Unclean Spirits

Ugh what did I just read? This book is in dire need of a decent editor.
The concept of riders, demons that push out the souls of humans and take them over like a parasite, was interesting. However, no matter how much an idea catches my interest, the writing needs to be good quality. I can handle some cliches and bad grammar, but Hanover's writing was sluggish, like trying to dig down past the crap to find a few nuggets of decent writing.
My first problem: why give a character a name you won't use? Chogyi was given the name Jake to make it easier for Jayne to identify him. But instead the author refers to him as Chogyi Jake. Why? There is no other Jake to confuse him with. Then as the story progresses he's just Chogyi. Um, what?
Second problem: too many inconsistencies with point of view. For example, when Jayne first sees Coin, he's described as having tattoos, yet she mentions she can't see them. Why are you describing him with tattoos to the reader when your character can't even see them?
And the amount of cliches, grammar school descriptions and repetitious writing..... If I could give this no stars as an actual rating I would.

What do you do when the world you thought you knew turns out to be a load of proverbial BS? Jayné definitely knows how that feels. Starting with her Uncle Eric's mysterious death, it all spirals down from there. Family secrets anyone? I don't read a lot of Urban Fantasy normally, but I was willing to give Unclean Spirits a shot to step out of my box. Thank goodness I did! This book was everything I wanted it to be.

M.L.N. Hanover writes a character that is strong enough to face what comes, but still just flawed enough to be believable. Jayné isn't without her weak points. Love still affects her, as well as concern for her companions. She's just trying to get by the best she can. In fact, Jayné still isn't sure who her uncle was, or for that matter who she really is. I loved that she had the ability to go from normal to kick ass heroine in a matter of seconds when faced with danger. Unbelievable? Maybe a little, but this is fantasy! Jayné is my kind of woman!

There is just enough sizzle and motion to keep things interesting, as Jayné navigates her new upside down world. Her companions are just as well written and fascinating as she is, and that is a fact that I really fell in love with. Aubery, Chogyi Jake, Midian and Ex all have their own quirks and their own flaws. Each one of these characters is completely easy to become involved with. In fact, I read this book through nonstop because I absolutely had to find out what happened to them. Let's just say that this plot isn't just fast moving, it's like lightning. Strap yourself in.

For those of you who do read more of this genre, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at what Hanover has offered up in this series. Sure there is your standard fare of vampires, demons and the like, but also a nice twist. These baddies don't just exist on their own. Oh no, they ride. Imagine being trapped inside your own body but unable to do anything at all of your own free will. Imagine if you will, a being that is hundreds of years old, bloodthirsty, and vengeful living inside your head. Anyone could be hosting a rider. Your mom. Your sister. Even your grandma. Welcome to Jayné's world.

As a reader who doesn't often read Urban Fantasy, mostly because I haven't really been introduced to any of it until recently, I have to say that M.L.N. Hanover definitely blew me away! If this is what all UF contains, count me in. Epic battles, a kick ass heroine, smoking scenes and, of course, a rip roaring plot line that keeps you reading well into the night. My hat is off to the author. I'm looking forward to some more Jayné and soon!