This book is actually my introduction to the Jackaby series, but despite unknowingly jumping in 5 ½ books in, I was intrigued by the series, and didn’t feel like I was in the deep end.
The book starts quickly, without a lot of world-building, with the characters and settings being explained and fitting naturally into the story. The idea of a main character inheriting aura-reading sight and trying to figure out how to use/work with her powers in the midst of a city on the brink of chaos is well-told, while still keeping consistent with the struggle of the women prior to modern time-period.
The love story and connection with the main character and her fiance bubbles underneath the surface, enough to keep you interested, without distracting from the mystery and trek through the city. I appreciated the hints of the magical underworld woven throughout the story, as well as some of the characters being written in a complex enough way that you’re not sure where loyalties lie.
All in all, a solid story that can stand alone, and enough to put the rest of the series on my TBR.
Characters 3
Story 3
World-Building 3
Spice N/A
Would I buy this book for myself or a friend? No
Will I recommend this book to readers? Yes
