, dark, favorites, ghosts, zzread-feb-2012, sos-bookshelf-bingo, urban-fantasy, witches

The Downside Ghosts series by Stacia Kane is one of my favorite urban fantasy series. I never expected to like this series; in fact, if I was to meet some of these characters on the streets at night I would instinctively head in the opposite direction. I don’t approve of the lifestyle choices of the main character – she’s a pill popping addict. Somehow, I have the urge to both smack her and hug her and then cart her off to rehab. This is a testament to just how well these characters are written....more The Downside Ghosts series by Stacia Kane is one of my favorite urban fantasy series. I never expected to like this series; in fact, if I was to meet some of these characters on the streets at night I would instinctively head in the opposite direction. I don’t approve of the lifestyle choices of the main character – she’s a pill popping addict. Somehow, I have the urge to both smack her and hug her and then cart her off to rehab. This is a testament to just how well these characters are written.

City of Ghosts is the third book in the Downside Ghosts series. For those unfamiliar with the series, the basic premise is that sometime in the future the ghosts have become extremely dangerous and the “Church” has a staff specially trained to protect the population from said ghosts. City of Ghosts finds the main character Chess Putnam undergoing some serious moments of self-doubt, self-loathing, and moments of paranoia. Chess does not allow herself to be happy; she does not see herself worthy of a relationship. Chess’ on again/off again relationship with mob enforcer Terrible is damaged and possibly irreparable.

Chess continues to surprise me. The very fact that she manages to do her job quite well despite her addiction never ceases to amaze me. It’s her personal life that keeps getting messed up.
Terrible. Let’s take a moment to talk about Terrible. Terrible is an interesting character. He’s huge, not that great looking, and extremely good at persuasion using his fists. There is another side to him. He has a good heart and he is capable of love. Terrible is one of those fictional characters that you fall in love with even though in real life, he would be scary. I found myself echoing Chess’ feelings for Terrible. When he wasn’t in a scene, I would miss him. If Terrible was in a scene, my heart would skip a beat and I felt happy. When he calls her Chessiebomb, I melted.

On the ghost front, Chess is working with the Black Squad to solve a case of grisly murders. The action is fast paced. There are excellent fight scenes, lots of blood and mayhem, and the sex is hot, dirty, and angry. My only criticism of this book would be that there was a little too much detail on the preparation of Chess’ spells. That part read a little like a recipe, but was interesting nonetheless.

City of Ghosts was an emotional ride. While this series is not for everyone, fans of dark urban fantasy should enjoy it.

Highly recommended.

Favorite quote:

“You know, caffeine can mess with your energy,” Lauren said. “It’s best to stay away from artificial stimulants.”
It was probably the funniest thing anyone had said to her in weeks.

(less)

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Sep 15, 2012 Sharon rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, paranormal-fantasy

Chess goes through the ringer in this last installment of this great series, she's been magically bound so that she cannot talk about a black ops investigation, which makes it rather difficult for her when her drug dealer demands to know why she is investigating one of his warehouses.

Her black op partner is a pain in the ass, the drugs don't seem to work as well any more & she just wants to forget how she hurt Terrible & fill that gaping empty hole that is filled with pain remorse every...more

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Aug 02, 2010 Michele Lee rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010, urban-fantasy, reviewed, favorites, signed-arc

Downside book #3

I was given this book to review.

Spoiler Warning: This review contains spoilers for the previous books.

Stacia Kane, and her literary creation, Chess Putam have some serious balls. In the Downside books Chess is a Debunker for the Church, an absolute ruler over the world after a tragedy that involved all the ghost in the world rising up and massacring the living. Since Haunted Week the Church has taken over because they are the only ones who can guarantee the common person safety...more Downside book #3

I was given this book to review.

Spoiler Warning: This review contains spoilers for the previous books.

Stacia Kane, and her literary creation, Chess Putam have some serious balls. In the Downside books Chess is a Debunker for the Church, an absolute ruler over the world after a tragedy that involved all the ghost in the world rising up and massacring the living. Since Haunted Week the Church has taken over because they are the only ones who can guarantee the common person safety from more ghostly uprisings. Ghosts are the only paranormal creature in these books, but Kane proves that, with loose interpretation, that doesn't have to limit the scope of the world.

Chess, the emotionally battered, drug addicted heroine, has absolute faith in two things, the Church, and Terrible, an enforcer for her dealer who hates her since he discovered she was sleeping with Lex, a rival from another drug family who would be happy to see Terrible dead. Even Chess' faith in the Church is about to be tested when a member of The Black Squad, the Church's elite investigation group, offers her a job on the condition that she undergo a terrifying magical binding.

It turns out an evil magical sect, the Lamaru, are back, slaughtering people and leaving their bits on the streets in Chess' own neighborhood. In fact the Lamaru are neck deep in a plot to overthrow the church, a plot Chess must stop, despite Terrible hating her, Lauren (the Black Squad member she's working with) ignoring her every lead and the Lamaru wanting Chess very very dead.

