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Downside Ghosts #2
Unholy Magic
ENEMIES DON’T NEED TO BE ALIVE TO BE DEADLY.
For Chess Putnam, finding herself near-fatally poisoned by a con psychic and then stopping a murderous ghost is just another day on the job. As an agent of the Church of Real Truth, Chess must expose those looking to profit from the world’s unpleasant little poltergeist problem—humans filing false claims of hauntings—all while staving off any undead who really are looking for a kill. But Chess has been extra busy these days, coping with a new “celebrity” assignment while trying on her own time to help some desperate prostitutes.
Someone’s taking out the hookers of Downside in the most gruesome way, and Chess is sure the rumors that it’s the work of a ghost are way off base. But proving herself right means walking in the path of a maniac, not to mention standing between the two men in her life just as they—along with their ruthless employers—are moving closer to a catastrophic showdown. Someone is dealing in murder, sex, and the supernatural, and once again Chess finds herself right in the crossfire.
For Chess Putnam, finding herself near-fatally poisoned by a con psychic and then stopping a murderous ghost is just another day on the job. As an agent of the Church of Real Truth, Chess must expose those looking to profit from the world’s unpleasant little poltergeist problem—humans filing false claims of hauntings—all while staving off any undead who really are looking for a kill. But Chess has been extra busy these days, coping with a new “celebrity” assignment while trying on her own time to help some desperate prostitutes.
Someone’s taking out the hookers of Downside in the most gruesome way, and Chess is sure the rumors that it’s the work of a ghost are way off base. But proving herself right means walking in the path of a maniac, not to mention standing between the two men in her life just as they—along with their ruthless employers—are moving closer to a catastrophic showdown. Someone is dealing in murder, sex, and the supernatural, and once again Chess finds herself right in the crossfire.
343 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 2010
About the author
Stacia Kane
33 books2,542 followersStacia Kane is the author of the light-hearted romantic urban fantasy "Megan Chase" series starting with PERSONAL DEMONS.
She currently writes the gritty dystopian urban fantasy "Downside" series starring Chess Putnam and featuring ghosts, human sacrifice, drugs, witchcraft, punk rock, and a badass '69 Chevelle. She bleaches her hair and wears a lot of black.
She currently writes the gritty dystopian urban fantasy "Downside" series starring Chess Putnam and featuring ghosts, human sacrifice, drugs, witchcraft, punk rock, and a badass '69 Chevelle. She bleaches her hair and wears a lot of black.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 766 reviews
May 16, 2012
Thoughts before reading:
I'm going to give this series one more chance, for this and this alone:
Okay, fine, there's Terrible love mixed up in there as well, but it's mostly because of the above-mentioned quote.
Thoughts after reading:
I've never wanted to love a series as much as I wanted to love Downside Ghosts. I didn't like the first book in the series at all, and I'd dropped DG because I was convinced it simply wasn't for me, but with the recent (or not-so-recent, come to think of it) authors versus reviewers drama going around and more specifically, Kane's admirable stand on it, I was determined to like her series.
For the first half of Unholy Magic, I was positive I'd hate it like I did Unholy Ghosts. But slowly, I began understanding the plot, slang, and Chess which led to a noticeable difference in my enjoyment of the book.
I don't love this series yet, but I like the writing and story enough to be excited about reading on. Chess is still a wild card, but I'm looking forward to getting to know her better.
3.5/5 stars
For more reviews, visit my blog.
I'm going to give this series one more chance, for this and this alone:
“Readers have the right to say whatever the fuck they want about a book. Period. They have that right. If they hate the book because the MC says the word “delicious” and the reader believes it’s the Devil’s word and only evil people use it, they can shout from the rooftops “This book is shit and don’t read it” if they want. If they want to write a review entirely about how much they hate the cover, they can if they want. If they want to make their review all about how their dog Foot Foot especially loved to pee on that particular book, they can.” - Stacia Kane
Thoughts after reading:
I've never wanted to love a series as much as I wanted to love Downside Ghosts. I didn't like the first book in the series at all, and I'd dropped DG because I was convinced it simply wasn't for me, but with the recent (or not-so-recent, come to think of it) authors versus reviewers drama going around and more specifically, Kane's admirable stand on it, I was determined to like her series.
For the first half of Unholy Magic, I was positive I'd hate it like I did Unholy Ghosts. But slowly, I began understanding the plot, slang, and Chess which led to a noticeable difference in my enjoyment of the book.
