Dark Currents by Jacqueline Carey

Agent of Hel, Book 1

Synopsis: The Midwestern resort town of Pemkowet boasts a diverse population: eccentric locals, wealthy summer people, and tourists by the busload—not to mention fairies, sprites, vampires, naiads, ogres, and a whole host of eldritch folk, presided over by Hel, a reclusive Norse goddess.

To Daisy Johanssen, fathered by an incubus and raised by a single mother, it’s home. And as Hel’s enforcer and the designated liaison to the Pemkowet Police Department, it’s up to her to ensure relations between the mundane and eldritch communities run smoothly.

But when a young man from a nearby college drowns—and signs point to eldritch involvement—the town’s booming paranormal tourism trade is at stake. Teamed up with her childhood crush, Officer Cody Fairfax, a sexy werewolf on the down-low, Daisy must solve the crime—and keep a tight rein on the darker side of her nature. For if she’s ever tempted to invoke her demonic birthright, it could accidentally unleash nothing less than Armageddon.

Review: I had previously read only a fantasy series from the author, that is to say the Kushiel one. It was a series beautifully made ​​and I who have trouble with too many characters, I can tell you that it is well worth a visit. When Jacqueline Carey has released this urban fantasy series, I knew I should try it! I took me little time to start it considering some different reviews of the series but I admit that I had a great time with it and I immediately ordered the second volume to be able to discover the following adventures of our heroine.

Daisy is a young woman whose birth marked her life. I must say that having a demon as a father and being intended to bring the Apocalypse on earth when she dies, is not an easy thing to grow up with. With a human shape but with a tail, she is disliked by many people around her. Yet Daisy also has many friends who would do anything to help her. But in addition to working for the police in her city, the young woman is also the ambassador of the goddess Hel and must bring her justice in this city. Yet her life already unusual is going to be completely turned upside down when a young boy is found drowned in the river. Everything seems to point at the supernatural community and this is up to Daisy, and to her new partner Cody (her childhood sweetheart) to find the culprit. Together, they will get involved in many communities: ghouls, naiads and other species that we enjoy exploring about. But the truth is far from simple to discover and our heroes will have to do everything possible to understand what is happening.

It was very interesting to discover all these creatures and the laws under which they operate. I was very curious to find out what really happened about the boy’s murder and I admit that all was well found. We do not expect a second such revelations. Cody and Daisy together are a great team and it’s true that it is touching to see that the young woman likes this werewolf even though she knows that nothing is possible between them. Yet, I wonder how their relationship will evolve later because it is clear that he is always there for her. But it’s not just him because we also meet here Stefan, the new leader of the ghouls who seems very interested in the young woman. I confess that I’m also curious about him but I don’t know what he really wants from Daisy and I hope that we will know more later. In addition, we also have a Jamaican, a man who appears fairly quiet in the life of the young woman and I’m curious to see who our heroine will choose in the end.

It was a very interesting story even though I think the tone is a little below her Kushiel series. Yet I am curious to see how it will play out thereafter. These ideas here are fascinating and discovering that many creatures was very nice. A good discovery.