What does a woman have to do to prove she belongs in the paranormal world called The Undercity? Sure, Babylonia Delilah Jones is unclassed and only half paranormal, but that doesn’t mean she can’t compete with the big bad boys and solve cases too. Since the established Private Investigators of The Undercity won’t acknowledge her right to a territory, she’s decided the only way to prove herself is to take the dangerous jobs from whoever is willing to hire her. That means working for a witch to spy on Zaid, the Head of the Vampire House. Baby can hear flowers sing, can make grass grow under her feet, communicate with animals and the Wind treats her like an old friend, but nothing prepared her for the Guicai Talisman, or it’s far too gorgeous guardian.
A.M. Griffin is a wife who rarely cooks, mother of three, dog owner (and sometimes dog owned), a daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She’s a hard worker whose two favorite outlets are reading and writing. She enjoys reading everything from mystery novels to historical romances and of course fantasy romance. She is a believer in the unbelievable, open to all possibilities from mermaids in our oceans and seas, angels in the skies and intelligent life forms in distant galaxies.
The Guicai Talisman (The Undercity Chronicles of Babylonia Jones, P.I.#1) by A.M. Griffin She’s unclassed and only half paranormal, which has Babylonia Jones taking jobs from whoever will hire her which is how she finds herself looking for the Guicai Tailsman and no matter the outcome nothing good can come from messing with it or it’s far too gorgeous guardian in this exciting urban fantasy.
This well written story brings quite a character to life, Babylonia Jones doesn’t have it easy but she sure is determined and has a strong, commanding personality that draws readers to her with her vibrant energy. The plot is fast paced, flows smoothly and is full of intrigue and interesting elements as well as adrenaline pumping excitement when she tempts one dangerous vampire and unknowingly sets off a deadly adversary with additional spice being added to the story by Babylonia’s love life, since she has a demi-god for a former boyfriend and quite a bit of sizzling chemistry with Zaid (the dangerous vampire).
This is an exciting story that held me captive from the beginning, there was never a dull moment and I can’t wait to read Babylonia’s next story.
In The Guicai Talisman, Babylonia Delilah Jones is a half-breed: half-human, half-paranormal. She works as a PI, and since no one acknowledges her right to a territory, she takes on cases from just about anyone. She is rather good at what she does, though, and in this current case she’s looking for a talisman, the Guicai Talisman. This talisman holds strange and dangerous powers, and the talisman’s guardian is about just as dangerous, especially for Babylonia.
The best part about this book is no doubt the world building. A.M. Griffin does a tremendous job crafting a word inhabited by vampires, witches, demons, bersekers, magical artifcats and more. The main character is interesting too, three dimensional, with a witty, sarcastic sense of humor. It’s easy to get absorbed in Babylonia’s world with its many colorful characters, customs and rules.
A fast-paced, extraordinary story that leads from one twist to the next.
Wow! This was fantastic! Our heroine, Babylonia, is a P.I and finding it hard to break into the game when she is half human and unclaimed by her paranormal side. I loved how strong, smart, resourceful and witty she was. She was such a great character to spend time with and I couldn’t put this story down. Griffin has set up such an interesting world and I loved all the secondary characters. I’m cheering for Babylonia and Zaid to give their connection at deeper look at, and hope for more of these two together, plus more of Melia and Babylonia. I loved the sisterly vibe and their easy banter. Although Brutus might have stolen the story for me. GAH! So much to love about this story. I can’t wait to read on to the next book. A must read for paranormal fans!
You shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but most of us do, and I did with this book. The cover of The Guicai Talisman reminds me of a comic book, which it certainly isn't and I'm glad I read it! I enjoyed visiting the world created within its pages. A vividly described world inhabited by many paranormal creatures including witches, vampires and demons. Babylonia (Baby) Delilah Jones works as a private investigator in the Undercity. She is determined to prove herself despite (or maybe because of) her half-human, half-paranormal status. Baby is well developed, as is the cast of supporting characters.
I received an eCopy of The Guicai Talisman from Enchanted Book Promotions in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
If you're looking for a book to just suck you in and you don't resurface until your done with the book then look no further. This is the first book in the series that takes you on an adventure with PI Babylonia. I just love the cast of characters in this one. Demi-gods, vampires, lycans, witches just to name a few. Babylonia is a half breed with no idea what her father is. She wants to make a name for herself in the PI world, but the old ways of thinking are making it a tough mission to complete. I wish I had one of her abilities of talking to animals. That one so rocks!! This book intrigues me and I can't wait for more!!
Such a fun book. Babylonia is half human and half paranormal. She just doesn't know what type of paranormal. Her gifts do not fit the typical shifter, vampire, or witch categories. But they are such that they will aid her in her chosen profession as a private investigator to the paranormal community. This book is about one of her cases. It was a lot of fun reading this book. It was unique. The characters were engaging and the storyline was interesting.
First off a big thank you to A M Griffin for this wonderful review copy. It was a very entertaining read. I really liked the Babylonia Jones character I found her to be honorable and kick ass when she needed to be. The story line is fast paced. She does tend to get herself into some interesting situations . So looking forward to the next book in this series. Highly recommend this book.
This one had so much promise, but it let me down, mostly. There were, for one thing, way too many TSTL moments for Baby. For another--let's just say I lumped this one under 'bad-a$$ed protag who really isn't' in my personal lists. She played damsel in distress in all the melees--and I mean *all* of them. I don't recall a single incident when she saved herself. The rest of the series' blurbs don't entice me, either. She waffles about her love interests, she never seems to find her supernatl footing, and she doesn't seem to wise up on any front, honestly. So, as much as I'm hungry for a new series to dive into, this ain't it, I fear.
I met Ms. Griffin and heard about Babylonia "Baby" Jones. I got the book and started it waiting in a hotel lobby and finished it while waiting in the airport for my flight. This heroine really rocks. I really like her as she's trying to fit into a society that doesn't necessarily want her. I'm excited to get the rest of this series and to also get other series by Ms. Griffin.
Really engaging. Loved the story of Babylonia. Can't wait to read what happens next with Zaid, Melia and Demarcus. Enjoyed Babylonia's journey to finding her strength
While I did like book well enough, the characters came across very simplistic, not enough depth. Also the book needs to be edited, there are entirely too many missing words and grammatical errors.
Easy to read and the characters are likeable and I look forward to seeing how the progress. The storyline has some tried and true similarities--unknown father, unknown supernatural race, hot vampire not sure what to do with and proving herself in the supernatural community. Hope it doesn't turn into girl ends up with the vampire and a prophecy to save the world!