Review: A beautiful and complex Urban Fantasy read.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 27, 2013
Well, this was quite an interesting read. Michael F. Stewart has definitely delivered an entertaining and complex read. Stewart mixes both Egyptian and Christian religions. The story revolves around a war between two opposing sides. The story is about the fall of the phoenix. The balance of good and evil must be restored. But it seems the evil side, Shemsu Seth, have special plans in play to make sure they break the coming prophecy.I won't lie, I had a tough time getting into this book. It started off interesting then took a bit of a turn and slowed down. I am all for worldbuilding, but I couldn't connect with the characters. They don't really have any discernible personalities that make them different from any other. We know they are preparing for a war. One side is killing off the other, the Shemsu Hor, who protect the 24 bones of Osiris's spine. They are trying to stop the Shemsu Seth from killing off the companions that hold pieces of the spine and giving them to the Pharaoh of Shemsu Seth. The book follows Sam (Samiya) is the child of shadow and is the leader of the Shemsu Seth. Her mother, Tara, is the a part of the Sisters of Isle. The Sisters keep the balance of good and evil. Along with Samiya, on the opposite side is David (Dawid). David left Canada to go back to Egypt from a message he receives from in his email. He also has a relict that may be a very big discovery. But he is means more to the war that he originally thought.Like I said, the book was a little slow, but once David and his story is introduced, he kicks up a bit. The book really kicks off in about the second half. I loved it. Lots of twists and turns. The characters and the plot change pace. I love the action. This isn't your usual Urban Fantasy and it is makes it stand out. The book is suspenseful with some paranormal aspects thrown in. I really loved where this book went.Overall I would recommend this mainly for the second half. I enjoyed it, it just needed a bit more of a pick me up in the beginning. It may be hard to wrap your head around a few things in the book. Like terms and such that could use an explanation or too. The book can be a little confusing at times. But the buildup is still good once you see the connection between the stories. Sam becomes quite the character in the second half and you will love where the story goes. I won't spoil you, but it is good. I love Stewart's take on Urban Fantasy. 24 Bones was pretty dark and intense. But the book takes on more than one genre and is well written overall despite some of my complaints. I say check it out.