I don't love this series yet, but I like the writing and story enough to be excited about reading on. Chess is still a wild card, but I'm looking forward to getting to know her better.
3.5/5 stars
For more reviews, visit my blog.
August 20, 2016
I now have a seemingly unhealthy crush on a fictional character with protruding eyebrows, scars on his face, pomade in his hair and mutton chops that would make any Elvis impersonater weak with envy.
I originally started this series right after I finished reading the Fever series.I was in a bit of a Jericho Barrons detox phase that resulted in a lot of good books being tossed aside. Luckily, I picked these up again and can say it is one of may favorite series that I have read. Chess has grown on me. In the beginning, her decisions annoyed me as ridiculously self-destructive and shallow. In Unholy Magic, parts of her past are revealed that explain her actions and why she deals with things the way that she does. She has two very different men in her life. Lex, who supplies her with drugs and a shallow "relationship" based on sex and drugs that creates an environment that helps her forget her past, temporarily, and doesn't ask anything of her emotionally. Then there is Terrible *swoon* (see above). Terrible treats her with respect and dignity and loves her for who she is, warts and all, which seems to be more than she is ready to handle. What transpires between these two during this book is heart-breaking. I never thought anyone would come close to how perfect Barrons is but Terrible gives him a run for his money. If given the opportunity I would stalk him until he had nowhere else to hide and then make him mine.
Stacia Kane has created a wonderfully dark and gritty world that I find fascinating and unique. I've already started the next one. Let's hope Chess can get her shit together long enough to fix what transpired in this one.
I originally started this series right after I finished reading the Fever series.I was in a bit of a Jericho Barrons detox phase that resulted in a lot of good books being tossed aside. Luckily, I picked these up again and can say it is one of may favorite series that I have read. Chess has grown on me. In the beginning, her decisions annoyed me as ridiculously self-destructive and shallow. In Unholy Magic, parts of her past are revealed that explain her actions and why she deals with things the way that she does. She has two very different men in her life. Lex, who supplies her with drugs and a shallow "relationship" based on sex and drugs that creates an environment that helps her forget her past, temporarily, and doesn't ask anything of her emotionally. Then there is Terrible *swoon* (see above). Terrible treats her with respect and dignity and loves her for who she is, warts and all, which seems to be more than she is ready to handle. What transpires between these two during this book is heart-breaking. I never thought anyone would come close to how perfect Barrons is but Terrible gives him a run for his money. If given the opportunity I would stalk him until he had nowhere else to hide and then make him mine.
Stacia Kane has created a wonderfully dark and gritty world that I find fascinating and unique. I've already started the next one. Let's hope Chess can get her shit together long enough to fix what transpired in this one.
January 6, 2016
Update 7/19/12: Stacia Kane is extremely cool:
http://www.staciakane.net/2012/07/11/...
_____________________________
This book hurts. Well, if that lovey dovey stuff matters to you it might. It's not romance at all, it's painful and raw and sick but I cried. I didn't even know I was crying until my lip felt wet.
I also couldn't put it down. I started trying to read around eleven but the kids kept interrupting until after twelve when I was already exhausted. By two I was having trouble keeping my eyes open but something was about to happen with Terrible so I had to keep going. I got some caffeine and read further. Soon I had to pee. I sat with my legs crossed until five and when I couldn't hold it any longer. By then I was almost done with the book even though I had reread almost every scene with the two of them. I finally finished at 6 AM when I had to get up at 11AM. That's how good this book was.
Why? I'm not entirely sure. The premise is ridiculous. Even if you bought the idea of the cataclysmic event, the author knows little about religion and systems of belief and how they endure and adapt to changing times; changes like modern tragedies, technological inventions, astronomical developments (round earth, space travel), and those that refuse to change despite overwhelming evidence (Flat Earth Society, Intelligent Design). It would take a lot longer for this new absurd religion to take hold and much longer for the others to lose complete faith. Elders coming back from the dead to murder most of your family would only convince those who worship elders that they weren't doing a good enough job. And how would they have found the city of the dead and not be killed? And if the dead were so evil why are people not afraid of the city of the dead? It's really quite confusing.
