Review: Electa Graham's "Blood and Loss" -- Because every paranormal character's past should cause discord in the present
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 09 30, 2013
Life is cruel. We all know it. Cassandra Myles didn't really, until that one fateful day.She's a witch. Yes, there's an academy for that, and it isn't Hogwarts. Cassandra and her best friend are top-of-their-class and are graduating early. Nothing like having her parents murdered in front of her and her academic advisor sabotage her finals to sidetrack her life a wee bit.With that premise and the alternate history point-of-view that vampires, werewolves, and magic users are tollerated (and regulated) in modern human society, the first Cassandra Miles Witch novel begins unwinding a plot of secrets, betrayal, and spell-casting chaos, creating an intense read. Before the end, you'll get a coast-to-coast tour of Canada and enjoy more lessons in supernatural politics (including the usual about trusting the fae).As with most paranormal books featuring a female protagonist, multiple misunderstood men vie for Cassandra's attention. First, there's her boss. He's over two-thousand-years-old. He takes her on lavish shopping sprees and a weekly date. Her bodyguard is a glass's-half-empty sort of vampire, but he can develop a hands-on policy, if he has permission. Cassandra's roommate is another subject. He looks all innocent. He's a player though. Don't let those sad puppy-dog eyes fool you!The following single paragraph includes very vague spoilers: Let's talk inconsistencies. I'm sure Cassandra's best friend will be back again in a later installment, but Lena was given too much stage time to be dropped like a bad habit after the opening few chapters. I'm also not 100% on the background of the culture. I can't picture this exact alternate history. The author was lazy in expecting me to take for granted that this book's reality parallels many others of its genre's. There are key differences that need to be given dates, smells, textures, tastes, sights, and identifying markers. You don't just leave dangling why an ancient hot guy swept her off her feet until a later book altogether (without a hint or a misdirection)!  And, Cassandra, stop forgiving whatever guy you happen to be in the room with!Most distracting is Electa Graham's indecision on what audience this book is for. It reads like a young-adult novel -- except for the trickle of sexual content. I say "trickle," because I've known NYTimes vanilla authors given bad reviews for similar poor showings being not considered enough "romance." The only claim to true adult-content that readers may fine objectionable is the vocabulary describing the "trickle."Rewritten with a more detailed culture, romantic life that follows a pattern, touch-ups on two or three other small plot issues I've mentioned, and a final call whether to pen this as a YA, vanilla romance, or erotica, "Blood and Loss" has the potential to be a grab-you-by-the-throat best-seller. I'm still eager to follow Cassandra and the other characters into the next book in the series, and that isn't usually the case after a free Kindle book. Whatever editor turned Electa Graham down did me the favor of helping me get this novel for free, when I wouldn't have likely found it on my own. Knowing how much I like her indie work, I'll be back!The next book in this series is:Blood and Redemption (Cassandra Myles Witch Series)