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Vale Investigation #1
Hostile Takeover
He’s done a deal with Death herself. But unless he can send beasts back to the Otherworld, losing his life will be the least of his worries…
PI Bellamy Vale’s near-immortality doesn’t give him a moment to rest. Completely worn down as Death’s supernatural detective, he’s starting to think he got the short-end of his do-or-die deal. So when a string of savage attacks grip the city, Vale abandons all hope of sleep and sets out to discover who let the Otherworld beast free…
Reading dead crime victims’ minds for clues, Vale attracts the very unwanted attention of a fresh-faced journalist and his jealous police officer ex. Reluctantly agreeing to let the women tag along for the danger, the investigation reveals his worst fears. It turns out letting the brutal monster loose may only be the first wave of destruction.
Can PI Vale catch the puppet-master before the whole world is dragged to hell?
Hostile Takeover is the first book in the fast-paced Vale Investigation urban fantasy series. If you like classic noir-style action, out-of-control mythology, and a healthy dose of sarcastic charm, then you’ll love Cristelle Comby’s edge-of-your-seat adventure.
Independent Press Awards Winner (Urban Fantasy Category in 2019)353 pages, Paperback
First published May 14, 2018
About the author
Cristelle Comby
16 books262 followersCristelle Comby was born and raised in the French-speaking area of Switzerland, in Greater Geneva, where she still resides.
She attributes to her origins her ever-peaceful nature and her undying love for chocolate. She has a passion for art, which also includes an interest in drawing and acting.
She is the author of the Neve & Egan Cases series, which features an unlikely duo of private detectives in London: Ashford Egan, a blind History professor, and Alexandra Neve, one of his students.
Currently, she is hard at work on her Urban Fantasy series Vale Investigation which chronicles the exploits of Death’s only envoy on Earth, PI Bellamy Vale, in the fictitious town of Cold City, USA.
She attributes to her origins her ever-peaceful nature and her undying love for chocolate. She has a passion for art, which also includes an interest in drawing and acting.
She is the author of the Neve & Egan Cases series, which features an unlikely duo of private detectives in London: Ashford Egan, a blind History professor, and Alexandra Neve, one of his students.
Currently, she is hard at work on her Urban Fantasy series Vale Investigation which chronicles the exploits of Death’s only envoy on Earth, PI Bellamy Vale, in the fictitious town of Cold City, USA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
April 12, 2020
HOSTILE TAKEOVER by Cristelle Comby is the first book in the Vale Investigation urban fantasy series. The setting is a fictional city in the USA called Cold City. Private Investigator Bellamy Vale is nearly immortal, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be hurt. He works cases for both mortals and supernaturals. When a series of otherworldly attacks occur, Vale and his associates investigate. But with crime bosses, murder, otherworldly beasts, a jealous ex-girlfriend who happens to be a police detective, a young journalist, and his friends and associates, what else can go wrong?
The characters felt three-dimensional, with distinct flaws and virtues. Their goals were clear and proactive with believable motivations and appropriate emotions. The world-building was well-done and transported me to Cold City. This book was action-packed with high stakes and several plot twists. It also incorporates mythology and the occasional bit of sarcasm. The plot was suspenseful, clever, intriguing, engrossing, and fast-paced.
Overall, this was unique, fresh, dark, gritty, and entertaining. One minor quibble is that I would have liked a little more background in a first book in a series for how Bell became what he is today. However, if you enjoy action-packed urban fantasies, then this a series to be considered. I am looking forward to reading more books in this series as well as the other’s other series.
Thanks to BooksGoSocial and Cristelle Comby for a complimentary ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
The characters felt three-dimensional, with distinct flaws and virtues. Their goals were clear and proactive with believable motivations and appropriate emotions. The world-building was well-done and transported me to Cold City. This book was action-packed with high stakes and several plot twists. It also incorporates mythology and the occasional bit of sarcasm. The plot was suspenseful, clever, intriguing, engrossing, and fast-paced.
Overall, this was unique, fresh, dark, gritty, and entertaining. One minor quibble is that I would have liked a little more background in a first book in a series for how Bell became what he is today. However, if you enjoy action-packed urban fantasies, then this a series to be considered. I am looking forward to reading more books in this series as well as the other’s other series.
Thanks to BooksGoSocial and Cristelle Comby for a complimentary ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
December 9, 2018
This is a 4.5 star read.
Yeeeaaaah ....... This is EXACTLY how I like my fantasy!! Dark, gritty and straddling the fence, with one foot firmly placed in reality and the other caressing the sulphur brimstone on the other side. Vengeance, a Demon and a sprinkle of Fae ... Oh My!!
The story starts with the main character, Bellamy Vale, an ex-Navy, now Private Security bodyguard working a late, additional Saturday night as security for pop star Sidhe (pronounced She). What starts as a boring night he'd rather be over pronto, ends with his whole world torn apart. As he sinks to depths of hopelessness he makes a decision that he will forever rue.
This book is a prequel novella to the author's new series which begins with Hostile Takeover and sets the stage for Vale's long road to redemption. Although this story has the beginning inclusions of a few fae, they seem palpably real. This is dark stuff and there's no fae fluffiness here, thank god.
I've found one of the few fantasy series that I know I will follow to the end and to add the glacé cherry on top of this delectable concoction is that at the end of the book Vale decides to become a private investigator as a perfect screen for his new job. Supernatural fantasy plus detecting - hold me back - I'm in heaven. 😍
I received a free ecopy of this novella directly from the author. I have voluntarily chosen to review the book and the gifting in no way influences my review/ rating, which reflects my honest opinion.
Yeeeaaaah ....... This is EXACTLY how I like my fantasy!! Dark, gritty and straddling the fence, with one foot firmly placed in reality and the other caressing the sulphur brimstone on the other side. Vengeance, a Demon and a sprinkle of Fae ... Oh My!!
The story starts with the main character, Bellamy Vale, an ex-Navy, now Private Security bodyguard working a late, additional Saturday night as security for pop star Sidhe (pronounced She). What starts as a boring night he'd rather be over pronto, ends with his whole world torn apart. As he sinks to depths of hopelessness he makes a decision that he will forever rue.
This book is a prequel novella to the author's new series which begins with Hostile Takeover and sets the stage for Vale's long road to redemption. Although this story has the beginning inclusions of a few fae, they seem palpably real. This is dark stuff and there's no fae fluffiness here, thank god.
