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The Immortal Spy #1
The Burned Spy
Gods. Always ready to screw you.
When Bix the Gatekeeper is summoned from exile a hundred and seventy years early by the goddess of the Norse Under World, the former Dark Ops agent knows there’s a catch. On the surface, the terms of the deal are simple. Someone attacked the pantheon’s ambassador to the Mid Worlds and left the ambassador in a coma. In exchange for early parole, Bix must identify the perpetrator and drag their soul to Hel.
It’d be a sweet contract, if not for the details. The ambassador is Bix’s ex-girlfriend, the lead suspect is the key witness from Bix’s trial, and the organization leading the official investigation is the same intelligence guild that disavowed Bix when a covert op went pear-shaped. Undeterred, Bix returns to her old stomping grounds where clues in the smoldering woods of Centralia, Pennsylvania, lead to the waterfront of Washington, DC, and Worlds beyond.
Once valued for her skills creating passageways as small as a capillary or as large as a continent, Bix’s success now depends on the relationships she was forced to abandon. As she squares off against friends who betrayed her and enemies keen to destroy her, Bix follows a trail of secrets, torture, and treason that leads to the very superpowers who banished her. With her freedom on the line and revenge within reach, this highly-trained operative will take on Fates, dragons, angels, and gods to get exactly what she wants.
Hel hath no fury like a burned spy.
When Bix the Gatekeeper is summoned from exile a hundred and seventy years early by the goddess of the Norse Under World, the former Dark Ops agent knows there’s a catch. On the surface, the terms of the deal are simple. Someone attacked the pantheon’s ambassador to the Mid Worlds and left the ambassador in a coma. In exchange for early parole, Bix must identify the perpetrator and drag their soul to Hel.
It’d be a sweet contract, if not for the details. The ambassador is Bix’s ex-girlfriend, the lead suspect is the key witness from Bix’s trial, and the organization leading the official investigation is the same intelligence guild that disavowed Bix when a covert op went pear-shaped. Undeterred, Bix returns to her old stomping grounds where clues in the smoldering woods of Centralia, Pennsylvania, lead to the waterfront of Washington, DC, and Worlds beyond.
Once valued for her skills creating passageways as small as a capillary or as large as a continent, Bix’s success now depends on the relationships she was forced to abandon. As she squares off against friends who betrayed her and enemies keen to destroy her, Bix follows a trail of secrets, torture, and treason that leads to the very superpowers who banished her. With her freedom on the line and revenge within reach, this highly-trained operative will take on Fates, dragons, angels, and gods to get exactly what she wants.
Hel hath no fury like a burned spy.
- GenresFantasy
289 pages, ebook
Published January 30, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 24, 2018
I loved Krantz' Larcout, so when I learned about her new Urban Fantasy series I immediately ordered The Burned Spy.
And what a cool read!
Bix is a powerful heroine, but ten years of exile have taken their toll and left her with some vulnerabilities and a lot of enemies. As she tries to find out who attacked Mirri she stumbles from one dangerous situation into the next. There wasn't a dull moment in this book.
I really liked the world building. All pantheons seem to be present, although because Bix works for Hel, the Norse pantheon is most heavily represented in this book. Still, the world lends itself for lots of interesting Gods and stories for future books. I very much enjoyed learning about the workings and politics of all the different factions in this book.
Bix gets help from some really cool characters. With some it's clear why they help, others have more hidden motives. I seriously hope to see more of several of them in future books.
The story is suspenseful and full of intrigue and action. I very much enjoyed seeing Bix slowly discover more about what happened and to see things fit together.
All in all a great start to a very promising series. Bring on the next book.
And what a cool read!
Bix is a powerful heroine, but ten years of exile have taken their toll and left her with some vulnerabilities and a lot of enemies. As she tries to find out who attacked Mirri she stumbles from one dangerous situation into the next. There wasn't a dull moment in this book.