But ignore that foundation that was set in the first book. Ignore the occasional poorly constructed or pronoun laden sentence that has to be reread to be understood. Ignore it because most of the writing is good enough that I usually didn't notice it and I could almost always picture the scene like it was a movie in my head. I could see every move Terrible made; every flippant expression on Lex's face, the battles and the ghosts and the blood. The drug withdrawal scene was so well done I started to become nauseated. I ached for that person but I liked that the person was having consequences of being an addict and hope that this continues to be an increasing theme. I like that we never really see Chess's love interests use (except for a life saving emergency in the first book) even when she is with them when she pops a few pills.
The plot moves along at a good clip and the mysteries are just that and it isn't until near the big finale that you finally figure it all out.
But what I love best are the people. These are the best characters I think I have ever read in Urban Fantasy. They are damaged people and they do bad things but I don't believe the author glorifies them. I think she just presents them as they are and forces the reader to read between the lines. I think this was true in the first book too. Chess has to have her fix and she is always worried about how she is going to cope with what she's taken or whether/what she needs to get through. She admits she's an addict but her life is so low to her that she doesn't care. In this book, she talks several times about how much easier it would be to just let herself be killed because of all the darkness; that it was right that no one respects her or trusts her because she is not worthy of it. It's heart wrenching.
Bump and Slobag could be just caricatures but Kane gives them just enough more that they feel real to me.
Lex is a bit of an enigma and I hate that Kane keeps having him doing things that make me like him although the not-black-and-white aspect is something I really admire. He's no worse than the others and in some ways better than most because he never lies about what he does. He also doesn't throw his power around or boast about it all the time but he has plenty of faults. I keep waiting for him to hurt Chess but instead he keeps helping her and is there when she needs him.
Terrible though is one of the best main characters I have read about in a long time. He is complex and I get the impression there is so much more under the surface, much more than the hidden layers we've already been shown. I love that he's ugly. I love his slang and uneducated speech patterns. I love that he's smarter than he knows. I love that he actually does terrible things and that bothers Chess especially when she sees them and he doesn't want her to see him like that. I love that he has deep feelings that are sometimes obvious to me but are not at all clear to the other characters. I love that he's this kind of tacky pseudo-50's James Dean/Grease cross with a pompadour (ewwww) and drives a muscle car. I love that somehow I know that Terrible doesn't like that Chess does drugs because he worries about her even though he's never said anything, implied or done anything to says so. Somehow by omission, Kane has let me figure this out. I know some of these sound like stereotypes but Kane makes it fresh and new. I am in love with Terrible which is quite a kudo to Kane given what a passifist and anti-drug person I am. She's that good.
4 stars plus one more for making me read so fast and grabbing my heart like that.
http://www.staciakane.net/2012/07/11/...
_____________________________
This book hurts. Well, if that lovey dovey stuff matters to you it might. It's not romance at all, it's painful and raw and sick but I cried. I didn't even know I was crying until my lip felt wet.
I also couldn't put it down. I started trying to read around eleven but the kids kept interrupting until after twelve when I was already exhausted. By two I was having trouble keeping my eyes open but something was about to happen with Terrible so I had to keep going. I got some caffeine and read further. Soon I had to pee. I sat with my legs crossed until five and when I couldn't hold it any longer. By then I was almost done with the book even though I had reread almost every scene with the two of them. I finally finished at 6 AM when I had to get up at 11AM. That's how good this book was.
Why? I'm not entirely sure. The premise is ridiculous. Even if you bought the idea of the cataclysmic event, the author knows little about religion and systems of belief and how they endure and adapt to changing times; changes like modern tragedies, technological inventions, astronomical developments (round earth, space travel), and those that refuse to change despite overwhelming evidence (Flat Earth Society, Intelligent Design). It would take a lot longer for this new absurd religion to take hold and much longer for the others to lose complete faith. Elders coming back from the dead to murder most of your family would only convince those who worship elders that they weren't doing a good enough job. And how would they have found the city of the dead and not be killed? And if the dead were so evil why are people not afraid of the city of the dead? It's really quite confusing.
But ignore that foundation that was set in the first book. Ignore the occasional poorly constructed or pronoun laden sentence that has to be reread to be understood. Ignore it because most of the writing is good enough that I usually didn't notice it and I could almost always picture the scene like it was a movie in my head. I could see every move Terrible made; every flippant expression on Lex's face, the battles and the ghosts and the blood. The drug withdrawal scene was so well done I started to become nauseated. I ached for that person but I liked that the person was having consequences of being an addict and hope that this continues to be an increasing theme. I like that we never really see Chess's love interests use (except for a life saving emergency in the first book) even when she is with them when she pops a few pills.