The Downside series so far has given readers two solid, fast paced, intrigue-filled tales in Kane's wicked, vivid new urban fantasy world. But there's an added effect for loyal readers--the twist of Chess being an unrepentant drug user. As a reader you know she's going to hit rock bottom. You know she can't continue at the pace she's going. Someday Chess is going to crash land in a spectacular, tragic emotional hurricane, and by book three instead of watching it like a train wreck readers will be nervously wondering who will survive in the end.

It's a very different kind of tension, an uncomfortable, tense fear, dazzling in its darkness and emotionally stunning. Kane is forging a bold new way through modern urban fantasy, and what you hear said in other stories is true in a whole new way here--all you can do is hold on, and wait to see who remains at the end.(less)

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Apr 14, 2013 Yodamom rated it 5 of 5 stars

FAVORITE ! Chess is still in her dark, dank, dangerous world. Her trip through the ugliness of her world wraps around your soul, and takes you for a wild ride. Her betrayal of Terrible, rips at her and drives her into feelings she does not understand. Her past has left her with "emotional retardation" as she so beautifully states.

She has to fight a strong and exhausting force, one that will take her to the edge of her life. The Church bounds her to a secret case, tying her to a spoiled princess...more

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Jun 08, 2012 Dana Alma rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy

City of Ghosts by Stacia Kane propels readers back into Chess Putman's world with an all access pass to Downside. Chess is learning that there is a far more tortuous existence in life than being without your drugs. Her yearnings for what she once had, will be almost unbearable. Being a witch for the Church of Real Truth has taken a whole new meaning when Chess agrees to work with the Black Squad. Secrets and truth lie in the depths of the city, Chess is bound to the secrecy and she will bleed be...more

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Feb 27, 2011 Cat Russell (Addicted2Heroines) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: highly-recommend, favorites

"She knew what she saw, and that was all that mattered. Knew what was behind those hard dark eyes, and wanted it more than anything."

This is one of the few series that I will drop everything for. I miss the Downside when I'm not there.

Terrible and Chess frustrated me but I'm glad things worked out the way they did in the end.

"A promise to the Church is far more important than any other promise. Not just because the Church protects you, but because the Church is always watching you."

- The Book o...more

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Jan 23, 2012 Carolyn F. rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: library-book, urban-fantasy, favorites, audiobook-and-owned-book

Re-read by audiobook. I loved re-reading/listening to this series! I think I may have enjoyed it more than I did the first time. Love the ending. The next book is supposed to come out in February or March. I can't wait.

Review on 01/23/11The best of the bunch - loved it! For some reason I've gotten used to the constant drug use, I guess because now I know why she finds it necessary. Chess is working with the witch policing group, but finds there are secrets everywhere. I love Terrible! One of my...more

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Jul 25, 2011 Donna rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, read-in-2010, dystopian

Not surprising, another 5 star rating from me for the 3rd book in this series. This is exactly what I'm looking for everytime I open a book by an author new to me, a story that grabs me and holds my attention, makes me laugh, cry, get angry, etc. The funny thing is, I don't always like the main character, Chess. She really makes some awful choices. But at the same time, her character is so believable and her story so compelling that I can't help but to root for her through all the ups and downs....more

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Jan 24, 2013 P.A. Lupton rated it 4 of 5 stars

Chess Putnam is one screwed up woman. I can honestly say I've never read a book with a heroine who has this many problems. I can't say I like her much more than I did in the previous books, but at least she's starting to atone. I don't blame Terrible at all for the way he treats her in this book. In fact, I question the man's sanity that he has such strong feelings for her. Although, both Chess and Terrible are two of the most self loathing people I've met. I guess in that regard they're suited...more

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Jan 03, 2013 M.V. Freeman rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, favorites, books-that-inspired-me

This book was like crack, I couldn't put it down once I started to read it.

Cesaria Putnam (Chess) is a Church Witch, her job as a Debunker is to get rid of ghosts or prove that people are faking. She lives in the dicey area known as "Downside" which is filled with the desperate and the criminal.

She has one teensy little problem--she's addicted to drugs.

At first this bothered me--a lot. BUT, this writer makes it work. There is a reason she struggles with this, and under it all is a strong woma...more

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topics	posts	views	last activity
SOS: Serious Over...: September Buddy Read - City of Ghosts by Stacia Kane	25	24	Sep 18, 2012 02:31pm
Q&A with Stac...: CITY OF GHOSTS	30	83	Apr 18, 2012 05:15am
Urban Fantasy: Looking for Recommendations: Similar to City of Ghosts series by Stacia Kane	16	85	Oct 13, 2011 05:57am

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City of Ghosts (Downside Ghosts #3)

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