I've found one of the few fantasy series that I know I will follow to the end and to add the glacé cherry on top of this delectable concoction is that at the end of the book Vale decides to become a private investigator as a perfect screen for his new job. Supernatural fantasy plus detecting - hold me back - I'm in heaven. 😍
I received a free ecopy of this novella directly from the author. I have voluntarily chosen to review the book and the gifting in no way influences my review/ rating, which reflects my honest opinion.
October 8, 2018
This is one of my #SPFBO books and before I start to tell you about it, I want to first say that this book is not my *typical* cup of tea, but it surprised me a lot in the second half and I ended up enjoying it far more than expected.
This story follows Bellamy Vale, a PI-for-hire who works for both the natural and supernaturals of the world. Vale has made a deal with Death that allows him to escape a lot of scenarios many others would die from, but that deal doesn't come cheap and one day when Lady McDeath turns up Vale has to follow her orders and solve the murders happening on his watch.
What I found interesting about this is that it takes a lot of influence from things like Jim Butcher's Dresden files series, but it still felt as though it was unique enough to hold my attention. I do think that the author does rely on some of the stereotypes of a PI and Vale falls into a few predictable traps, but on the whole the story kept me interested and I found that by the end I liked the plot and where it had gone.
As this is the first in a series, it's mostly about action and adventure to pull the reader in. I found that there were some bits I would rather have had more character moments on, rather than fighting and ill-timed interruptions, but I understand that all of this helps the book move quickly and is in the spirit of crime-fantasy.
I do think personally that I find crime-fanatasy to be a sub-genre that doesn't always work for me, but I think if you are a reader who enjoyed Butcher's series and wants something in a similar vein then this is well worth trying out. 3.5*s from me which is 7* for SPFBO purposes.
This story follows Bellamy Vale, a PI-for-hire who works for both the natural and supernaturals of the world. Vale has made a deal with Death that allows him to escape a lot of scenarios many others would die from, but that deal doesn't come cheap and one day when Lady McDeath turns up Vale has to follow her orders and solve the murders happening on his watch.
What I found interesting about this is that it takes a lot of influence from things like Jim Butcher's Dresden files series, but it still felt as though it was unique enough to hold my attention. I do think that the author does rely on some of the stereotypes of a PI and Vale falls into a few predictable traps, but on the whole the story kept me interested and I found that by the end I liked the plot and where it had gone.
As this is the first in a series, it's mostly about action and adventure to pull the reader in. I found that there were some bits I would rather have had more character moments on, rather than fighting and ill-timed interruptions, but I understand that all of this helps the book move quickly and is in the spirit of crime-fantasy.
I do think personally that I find crime-fanatasy to be a sub-genre that doesn't always work for me, but I think if you are a reader who enjoyed Butcher's series and wants something in a similar vein then this is well worth trying out. 3.5*s from me which is 7* for SPFBO purposes.
June 28, 2018
Loved it... but my opinion might be biased :)
August 2, 2018
Overall the book is wonderful steadfast reading with a swift pacing that is very easy to follow with everything you need for a perfect investigation for a private investigator. I loved all the action and different happenings where mystical creatures and how things were just in the last chapter alone had me flipping pages so quickly to have answers but then it just ended.. I was turning the page hoping for more but nope.. Gotta read the next book! All the events through the middle with notable characters and descriptions of scenes had you there with P.I Vale yet somehow you are safe but P.I Vale is in for a long.. Long ride. You need to read this and I think my review just doesn't give this book justice.
September 7, 2018
I was having a bad day.
The ugly thug facing me readied himself for the next swing.
"What did you say, bastard?"...
"I'm haffin a fah day," I managed to repeat through a mouthful of saliva and blood.
The PI trope has been done so many ways in urban fantasy, but it's probably one of my favorites. Hostile Takeover adds another name to the detective game as Cristelle Comby writes a surprisingly well-done UF series debut. Toted as a paranormal mystery, noir fans will still get a kick out of Hostile Takeover as will fans of the Dresden Files.
Read more at Cats Luv Coffee
The ugly thug facing me readied himself for the next swing.
"What did you say, bastard?"...
"I'm haffin a fah day," I managed to repeat through a mouthful of saliva and blood.
The PI trope has been done so many ways in urban fantasy, but it's probably one of my favorites. Hostile Takeover adds another name to the detective game as Cristelle Comby writes a surprisingly well-done UF series debut. Toted as a paranormal mystery, noir fans will still get a kick out of Hostile Takeover as will fans of the Dresden Files.
Read more at Cats Luv Coffee
August 10, 2018
Twenty-first century noir at its finest for all but the very youngest, allow at least a day to savor this good vs evil slugfest. I read an ARC and this voluntary review is my own opinion.
May 27, 2019
Bellamy Vale isn’t your ordinary run of the mill PI. Unlike regular detectives, he finds himself to be in the service of someone not of this world, a mysterious woman he dubs as ‘Lady McDeath.’ Years ago his life was saved by this powerfully frightening entity, and since then he has basically been her play toy. Weather he likes it or not.
Fast forward to present day, and the people of Cold City are being brutally attacked by some bloodthirsty beast. Due to the nature of the attacks, Lady McDeath wants Bell to find and eliminate the threat. Unsurprisingly the creature in question is not of this world. It’s a monster from across the border, from the land known as Alterum Mundum; which translates to the Other World in Latin.
Not having much of a choice in the matter, Bell takes up the case and tries his best to figure out what’s going on while also trying to ensure he lives through the whole ordeal. Things can never be easy though and all sorts of nasties come out of the woodwork in an attempt to stop him from revealing things he shouldn’t be privy to.
Thankfully he is not totally alone in this venture. His computer geek friend Zian is more than willing to help, along with a snoopy news reporter who turns ally, Candice Kennedy. So the trio bumble along trying to figure out what the monster is, while also trying to understand how it got to the human world. Something had to bring this monster here, but what and who did?
That is the meat and potatoes of the whole story! Initially I wasn’t sure if I liked it or not, but by the second day I got used to the writing style and started to enjoy the plot. There are a lot of action scenes that go on, and there’s a bunch of mystery that pervades the book. Sadly, we readers don’t get a lot of answers, however the pressing issues get resolved so I don’t feel too put off.
The conclusion was interesting. This author mixes some mythologies around so I was surprised by what was going on. I’m still not entirely sure what the villain was hoping to gain by their actions, but mercifully the danger is abated thanks to a unexpected helping hand.
In this book all the things that go bump in the night are alive and well, along with the gods of old. None of them are allowed to cross the border to the human world, but that doesn’t mean they can’t employ humans to do their bidding, or threaten them to do as they ask. By the skin of his teeth, Bell gets the job done, which means Lady McDeath isn’t going to end his life. That’s +1 for the human!