The plot moves along at a good clip and the mysteries are just that and it isn't until near the big finale that you finally figure it all out.
But what I love best are the people. These are the best characters I think I have ever read in Urban Fantasy. They are damaged people and they do bad things but I don't believe the author glorifies them. I think she just presents them as they are and forces the reader to read between the lines. I think this was true in the first book too. Chess has to have her fix and she is always worried about how she is going to cope with what she's taken or whether/what she needs to get through. She admits she's an addict but her life is so low to her that she doesn't care. In this book, she talks several times about how much easier it would be to just let herself be killed because of all the darkness; that it was right that no one respects her or trusts her because she is not worthy of it. It's heart wrenching.
Bump and Slobag could be just caricatures but Kane gives them just enough more that they feel real to me.
Lex is a bit of an enigma and I hate that Kane keeps having him doing things that make me like him although the not-black-and-white aspect is something I really admire. He's no worse than the others and in some ways better than most because he never lies about what he does. He also doesn't throw his power around or boast about it all the time but he has plenty of faults. I keep waiting for him to hurt Chess but instead he keeps helping her and is there when she needs him.
Terrible though is one of the best main characters I have read about in a long time. He is complex and I get the impression there is so much more under the surface, much more than the hidden layers we've already been shown. I love that he's ugly. I love his slang and uneducated speech patterns. I love that he's smarter than he knows. I love that he actually does terrible things and that bothers Chess especially when she sees them and he doesn't want her to see him like that. I love that he has deep feelings that are sometimes obvious to me but are not at all clear to the other characters. I love that he's this kind of tacky pseudo-50's James Dean/Grease cross with a pompadour (ewwww) and drives a muscle car. I love that somehow I know that Terrible doesn't like that Chess does drugs because he worries about her even though he's never said anything, implied or done anything to says so. Somehow by omission, Kane has let me figure this out. I know some of these sound like stereotypes but Kane makes it fresh and new. I am in love with Terrible which is quite a kudo to Kane given what a passifist and anti-drug person I am. She's that good.
4 stars plus one more for making me read so fast and grabbing my heart like that.
April 2, 2014
Kat, fellow Goodreader (and my favorite Australian) summed up this book best: gut-wrenching. This book ripped out my innards, tap danced all over them, unceremoniously shoved them back inside me, and sewed me up haphazardly. Sure, in the end, my guts were no longer all over the place but serious damage was done. And I liked it.
Sounds like I'm being over-dramatic, I know, but you should see my Unholy Magic status updates.
This book sent me on an emotional roller coaster ride from hell. Now, don't get me wrong, this isn't a bad thing. I mean, I do love roller coasters. I love the sensation of plunging down steep slopes and shooting through loop-de-loops at eleventy-billion miles an hour. I love screaming like a maniac, thinking I might die any second (knowing I won't). But see, that's just a regular roller coaster ride.
Unholy Magic, is more like a terrifying ride on a rickety old roller coaster that may or may not be missing some track. While being stark naked. Halfway through the ride you see that, indeed, there is a section of the track missing, and you realize you're about to die--But, wait! Instead of flying off the track and plummeting to a gruesome death, the roller coaster sails across the gap--Speed style--and lands on the other side, tracks lined up and everything. It's unbelievable.
In the end you're still alive and you feel exhilarated and invincible and you want to do it again. You see that you can because, hey, there aren't many people in line. But as you prepare to get up you vomit in the lap of the stranger sitting next to you. Oh, and hey, you're still mysteriously naked.
It's horrible, but in the best way possible. Does that make sense?
Now you're probably thinking I don't like this book--I mean, "horrible in the best way possible" doesn't sound like high praise, amirite? Well, you couldn't be more wrong. I enjoyed Unholy Magic despite all the feelings--some downright beautiful, some so cringe-worthy I wanted to crawl in a hole and die--it stirred within me.
I don't know, I guess another way to describe the experience is by saying Kane's writing is so good I felt as though I was there, within the pages of the book, watching everything play out. Not only that but I felt all of the characters emotions and it was amazing and terrifying and overwhelming all at the same time.
It was great.
I'll be reading Unholy Magic again, sooner rather than later, I just need a little time to recover. Four stars.
