Silver Bullet

Preternatural Affairs #2

by S.M. Reine

USA TODAY Best-Selling Author SM Reine presents a new series for fans of The Dresden Files and The Iron Druid Chronicles...

Former private investigator Cèsar Hawke has one rule: He doesn't deal with dead bodies. That's why he enlisted with the Magical Violations Department in the Office of Preternatural Affairs. He's happy tracking down witches that commit petty crimes, but he leaves the homicides to other agents.

Except that he's been assigned to a new team--a team that handles special investigations--and the job has suddenly changed. Now Cèsar has to deal with dead bodies. He also has to deal with necromancers, murderous cults, and demons that can stop a man's heart with fear.

This isn't the job he signed up for, but it's the job he needs to do.

If he survives the first week.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Fantasy, Demons, Witches, Mystery, Romance

243 pages, ebook

First published February 4, 2014

About the author

Hi everyone! My name is Sara, and I write urban fantasy and paranormal novels as SM Reine. I collect swords, cat hair, and typewriters (which I do use for writing!). It's a good day when those three things have nothing to do with each other.

If you would like to know the instant my next book is available, you should enlist in my Army of Evil! We have a wicked cool secret handshake, but you'll have to sign up to learn it. ;) Check it out -- http://smarturl.it/armyofevil

Reviews

[❀Aimee❀ Just one more page... · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I was not so much a fan of the first book in this series. This one was a lot better.

Cesar belongs to a secret special investigation unit for all things magical, demonic, witchy, werewolfy, etc. Cesar is a goodhearted, foulmouthed bachelor. He has some hilarious inner (and outer) dialogue.

I found myself laughing out loud in my dentist's waiting room several times. This amused me to no end because I'm not typically the laugh out loud in public type of person.


Cesar and his small team, led by the mysterious Fritz, is still figuring each other out, not to mention figuring out their new JOB. Hold on to your seat as you read about Cesar's adventures in trying to stay alive. He still has no idea what he's doing, and he moves from one threat to another, including some pony-sized, bad-ass spider demons...

"The rocks were covered in a stringy white substance that stretched from ceiling to floor. Reminded me of Halloween decorations. Except this wasn't fluffy cotton. It was webbing. Huge goddamn spider webs shit out of a demon's goddamn ass. "That's something I didn't want to see, ever," I said. Not that I'd ever given a lot of thought to the possibility. But if I had, "demon shit-webs" would have been really high on the list."

I'm looking forward to the next one.

[Mike (the Paladin) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first 3 of these back to back and this book picks up almost at minuet the last left off. Hawke is back "inside" the agency now and his name has been "cleared". Still some of the things he has discovered about his own agency nag at him a bit and Suzy still isn't really herself...

And let's not forget Isobel, Hawke sure can't.

We get to meet more denizens of Ms. Reine's world. There is one odd note here I'll put it under a spoiler warning. I mean it's not something that really bothers me...but it is a sour note. When the confront the werewolf nobody has any silver. I mean not even the hunters. I mean why wouldn't you have at least a silver knife????? Just in case. Oh well.

The story moves along at a quick pace (these are relatively short books) and we get more information as we go. The plot unfolds and there is a sort "fly in the ointment" in the ending but I suspect more will come of some of this later.

While there are UF books I like a lot more than these I can say that th4ese are light, enjoyable reads that tell a fast moving action packed "yarn". If that's what you're looking for I think you'll enjoy them. The humor isn't the best I've read but it's there and it's good. There isn't a DEEP romance but for me that's a plus not a minus. Let's be clear these aren't literary tombs errr I meant "tomes". They are just enjoyable brain candy. Enjoy.

[✘✘ Sarah ✘✘ (former Nefarious Breeder of Murderous Crustaceans) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I didn’t find this as entertaining as the first instalment in the series it was still a very enjoyable read. There is a lot of action and the book is very fast-paced but I wasn’t as taken with the story as I was in Witch Hunt. There is a lot happening and it can be hard to keep track of everything that is going on. The plot didn’t feel as coherent and well-crafted as in Witch Hunt. Still, I enjoy Reine’s writing and the book is quite a page-turner.