This book leaves off with things seemingly returning to normal, for the time being anyways. With all the shenanigans going on in town I don’t expect it to stay that way for long. Overall I’d say that this was a fun story. Sometimes the sentences were a bit confusing and I’d have to read them a time or two, but I still enjoyed it.
The MC and side characters are great too! They all have unique personalities and bring something different to the table. My favorite folks would have to be Zian, Tommy, and Hermes. Yes, THAT Hermes. Gods tangling with humans always makes for a fun story! With that being said, I will be sure to read the next book as I think this series has a lot of potential for great storytelling.
Fast forward to present day, and the people of Cold City are being brutally attacked by some bloodthirsty beast. Due to the nature of the attacks, Lady McDeath wants Bell to find and eliminate the threat. Unsurprisingly the creature in question is not of this world. It’s a monster from across the border, from the land known as Alterum Mundum; which translates to the Other World in Latin.
Not having much of a choice in the matter, Bell takes up the case and tries his best to figure out what’s going on while also trying to ensure he lives through the whole ordeal. Things can never be easy though and all sorts of nasties come out of the woodwork in an attempt to stop him from revealing things he shouldn’t be privy to.
Thankfully he is not totally alone in this venture. His computer geek friend Zian is more than willing to help, along with a snoopy news reporter who turns ally, Candice Kennedy. So the trio bumble along trying to figure out what the monster is, while also trying to understand how it got to the human world. Something had to bring this monster here, but what and who did?
That is the meat and potatoes of the whole story! Initially I wasn’t sure if I liked it or not, but by the second day I got used to the writing style and started to enjoy the plot. There are a lot of action scenes that go on, and there’s a bunch of mystery that pervades the book. Sadly, we readers don’t get a lot of answers, however the pressing issues get resolved so I don’t feel too put off.
The conclusion was interesting. This author mixes some mythologies around so I was surprised by what was going on. I’m still not entirely sure what the villain was hoping to gain by their actions, but mercifully the danger is abated thanks to a unexpected helping hand.
In this book all the things that go bump in the night are alive and well, along with the gods of old. None of them are allowed to cross the border to the human world, but that doesn’t mean they can’t employ humans to do their bidding, or threaten them to do as they ask. By the skin of his teeth, Bell gets the job done, which means Lady McDeath isn’t going to end his life. That’s +1 for the human!
This book leaves off with things seemingly returning to normal, for the time being anyways. With all the shenanigans going on in town I don’t expect it to stay that way for long. Overall I’d say that this was a fun story. Sometimes the sentences were a bit confusing and I’d have to read them a time or two, but I still enjoyed it.
The MC and side characters are great too! They all have unique personalities and bring something different to the table. My favorite folks would have to be Zian, Tommy, and Hermes. Yes, THAT Hermes. Gods tangling with humans always makes for a fun story! With that being said, I will be sure to read the next book as I think this series has a lot of potential for great storytelling.
August 26, 2018
There’s ‘hard-to-kill’ and then there’s Bellamy Vale.
Vale – whose friends may call him Bell – is a private investigator with a caustic personality and the amazing ability to rub one of the local homicide police lieutenants the wrong way. He’s also got the best of lucks, with a track record for dodging bullets, guns jamming when pointing at him and flowerbeds breaking otherwise deadly falls. This luck comes at a price though: he’s one of the few humans who’s aware that gods and monsters are very real, most of them exiled from the mortal realm. One of these supernatural beings holds his life to ransom: a woman he’s dubbed Lady McDeath. She uses Vale to do her dirty work in the mortal realm.
When a supposed wolf starts a killing spree in Cold City, Lady McDeath sends Vale on the trail. He soon finds that the attacks are not the results of a hungry animal. And they are not random either. Shady intrigues – on both side of the supernatural border – lead Vale to uncover something far worse than murder in the making. And the race to keep his life becomes a sprint to save much more.
The action plot may not be entirely original, but the spin author Cristelle Comby puts on it makes it feel fresh. Pace starts fast and doesn’t really let up at any point. The fantasy elements are introduced early enough and in a way that completely makes sense within her setting and she has managed to avoid the dreaded ‘information dump’ that can sometimes bog down fantasy tales. The darkish tone is consistent throughout. Vale is an all-too human character who’s far from invulnerable – even with the rather dubious gifts his association with Lady McDeath offers. He gets hurt and has emotional baggage that he needs to deal with throughout the tale. His friends and acquaintances all have personalities of their own.
This tale won’t let you stop turning the pages. The fantasy elements shouldn’t discourage readers looking for an action-packed tale. Greatly recommended for fans of both action/thrillers and fantasy.
Vale – whose friends may call him Bell – is a private investigator with a caustic personality and the amazing ability to rub one of the local homicide police lieutenants the wrong way. He’s also got the best of lucks, with a track record for dodging bullets, guns jamming when pointing at him and flowerbeds breaking otherwise deadly falls. This luck comes at a price though: he’s one of the few humans who’s aware that gods and monsters are very real, most of them exiled from the mortal realm. One of these supernatural beings holds his life to ransom: a woman he’s dubbed Lady McDeath. She uses Vale to do her dirty work in the mortal realm.
When a supposed wolf starts a killing spree in Cold City, Lady McDeath sends Vale on the trail. He soon finds that the attacks are not the results of a hungry animal. And they are not random either. Shady intrigues – on both side of the supernatural border – lead Vale to uncover something far worse than murder in the making. And the race to keep his life becomes a sprint to save much more.
The action plot may not be entirely original, but the spin author Cristelle Comby puts on it makes it feel fresh. Pace starts fast and doesn’t really let up at any point. The fantasy elements are introduced early enough and in a way that completely makes sense within her setting and she has managed to avoid the dreaded ‘information dump’ that can sometimes bog down fantasy tales. The darkish tone is consistent throughout. Vale is an all-too human character who’s far from invulnerable – even with the rather dubious gifts his association with Lady McDeath offers. He gets hurt and has emotional baggage that he needs to deal with throughout the tale. His friends and acquaintances all have personalities of their own.
This tale won’t let you stop turning the pages. The fantasy elements shouldn’t discourage readers looking for an action-packed tale. Greatly recommended for fans of both action/thrillers and fantasy.
August 19, 2018
Bellamy Vale is a private investigator but has a deal with Lady McDeath. A man has died and she wants him to look into it. When Bellamy get to the scene of the murder he can see the fight but not really what happened. Then he is tipped off to another murder and arrives shortly after the death. He investigates and can see the end of the man’s life and sees this strange, large wolf like creature with a skull for a head.
