A lot significant amount of the story is description coupled with explanation. I wonder if the present tense is a deliberate reflection of a Diné cultural structure. It is in first person, present tense, which is unusual. Writing is above-average, especially for a first book. Kind of like an Andrews plot, and like Kate Daniels, Maggie doesn't do much detecting-other people tell her what to do, or it moves forward because she antagonizes someone. Though it starts ostensibly simple ('kill the monster'), it becomes more complex. In plotting, I found it to be a tricksy book, as befitting anything with Coyote in it. Since the strangeness is telegraphed to the reader, the only one semi-surprised at reveal is the main character. That's always an extremely annoying YA/NA move.
In this case, she notes then ignores strangeness surrounding Kai, and plotwise, keeps getting interrupted before it's addressed. I have a problem when these characters act jaded and knowledgeable but then remain willfully ignorant. That is to say, I'd not call this a relationshippy style of book, although I recognize that feelings of isolation/attraction and unresolved mentoring issues are part of the driver and underlying plot. It's a tired trope for me, but at least there seems to be some forward character development at the end.Īs fitting for new-adult development, there are issues of love/relationship that need to be worked out, although arguably, they aren't the primary focus for this book. The more problematic aspect for me is the main character, Maggie, aka 'The Monsterkiller,' who draws upon two different tribal 'gifts.' As a character, she feels very New Adult, with unresolved issues from her teen days, an unrequited crush, and a extra-generous helping of rage, denial and isolation standing in for the remaining development.
Much of this is alluded to, but not well explained (yet-hints are that this will expand in the next book), which is actually one of my favorite ways for world-building to develop. Setting is a post-apocalyptic world, after various environmental and political upheavals have fragmented what used to be known as the United States. The integration with various Native mythologies-I think primarily Diné, although the world idea might be more universal-is very interesting and one of the aspects that will make this stand out for urban fantasy and supernatural fans.
Interesting world-building, taking off on the Native American idea of subsequent 'worlds' that happen with each upheaval (this concept is explained more later in the story). Kate Daniels fans need to give this one a try.
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