What I do like in Silver Bullet is the cast of characters and the interaction between them. The book picks up right at the end of Witch Hunt with Cèsar, Suzy, Isobel and Fritz as the newly formed team of Magical Violations Department (Isobel is acting as a secret consultant but she is still part of the team). There isn’t much character development in the book and I think there is still a lot to be learnt, especially as far as Isobel and Fritz are concerned. As we don’t know much about them, I still don’t know what to think about their characters and I’m getting really curious. The lack of character development usually bothers me a lot but strangely enough it wasn’t the case here. I guess more will be revealed in the instalments to come so I’ll just try to be patient. I love Cèsar as a narrator, Suzy isn’t really her usual kick-butt self (but I don’t think it will last) and I just love Ann! I hope we get to see more of her in instalments to come.

A fun, quick read. I can’t wait to get my hands on Hotter than Helltown!

· Book 1: Witch Hunt ★★★★
· Book 3: Hotter than Helltown ★★★★
· Book 4: Shadow Burns ★★★★★
· Book 5: Deadly Wrong ★★★★
· Book 6: Ashes and Arsenic ★★★★
· Book 7: Once Darkness Falls ★★★★★
· Book 8: Bitter Thirst ★★

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have my crazy eyes out. My good crazy eyes. The ones that are afraid for Cèsar and Suzy and their newly formed crew. Because, let's face it, the corruption they're starting to see in OPA and the Union runs deep and things are going to get very interesting.

And the shenanigans Cèsar finds himself in at the end of the book? I AM AFEARED.

Having read all the other books set in the universe (not a requirement, mind you, but it will add an extra layer to everything Cèsar encounters), I LOVED seeing some of the places and people we meet later on. Unexpected allies, people who we love to hate, and dark magic made this a virtual cornucopia of delights. Added bonus, we get to see Reno before Elise is unleashed upon it. Which means it's, you know, still standing.

But let's get back to Cèsar and his crew. Suzy's a mess after being held in a Union detention center in book 1, Isobel seems upfront about what she is and can do but I'm WARY, and Fritz has secrets. Quite a few secrets, from the looks of things. And Cèsar... Cèsar doesn't seem like he's cut out for a life of eviscerating demons and having to kill when the situation calls for it, yet he's smack dab in the middle of just that.

They team is messy and haven't quite found their groove together but they do manage to get things done. And what they're uncovering... well, we'll see plenty more of it, I imagine.

A very fun, every so slightly bloody (I'm lying, there's a fair amount of blood -- some demon, some not) follow up to book 1. As a prequel to the Elise/James/Rylie universe, it made me giddy. I just love how dark and gritty this world is as a whole. Seeing it before it reaches maximum devastation is brilliant and makes me happy.

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[Two Nerds With Words · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Lynn
Disclosure: This ebook was provided by the author in exchange for an HONEST and not necessarily positive review.

Cesar Hawke is assigned to a new team, for a man used to hunting witches this one is a little out of his comfort zone. Fritz the leader of the team is knowledgeable about demons, but the other three, Cesar, Suzy and Isobel aren't so lucky. They are a more learn as you go. The group is sent to Reno to investigate the cause of spike in infernal energy. They have to enter the demon owned casino Cravens.

The story is action- packed with a lot of funny moments. At times, it seems like Cesar is just bumbling along and others is almost seems like it has got it all together. Between demons, werewolves and really large spiders the team has their work cut out for them.

The cast of supporting characters is wonderful and makes you want to know what their story is. The story line keeps moving along at a great pace and enough back ground is given on the agency you can follow along. Given this is a prequel to the other books in the series you are able to start with this book if you haven't read any of the others.

Awesome read for lovers of sci-fi/ paranormal.

[Nell · Rating 2 out of 5]

The second book in the Preternatural Affairs series, and sadly, this one did not quite live up to the potential of the first series.

This one definitely had non-stop action, but it really came at the cost of character development and depth. I would have liked the book to take a few deep breaths along the way and actually add something to the main guy to make me want to care about him more.

Add to that the fact that he is a witch, and he used magic only very briefly in this book – what was up with that? A definite nose-dive from the first book, and didn’t leave me much encouraged to read on to the third.

