Three Kinds of Lucky
by Kim Harrison
If you are searching for the first in a brand new series than you’ve gotten lucky with Three Kinds of Lucky by Kim Harrison, the first in the new Shadow Age Series. Harrison previously authored the long running Hollows series about a post apocalyptic society where vampires, witches, pixies and other magical creatures revealed themselves when humanity is almost wiped out. Three Kinds of Lucky also merges the magical with the mundane, but in this case not everyone is aware; in this world a certain percentage of people are able to work magic of different kinds, but keep their magic hidden from those that cannot. The story centers on Petra Grady who though she cannot do magic herself is skilled with dealing with dross, the byproduct created when magic is done and can cause damage to the world in the form of materials breakdown and cause unlucky accidents for those that encounter it. The story starts off quickly with Petra cleaning up a dross spill that doesn’t quite goes as plan and then continues at a brisk pace as we meet a cast of interesting and compelling characters and learn more about the world and its secrets. The ending brought in some elements of horror and I was surprised by one particular death, which I have a feeling may not be popular with some readers, but I could see how it worked well in the weave of the story as a whole. Comparisons to our own world’s environmental issues and racism, which although at times felt slightly heavy handed, give the book a feeling of timeliness and relevancy beyond its supernatural premises.
Aftermarket Afterlife
by Seanan McGuire
For those looking for a long running fantasy series to binge, than you will want to pick up Seanan McGuire’s excellent Incryptid series about an extended biological and found family of cryptozoologist that study and protect everything from boogeymen to dragons. The series has followed various members of the extended Price clan which includes a ballroom dancer/parkour enthusiast, a circus performer/fire sorcerer, a wasplike human mimic who can travel through time and dimensions using the power of math, and more quirky and yet endearing characters. Thanks to some supernatural blood being mixed into their lineage the family is known for their quirky luck in previous novels. Aftermarket Afterlife is the story of Mary, a ghost who once worked for the Crossroads brokering losing deals with desperate people, but now has made babysitting for the Price family her sole focus. Readers of previous novel will enjoy seeing the Price family from Mary’s unique perspective of both perpetual teen and caregiver to the generations. This installment is an action packed, climactic one focusing on the battle between the Price family and the Covenant of St. George who believe that all cryptids, even the peaceful ones, should be exterminated. Like previous volumes it includes a short story at the end, that gives another perspective to events taking place in the main novel. This novel had some tough losses that showed even those who can manipulate luck may not always win every fight.
Make sure to read next Wednesday’s posts for another great Urban Fantasy Series Recommendation, Crescent City: House of Earth & Blood.
Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager
Hoboken Library Staff Picks 