Review: LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of The Asylum Interviews - Bronx
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 09 3, 2012
Our review by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:Jocelynn Drake is easily in my top 4 Urban Fantasy Author list, and I love the way she writes. I was a steady Dark Days fan from book #1 to the conclusion, so when we hosted Jocelynn for an Author Event and she told us in a live chat about the new series concept she was working on I was immediately excited.The Asylum Interviews - Bronx is the first story of The Asylum Tales series, released as an eNovella.In Bronx, we meet the central hero of The Asylum Tales series, Gage, a Mage and Tattoo Artist masquerading as strictly human. Tattoo parlors in Low Town aren't like those that we know.... While you CAN get some amazing permanent skin art, the ink is mixed with potion ingredients to give the purchaser that little extra magickal edge (depending on what they need and are willing to pay for).It's evident from his actions in the story that Gage is a good guy, a loyal friend, and a savvy businessman. It's also apparent that he's having trouble fighting his true nature by not doing magic, but he's not willing to give up his independence. Keeping his secret and living on the straight and narrow as much as possible takes its tole on Gage though, and I am very excited to learn more about him and how he handles this balance as the series continues.We also meet Parker, Gage's best friend.  Parker could prove to be an interesting character as well... An Incubus madly in love with his girlfriend and desperately seeking a strictly monogamous relationship, despite the fact that it's killing him - literally.My favorite character of the Novella was its namesake though. Bronx is a troll looking for a job at Gage's tattoo shop - Asylum. He's an enigma - where trolls rarely speak, Bronx is well spoken. Where trolls are generally solitary creatures, Bronx proves that he can be a great friend and ally.  He's also an incredibly talented Tattoo artist.  He's very multi-dimensional and I can't wait to find out more about him.  Given the outcome of the first couple hours and days that Bronx and Gage knew each other, the engaging storylines surrounding these two could be infinite.The Asylum Interviews - Bronx was action packed, engaging, and in true Jocelynn Drake fashion...beautifully written.  The world is wonderfully crafted, unique, and full of magick and interesting players.  It was a nice sneak peak into the Asylum Tales world and just made me want more right away.  I had been excited for Angel's Ink for quite some time, but after reading the prequel eNovella I wanted it even more.LITERAL ADDICTION gives this fresh, new approach to Urban Fantasy 4 Skulls.  I immediately Pre-ordered The Asylum Interviews - Trixie, which will be coming out on 9/4/12, and I already had October's release of Angel's Ink Pre-ordered. I can't wait to get even more engrossed in these characters and this world! Like the tattoos that Gage and Bronx provide, I have a feeling they'll leave a permanent mark. :)