Clearly the creature has come from Alterum Mundum, the other side where every form of death (Heaven, Hell, Valhalla, etc.) and the creatures of the areas exist. Clearly someone has crossed the border but the Conclave, the group that patrols the boarder, tells Bellamy that there has been no crossing. Then Bellamy gets tip that is going to turn this case on its head.
I loved this story. You have a noir detective that has made a deal with the devil and has a paranormal case dumped into his lap. Cold City is an amazing location and all the characters draw you into this book.
There are great references to gods and mythology, a couple had me looking them up myself. Bellamy is a great detective and keeps fighting no matter what he comes up against. But then again it’s not like he really has a choice and it’s not like he going to die.
I admit that I started out skimming the story but was quickly drawn into it. Before I knew it I had read half the book and was not about to put it down to cook dinner. This is a great story and anyone that loves mythology and mysteries will adore this book. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
Clearly the creature has come from Alterum Mundum, the other side where every form of death (Heaven, Hell, Valhalla, etc.) and the creatures of the areas exist. Clearly someone has crossed the border but the Conclave, the group that patrols the boarder, tells Bellamy that there has been no crossing. Then Bellamy gets tip that is going to turn this case on its head.
I loved this story. You have a noir detective that has made a deal with the devil and has a paranormal case dumped into his lap. Cold City is an amazing location and all the characters draw you into this book.
There are great references to gods and mythology, a couple had me looking them up myself. Bellamy is a great detective and keeps fighting no matter what he comes up against. But then again it’s not like he really has a choice and it’s not like he going to die.
I admit that I started out skimming the story but was quickly drawn into it. Before I knew it I had read half the book and was not about to put it down to cook dinner. This is a great story and anyone that loves mythology and mysteries will adore this book. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
November 8, 2018
A surprise little knock out for me, this book reminded me of a lot of things but stayed unique and kept me reading. There was almost a noir feel about it, with a down on his luck PI, very much under the thumb of a very powerful being, unlucky in love and has the sensation of literally falling from one event to another, with a little help from some friends old and new. Bellamy Vale (or Bell to his friends) was actually very likeable and I enjoyed learning about his world and am very keen to read more! Cold City had a slightly comic book vibe going on and the picture that was painted was very vivid. Supernatural beings lurk hidden amongst the ordinary folk and danger is of course afoot. It appears that it's Bell's job to discover what they are up, find them and then stop them. What I really liked is that he did this without managing to be all powerful. His friends helped (a lot) and he knew a lot of the right people to ask but he basically got there with old fashioned reasoning and a lot of street savvy. I will definitely be on board for the next book.
September 23, 2018
You will definitely want to have plenty of allotted reading time before starting this one. It was hard to put down. I was so engrossed in the story that I put off many of my important things to do.
I loved the descriptive way this novel was written. It really submerges the reader into the world. This novel was very vivid in the descriptions, the writing really jumped off the pages and into my
mind, so kudos to her for that.
On top of that, Comby had to also make sure her characters were compelling and I think she did that effortlessly.
A wonderful ride that was action packed.
I loved the descriptive way this novel was written. It really submerges the reader into the world. This novel was very vivid in the descriptions, the writing really jumped off the pages and into my
mind, so kudos to her for that.
On top of that, Comby had to also make sure her characters were compelling and I think she did that effortlessly.
A wonderful ride that was action packed.
August 18, 2018
Brilliant story, in the same vein as the early Harry Dresden books.
It was very engaging and kept me hooked from the get-go. Vale’s a great character, with his dark humor and chivalrous attitude. The concept of Alterum Mundum is very interesting and opens the door to a lot of really cool monsters for the next books.
A really cool urban fantasy detective story. Much looking forward to the next one.
It was very engaging and kept me hooked from the get-go. Vale’s a great character, with his dark humor and chivalrous attitude. The concept of Alterum Mundum is very interesting and opens the door to a lot of really cool monsters for the next books.
A really cool urban fantasy detective story. Much looking forward to the next one.
September 20, 2018
I liked the diversity and originality of this novel.
Believeable and Relatable characters really help to captivate the reader and get them invested in the happenings of this story.
I really enjoyed the pacing and how it was steady throughout. It is fast paced and doesn't let up and didn't have moments that dragged. It made for a fast and furious read.
The setting was imaginative, I loved the new world and creatures Comby shared with us.
Believeable and Relatable characters really help to captivate the reader and get them invested in the happenings of this story.
I really enjoyed the pacing and how it was steady throughout. It is fast paced and doesn't let up and didn't have moments that dragged. It made for a fast and furious read.
The setting was imaginative, I loved the new world and creatures Comby shared with us.
September 17, 2018
Interesting paranormal action/mystery
Bellamy Vale owes his life to the “Mistress Death” and is therefore unkillable, except maybe by her. He is directed by her to investigate so called wolf killings in Cold City. With help from his friends, namely Zian - son of Hermès (yes the God Hermès)and Kennedy, intrepid female reporter, he saves the city.
Easy to read and entertaining.
Bellamy Vale owes his life to the “Mistress Death” and is therefore unkillable, except maybe by her. He is directed by her to investigate so called wolf killings in Cold City. With help from his friends, namely Zian - son of Hermès (yes the God Hermès)and Kennedy, intrepid female reporter, he saves the city.
Easy to read and entertaining.
March 3, 2020
OH MY this book this book kept me on my toes for two days while i was reading this! It was awesome and totally reminded me of sherlock holmes but it also had the paranormal element in it which I LOVE . This was fast paced and action packed , and the ending still leaves me with questions unanswered *crys* I cant wait for book 2 of this series!!!
August 18, 2018
Loved this book.
Brilliant, engaging characters. Fast-paced with a great plot. Lots of tension and fantasy elements drawn from various mythologies.
Brilliant, engaging characters. Fast-paced with a great plot. Lots of tension and fantasy elements drawn from various mythologies.
August 28, 2018
★ ★ ★ 1/2 (rounded up)
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
On the one hand, I'm annoyed that something about Bellamy Vale, our P. I. protagonist, is revealed in the book blurb for Hostile Takeover. On the other hand, I don't know how I could've written much without slipping myself (but I appreciated the reveal when I got to it, having forgotten everything I read about the book before starting it). Bell works for Lady McDeath, the daughter of Hades. We're not given many details of the arrangement (which I honestly enjoy -- something I'll get back to in a minute), but it involves her saying "Jump" and him leaping.