[Farai Chikwanha · Rating 1 out of 5]

I started by giving this book 2 stars, because there's just something about werewolf stories that just raises the hairs on the back of my neck and makes me double check the doors before bed to make sure they're properly locked. Then I really thought about it, and realised that a werewolf storyline alone is not enough to make this book non-garbage. Really, the character Cain is a strange add-on to a story that is more about demons acquiring angelic objects for an unknown purpose, and the blatant set-up of a sequel that is the mysterious demon boss called the Night Hag. Stripped down like this, there honestly isn't much of a plot. So 1 star, it is.

I'm starting to think the Preternatural Affairs series is part-satire and part social experiment by SM Reine to see how willing people are to accept thinly veiled misogyny as mere "urban fantasy" entertainment. (Is there an endemic sexism problem in the genre that I'm yet to discover fully?) No writer can possibly make their protagonist so fundamentally unlikable without meaning to do so. Surely. Cesar infantilises Isobel and his partner, Suzy, and undermines their thoughts because... women. Even when Suzy confronts him about the sexual harassment she endures in order to continue working as she does, he's confused and responds with, "Well, surely it's not a problem because you're usually so cool with it." That's a nightmare response from a trusted colleague if I've ever read one.

This is all ignoring how utterly useless Cesar is as an agent. Like, why does he even have a job and how has he not died yet?

So that's it. It's satire.

[☼♎ Carmen the Bootyshaker Temptress ☼♎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rated 3.5 stars

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received Silver Bullet in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I have to be honest, I have been all over the place lately with S.M. Reine’s books. The thing is, it doesn’t seem to matter whether she’s writing about demons, angels, werewolves, witches or ANYTHING – I love it all. Evidently it also doesn’t matter what order I read it in. The great thing about picking up her Preternatural Affairs series is that everything that happens in this series takes place BEFORE the rest of the series. Even though it’s adding a whole new dimension for readers who have already read the previous books. So, you can start here and be just fine. The only thing that I don’t recommend is picking up the Ascension series before finishing ALL of the Seasons of the Moon (Including the Cain Chronicles) and the Descent series – like I did. Yes readers, this is another ‘do as I say, not as I do’ moment. I just couldn’t wait! Okay, now that I’ve gotten that out of my system…

Silver Bullet pretty much takes up where Witch Hunt left off. Fritz has gathered his secret crew and puts them to work almost immediately. Suzy, César and Isobel have no choice but to learn as they go. Not the best case scenario, but what better way than to learn by doing? The description for this book pretty much sums it up – it definitely wasn’t what César signed up for, but it needed to be done. Self preservation and protecting those around him are firmly engrained in his personality. He spent most of this story fighting to ensure both.

Readers learned a lot about the characters in Silver Bullet and César learned a lot about the world of demons… some of which he would have much rather have been left in the dark about. I can’t say that I blame him. He was, almost literally, thrown to the wolves (and spiders and nightmares) in Silver Bullet. On a side note… I have discovered, without a doubt that the one demon that I would never, ever want to run into, much less tackle is a Nightmare.

I mentioned in Witch Hunt that César’s ‘voice’ is a lot different than either Riley or Elise’s (the main characters in Seasons of the Moon and Descent.) There’s a hint of humor in César’s personality that I really enjoy. One of my favorite scenes in Silver Bullet happens between Isobel and César…

I started running powdered herbs through my fingers, feeling their energies, sensing the potency. Not bad. It was all fresh. ‘So do you want to know the trick to brewing a perfect potion?’ I asked, portioning out the sage.
‘Nope,’ Isobel said. ‘I only asked for lessons so that I would have an excuse to stand next to your sexy body.’
‘Uh,’ I said. Eloquent as always.
‘I’m joking. How do I brew a perfect potion?’
‘Listen to the herbs.’
She burst out laughing.
‘I’m serious. For once. Hold this and tell me what it says to you.’ I dropped the rest of the bag of sage in her hand.
Isobel straightened her face. ‘Okay, I’m listening to the herbs. They say…’ She closed her eyes, shut her fist around the bag. I kept holding on to her. ‘They say that the Cubbies are never going to win the pennant.’
‘Ain’t that the truth?’ I muttered. Of course the Giants weren’t doing much better this season. We couldn’t talk.
Her eyes popped open. ‘I’m not getting anything. I’m sorry.’
‘Maybe it’ll come to you.’ I said. ‘Follow my lead.’