(a copy of this review is posted at my blog)
Sounds like I'm being over-dramatic, I know, but you should see my Unholy Magic status updates.
This book sent me on an emotional roller coaster ride from hell. Now, don't get me wrong, this isn't a bad thing. I mean, I do love roller coasters. I love the sensation of plunging down steep slopes and shooting through loop-de-loops at eleventy-billion miles an hour. I love screaming like a maniac, thinking I might die any second (knowing I won't). But see, that's just a regular roller coaster ride.
Unholy Magic, is more like a terrifying ride on a rickety old roller coaster that may or may not be missing some track. While being stark naked. Halfway through the ride you see that, indeed, there is a section of the track missing, and you realize you're about to die--But, wait! Instead of flying off the track and plummeting to a gruesome death, the roller coaster sails across the gap--Speed style--and lands on the other side, tracks lined up and everything. It's unbelievable.
In the end you're still alive and you feel exhilarated and invincible and you want to do it again. You see that you can because, hey, there aren't many people in line. But as you prepare to get up you vomit in the lap of the stranger sitting next to you. Oh, and hey, you're still mysteriously naked.
It's horrible, but in the best way possible. Does that make sense?
Now you're probably thinking I don't like this book--I mean, "horrible in the best way possible" doesn't sound like high praise, amirite? Well, you couldn't be more wrong. I enjoyed Unholy Magic despite all the feelings--some downright beautiful, some so cringe-worthy I wanted to crawl in a hole and die--it stirred within me.
I don't know, I guess another way to describe the experience is by saying Kane's writing is so good I felt as though I was there, within the pages of the book, watching everything play out. Not only that but I felt all of the characters emotions and it was amazing and terrifying and overwhelming all at the same time.
It was great.
I'll be reading Unholy Magic again, sooner rather than later, I just need a little time to recover. Four stars.
(a copy of this review is posted at my blog)
February 8, 2012
I am appeased. Unholy Magic delivers the meat missing from predecessor
Unholy Ghosts
(Downside Ghosts #1). While still imperfect, Magic offers intricate, clever plotting, powerful prose, and most importantly, a healthy serving of character development.
Ghosts irritated me because author Stacia Kane romanticizes drug addiction and drug peddlers. Witch-sleuth protagonist Chess Putnam -the significance of whose surname I will discover eventually!- unaccountably escapes addiction's lowest moments in Ghosts. Drug dealer Lex doesn't exploit her when she's withdrawing; he's a nice guy, like enforcer Terrible, who charms the local kids. Chess is poor, addicted to illicit painkillers long enough to build a tolerance, but we never see the stupors, the tedium, the humiliation. Ghosts was no Junky . That wouldn't entertain us-- but why should drug abuse entertain us? Junkies are boring, and they should be.
Magic is no Junky either, but Chess finally sees some consequences, and the same selective, careful manipulation of plot that I lamented in Ghosts because we never saw more honest, darker moments pays off a hundredfold in Magic, where every scene, revelation, and detail, tightly paced, impacts later events, both the murder investigation and the characters' inner lives. The latter admittedly interested me more -Kane intends troubled Chess to evolve, and I eat up the emotional peaks and troughs, especially since Kane does not write with sentimental language- but I can't fault her mystery-writing. She seeds clues and red herrings aplenty.
Speaking of language, Kane's prose is strong, tight, and so subdued that similes striking because of their fitness fly by unnoticed.
All the same, Terrible's lines, so three-dimensional when he's angry--! I have to agree that he carries the book. He's a strong guy.
So, I look forward to City of Ghosts and coming books, and I recommend this for any fans of gritty! Four stars!
Ghosts irritated me because author Stacia Kane romanticizes drug addiction and drug peddlers. Witch-sleuth protagonist Chess Putnam -the significance of whose surname I will discover eventually!- unaccountably escapes addiction's lowest moments in Ghosts. Drug dealer Lex doesn't exploit her when she's withdrawing; he's a nice guy, like enforcer Terrible, who charms the local kids. Chess is poor, addicted to illicit painkillers long enough to build a tolerance, but we never see the stupors, the tedium, the humiliation. Ghosts was no Junky . That wouldn't entertain us-- but why should drug abuse entertain us? Junkies are boring, and they should be.
