Review: A Grimm's circle novella about Jacob and Celine
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 25, 2012
3 1/2 stars.  "Grimm Tidings" by Shiloh Walker is a novella which is book 6 of her `Grimm's Circle' series that centers around the brave men and women who act as guardian angels for humans and destroy the demons that have entered the mortal world.  They can be identified by the mystical silver medallion with upswept wings that each wears.  Each Grimm has horrors and baggage from his or her background but most have learned to sublimate their issues and transfer that energy into becoming an expert fighter with the ability to dispatch demons efficiently and serve as guardian angels for the mortals they seek to protect.  Jacob is one of the older Grimm and is reluctant to take on the task of working with Celine, a relatively new Grimm who is unwilling or unable to release her former life as a mortal human, to the extent that she has been through an incredible number of trainers.  Jacob's talent for showing possible paths of a life often makes him uncomfortable but his attraction to the tormented Grimm in his charge drives him to try to help her heal in any way that he can.  His inner demons plus her issues may be just enough to destroy anything they could have if they aren't able to find a way to reach out to each other.An intriguing glimpse into the lives of some of the Grimm with hints about the backgrounds of several of the secondary characters.  There is a bit of jerkiness to the story as the scene suddenly changes in a couple of areas and the ending is a bit abrupt but the characters are engaging and there are plenty of intriguing asides including the link to Dickensian characters.  An entertaining quick read.This title was given to me by the author in return for an honest review