I honestly can’t imagine this conversation taking place in any of the previous books. I think that’s one of the reasons why I love César so much. Some serious stuff happens in this book. There are some definite ‘life or death’ moments, but through it all, he still doesn’t take himself too seriously.

There were also some definite turning points in Silver Bullet. More characters are introduced and things change dramatically for the characters we already know. There are just as many mysteries and secrets revealed as are left by the end of the book. All I can say is that it’s a good thing that S.M. Reine writes so fast.

So, basically all you need to know is that if you haven’t picked up a book written by S.M. Reine, you need to now. I’m going to leave you with one more reason, if you aren’t already convinced. If you’re a fan, you’ll totally understand.

I shouldn’t have been in this mine. I should have been wasting sticky note pads by animating stick figure ninjas. I should have been sneaking mild laxative potions into Suzy’s coffee. I should have been calling in sick so that I could stay home and read the newest Iron Druid release. I should have been – well, just about any-'fricking'-where but here.

[Beau · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, I want to start by saying that SM Reine sent me this book in exchange for an honest review and I can say that I am honestly very glad that she did. I’m not gonna give you a summary of what happens cause honestly you can just read that in the blurb. I have read many-if not most- of her books and if you looked at some of my other reviews for her books you’d see that I said her character Elise isn’t exactly a likable character as far as personality goes. However, she’s still an awesome character. Rylie is more likable and can hold her own. She even has enough gall to stand against Elise. However, she just isn’t enough of an ass for me to really love her- in fact that’s Elise’s saving grace with me. However, Cèsar Hawke is a huge smart ass. I love it. He doesn’t take himself too seriously and isn’t afraid to be the butt of a joke or to make himself the butt of the joke.

Besides finding a new favorite narrator, this book (which is the first I’ve read in this series) was much different than any of the other books of Reine’s I’ve read. Elise’s books are always very dark- that’s just the character she is. Even Rylie’s early stories are a bit darker than this one. Its funny and that was pretty surprising. I plan to go read the first book, and plan to read the second one whenever it comes out. I think I have to sign up for the reading list.

Now, if you don’t have a single clue as to who Elise or Rylie are, that is okay. You don’t need to know who they are to read this series. Even starting on the second book I didn’t feel lost in this series. If however, you are a long time fan of Reine’s book and are wondering if her new series is worth it the answer without a doubt is yes! I would highly recommend this to veteran readers.

Extra thoughts that mean nothing:
I would absolutely love to see a crossover. I bet Seth and Abel would get a real kick out of Cèsar. Also, because I’ve watch Buffy, Angel and currently Bones Cèsar is David Boreanaz?? I’m not happy about this either, okay?

[eden Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of S.M. Reine's work. She writes tough, butt-kicking characters and action so well that took me a few minutes to adjust to Witch Hunt, Cesar's first book. After that minute, though, I was in love. Cesar isn't a badass who was born and bred to fight evil and save the world. He does it because it's his job and because he can't let unprepared, uninformed civilians take their chances. In Silver Bullet, the stakes have been raised. Cesar has been promoted. Sort of. His new job comes with fewer perks, more awkward time around his boss and the woman they both like, and much, much more demon-fighting. He's not even sure he wants this job anymore. Of course, if he tries to quit, the OPA will kill him. Maybe even if he doesn't try to quit. They might just kill him if he fails this mission.

Silver Bullet is a blast from beginning to end, full of action, twists, magic, and creeping darkness. Cesar's voice is hilarious, self-deprecating at times, other-people-deprecating at others (when they deserve it). He doesn't always have selfless, noble intentions for stopping the bad guys, but his honesty makes him that much more lovable. Of Reine's huge cast of amazing characters, Cesar is by far my favorite. I can't wait to read book 3.

Sparklebomb.

[Kirsten Lenius · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the order of the Office of Preturnatural Affairs, Cesar and Suzy are sent to Reno to investigate an unexplained spike in infernal energy. Isabel and Fritz go along, as well as a kopis and apsis pair (a warrior and witch) from the Union.

