Brooke C. (brookereviews) reviewed Black Magic Woman (Quincey Morris, Bk 1) on + 50 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
After the Epilogue, we start off with some action, just so we know how tough and kick ass our leading man Quincey Morris really is, as he busts up a gang of vampires hiding out in a small town. He's a paranormal private investigator so he's called in on all sorts of calls; like a family with an ancient curse that dates back to the Salem Witch Trials.
Since Quincey isn't an expert on witch craft himself, he brings in his associate Libby Chastain to help him in the investigation. They hit several obstacles as they try to piece together the investigation. But with the unknown help from a South African Police Officer, who has been called in to help with an ongoing 'muti' murder case, the whole story starts to unfold.
It's rare that I read a book that has several points of view and am able to really dive in and enjoy each character's perspective. Justin did a really great job of this. I love having a male lead. It's nice to not read a woman's perspective once in awhile. I thought the pacing of the story and plot moved along very nicely. I never felt bored or overwhelmed by a ton of action. It was also nice to watch the two separate investigations unfold into one. I love a good mystery and I love the Urban Fantasy genre, so this was a great balance of both for me. If you love both as well, I think this is a great addition for your To Be Read pile!
Since Quincey isn't an expert on witch craft himself, he brings in his associate Libby Chastain to help him in the investigation. They hit several obstacles as they try to piece together the investigation. But with the unknown help from a South African Police Officer, who has been called in to help with an ongoing 'muti' murder case, the whole story starts to unfold.
It's rare that I read a book that has several points of view and am able to really dive in and enjoy each character's perspective. Justin did a really great job of this. I love having a male lead. It's nice to not read a woman's perspective once in awhile. I thought the pacing of the story and plot moved along very nicely. I never felt bored or overwhelmed by a ton of action. It was also nice to watch the two separate investigations unfold into one. I love a good mystery and I love the Urban Fantasy genre, so this was a great balance of both for me. If you love both as well, I think this is a great addition for your To Be Read pile!
Stephanie C W. (stephanie13w) reviewed Black Magic Woman (Quincey Morris, Bk 1) on + 300 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is the 1st in a new series. I loved the lead characters & how they worked so well with each other. The story kept me reading the book through the night. Definitely will read the next in the series.
Cindy P. (eclecticfirefly) -
Helpful Score: 1
Nice start to an Urban Fantasy series. I can see the possibility of Quincy and Libby becoming closer in future books. Loved the way they worked together.
No teen angst here. Even though there are zombies, werewolves, and even a mention of Dracula, the main conflict involves two families of witches. One practices white magic and the other practices black magic.
I love that there isn't a cliffhanger at the end of the book. Everything wraps up nicely. I'll definitely continue with the series.
No teen angst here. Even though there are zombies, werewolves, and even a mention of Dracula, the main conflict involves two families of witches. One practices white magic and the other practices black magic.
I love that there isn't a cliffhanger at the end of the book. Everything wraps up nicely. I'll definitely continue with the series.
Helpful Score: 1
I was expecting a lot from this book. Maybe that was my downfall.
First the downsides I found in it. I am accustomed to reading these urban fantasy type books. They almost always (to my somewhat spotty memory) have 2 points of view. Sometimes only one. There is the protagonist and the antagonist. This books has four points of view. The main characters (Quincey Morris and his friend Libby Chastain), the black magic woman they are chasing, two police officers who know nothing of Morris, Chastain, or the black magic woman they are chasing, and the black magic woman who is only slightly attached to the original black magic woman that the main characters are chasing. Am I the only person that thinks that sounds odd?
It's not hard to follow just slightly off in my opinion.
The second downfall from this book is they pass through a lot of very weird stuff getting to the main black magic woman. This stuff never seems to be explained in anyway. Just like, oh here is this crazy thing and we're moving on! I wanted to know more I suppose.
Okay, here is the good point. Despite all of that oddness it is a good story. I thought the back story in how Mr. Morris got into the business was sheer genius. That along makes the book worth it. The nuts and bolts of the story seemed plausible enough to move things along. I am interested enough to get the second book and hope to see more of Morris and Chastain.
I suppose the problem is I picked up this book expecting a character driven story as in Harry Dresden or early Anita Blake and instead I got something less about the main characters and more about the plot. It threw me off but all in all I consider it time well spent.
First the downsides I found in it. I am accustomed to reading these urban fantasy type books. They almost always (to my somewhat spotty memory) have 2 points of view. Sometimes only one. There is the protagonist and the antagonist. This books has four points of view. The main characters (Quincey Morris and his friend Libby Chastain), the black magic woman they are chasing, two police officers who know nothing of Morris, Chastain, or the black magic woman they are chasing, and the black magic woman who is only slightly attached to the original black magic woman that the main characters are chasing. Am I the only person that thinks that sounds odd?
It's not hard to follow just slightly off in my opinion.
The second downfall from this book is they pass through a lot of very weird stuff getting to the main black magic woman. This stuff never seems to be explained in anyway. Just like, oh here is this crazy thing and we're moving on! I wanted to know more I suppose.
Okay, here is the good point. Despite all of that oddness it is a good story. I thought the back story in how Mr. Morris got into the business was sheer genius. That along makes the book worth it. The nuts and bolts of the story seemed plausible enough to move things along. I am interested enough to get the second book and hope to see more of Morris and Chastain.
I suppose the problem is I picked up this book expecting a character driven story as in Harry Dresden or early Anita Blake and instead I got something less about the main characters and more about the plot. It threw me off but all in all I consider it time well spent.
Helpful Score: 1
Gustainis' novel has it all - intrigue and suspense; some truly creepy moments; and dark, biting humor. What truly impressed me was how real Quincy and Libby seemed, not only on an individual basis, but in their interactions with each other. They're flawed people with good intentions and dry wit, which is always a good combination, in my view. The plot itself was original and fast-paced, and never predictable. This was one of the few books that I've read lately (and I've read quite a few) that I've truly enjoyed from start to finish, and I can't wait for the next installment in the series.
