Review: Really liked it!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 24, 2013
This is the first book in this series " The Chronckes of Applecross" that is set in the "Weald", a world within a world. The Weald is a place where magic takes precedence over technology. In this hidden land we find both human and "other" types. A mix of paranormal and steampunk with almost a dystopian edge.In this setting we meet Lora Blackgoat, a Runner who is working for Gideon the Satyr who helped to raise her. Her work for him is an odd mix of security, retrieval ,magic and even the occasional ultimate put down. This heroine is no shrinking violet, she's a smart mouthed, hard nosed mercenary with a fearsome reputation. Her gambling and drinking habits would put most to shame and she's liable to set fire to a powder keg at any minute! She's often mistaken for a Witch Hunter due to her striking colouring but her heritage is far more complicated then that.She's approached by an old friend from her youth and asked to find out all she can about a fearsome killer nicknamed "Butcher of Applecross"  and possible connections to a dead Nephilim who recently committed suicide. This brings her closer to the Order of Guides a deeply religious sect run by Grigori priests who use Nephilim as Regulators to trap and punish those who use dark magic. In particular one very attractive Nephilim called Roman. He's a fierce sexy individual but Lora doesn't need added complications as she already has regular booty calls from Seth a Captain in the City Watch - local police force and she's not sure she wants that!Having tried hard to keep her extraordinary magical abilities a secret  all her life Lora finds herself having to rely on them and trust that any who find out will be on her side but trust doesn't come easy to Lora. Her mothers death and the mystery of her father have marked her . She has to be careful as she's not really sure just who is on her side and fearing that Hells Spawn are the real killers she now has to convince the authorities that perhaps those in charge are the real danger!I really liked this book. Lora is a fantastic heroine even though she's definitely flawed. Badly hurt when younger she has a severe limp that at times really slows her down but she doesn't let it stop her. She's not the most friendly or pleasant character but she is smart, loyal and very brave. Caught between Seth and Roman the author has set up a very interesting romantic triangle. This was a wild ride through a land peopled with numerous interesting characters and the ending just makes this reader want more. If you enjoy urban fantasy or dark paranormals with a hint of humour then this is definitely worth a read.