Review: Supernatural Mix of Sub-Genres
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 10, 2012
I read a short story by Mia Darien in the anthology,Wake Up Dead, and wanted to read more of her work. Cameron's Law didn't disappoint. As a matter of fact, it was refreshing to read a paranormal crime novel with supernatural characters that did not rely on gore and sex to propel the storyline. Darien actually took the time to write quality thriller with an abundance of nail-biting mystery and suspense.Preternatural Expert Advisor, Sadie Stanton has opened her own agency to provide paranormal services and help supernatural citizens adjust to a more public life. She is also a vampire, and a major proponent of Cameron's Law, which gives rights to vampires, werewolves, and other species. She is assisted by a werewolf, Madison. The interaction between these two characters and others in their office pulled me into the story from the beginning of the novella. I was very eager to learn more about the fascinating world that Darien created; I have a serious appreciation for authors who fashion the settings before the characters, without relying on elaborate set-ups.Detective Vance Johnston is a shape-shifter investigating recent attacks on werewolves by vampires. Concerned that the unrest will undo Cameron's Law, Vance and Sadie work with the leaders of the Pack and Coven to find out what has triggered the unsanctioned violence between the species. In the process, Sadie is framed for the murders of a slayer and a shifter, but she finds help in the unlikely form of a Hunter named Dakota.The story is followed by a Guide to the Preternatural, which includes information on the array of characters within Cameron's Law: vampires, shape-shifters/shifters/were-creatures, humans with paranormal abilities (animators, necromancers, summoners, and psychics), and lesser-known species (theriomorph, fae & daemons).I can't wait to read more by Darien!