Being her emissary on Earth comes with some real benefits -- namely, he survives things, events, situations that he shouldn't. Which is a real plus for a P. I. who annoys mobsters and supernatural beings on a regular basis.
In this particular case, Lady McDeath wants Bell to investigate a couple of deaths that have been officially attributed to a wolf, but it takes Bell a few seconds to realize weren't caused by anything from this world. The detective in charge of the investigation (naturally) isn't wild about P. I.s in general, but has a special kind of distaste for Bell. This makes anything Bell does near the scenes, bodies, or anything else a sticky situation. Stickier yet, things that could do what was done to those bodies aren't supposed to be in our world. While dying is off the table for Bell, he's not impervious to pain or injury, and the state of those bodies suggests that there's a lot of pain and injury waiting for anyone who gets between the creature and his/her/its next victim.
To help him along the way, Bell calls upon a hacker friend, Zian, who is not entirely human; a nosy, ambitious, and fierce reporter; a police detective that he's in an on-again/off-again relationship with (currently, it's an off); and a few other local contacts/friends who are aware that not everything is as mundane as most people think it is. Overall, this was an entertaining cast of characters -- I think we need a little more to the police detective that can't stand Bell, because right now, he's too one-dimensional. But otherwise, this is a good group to start a series with, there's not one of them I don't want to see again.
Bell himself is pretty much your typical P. I. character -- a loner with a tragic past, dedicated to the work he does, willing to take risks for himself (particularly since he knows no mistake is fatal) -- but not willing to put others in the line of fire, he has a hero complex for sure. He's got a decent sense of humor, a good moral code, and a loyal strike obvious to everyone. The added abilities that come from his supernatural patron are pretty neat and I don't think I've seen much like it before.
You can tell that Comby has worked out a lot of behind the scenes stuff she hasn't shared with us -- exactly what drove Bell to make a deal with Lady McDeath (we get hints, and they aren't pleasant), what he had to do in order to seal the deal, exactly what deities are active in the world (or what pantheons are), what's the source of the rules governing interaction between the worlds, etc. Comby had to feel a lot of pressure to spill those beans and she resisted -- giving us just enough to ground ourselves in this world, but not boring the reader by drowning him in world-building (also giving her time and room to work out some details to make later books easier to pull off). Recently, I've complained about fantasy novels withholding too much world-building so that it's too confusing for the reader to understand what they're reading. Comby avoided both extremes and therefore succeeded in giving us a world that intrigues, and makes you want to know more about, without feeling utterly stranded.
I had a quibble or two with the book, nothing major. I do think that the motivation for the Big Bad was too sketchy, and the reveal of their identity was tipped far too soon. Bell was just handed a lot of information without having to pound the pavement too much, which isn't something that really commends a P. I. to me. But only guessing the identity of the Big Bad far too early bugged me while I was reading it -- it's only when I stopped to reflect on the book as a whole that the rest occurred to me. In the moment, the momentum of the storytelling and the strong voice kept me going. Also, I liked the characters enough that I was (and am) more than willing to overlook a few hiccups.
This is a solidly built and solidly entertaining entry to this series -- there's a lot she can do with Bell and the others (depending which others come along), and it's a world that would be easy to drop new/different deities/monsters/creatures into. The characters are well-developed and the kind that you want to spend more time with so you can see them develop more -- I could just watch Zian (and his dad) talk to Bell for a bit and have a good ol' time, too. I'm definitely interested in more from this series, and I bet most UF readers who give this a chance will be waiting for book two with me.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion, the only impact that transaction had on my opinion was providing me something upon which to opine.
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
On the one hand, I'm annoyed that something about Bellamy Vale, our P. I. protagonist, is revealed in the book blurb for Hostile Takeover. On the other hand, I don't know how I could've written much without slipping myself (but I appreciated the reveal when I got to it, having forgotten everything I read about the book before starting it). Bell works for Lady McDeath, the daughter of Hades. We're not given many details of the arrangement (which I honestly enjoy -- something I'll get back to in a minute), but it involves her saying "Jump" and him leaping.
Being her emissary on Earth comes with some real benefits -- namely, he survives things, events, situations that he shouldn't. Which is a real plus for a P. I. who annoys mobsters and supernatural beings on a regular basis.
In this particular case, Lady McDeath wants Bell to investigate a couple of deaths that have been officially attributed to a wolf, but it takes Bell a few seconds to realize weren't caused by anything from this world. The detective in charge of the investigation (naturally) isn't wild about P. I.s in general, but has a special kind of distaste for Bell. This makes anything Bell does near the scenes, bodies, or anything else a sticky situation. Stickier yet, things that could do what was done to those bodies aren't supposed to be in our world. While dying is off the table for Bell, he's not impervious to pain or injury, and the state of those bodies suggests that there's a lot of pain and injury waiting for anyone who gets between the creature and his/her/its next victim.
To help him along the way, Bell calls upon a hacker friend, Zian, who is not entirely human; a nosy, ambitious, and fierce reporter; a police detective that he's in an on-again/off-again relationship with (currently, it's an off); and a few other local contacts/friends who are aware that not everything is as mundane as most people think it is. Overall, this was an entertaining cast of characters -- I think we need a little more to the police detective that can't stand Bell, because right now, he's too one-dimensional. But otherwise, this is a good group to start a series with, there's not one of them I don't want to see again.
Bell himself is pretty much your typical P. I. character -- a loner with a tragic past, dedicated to the work he does, willing to take risks for himself (particularly since he knows no mistake is fatal) -- but not willing to put others in the line of fire, he has a hero complex for sure. He's got a decent sense of humor, a good moral code, and a loyal strike obvious to everyone. The added abilities that come from his supernatural patron are pretty neat and I don't think I've seen much like it before.
You can tell that Comby has worked out a lot of behind the scenes stuff she hasn't shared with us -- exactly what drove Bell to make a deal with Lady McDeath (we get hints, and they aren't pleasant), what he had to do in order to seal the deal, exactly what deities are active in the world (or what pantheons are), what's the source of the rules governing interaction between the worlds, etc. Comby had to feel a lot of pressure to spill those beans and she resisted -- giving us just enough to ground ourselves in this world, but not boring the reader by drowning him in world-building (also giving her time and room to work out some details to make later books easier to pull off). Recently, I've complained about fantasy novels withholding too much world-building so that it's too confusing for the reader to understand what they're reading. Comby avoided both extremes and therefore succeeded in giving us a world that intrigues, and makes you want to know more about, without feeling utterly stranded.
