Unshapely Things (Connor Grey #1) by Mark Del Franco

Unshapely Things by Mark Del Franco


From the Publisher
In the alleys of the decrepit Boston neighborhood known as the Weird, fairy prostitutes are turning up dead. The crime scenes show signs of residual magic, but the Guild, which polices the fey, has more "important" crimes to investigate and dumps the case on human law enforcement.

Boston police call in Connor Grey, a druid and former hotshot Guild investigator-whose magical abilities were crippled after a run-in with a radical environmentalist elf. As Connor battles red tape and his own shortcomings, he realizes that the murders are not random, but part of an ancient magical ritual. And if Connor can't figure out the killer's M.O., the culmination of the spell might just bring about a worldwide cataclysm.

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a good book. It took me a little while to get into it, but that was because it is a new series by a new author and I often find the whole set up of a series and the details of the world a bit boring. The premise is modern day Boston where Faerie has merged with our world in the past, bringing all sorts of magical creatures with it. I quite enjoyed the fact that this Urban Fantasy is all about magical creatures, and does not have the normal vamps, weres, etc in it.



The author does a good job setting up the background for this new series if you can get past the basic set up. The characters are very strongly developed and I really like the flits, especially Stinkwort/Joe.



Connor Grey reminds me a bit of Harry Dresden, but only because he is a bit of an inept magic user. Connor is not a wizard, but a Druid and he has lost his magical abilities due to an accident involving and elf, a nuclear power plant and a magical ring. Since he can no longer work for the Guild (kind of a magical police force) he helps out the Boston PD on cases that involve the Fey.



As the story became more involved I really began enjoying it more and more. The last quarter of the book was even a 'can't put it down' read. I really look forward to the next book in the series in the hopes that the author continues with his trend towards a great Urban Fantasy series.


View all my reviews.

#38 of 2007 -- X-Rated Bloodsuckers by Mario Acevedo

From the Publisher

Felix has survived Operation Iraqi Freedom, being turned into a vampire, and a ravenous horde of nymphomaniacs. Now he faces his toughest task ever—navigating the corrupt world of Los Angeles politics to solve the murder of a distinguished young surgeon turned porn star. But both human and vampire alike have reasons to want the secret to stay buried. . .

My Opinion

While I did not enjoy this one as much as his previous book, Nymphos of Rocky Flats, it was still a good read. It is more of a detective story than a vampire story. There was one notable new character introduced, Coyote, who I thoroughly enjoyed and hope to see more of in future books. I think that this author is finding himself and has a good thing going with Felix Gomez, Vampire & Private Eye!

#35 -- Fool Moon: Dresden Files #2 by Jim Butcher

From the Publisher
Business has been slow. Okay, business has been dead. And not even of the undead variety. You would think Chicago would have a little more action for the only professional wizard in the phone book. But lately, Harry Dresden hasn’t been able to dredge up any kind of work—magical or mundane.

But just when it looks like he can’t afford his next meal, a murder comes along that requires his particular brand of supernatural expertise.

A brutally mutilated corpse. Strange-looking paw prints. A full moon. Take three guesses—and the first two don’t count…

My Opinion

Excellent!! I enjoyed this one even more than the first one in the series. Harry Dresden and werewolves, what more could you ask for.

Non stop action and lots of excitement. We learn a little more about Harry and see more interaction between him and Murphy. Looking forward to reading more!