Enter an urban fantasy world where elves, vampires, weres, djinn, and others maintain a precarious balance of power in North Carolina. Welcome to Otherside.
Private investigator and sylph Arden Finch is determined to come out of the shadows and practice her forbidden magic. There's just one problem: the elves have a bounty on elementals like her.
When an elf hires Arden without realizing what she is, she seizes the chance to gain leverage in the dangerous world of Otherside—even if it means risking exposure. But as the case grows more perilous, Arden draws the attention of the region's deadliest power players.
Assessment:
Plot: A capable mystery set in an engrossing otherworldly realm, the plot knots are unwound effectively, with the primary character arc braiding nicely within the central mystery.
Prose/Style: The mystery is paced well, slowly building to a satisfying conclusion. The writing blends hard-boiled detective tropes with the vibrancy of a fantasy world.
Originality: The novel offers an alluring integration of fantasy and mystery elements to new and unpredictable effect.
Character/Execution: The protagonist is likable and endearing, and her personal growth becomes as intriguing as the mystery itself. Secondary characters are well rendered, with fantastical details used to strong effect to support their roles in points along the investigation.
Date Submitted: July 23, 2020