I had a quibble or two with the book, nothing major. I do think that the motivation for the Big Bad was too sketchy, and the reveal of their identity was tipped far too soon. Bell was just handed a lot of information without having to pound the pavement too much, which isn't something that really commends a P. I. to me. But only guessing the identity of the Big Bad far too early bugged me while I was reading it -- it's only when I stopped to reflect on the book as a whole that the rest occurred to me. In the moment, the momentum of the storytelling and the strong voice kept me going. Also, I liked the characters enough that I was (and am) more than willing to overlook a few hiccups.
This is a solidly built and solidly entertaining entry to this series -- there's a lot she can do with Bell and the others (depending which others come along), and it's a world that would be easy to drop new/different deities/monsters/creatures into. The characters are well-developed and the kind that you want to spend more time with so you can see them develop more -- I could just watch Zian (and his dad) talk to Bell for a bit and have a good ol' time, too. I'm definitely interested in more from this series, and I bet most UF readers who give this a chance will be waiting for book two with me.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion, the only impact that transaction had on my opinion was providing me something upon which to opine.
April 27, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley. I received this book in exchange for an honest review
I have a little penchant for urban fantasy, and if you throw in noir-style action, mythology, and sarcastic charm well… how could I resist???
And I am really glad to have given in to the temptation! Even if to be honest, there is not so much sarcasm as I was hoping, I was not disappointed by this reading. Not disappointed at all!
The world that the author creates for us is interesting. Her “other world” is fascinating, and I loved that she includes in it all the mythology, not only one. And so we have so many interesting Underworlds, and similar, and the Gods are all there, somewhere at least. I really hope to see more of it, but so far I am glad about what she gave us here.
And with an interesting world, we get some interesting characters. Vale is our MC, and he is quite a pleasant guy to be around. He wasn’t as sarcastic or as witty, or as fun, as I was hoping, that’s true, but I didn’t miss it while reading. I enjoyed being with him, and I enjoyed him quite a lot. And with him, we have some good sidekicks, too! I think I love Zian, he is just this cute nerdy guy, but well… this is not all there he is! And his father is just… oh my! I enjoyed him, too (the father I mean). And Kennedy. I was not a big fan of her, especially at the beginning, but in the end, I warmed up to her, too.
On the one hand, they are not amazing or memorable, and I know that this seems a bad thing, but it is not. Yes, maybe I am not so invested in them, and I won’t take them with me, that’s true, but I enjoyed being there with them all, I enjoyed their adventures and their relationships. And hence, I enjoyed their company.
And we have a solid story here. It is intriguing and captivating, and I had some difficulties to just put down the book. Once you are in, you wouldn’t get out easily, that’s for sure. And we visit a lot of interesting places, too. I’d love to visit the Tomb, for example. So, to try and summarize it all, I had a great time with this book, and I want more. I really hope to get to read the sequels, because Bellamy Vale was an interesting character, and a good PI, too!
I have a little penchant for urban fantasy, and if you throw in noir-style action, mythology, and sarcastic charm well… how could I resist???
And I am really glad to have given in to the temptation! Even if to be honest, there is not so much sarcasm as I was hoping, I was not disappointed by this reading. Not disappointed at all!
The world that the author creates for us is interesting. Her “other world” is fascinating, and I loved that she includes in it all the mythology, not only one. And so we have so many interesting Underworlds, and similar, and the Gods are all there, somewhere at least. I really hope to see more of it, but so far I am glad about what she gave us here.
And with an interesting world, we get some interesting characters. Vale is our MC, and he is quite a pleasant guy to be around. He wasn’t as sarcastic or as witty, or as fun, as I was hoping, that’s true, but I didn’t miss it while reading. I enjoyed being with him, and I enjoyed him quite a lot. And with him, we have some good sidekicks, too! I think I love Zian, he is just this cute nerdy guy, but well… this is not all there he is! And his father is just… oh my! I enjoyed him, too (the father I mean). And Kennedy. I was not a big fan of her, especially at the beginning, but in the end, I warmed up to her, too.
On the one hand, they are not amazing or memorable, and I know that this seems a bad thing, but it is not. Yes, maybe I am not so invested in them, and I won’t take them with me, that’s true, but I enjoyed being there with them all, I enjoyed their adventures and their relationships. And hence, I enjoyed their company.
And we have a solid story here. It is intriguing and captivating, and I had some difficulties to just put down the book. Once you are in, you wouldn’t get out easily, that’s for sure. And we visit a lot of interesting places, too. I’d love to visit the Tomb, for example. So, to try and summarize it all, I had a great time with this book, and I want more. I really hope to get to read the sequels, because Bellamy Vale was an interesting character, and a good PI, too!
February 2, 2020
A Good, solid urban fantasy, with shades of Jim Butcher and Karen Chance. This is a first in series, and if you sign up for her newsletter, you get a free prequel.
Ok, I didn't absolutely adore the book, but I did really like it. I like when God's show up, and multiple pantheons make it even better.
Our hero was believable, not a complete idiot, and was suitable beaten up in a fairly consistent manner.
No real loopholes, and a few bits that made me think. There was no real foreshadowing of who the baddie was, which was another plus.
If you're an urban fantasy fan, you will gobble this up and want more. While also giggling, and pointing out bits that remind you of other books :)
If you want to start, this would be a good intro.
I received an advance copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
Ok, I didn't absolutely adore the book, but I did really like it. I like when God's show up, and multiple pantheons make it even better.
Our hero was believable, not a complete idiot, and was suitable beaten up in a fairly consistent manner.
No real loopholes, and a few bits that made me think. There was no real foreshadowing of who the baddie was, which was another plus.
If you're an urban fantasy fan, you will gobble this up and want more. While also giggling, and pointing out bits that remind you of other books :)
If you want to start, this would be a good intro.
I received an advance copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
September 20, 2018
A New Supernatural Urban-Fantasy Series
Very good first entry in a new UF and noir detective series featuring PI Bellamy Vale, who has quick wits, a smart mouth, friends with ties to the supernatural, and ordinary friends who are No-Maj/Muggles humans. The plot is complex and has much introductory info, but is fast-moving, and its characters well-developed with interesting attributes.
The dark, broody setting may be on a world similar to ours, but it’s ingeniously expansive with hints of many supernatural parallel-worlds, and thus, room to grow. There are nice touches of early, mid and late twentieth century anachronisms: telephones with cords attached to wall sockets; an LCD TV; and bookcases with real, hard-copy encyclopedias, plus a Mafioso and a Latinx gangster couple.