Our pair are still hurting from the last assignment, having no recovery time and now they are back in it, questioning demons about the 'event.'

When people start dying, Cesar isn't pleased. He didn't sign up for this gig to look at dead bodies.


I love this new series. This is the second book and it is set in the same world as the toe series featuring Elise Kavanaugh. It is not necessary to read those to enjoy these, but if you do, you'll see some little overlaps in time and some familiar scenery.

Reading these stories has been fun for me with it's well-paced action and sometimes wry injections of humor. There is even a reference to Kevin Hearne's iron Druid series which made me do a brief fan girl type squee!

Good story. Want more.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Silver Bullet! This story grabbed my interest from the first page, and kept me intrigued to the very end. Ms. Reine really always weaves a fantastic story. She has a way of writing that draws readers into her stories and keeps them wanting more.

In the beginning of this book she explains how the Preternatural Affairs series actually takes place before we meet Elise and Riley from her other series. I think anyone new to S. M. Reine’s books who might be wondering what series they should read first can start with this series and not feel completely lost. I do recommend that you read Witch Hunt first so that you get to know the characters and why they were chosen for this specific department.

I received a copy of this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[A. Sines · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's rare that I find a book that's easy and entertaining and something I want to continue.

Along the same lines as Witch Hunt, but I think Mr. Hunt, the protagonist, is picking up a little more with each experience. His character is growing, a tiny bit at a time.

I do think it would be a touch more interesting if we hear a little more input from the female characters.

And I do agree with another reviewer: put this in a visually stimulating, special effect tv show/movie and it would rock.

But so did Dresden Files and that didn't last long. Too bad we masses with vastly different tastes have to rely on the few who control what gets made into video and probably do not have enough time to relax with a good book.

[Renee Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cesar Hawke is back at it! His middle name should be trouble, since it seems to find him. Characters from SM's previous books are gracefully woven into the storyline. Malcolm, Cain, the Night Hag, David Nicholas and many more make an appearance revving up the wow factor. The book focuses on bleeding apples and ethereal stones, which fans of SM know are signs of what's to come.

A great read from start to finish.

[Chinarose · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new series that packs as much action and with, as Reine's previous series.
If you have read any of Reine's previous series, you'll recognize a few characters. I don't want to give anything away.
Another series to get addicted to. I would love to interview the mind that brings us such deliciously twisted adventures, that I can't put down!
Can't wait for the next one!!!

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

Great book, love the storyline and getting into the characters beginnings. Lots of action, but still had a little romance and a semi happy ending. can't wait for the next book in the series, I have a feeling it's going to get even better!

[Patty Beaty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Cesar Hawks. sexy. funny and is learning to handle himself pretty good when it comes to demons. can't wait for the next book in this series. I have high hopes for him and Izzy

[Kenneth Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced,intriguing,with some humor tossed in

I loved Cesar , always in trouble,but manages to get out of it. The seneriao is very good daemons and all , A very good read

[Wendy Bloink · Rating 5 out of 5]

these are great books if you are a fan of Dresden Files and the Hollows i highly recommend them

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two was just as much fun as book one! ENJOY IT! :D

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

This one just did not grab my attention as much as the first did. At the end of book 1, Fritz has assigned Cesar and Suzy to a "special" task force along with just he and Isobel. After a couple of Kopis agents tried to kill Cesar, Fritz begins to realize some things are not on the up and up and he doesn't know who to trust. So on paper, they are still OPA officers who hunt for stray witches causing problems, but that is not exactly true. No one at OPA is aware of what they will be working on outside of those cases. When they find themselves in Reno looking into an infernal issue, things quickly escalate into something much more dangerous, so Fritz enlists the help of a couple of Union agents he can trust.

Nightmare demons, werewolves, cult followers, more Kopis trying to kill them, and their own organization threatening to kill him for not following protocol has Cesar questioning everything he believed about OPA. Cesar did not sign up for murders or having his own people try to kill him, and when he learns that there are things he is not equipped to deal with, the solution to his problem may result in his losing the freedom to leave OPA.