I really liked the world building. All pantheons seem to be present, although because Bix works for Hel, the Norse pantheon is most heavily represented in this book. Still, the world lends itself for lots of interesting Gods and stories for future books. I very much enjoyed learning about the workings and politics of all the different factions in this book.
Bix gets help from some really cool characters. With some it's clear why they help, others have more hidden motives. I seriously hope to see more of several of them in future books.
The story is suspenseful and full of intrigue and action. I very much enjoyed seeing Bix slowly discover more about what happened and to see things fit together.
All in all a great start to a very promising series. Bring on the next book.
May 26, 2018
Actual rating: 3.5/5
If you've ever wondered if there's such a thing as a retina-searing book cover, there is. Right here.
The cover is also a clue - don't expect subtle and moderate content. Expect insanity, bold characters, and unexpected twists and turns.
Bix the Gatekeeper is a former Dark Ops agent, currently living in exile. Unexpectedly, she's summoned by Hel who offers her a chance to get early parole. She needs to drag a soul to Hel - pantheon's ambassador was attacked in the Mid World and left in a comma. Nordic gods would love to have a word with the perpetrator.
It’d be a sweet contract, if not for the details. The ambassador is Bix’s ex-girlfriend, the lead suspect is the key witness from Bix’s trial, and the organisation leading the official investigation is the same intelligence guild that disavowed Bix when a covert op went pear-shaped.
Expect secrets, torture, treason, dragons, angels, gods and unexpected.
How do I even describe this insane book? Urban Fantasy Nordic Noir?
Bix is an exciting and complex character, but it takes time to see it. My first impression of her wasn't favourable. I took her for a classic bitch. There's more to her; you just need to look past snarky, offensive comments, exalted behaviour (I believe she bats her lashes million times in the book), sex talk, posing and stuff. She's over the top, guys. Other characters, especially Drew, are even bolder. To give you a taste of the style of conversations, here are two samples:
It's not a lousy dialogue. Actually, it's pretty fun, when you in the mood for this kind of banter. The thing is this kind of writing won't appeal to everyone, and it's good to know what to expect before reading the book.
As for other characters, they're cool. And crazy. Let's take Drew an entity who treats human corpses as suits or Tobek, seven-foot-tall non-Viking helping Bix. They're all memorable in this over the top, pulpy way.
While characterisation is done well, at times, it's challenging to follow diverse characters we're introduced to. And we meet a lot of potential friends and foes. Angels, dragons, gods, you name it. It's disorienting and confusing, to be honest.
The same can be told about the assault mystery. It's difficult to follow. Despite the things, way too many things, happening all the time, it stalls. A sensory overload maybe? Unexpected happens all the time, and while it doesn't grow old, it becomes tiring.
In the end, it's a strange and insane book. I can't help but admire KA Krantz creativity - her world, and her characters are bold, unique and exciting. On the other hand, the plot is difficult to follow, and at times I felt tired of snarky writing and overload of diverse characters.
I can guarantee you one thing, though - this book is unlike any other in a fantasy genre.
If you've ever wondered if there's such a thing as a retina-searing book cover, there is. Right here.
The cover is also a clue - don't expect subtle and moderate content. Expect insanity, bold characters, and unexpected twists and turns.
Bix the Gatekeeper is a former Dark Ops agent, currently living in exile. Unexpectedly, she's summoned by Hel who offers her a chance to get early parole. She needs to drag a soul to Hel - pantheon's ambassador was attacked in the Mid World and left in a comma. Nordic gods would love to have a word with the perpetrator.
It’d be a sweet contract, if not for the details. The ambassador is Bix’s ex-girlfriend, the lead suspect is the key witness from Bix’s trial, and the organisation leading the official investigation is the same intelligence guild that disavowed Bix when a covert op went pear-shaped.
Expect secrets, torture, treason, dragons, angels, gods and unexpected.