As in other UFs, there are mythological beings/elements from Egypt and several Western cultures—Isis, Horus, human-sized scorpion, changelings, Valhalla, Vikings and a murderous Berserker; plus various Greek gods and offspring—living and/or existing amongst humans.
Good start, Ms. Comby!
Very good first entry in a new UF and noir detective series featuring PI Bellamy Vale, who has quick wits, a smart mouth, friends with ties to the supernatural, and ordinary friends who are No-Maj/Muggles humans. The plot is complex and has much introductory info, but is fast-moving, and its characters well-developed with interesting attributes.
The dark, broody setting may be on a world similar to ours, but it’s ingeniously expansive with hints of many supernatural parallel-worlds, and thus, room to grow. There are nice touches of early, mid and late twentieth century anachronisms: telephones with cords attached to wall sockets; an LCD TV; and bookcases with real, hard-copy encyclopedias, plus a Mafioso and a Latinx gangster couple.
As in other UFs, there are mythological beings/elements from Egypt and several Western cultures—Isis, Horus, human-sized scorpion, changelings, Valhalla, Vikings and a murderous Berserker; plus various Greek gods and offspring—living and/or existing amongst humans.
Good start, Ms. Comby!
March 1, 2019
Reading is my all time favourite hobby so I’m always on the lookout for new books. Hostile Takover is exactly my kind of story. I loved every word of it. The story is full of action and excitement.
Highly recommended.
I will read the next one in the series.
Highly recommended.
I will read the next one in the series.
February 14, 2019
When I realized that tis was a fantasy/mystery, I did nit expect to like it. I am usually not in to Fantasy book.
However, I really did enjoy reading this book. I wanted to see what would happen next and if Vale would survive.
I will read more.
However, I really did enjoy reading this book. I wanted to see what would happen next and if Vale would survive.
I will read more.
November 15, 2018
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and it won’t be the last. I’m glad this is the first in a series because I want more! The team of Bell Vale, Zian, and Kennedy work well together, and the story is a fun read that ticks a lot of boxes of what I enjoy in a story.
The opening drops Vale—and the reader—straight into full on action. I liked the way the background/set up for the story, and his character was fed into the first chapter without it seeming like an info dump. I also appreciated that he doesn’t get through the incident unscathed, and he is badly injured. It upped the ante for the rest of the book, and added a touch of realism. Deals with Death have their downsides. He also has to work to solve his cases, and this one has several interesting elements that come together nicely into a page-turning climax.
The weird and wacky, and paranormal elements don’t turn up until about twenty pages into the book, but I liked that about it, as it kept me guessing on a few plot points then explained them in a way I hadn’t expected.
I loved Zian. He’s such a geek and I like the way he has a foot in both worlds, or wants to. Kennedy and Ramirez are strong female characters, and good foils—in their different roles—for Vale. Other side characters are interesting too, and I hope to see more of them in future books, particularly Tommy, the old Cherokee guy who deals in info and runs the local diner.
I loved the world building. It’s well thought out and a little different, and I’ve read a lot of this genre. I also liked that there were consequences for Vale using his ‘edge,’ and that he is tied by not being able to explain the paranormal aspects of his world to those who aren’t already involved in it. The story has a feel of older noir, yet is set in present day. I enjoyed the juxtaposition of the two, and particularly the pop culture references throughout. I love stories with pop culture references.
I’d recommend Hostile Takeover to readers who enjoy urban fantasy with interesting characters, fabulous world building, and a story that keeps you turning pages.
The opening drops Vale—and the reader—straight into full on action. I liked the way the background/set up for the story, and his character was fed into the first chapter without it seeming like an info dump. I also appreciated that he doesn’t get through the incident unscathed, and he is badly injured. It upped the ante for the rest of the book, and added a touch of realism. Deals with Death have their downsides. He also has to work to solve his cases, and this one has several interesting elements that come together nicely into a page-turning climax.
The weird and wacky, and paranormal elements don’t turn up until about twenty pages into the book, but I liked that about it, as it kept me guessing on a few plot points then explained them in a way I hadn’t expected.
I loved Zian. He’s such a geek and I like the way he has a foot in both worlds, or wants to. Kennedy and Ramirez are strong female characters, and good foils—in their different roles—for Vale. Other side characters are interesting too, and I hope to see more of them in future books, particularly Tommy, the old Cherokee guy who deals in info and runs the local diner.
I loved the world building. It’s well thought out and a little different, and I’ve read a lot of this genre. I also liked that there were consequences for Vale using his ‘edge,’ and that he is tied by not being able to explain the paranormal aspects of his world to those who aren’t already involved in it. The story has a feel of older noir, yet is set in present day. I enjoyed the juxtaposition of the two, and particularly the pop culture references throughout. I love stories with pop culture references.
I’d recommend Hostile Takeover to readers who enjoy urban fantasy with interesting characters, fabulous world building, and a story that keeps you turning pages.
November 15, 2018
Our hero works for a major underworld (as in realm of the dead) figure, who has him wrapped around her finger. Not much negotiation room on jobs...
This is the first book in the author's urban fantasy/noir PI series. As such, you get a good introduction to the characters and the setting, including not just our hero, but several interesting sidekicks as well. It is obvious that the author did a lot of work setting up the world, and yet all is not revealed in this first book. You get enough to keep up with the story, but there are also several tantalizing hints about things just around the corner. Guess we are expected to return for book two if we want to know more.
The story is well written, although there are occasional pacing issues. Fortunately, they are minor and the main plot is engaging enough to pull you forward and reading to the end. I really liked the blend of noir and fantasy and look forward to delving into this world further.
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
This is the first book in the author's urban fantasy/noir PI series. As such, you get a good introduction to the characters and the setting, including not just our hero, but several interesting sidekicks as well. It is obvious that the author did a lot of work setting up the world, and yet all is not revealed in this first book. You get enough to keep up with the story, but there are also several tantalizing hints about things just around the corner. Guess we are expected to return for book two if we want to know more.
The story is well written, although there are occasional pacing issues. Fortunately, they are minor and the main plot is engaging enough to pull you forward and reading to the end. I really liked the blend of noir and fantasy and look forward to delving into this world further.
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
November 5, 2018
A great story that caught my interest and kept me reading throughout most of the story. Very few slow portions if any. I enjoyed the story enough to keep on through to the end. I will want to read more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 7, 2018
He works for death and when she says jumps he jumps. Deaths are happening and a killer is out of control. Some think it is a wolf but he knows it is not. Who is behind it all? See what he finds out
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 7, 2018
A great prequel to the story. Introducing Vale and Lady McDeath. Can’t wait to start the series.
