Review: Hunter Gamble for the Defense
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 13, 2012
Atticus for the Undead is both a parody on the legal eagle hero of old, Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird and a statement on how the legal system has treated racism and treats the uprising of new minorities and developing racism today. Except for our book the racism is against The Arcane races. The Arcane are straight out of the myths, the movies and the pages of books. We learn that in Hunter's world "The Unveiling" happened about fifteen years ago when  the vampires, witches and zombies came "out". I found the author's comedic take on what happens in today's court systems with some of the over the top and ridiculous accusations made due to hysteria brought about and still holding steady because of 9/11 was refreshing.Like Atticus Finch, our protagonist Hunter Gamble leads the way in protecting the rights of the newly recognized races, The Arcane.  Hunter takes on the legal struggle for The Arcane with that wonderful and passionate "brand new lawyer attitude".  Breaking away from his father's old school law firm and striking out for the little man (or zombie in this case). Even with Hunter's self-righteousness a little unnerving at times, made the the tale and character even more believable for me.Within the world Hunter lives the supernatural the Arcane (it is considered a racial slur to call them supernaturals and Hunter continually reminds of this with inner and outer dialogue throughout the book) are persecuted and the struggle to set precident within the legal system is being fought locally; within the high schools (as one of his clients finds out), in the judicial system (as Sam the undead client finds out with a prejudiced but ethical judge) and all the way to the congressional level.  Atticus for the Undead a is a reflection and statement of what many face today and not just a hell of a lot of fun to read.I fell in love with the characters, they were well developed and rounded out. By the end of it I was frustrated, heartbroken and left wanting more from Hunter and the world of the Arcanes. It just ENDED with a horrific shock, drizzling out weakly and is  the reason behind my 4 out of 5 stars. The book was strong and kept you going from page to turned page RIGHT till it ended with this fizzle. It was sad, which is ok, but disappointingly sad. Though the addition of the brainstormed titles for the book was hilarious. It still left me wanting to read more about Hunter and his trials and tribulations with the Arcane. I will be buying the next one. John is a great new emerging Indie Author. Over all this story is, taking a original strike at a much played at plot.I think my father is going to get a kick out of it and have made sure that when he turns on his Kindle tomorrow he finds a present from me! (Every lawyer knows how to laugh at themselves). I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys paranormal crime, humor and parody, to those that like Law and Order marathons and that CSI humor.