How do I even describe this insane book? Urban Fantasy Nordic Noir?
Bix is an exciting and complex character, but it takes time to see it. My first impression of her wasn't favourable. I took her for a classic bitch. There's more to her; you just need to look past snarky, offensive comments, exalted behaviour (I believe she bats her lashes million times in the book), sex talk, posing and stuff. She's over the top, guys. Other characters, especially Drew, are even bolder. To give you a taste of the style of conversations, here are two samples:
“Being long-lived is horrendously boring if you don’t challenge yourself to constantly learn new things.” He set the book on the altar, then stepped aside as Gurp entered with two large clay containers replete with engravings. “I hope you’re not squeamish.”
“Dude.” She gestured to herself. “Bathed in Phoenix blood with a nice facial of god gore. There’s really no room for squeamish after that.”
“Warded his body?” Drew sucked her cheeks into hollows. “And how close were you to that body?”
“He is awfully snuggly in spite of zero body fat.” Bix batted her lashes.
“Back one day and you score a top-level hottie.” Drew slapped the back of her hand against her brow. “I expect all the intimate details. All. Unedited.”
“No.” Bix chortled. “Always some editing.”
“Fine. We’ll do the adulting thing and investigate the Consortium. Then I get the details to which every bestie is entitled.” Drew flopped back on the floor. “I need a drop-off. Can’t leave the corpse of a little girl in the ambassador’s home, things being what they are and what not.”
It's not a lousy dialogue. Actually, it's pretty fun, when you in the mood for this kind of banter. The thing is this kind of writing won't appeal to everyone, and it's good to know what to expect before reading the book.
As for other characters, they're cool. And crazy. Let's take Drew an entity who treats human corpses as suits or Tobek, seven-foot-tall non-Viking helping Bix. They're all memorable in this over the top, pulpy way.
While characterisation is done well, at times, it's challenging to follow diverse characters we're introduced to. And we meet a lot of potential friends and foes. Angels, dragons, gods, you name it. It's disorienting and confusing, to be honest.
The same can be told about the assault mystery. It's difficult to follow. Despite the things, way too many things, happening all the time, it stalls. A sensory overload maybe? Unexpected happens all the time, and while it doesn't grow old, it becomes tiring.
In the end, it's a strange and insane book. I can't help but admire KA Krantz creativity - her world, and her characters are bold, unique and exciting. On the other hand, the plot is difficult to follow, and at times I felt tired of snarky writing and overload of diverse characters.
I can guarantee you one thing, though - this book is unlike any other in a fantasy genre.
February 12, 2018
Immersing! The Burned Spy by K.A. Krantz delves into a new world filled to the brim with all the creatures you have come to love in a good fantasy. I have a bit of a crush on Bix! Can she get any cooler. I love the complexities of her relationships and how she maneuvers the dangers in her world. Strong set of characters help carry this story and add dimension. I can't wait to learn more. Tobek is dreamy and I can't wait to see just how their relationship develops. Give me a bearded, tattooed, not-Viking any day.
January 17, 2018
I will not make a little summary of the book in this review, instead i will write what i think about this book.
Its a crazy non-stop adventure about Bix in this magical world, that the reader doesn´t even know when or if it exists. it`s a bit rough at the beginning with all the new mystical things and persons but if you grasp the story then you can go a bit with the flow when Bix starts analising in her head all the steps she goes through to find the final culprit.
The book is nicely written. I did miss the no sex or no erotic parts (yes I confess I do love my stories uncensored and unfiltered) maybe in the next one there will be some.
But all in all I fully recommend this book, you can´t stop reading it until the end.
A great book by a new author which is always exciting.
Its a crazy non-stop adventure about Bix in this magical world, that the reader doesn´t even know when or if it exists. it`s a bit rough at the beginning with all the new mystical things and persons but if you grasp the story then you can go a bit with the flow when Bix starts analising in her head all the steps she goes through to find the final culprit.
