Monk’s third book picks up Allison Beckstrom’s misadventures shortly after Magic in the Blood that ended with her father’s death…or did it. Following Daniel Beckstrom’s funeral Allie begins hearing his voice in her head, demanding she “find the disks, find my killer” and worse, he continues making his unwelcome presence known. Unfortunately, that’s only the beginning of Allie’s problems, she uses her magic to Hound or trace practitioners who misuse magic in its many forms but the price is steep as it rips gapping holes through her memories and leaves distinctive skin markings.
Her boyfriend Zayvion is a member of The Authority, a secret sect of magic users who have taken it upon themselves to govern and control the knowledge and use of magic. Zay and Allie share a unique bond, they are Soul Complements which enables them to combine their magics but at the price of losing themselves. There’s a Necromorph loose in the city and now The Authority has decided it is time Allie be brought into the fold, if she fails the test they will kill her. If Allie can survive her father, the Necromorph and The Authority, she might just live long enough to discover what being a Soul Complement means.
Snappy dialog, a brisk pace and plenty of magic keep the pages turning to the end. Allie’s relationship with Zayvion, her friend Nola and the other Hounds adds credible depth to this gritty, original urban fantasy that packs a punch.
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