Merged review:
Amazing first book. Suspicious happenings lead Vale to investigate, ordered by Lady McDeath. Great suspense.
Merged review:
Amazing first book. Suspicious happenings lead Vale to investigate, ordered by Lady McDeath. Great suspense.
November 14, 2018
I like this story It was well written and really leave you on the edge of your seat with page after page thrown in some intricate challenges and characters makes a great read
April 18, 2020
Original review: https://myshelfbooks.wordpress.com/20...
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Everytime I review an Urban Fantasy book I write the same thing: why don’t I read this genre more often? It is one of my favourites and one that rarely fails to entertain me. One of these days I will go back to Harry Dresden if he still wants anything to do with me. In the meantime, I will keep enjoying incursions into cities full of supernatural activity like this one. Let’s dust off our classical mythology and see what crazy adventures we can find in Cold City!
This is our first adventure with Bellamy Vale, a private investigator in the fictional place called Cold City. Even though this is the premiere for us, the poor guy has been around a while. He is the errand boy of no other than Lady Death. Bell must investigate and resolve every supernatural crime that happens in his zone and he can’t complain about it. A new series of strange murders soon become more than he can chew and the endurance of his life will be tested thoroughly. Thankfully, he can count with the help of two loyal allies: Zian, the hacker, and Kennedy, the intrepid reporter. Will the merry band be enough to stop the conspiracy brewing in Cold City?
One of the reasons this genre always delivers is that, by its own nature, it must be rich on action. A dull moment is not something you are likely to find during the readong of an Urban Fantasy novel. The first installment of Vale Investigation is no exception. It starts with our poor inspector fighting for his life and it ends the same way. And yes, I love it; but it is not perfect. This book lacks a bit of variety in that aspect. Almost all the fights are gun based, and that results a bit bland in a world with magic and supernatural creatures. Actually, that would be my main complaint of this story: too many gunslingers and too few spellslingers.
This story is not only fast, it also delivers a pretty well developed mystery. At first it looked like too many pieces without connection, but little by little the author puts everything together to unveil the conspiracy. Or at least part of it… I think more about it will be discovered in future books by the way things have ended in this one. During a point in the story, I was afraid of having to deal with too many side quests and get lost in the process; but it fluids easily and it is not as hard to follow as I was expecting. I would have prefered less secondary characters, but I guess every detail is important to reach the ending we get.
For a book told completely from the point of view of Bellamy Vale, I have the feeling we don’t really get to know much about him. He is a nice guy, friendly, loyal; but his past is shrouded in shadows and we barely get any hint about it. It looks promising, so I hope for more details in future books. He is obviosluy a guy with a healthy sense of humor; one that, sadly, he doesn’t use as often as I would have liked. I guess he was too busy taking punchs to make some wisecracks… The other two main characters haven’t really rocked my world. Zian is an interesting fellow, but so far he hasn’t got a lot of development time. Bell’s big brother realtionship with the hacker is one of the main strengths of this story, so I hope he gets better built in future books. On the other hand, Kennedy annoys me a little bit with her trigger happy attitude and rather cold demeanour. For someone who wasn’t in the know, she takes it all waaaay to easily.
There is not a lot of time invested on world buiilding, but the little there is has caught my interest pretty quickly. I love the idea of having a supernatural world where all the mythologies are gathered and ruled by a central government called the Conclave. That brings some fun mixes to Cold City, where we get to meet gods from several pantheons. At least it’s fun for us. Poor Vale would disagree with me.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Everytime I review an Urban Fantasy book I write the same thing: why don’t I read this genre more often? It is one of my favourites and one that rarely fails to entertain me. One of these days I will go back to Harry Dresden if he still wants anything to do with me. In the meantime, I will keep enjoying incursions into cities full of supernatural activity like this one. Let’s dust off our classical mythology and see what crazy adventures we can find in Cold City!
This is our first adventure with Bellamy Vale, a private investigator in the fictional place called Cold City. Even though this is the premiere for us, the poor guy has been around a while. He is the errand boy of no other than Lady Death. Bell must investigate and resolve every supernatural crime that happens in his zone and he can’t complain about it. A new series of strange murders soon become more than he can chew and the endurance of his life will be tested thoroughly. Thankfully, he can count with the help of two loyal allies: Zian, the hacker, and Kennedy, the intrepid reporter. Will the merry band be enough to stop the conspiracy brewing in Cold City?
One of the reasons this genre always delivers is that, by its own nature, it must be rich on action. A dull moment is not something you are likely to find during the readong of an Urban Fantasy novel. The first installment of Vale Investigation is no exception. It starts with our poor inspector fighting for his life and it ends the same way. And yes, I love it; but it is not perfect. This book lacks a bit of variety in that aspect. Almost all the fights are gun based, and that results a bit bland in a world with magic and supernatural creatures. Actually, that would be my main complaint of this story: too many gunslingers and too few spellslingers.
This story is not only fast, it also delivers a pretty well developed mystery. At first it looked like too many pieces without connection, but little by little the author puts everything together to unveil the conspiracy. Or at least part of it… I think more about it will be discovered in future books by the way things have ended in this one. During a point in the story, I was afraid of having to deal with too many side quests and get lost in the process; but it fluids easily and it is not as hard to follow as I was expecting. I would have prefered less secondary characters, but I guess every detail is important to reach the ending we get.
For a book told completely from the point of view of Bellamy Vale, I have the feeling we don’t really get to know much about him. He is a nice guy, friendly, loyal; but his past is shrouded in shadows and we barely get any hint about it. It looks promising, so I hope for more details in future books. He is obviosluy a guy with a healthy sense of humor; one that, sadly, he doesn’t use as often as I would have liked. I guess he was too busy taking punchs to make some wisecracks… The other two main characters haven’t really rocked my world. Zian is an interesting fellow, but so far he hasn’t got a lot of development time. Bell’s big brother realtionship with the hacker is one of the main strengths of this story, so I hope he gets better built in future books. On the other hand, Kennedy annoys me a little bit with her trigger happy attitude and rather cold demeanour. For someone who wasn’t in the know, she takes it all waaaay to easily.
There is not a lot of time invested on world buiilding, but the little there is has caught my interest pretty quickly. I love the idea of having a supernatural world where all the mythologies are gathered and ruled by a central government called the Conclave. That brings some fun mixes to Cold City, where we get to meet gods from several pantheons. At least it’s fun for us. Poor Vale would disagree with me.
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