Dead Streets Book

4 Stars

Two great things happen in this installment.

First, it doesn't fall victim to the sequel effect, that horrible filler novel that is just there to help juxtapose the beginning and end volumes of a trilogy.

Second, it expands upon outstanding world building and great characterization that was introduced in the first novel.

This book shows an awesome world that has a different take on the various aspects always thrown around in fantasy novels. From vampires, to lycanthropes, technology and magic, it has it all. And its mashed together in such a delightful way.

There are a lot of twist and turns taking place in the plot on this one. On the top we have a cool mystery and watch Matt as he's taken through the ringer. But there is also a great story about a zombie trying to be in love, or even better a man being in a relationship with a woman way out of his perceivable league and trying to deal with the jealousy and suspicion most men seem to have when they finally fall in love.

It is great to see the character development of Devona in this one, she is trying to become more independent and deal with her new life caused by the after effects of the last novel. In addition to this for the reader she is becoming a more interesting and flushed out character. And plus we have minions (not the little yellow ones in suspenders)! These are Devona's workers in her knew security firm, and they are all interesting characters that give more insight into the rest of Necropolis.

Matt loses his head, is accused of stealing from one of the Lords of Necropolis, thrown in prison, and has to deal with possibly losing his girl to another man who can satisfy her in ways he can't ( if you know what I mean. Wink, wink). You have to remember being a zombie isn't all shuffles and dead nerves, there's also that erectile dysfunction from lack of blood flow.

I love the introduction of new characters, new villains, and the expansion of the world. We learn more about the zones or areas in Necropolis that we missed in the last book, as well as more about the Lords that were absent as well. Waggoner makes even the most minor of character seem super bad ass awesome, like Lord Etrigu's coachman, the human bounty hunter, or the "big bad" in this one. All are awesome in their own right.

The only qualm for me might have been the initial start. The first novel started in medias res, while this one gives some background, which is to be expected in a second volume really. At least it doesn't overly go into flashbacks or long drawn out explanations to the last novel. There are moments of action, but the start is a slower pace than the last book and takes a little longer to sink it's claws into you. But still a gripping story to me.

The story had layers upon layers, and there were numerous facets and conflicts for the hero to overcome. This entry in the series could be a standalone story. If you want different well written Urban Fantasy, and not the usual vampire or fey smut being peddled as Urban Fantasy, check out this series.