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Monday 13 June 2011

Review: Unholy Ghosts by Stacia Kane



Unholy Ghosts
by Stacia Kane
(Downside Ghosts # 1)
Urban Fantasy
Find it on GoodReads!



This was a completely different read for me! Yes, it's urban fantasy, yes there's ghosts and Chess is somewhat of a ghost hunter, but I was not expecting the storyline to be what it was. To say I was surprised would be an understatement. So I figured the easiest way for me to review this is in a What I liked and What I didn't format.

What I liked:
  • The otherness of the story. Really. I haven't read anything quite like it. With so many books out there that all feel the same, this one does stand out.
  • The names of the characters. I mean, come on, you gotta love a guy named Terrible, Bump, Slobag, Slipknot LOL
  • The book was very well written, I enjoyed Ms. Kane's writing style, even at tough times it seemed to flow.
  • Tortured heroine. Chess is a witch working for the The Church of the Real Truth banishing ghosts, and she is a hot mess! Not a character I could relate to, or actually like much, but we slowly start seeing why she's become the way she is. A product of bad foster homes, not knowing her parents, being used. I think her character was developed well.
  • The concept of all religion being a thing of the past and the world now following The Church of Real Truth. I'm quite intrigued by the world building. And I also enjoyed the snippets from the Book of Truth
  • The Dream Stealer. Excellent villain.
  • Among this whole big mess, someone is trying to kill her with a "spell/magic". There was certainly no lack of action and intrigue!!
  • Terrible was the perfect sidekick in this story. He was supposed to be there to protect her, and that he did in all circumstances.
  • The language. Yes, I actually liked that they didn't speak perfect english because it went perfectly with the story.
What I disliked:
  • The heroine's addiction to drugs. I felt at some point she had to overcome the problem, but that never happened. This was my major problem with the story. How could she be effective at performing her work while all she could think about is popping another pill or snorting a line?
  • Some parts were a bit gross and disturbing. Mainly when Terrible got almost eaten alive by a book. Enough said.
  • Lex. No, not his character. His character was alright. But did Chess really have to go there? I was annoyed by it, and it felt out of place and unnecessary.
  • Then she's working for a drug lord, well, it's in her best interest since she seems to have a back debt for the drugs she's "bought" from him. But she's most excited about the prospect of some free drugs at the end of the deal. Is this her only concern?? She even admits at one point she wouldn't have to live in the crappy place she lives in if it wasn't for her drug habit.
Will I read the next book? Yes, but I'll have to better time when so I'm a mood to enjoy this story more, at least I won't be caught off guard again!

9 comments:

Steph from fangswandsandfairydust.com said...

I love this series. And, I think it is brave to make Chess so flawed. It said to me that one doesn't have to be a perfect person to take heroic action or do what is needed even if it is dangerous. Lex's drug use make her incredibly flawed and incredibly vulnerable. But, somehow she manages to do the right thing. Usually.

Great and well thought out review.

Francesca said...

Thanks Steph! I agree with you, I think the author took lots of chances with this book, which was refreshing.

Jessica @ a GREAT read said...

Ooh I liked how you broke it into what you liked and didn't like in neat little lists! Very cool! I liked this series as well, but the drug thing wasn't a fave of mine either. But oh well! Still an interesting series!


Jessica@a GREAT read

Francesca said...

Thansk Jessica, have you read the rest of the series?

Denise Z said...

I enjoyed the pros and cons of the story. Thank you for sharing today.

Krista said...

Definitely a unique plot, but in a good way.

Denise Z said...

I have purchased this book and it is in the TBR, I will definitely have to move it up LOL Thanks for the toe-curling review ;)

Sophia Rose said...

I have just recently heard about this series so I look forward to reading it. The drug addiction is an interesting character flaw.

Thanks for sharing your review!

Carol L. said...

What a unique and probably unexpected storyline with her an addict. I'll definitely read it and hope for her recovery. Thanks for the way you laid out your review likes and dislikes. :)
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com