Review: A fun read with strong characters
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 03 21, 2011
I was given a copy of C.I. Bond's Isn't Necromantic because the author wanted some real constructive feedback from readers.The truth is, the plot and world Bond created reminded me a little of Charlaine Harris's Sookie Stackhouse novels, only Bond's main character, Cassie, is a little easier to relate to. Many who have read my past reviews of Harris's novels already know I am not a big fan of the Southern Vampire Mysteries, but I did enjoy Isn't it Necromantic.The writing was smarter, and the characters, especially Cassie, seem more well-rounded. As Cassie is drawn into an underworld society on account of her psychic abilities and the a strange lack of soul, she finds herself targeted. Taken into protective custody of the Sang (Twice Damned Souls,) she's drawn to her guardian, Julian. As the Sang battle each other for ultimate power and ownership of Seattle, Cassie hangs suspended right smack in the middle of their epic war for dominance over Seattle.Bond has classified this book as urban fantasy, claiming outright that it is not paranormal romance, but I tend to disagree. While the urban fantasy elements set this story smack dab in the middle of the modern fantastic, the romance mingles effectively with the paranormal characters that dominate the plot.Overall, I give Isn't it Necromantic 3 out of 5 stars. The plot was nicely crafted, and as I said above, the characters are well-rounded and believable despite their otherworldly nature. Their are some editing issues that need attention, but for the most part they don't detract from the story so they're easy enough to ignore.