I feel horrible for Cesar. Suzy has not been the same since being held in the Union detention center, he almost gets killed by traitors in the Union twice within a one week span, both a werewolf and a nightmare demon want to kill him, and even his own agency has taken shots at him. In addition, learning he is at the bottom of the magical totem pole leaves him feeling inadequate for the tasks he faces throughout this book. And I like Cesar. He is a nice guy, who only wants to do the right thing. He's loyal to his friends, boss, and organization...at least until he learns they don't seem to have a problem eliminating anyone they think know more than they should.

This was not a bad book, I just liked the first better. Moving on to the next one.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was better than the previous book, so I'll start there. The story was nice enough but it was what was going on in the background that made it more interesting. It's hard to tell who's the good guys and it may be a case of bad or worse. The story was complete in and of itself but left some subplots for the next book.

There was one point that almost ruined it for me. A character was brushing along #metoo. I prefer my fiction to be free of politics. It's caused me to stop watching television shows. However, it was only a moment, because nothing happened beyond someone being uncomfortable, so I was able to move past it.

I'm pretty sure I got this for free as a trilogy. I've opted to review each book separately. Book one got three stars and this one four. That puts us at 3.5 stars right now. We'll see how Book three goes when I get to it.

[Stacy Van cise · Rating 5 out of 5]

And the plot thickens

Cesar Hawke just can't get ahead. After escaping murder charges and death in LA his boss grabs him and his partner Suzy and heads off to Reno. The boss is talking new job and all Cesar can think is how deep down the demon hole he is slipping. When a tip from the city's head demon ends up being a trap that dam near kills them and he narrowly escapes a werewolf you shit is going bad. Factor in another attempt on his life by Union forces and zombies and you end up with book 2 of "Prednatural Affairs".

SM Reine is a solid writer. She has done it again and made compelling and complex characters you can fall in love with. Her imagination is vast and this is another book in this fantastic world.

[Joy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I decided to give this series a second chance having access to the first 4 in it. Well, I'm still underwhelmed.

The main character, although described as being mexican-american doesn't come across as much more than a bland, insecure white guy. He's certainly the worse magic user I've encountered. I think the author got his ideas about magic off the pop culture shelf favored by angst teenagers.

The obligatory "secret government agency" he works for is more guns and muscle than anything else with a dash of CIA information suppression by termination.

Someone is reading these because there's a bunch. I'll give one more a try. Maybe it evolves. It is NOT on the level of the Dresden Files.

[Caerigna Lunalti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second books rarely feel quite as good, and this one was rather 'explainy.' World building is important, as are character backgrounds, but the author didn't fit them in very fluidly. You get pulled out of the story many times. On the other hand it was a decent spook plot, with plenty of set up for future books in the series. I'll be heading right into book three, as the one thing these books are best at is putting you in the mood for g-man stories.

[Violet Skye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death threats are funny?!

In this tale they are as the author weaves a humorous Web of fear - Fatale laced with witches, werewolves, demons and secret government agencies that give funny and fear their heartbeats!
Minimal to no content errors to report, giggles galore and a vividly wicked, or wickedly vivid ?! imagination to drag you thru a fast paced ride with Chaos.
Non steaming romance that barely made me blush , with heaping helpings of death, gore and ddisgusting zombies shuffling along a masterfully executed storyline.
Well done author!
VS
18jan20

[Christine Galletly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that book was great! This is the second book in the fabulous Preternatural Affairs series but it is fine to read as a stand alone.

The book was witty and witchy and it was a fantastic supernatural read and I loved it!!

The individual books in the series have a different crime to solve and I really enjoyed this one and can't wait to read the third book now!

It is 4 stars from me for this one - highly recommended!!

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuing from Preternatual Affairs #1 the team continues to interact and give background to the Office of Preternatural Affairs (OPA) that crops up elsewhere in the Descentverse books. These stories follow a Phillip Marlowe, hard-boiled Pulp Fiction Mystery style.

After getting over the very different style that Reine's employs in these books, they are a good read, and they certainly add colour to the Descentverse and OPA.

[Anita Hargreaves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fab

Read first two books free on kindle. I loved this series and rooted for Cesare to win
Quote


Seeing Connie’s ghost hadn’t prepared me for the sight of an arachnid the size of an eight-legged pony. It was brown, leathery, wrinkled, covered in hair. Reddish stripes marked its legs and back. It looked kind of like a wolf spider.