Publisher: Self
Publish Date: Out now
Reviewed by: E
How I got this book: ARC from the author
Half-bloods with Thierry’s skill set are given two options. They can join the conclave’s marshal program, or they can pack their bags. Turn down the job offer, and you’ve just shredded your residency pass for the mortal realm and booked yourself a one-way ticket to Faerie.
Texas is the only home Thierry has ever known, and she’s not going anywhere. Even if it means following in her notorious father’s footsteps as a peacekeeper. But pinning on the badge opens her eyes to the fact sometimes fae need protection too, and that sometimes humans are the real monsters.
This blurb came from the author’s website.
Edwards first captivated me with her Araneae Nation stories involving characters with arachnid traits. So when I caught wind of her latest endeavors I was really excited. Edwards kindly provided me with a copy and I absolutely loved reading it. Unfortunately real-life got in the way so my writing this review has been sadly delayed for months. Luckily for you, as a result you won’t have to wait for the next installment but you can glom the series because Edwards has the first three stories out. And, if you are interested in starting I just might be inspired to give you a copy of this first one.
The Black Dog series is set on Earth but an Earth with direct ties and linkages to Faerie. As such, additional law enforcement and a few other rules have come into being to protect both humans and Fae from each other. Even more complicated rules have been established when dealing with half-bloods who can live/interact with both worlds and bring their inherent skills to play. Thierry is one of those half-bloods whose inherited skills are so dangerous they must be strictly controlled and used on behalf of the law or she must remain in Faerie forever. At first I didn’t understand why she was considered so dangerous but as this story progressed, I started to see and began to wonder what Thierry would become. By the way I absolutely loved the opening and thought it really displayed some traits which could both help and hinder Thierry. My romance loving side also really enjoyed the forbidden attraction aspect between student and cadre.
In some ways Dog with a Bone is really a coming of age story. Thierry experienced several firsts and painful life lessons as the intensity and stakes professional and personal continued to grow. She learned what it really meant to use her talent and that even with her talent she was still vulnerable. She also realized sometimes those who look the least monstrous can be the most dangerous and evil. Her growth as a character occurred as she struggled with her first responsibilities as a Marshal. It was fascinating to watch the conflict between her concept of life as a Marshal and the reality of what she faced. It was very striking to see the similarity to what happens here after graduation from High School, College, or University and the next steps along the life path are no longer bound and mostly pre-determined. I found myself cheering for Thierry as she tried to find her footing.
Thierry’s case(s) proved to be a great way to learn some of the differences in this world. I learned as Thierry learned because despite growing up and knowing what she wanted to become when she grew up, there was still an entire world for her to learn and explore. When I was originally reading this story, it appeared as if Shaw, Thierry’s forbidden attraction, experienced much less growth as a character. Then I realized between their different places in life and mental expectations Shaw was more fixed in his nature, or so it seemed. I umm learned otherwise.
I really enjoyed Dog with a Bone both because I found the world and characters fascinating and because it broke a reading slump for me. I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen with Thierry, her talent, and her love life in the next installment. Edwards continues to captivate me with her vivid storytelling ability.
If you want to try this series, leave a comment and tell me why. I will give out up to 5 digital copies depending on the creativity of your answers. Winners will be announced on Friday 29 May.
I give Dog with a Bone an A-
I think I discovered her Aranaea Nation series after reading a review on your blog – I love those books! I didn’t realize she had a new series out but I’d love to give it a try. Thanks for the contest!
This is an entirely new author to me, so I’m very excited about your review, and highly intrigued by your description of the Black Dog series. Thanks for the contest. I don’t know how creative this is, but I would like to win because I would love to discover a new series and a new author to enjoy! Plus I can’t wait to see just WHICH kind of Black Dog mythology gives the series its name…there are quite a few mythologies with Black Dog stories…all are interesting and none are without trials and triumphs!
Besides the arachnid traits, I found the different clans to be fascinating in the Araneae Nation series. I would love the chance to win the first book of “The Black Dog” series.
I’m wondering if the author has any new and different twists to her world vision of Fairie and what the significance of the dog reference titles may mean. Also, I love reading about main characters who are in in paranoramal enforcement or detective work etc.
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