The book is nicely written. I did miss the no sex or no erotic parts (yes I confess I do love my stories uncensored and unfiltered) maybe in the next one there will be some.
But all in all I fully recommend this book, you can´t stop reading it until the end.
A great book by a new author which is always exciting.
January 20, 2018
This one was recommended to me from a friend. It took me a bit to understand the politics of this world, but the actions and characters were so worth it. Can not wait for the next installment. Bix is a real life kick ass woman. The plot twists and turns and you really have to keep up with everything that is going on and pick up clues. The other characters in the book are just as interesting as Bix is. I just hope in the next book, more about the competing factions is revealed. This book is well worth the read. Very intriguing story line and one that I have not come into contact with in all my years of reading fantasy/paranormal. It's great to see someone come out with new ideas, finally.
February 3, 2018
Having long been interested in Norse history, and a lover of Nordic Noir, I was very keen to read this story. As this is the foundation novel in this series, it gets off to a slow start as the author explains the differences between the world we know, and this world.
Bix has been released from prison, given an impossible task with a time limit to match. As she scrambles to solve the crime, the supporting characters help bring the story to life. These supporting characters (who I won’t mention by name because: spoiler alert) explain the mystery of the crime, and the greater mystery that is Bix.
I received an Advanced Review Copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Bix has been released from prison, given an impossible task with a time limit to match. As she scrambles to solve the crime, the supporting characters help bring the story to life. These supporting characters (who I won’t mention by name because: spoiler alert) explain the mystery of the crime, and the greater mystery that is Bix.
I received an Advanced Review Copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2023
Needs dedication to get to the justified tormenting end!
A very good book both in the content and the writing. It is not a cheap “paperback” story it is extremely well written with mega research done on the various gods, Demi gods angels and everything in between. It is heavy reading but just what you need to remove you from the crazy world around us, it is a story not a tale that needs time, commitment and the love of the written word that will bring you to the end of the first book with the knowledge that you will be buying book 2 fairly quickly after you finished book 1…..
A very good book both in the content and the writing. It is not a cheap “paperback” story it is extremely well written with mega research done on the various gods, Demi gods angels and everything in between. It is heavy reading but just what you need to remove you from the crazy world around us, it is a story not a tale that needs time, commitment and the love of the written word that will bring you to the end of the first book with the knowledge that you will be buying book 2 fairly quickly after you finished book 1…..
January 15, 2018
Bix has been recalled from exile to the ether for a botched ops job where all her people were killed. Hel has tasked her to find the killer of her pantheons goddess and Bix's lover. Bix has 7 days before her life is forfeit. What she discovers goes deeper than she could have imagined. Everyone is suspect, assassins are out to get her. Betrayal, action, Gods, dragons, angels, mythological creatures. Excellent, unique paranormal. Loved all the secondary characters, great magic, LOTS of mystery and twists, huge reveal I did not see coming. Clean read.
February 5, 2021
It’s an interesting story and new world. I will be reading the next in the series. My lower stars are for the clarity. The story throws you into the world with very little background or port in the storm. It takes awhile until you can get into the flow and understand enough to follow what’s going on. This happens throughout the book, where you are a little lost as to everything that’s happening due to clarity on abilities. Things aren’t introduced enough to follow and you have to piece it together after the fact.
December 9, 2019
I’m not a big fantasy reader, but I know the author and I was really curious to read what she wrote. Scared, too. My curiosity doesn’t always bode well for me (or the author) when I read outside my favorite genre. In this case, I’m glad I caved. This was enjoyable. And yes, I will definitely read the next in the series. I liked Bix.
June 26, 2018
Wonderful second book in this series, love the interaction between the heroine, Bix and her friends and associates. Always fun-filled and action-[acled. Loved it.
January 1, 2019
The setting, characters, and story came to life. It was well written, kept me engaged. Looking forward to next in the series.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews