Review: ~Fresh and Original~
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 12, 2014
‘London is built on the bones of its dead.’ ~The Secret DeadVivia should know, she is a death hag who can die and cross over to the underworld at will. She can also recognize the undead, even when they appear perfectly normal. Both skills are invaluable as Vivia lives in a modern-day, alternate version of London, where magic is real and zombies rate their own branch of Scotland Yard.Vivia works for a charity that works to ensure the rights of the many-varied and colorful assortment of non-humans that populate this world, she also does consulting work for the police on the side.It is very hard to pigeon-hole this book and that’s one of the many things I found utterly delightful about it. Part detective novel, part alternate reality/magic realism, part impending zombie apocalypse thriller and 100% unique.In the interest of full disclosure, the author had put out an open read and review request on Goodreads, offering a free copy in return for an honest review. I saw the request, but when I checked out the book and sample on Amazon, it intrigued me enough I just bought in on my own at the full price, as I like to support indie authors when possible. And I am so glad I did!I don’t want to give too much away, as you really need to experience this fascinatingly complex, but easily assimilated world with its fully-fleshed (or not!) characters for yourself. I was kept guessing throughout and being a reader who routinely figures out the ending far in advance, that was wonderfully refreshing.There is very little to criticize here; one or two grammatical errors, a tad of character confusion(there is such a large cast, that seems inevitable, tho) and towards the end, there was one resolution that seemed unlikely, but not inconceivable. The writing does not come off as a first-time effort at all, the plot twists are subtle and skillful, the character building detailed and believable and the background reveal slow and mesmerizing. I was left drop-jawed more than once. I am so glad the 2nd book is supposed to be out in winter, I definitely want to visit this world again and find out where Vivia goes from here.If you are tired of clichés and done to death plots, I cannot recommend this fresh and original book enough!