Unholy Ghosts, Book 1
Synopsis : The afterlife is only the beginning.
The world is not the way it was. The dead have risen and constantly attack the living. The powerful Church of Real Truth, in charge since the government fell, has sworn to reimburse citizens being harassed by the deceased. Consequently, there are many false claims of hauntings from those hoping to profit. Enter Chess Putnam, a fully-tattooed witch and freewheeling Debunker and ghost hunter. She’s got a real talent for nailing the human liars or banishing the wicked dead. But she’s keeping a dark secret from the Church: a little drug problem that’s landed her in hot and dangerous water.Chess owes a murderous drug lord named Bump a lot of money. And Bump wants immediate payback. All Chess has to do is dispatch a very nasty species of undead from an old airport. But the job involves black magic, human sacrifice, a nefarious demonic creature, and crossing swords with enough wicked energy to wipe out a city of souls. Toss in lust with a rival gang leader and a dangerous attraction to Bump’s ruthless enforcer, and Chess begins to wonder if the rush is really worth it. Hell, yeah.
Review : I didn’t know this series at all, but with the great reviews about it, I was very curious to start it to learn more about this first novel. Finally, I was very surprised, it was very different from other books I’ve read. The religion is very present in the story, and I think it’s very original in this kind of books, I haven’t read any Urban Fantasy like that. It’s very atypical too to have a heroine who is addicted to drugs. Because it’s really the case here and even more !
The story is based on this two facts all along the story. Indeed, Chess is a young witch who works for the Church, the government set in a city where they’re the only ones who can hunt the ghosts. Her addiction to drugs will lead our main character in a sordid story where she’ll be the only target.
It was a little difficult for me to get into the story in the beginning, I think the author has a different writing style that we can only like or dislike. But finally, after some chapters, I was very interested by our heroine’s story and her world. I think that in the beginning it’s difficult to really understand how the people lives in this city, and therefore it prevents us to get caught by the events. But little by little we get in the story and therefore we can’t give up the book.
Like I said before, Chess in a very atypical heroine, she tries to do what she can in a ruthless world. But some times it’s not enough, and her problems will lead her to confront three men and a dangerous creature. To pay her debt, she has to hunt some ghosts in an old airport. But everything will go wrong when she will accidentally be bound to this demonic entity.
It was crazy that Chess didn’t even realize the attraction she has on men and we feel all along the book the tension between them. Well, I’ve to say that Doyle wouldn’t be one of my choice, but between Lex and Terrible it’s not the same thing, it’s a very difficult choice. They have both a little something we can only like, despite they’re rivals. I’m very curious to know how the relationship of Chess will evolve.
This book allows us to discover a new intriguing world. It emphasizes a lot of intriguing points that I would love to learn more about, like for example the origins of Chess. I would like to have too more explanation about the ghosts, the Church or even their opponents.
Melissa (Books and Things)
I think I remember seeing mixed reviews on this one. That is why I got all 3 to read at once. I’m hoping I get more explanation as the series goes. I just haven’t read them yet. *sigh* I need more reading time. I’m glad that it didn’t seem to bother you too much though. One day I will read these! Looks like I’m in for a different type of treat! 🙂
Melliane
It’s a funny choice, you’re right it was a great idea to do that ! I’ve ordered the second, we’ll see. I totally understand I’ve too much books and no time to read them. Good luck !!!
Melissa (My World...in words and pages)
There is a lot to this world and to jump into in the beginning. You are right. But I loved the who set up with the world and magic, and the double life Chess leads. 🙂 I remember leaving this book wanting more of the Ghosts and Church as well. I was very intreged with it all. Glad you did get into the story and enjoyed it.
It is one that can go either way for readers, depending on the writing. 🙂
Melliane
I’m glad you thought the same thing. yeah, it’s very interesting the way the author write this book. Thanks to you for adding it in your top 10 for UF
Melissa (My World...in words and pages)
I am glad you liked this one, especially with my recommedation on it. 🙂 But it is a very different writing style, and would understand if you didn’t like it. But so glad you did. 🙂