I have read all of the books written by these authors and this was a solid entry. I'm not generally interested in weapons and have always considered Andrea a secondary character, as her skill is with guns and I'm more interested in the magic of this universe, so I was pleasantly surprised that I was completely absorbed in her story. I loved the fact that she completed an emotional journey in one book, from a damaged, hurt, child, to a self sufficient, strong woman who finally realized she deserved to be loved and part of a family. (I picture Katee Sackhoff in the movie). I am impressed with how these authors can create such distinct characters, each with their own personality and quirks and make me care about them. I like Raphael and Ascanio (please don't melt his pretty face) and Aunt B and I adore Roman (he had me at the Eeyore pajamas.) I thought it was true to Andrea's character that even though she was forced to kill the beast in the Glass Menagerie, she felt regret at doing so, as she understood that the beast was just trying to protect itself. I think her history of abuse gave her an empathy that Kate lacks. The other thing she has that Kate lacks is her ability to investigate from clues and the magic version of forensics. While Kate gets information by bashing and slashing, (which I love about her), Andrea gets hers through analysis and evidence, and she's a good foil for Kate and has a different style. Also, I love how the authors describe the different regions of Atlanta. I love to travel, and they describe locations in such a vivid way I almost want to book a flight (except it would fall out of the sky). I particularly liked the Glass Menagerie-I picture it looking like a David Chihuly glass exhibit. A few nits: hyenas have an ominous, almost insane cackle; I'd like to see Andrea use that, rather than growl. Curran growls. Hyenas giggle crazily. Another nit-I didn't think the cowboy hat and duster suited her. The hat would never stay put and the duster would be a liability in a fight (remember Edna in the Incredibles showing pictures of all the dead superheroes wearing capes?) Besides, she's short, and being a short, curvy blonde myself, I can say only Sharon Stone types can wear dusters. I picture her in a bomber jacket, or motorcycle jacket. Also, I thought the final meeting with Michelle was anticlimactic and almost cliche. I expected more after such a buildup. Maybe force Michelle to submit? Maybe have Michelle and her husband put in a position to fight in the epic battle and die so their cubs are adopted by the Pack? I don't know, it needed more.
Final thought: I loved how the authors incorporated Egyptian myths, and how the god spoke to her in a dream. It needed to be explored more, that aspect of the story was a bit confusing (especially with all the different names for the same characters, and with the competing gods having similar sounding names). Overall, a satisfying entry into the series. (and the short story of Kate's dinner date with Curran was great, with a perfect ending.)