A Ferry of Bones & Gold

DNF - PG 15

Why?

I will admit, I had my doubts going into it. I don't like what is classically considered urban fantasy but I did like the cover of the book and at one point it kept showing up on my dashboard because it felt like all my friends were reading it. (I don't think they were, it just felt that way for awhile.)

So the book did have some major hurdles to overcome. Sadly, it's just not doing it for me.

The writing is serviceable, but it feels like a combination of a debut novel and someone that is just so excited to share the minutia of their world building with you when it's information you really don't need. (Or just drop hints that there's something going on(TM).)

I didn't like angry, broody Patrick even before the totally unironic usage of ‘tainted soul' but it go so much worse with: ‘He'd survived a premeditated attack and still carried the scars - physical, mental, magical - from when he was a child and a demon nearly clawed out his heart.'

Basically, with the little I read and the vague memory I have, he's like Harry Dresden turned up to eleven.

(Spoiler: I didn't like Harry and I don't like Patrick.)

Almost DNF'd this book but kept going just to see how many times the author would use the phrase “hellish taint” so I could giggle like the immature person that I am (spoiler alert: it's a lot). Paranormal thrillers aren't my cup of tea but the huge info-dumps didn't help, and neither did the stereotypical badass ex-soldier Special Agent Patrick Collins, who uses every cliched cop movie line just short of “we've got company.” I didn't connect with him at all, although I was more impressed with the other MC, Jono, who ironically seemed much more human despite being a werewolf. The final confrontation was admittedly exciting, and I felt a bit of a real bond between the two MCs at the end, but not enough to make me want to read the sequel, [b:All Souls Near & Nigh 44566539 All Souls Near & Nigh (Soulbound) Hailey Turner https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1553224847s/44566539.jpg 67616001], or the rest of the series. YMMV, especially if you like a lot of action and paranormal weirdness.

Re-read 2024
I did end up enjoying this more than my first time. I'm super glad I have it another try. Will say I still rolled my eyes at all the “watch your six” and “on your six” in the end fight. It also somehow felt faster paced than the first time I read it???
Anyhow, I plan on jumping into the second book asap.

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This is a fun adventure, but couldn't always keep my attention. Then again, this is 2020 sooooo yeah. I always like when there is a paranormal FBI equivalent and there are tons of different types of supernatural beings here which is fun to read about.

I'll definitely give book 2 a chance.... sooner or later.