Series: Incryptid book 3
Format Read: Paperback
Source: From publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: March 4, 2014
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Blurb from the back of the book:
What do gorgons, basilisks, and frogs with feathers all have in common? They're all considered mythological by modern science, and some people are working very hard to keep them that way. Alexander Price is a member of a cryptozoological lineage that spans generations, and it's his job to act as a buffer between the human and cryptid worlds—not an easy task when you're dealing with women who has snakes in place of hair, little girls who may actually be cobras, and brilliant, beautiful Australian zookeepers. And then there's the matter of the murders...
Alex thought he was choosing the easier career when he decided to specialize in non-urban cryptids, leaving the cities to his little sister, Verity. He had no idea what he was letting himself in for. It's a family affair, and everyone—from his reanimated grandfather to his slightly broken telepathic cousin—is going to find themselves drawn in before things get any better.There are some things you can train for. And then there are the things you have to figure out on the fly.This is definitely the latter.
Yet again, I managed to grab hold of a good series 3 books in. Not sure how I do this, but it's been a pattern. I have utmost respect for authors who can write a series where the latter books don't confuse someone who did read the first ones. Seanan McGuire is good at it. And having read her October Daye series, I can tell you she also does it without boring established readers too! Love her work.
Can I just say being on a budget sucks? I'm chomping on the bit to go back and read the first two books! Every family has its issues, but Price family has such an intriguing set of them. Dangerous as many of them are, I'd still love to be welcome at that table.
Ok...so anthropomorphizing mythological creatures is not the newest notion to hit the scifi genre, but the way McGuire spins it is. I love the mix of scientific classification and sociology. Darwinism meets diplomacy. And the fallout lends itself so well to telling tales. Fringe communities that have splinter factions, secrets living in plain sight, and the pitfalls of maintaining an ecological balance that few people even know exists. That alone would make it a fun read.
And then there's the matter of the murders...
Watching Alex fly by the seat of his pants to figure this mess out was entertaining, to say the least. Trying to be as honest as possible, without giving away the truth. (It sort of reminds me of trying to write one of these without spoilers!) There is a great deal of humor as well as dramatic tension in this book. I highly recommend this book, and can happily say that it's a great introduction to the series even though it's the 3rd book.
I am not a huge sci-fi reader unless it's paranormal. I think the science part will just fly over my head but the murder part will most likely get me hooked.
ReplyDeleteI keep meaning to read some Seanan McGuire. Which series would you recommend starting with?
ReplyDeleteThis one is pretty good, out at least this book is. Haven't read the others yet. But the October Daye series is one of my favorites.
DeleteThanks! I'll bear that in mind.
DeleteI love her October Daye series and all of her work as Mira Grant..and now you have me buying book one of this series..LOL Fantastic review :)
ReplyDelete