** Copy provided by Netgalley in exchange for a review. **

I remembered this author's name from fantasy books a long time ago. A long time as in, I remember the old paperback copy I picked up of one of his original books, so I was intrigued to see a foray into urban fantasy. The book has some good action moments, but overall, it fell a little short for me.

I struggled with the pacing as the book definitely starts out quite slow. Maybe slow isn't the correct word as things are happening, but I was pretty confused about who and what was going on, which made it feel slower to read. Thankfully, the book picks up speed, and the story smoothes itself out. I think Book 2 will maybe be more successful in this route as there will be a lot less backstory to wade through in the beginning.

My biggest problem was with the characters as I never felt a real connection to either Kel or Marti. I really wanted to love Kel, and I appreciated the nod towards anxiety in the beginning of the book, but it was never really used later in the story at all. When the moments got real tense, the anxiety seemed to be nowhere to be found. It just made her issues in the beginning feel superficial.

Marti was a bit better. I appreciated her take charge attitude for the most part. Just some of the dialogue between her and Kel felt stilted and robotic. She seemed fairly one dimensional, and although a lot had happened and was happening, she didn't seem very affected by it. I'm all for manning up, and it's hard to explain without any spoilers, but there was a very real traumatic moment in the beginning, and yet she seems to be soldier on without a care.

I will say that I really liked the plot and I think that's what kept me going. I'm big into Irish/Celtic mythology, and I always love to see it used in a storyline. It will be interesting to see how Book 2 explores all of it further.

Plus, I also thought the action sequences were well written. They were some of my favorite moments, and that was probably when I engaged the most with the story.

The first chapter threw me off and I worried I wasn't going to like this one. But, I kept reading. It picks up speed from there and takes you on a whirlwind adventure in the war between the Sidhe and their ancient enemies. It starts with a overlooked and emotionally shy Kelsy, who is unwittingly introduced to a world of magic and danger. She is a power source both evil and good could possess. She finds herself running with a sorcerer and trying to escape all manner of monster and god. It is pretty fast paced and exciting once you get into it. The characters have an interdependent relationship that is thrust upon them by circumstance. I found the world rich, the characters mostly compelling. The villains' are a bit one dimensional. But the main plot is well written and interesting. This is the first book by this author I have read and am certainly willing to continue this series. I received a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

Even though I’ve heard of this author for years, I’d never read a book by him until now. When I first started reading this, I wasn’t sure I was going to like it. However, once I was a little bit in the book, I enjoyed it quite a bit. This is a wild ride, with lots of non-stop action with Kel and Marti on the run for their lives, not sure who to trust. I really liked this, and I hope the next book stars Kel and Marti again since I’ve grown quite fond of them. A well-written, pulse-pounding thriller sure to please this author’s fans and fans of urban fantasy. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

I am just going to say do yourself as a reader a favor, block out a couple of hours and truly settle down with this great book.