Review: Warm and fuzzy urban fantasy
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 09 2, 2013
I'm going to start this review by confessing that I'm biased. I love this series. It's underlying sweetness radiates outwards and gives you the warm and fuzzies. Zoey Donovan is having a wee bit of trouble at home. The Hidden have invaded her house in large numbers with tales of friends and family that have gone missing. As Zoey's the only Aegis left, they are looking to her for guidance and protection. Someone is hunting them and Zoey's determined to put a stop to it.Zoey may have absolutely no fashion sense (just look at the cover for proof) but she is tough, resourceful and caring. She has empathic abilities which makes it easy for her to connect with humans, animals and the Hidden. Managing her real life job and role as the Aegis is much tougher and something will have to give soon. Thank goodness her relationship with Riley the Reaper continues to evolve as she spends so much time helping others, she needs a hot guy in her quarter that just wants her because she's Zoey and not because of her Aegis abilities.The zany Hidden characters continue to delight in their quirky mannerisms and they provide the majority of the humour. Naquin takes the time to round out their back stories which makes them truly come to life. Molly the brownie is a prime example as over the last three novels we have watched her leave her husband Walter because he was abusive, reunite with him once he gave up alcohol and become pregnant. It might be a simple tale but when you multiply that with other Hidden creatures, you have a very robust world. This time round we have Kam whose a djinn and Darius, a mothman. Yep, that's right. The latter's abilities are just a little freaky and I hope he sticks around in future novels. Maurice the closet monster remains an absolute delight.The pace of this novel is frenetic and like Zoey, I was exhausted by the end. "Fairies in My Fireplace" is also slightly darker in tone as the stakes have been raised. There was a particular scene where a beloved character exits stage left that brought tears to my eyes. Sniff. The climax and denouement were executed well. I appreciate that Naquin has slowly expanded her world, exposing us to bigger issues than a sea serpent going into labour."Fairies in My Fireplace" is an absolute delight but please start with the first, "Monster in My Closet", so you can track Zoey's journey and don't miss out on any of the good stuff.