Magic is no Junky either, but Chess finally sees some consequences, and the same selective, careful manipulation of plot that I lamented in Ghosts because we never saw more honest, darker moments pays off a hundredfold in Magic, where every scene, revelation, and detail, tightly paced, impacts later events, both the murder investigation and the characters' inner lives. The latter admittedly interested me more -Kane intends troubled Chess to evolve, and I eat up the emotional peaks and troughs, especially since Kane does not write with sentimental language- but I can't fault her mystery-writing. She seeds clues and red herrings aplenty.
Speaking of language, Kane's prose is strong, tight, and so subdued that similes striking because of their fitness fly by unnoticed.
His chapped lips stretched and flaked in a gruesome semblance of a smile, like a fat worm crawling across his face, revealing broken, graying teeth.No cliches. Expect a high dialogue to exposition ratio-- some of the best dialogue in urban fantasy. The invented vernacular lends life, realism, and plasticity to the dialogue, and the script read so far from the standard on-the-nose dialogue parroting a character's internal musings, usually delivered to us point by point just prior, that I was shocked, shocked, I say! when I couldn't guess Chess' next line, although her ineffectual stammering did wear on me.
All the same, Terrible's lines, so three-dimensional when he's angry--! I have to agree that he carries the book. He's a strong guy.
So, I look forward to City of Ghosts and coming books, and I recommend this for any fans of gritty! Four stars!
February 18, 2015
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Update: Feb 2015 reread was just as great as the first time. This book has remained firmly in my memory, so stepping back into this world is like turning on a favorite TV show. Enjoyable to the max!
No spoilers!
Unholy Ghosts Review
That's it. I can't articulate anything.
Various stages of feels as demonstrated in animal gifs:
ZOMG
No no no.
...did that just happen?
DEAD
September 1, 2016
Oh Chess. What a piece of freaking work you are. ::Shakes head::
This series is dark, dark, dark, and more than a little depressing. I'm not usually a fan of downer reads. So why is it so good? How is this series so freaking good? And why can I not stop reading (or listening, in my case)?!?! Chess is a drugged out mess, and only sinking deeper into her own pit of suck. But Stacia Kane is kind of brilliant how she writes her character. Chess was worse than ever but I felt for her for the first time. I had empathy, man, empathy.
The way Bahni Turpin narrates this book makes me want to talk all cool and "downside"-y, which is inadvisable for me, considering I'm a uncool suburban mom. I want to casually drop in a "facts are truth" to someone. This book just gets under your skin. It made me want to visit the world of Downside Ghosts, if only as a casual observer (that place is freaking creepy and scary, dude).
I want to slap some sense into Chess but I also want to follow her around and witness her brilliance and her coming to pieces.
I loved this story and I will be listening to the rest of the series back to back. Stacia Kane, go easy on me.
January 11, 2014
“Nothin show up we ain’t handle, aye? You an me.”
I am officially addicted to this series! This book killed me, but I love, love, loved it! It’s been over a month since I read Unholy Magic for the first time. Since then I have listened to it on audio 1 & ½ more times and also re-read parts of it. It’s that freaking good!
What an AMAZING sequel to Unholy Ghosts! I don’t think there’s anything about this book that I didn’t like. The plot was really interesting and I enjoyed the parts of Chess doing her regular Church debunking job even more in this one. She is given the assignment to check out an alleged haunting of celebrity, Roger Pyle’s home. I was kind of fascinated by the dynamic of the Pyle’s. They are so dysfunctional and messed up and the whole time I really couldn’t tell what was genuine. It was fun to actually care about the case and try to figure things out right there alongside Chess.
Of course, investigating the Pyle’s haunting isn’t the only thing Chess is doing for work. Always caught in the middle of things, she’s still working for drug dealers Bump (& Terrible) on one side and Slobag (& Lex) on the other. This situation has always put me on edge. With her drug habit and personal relationships with both Terrible and Lex… Ughhh… I want to slap Chess sometimes.
A lot and I mean A LOT happens in terms of the relationships in this book. Chess is still having her no strings attached thing with Lex, but we all know there’s no feelings there. But her friendship or whatever it is with Terrible is what gets to me. We all know they want each other! It just lingers there and it’s brutal!
Chess and Terrible have their first real argument in this book. Followed by Terrible proving once again how much he cares and how loyal he is. Then comes the kicker, he lays out in front of Chess and all she has to do it grab it. Good god, that speech. Terrible… Oh my god, I don’t think I could possibly love him any more. And here is another moment that I wanted to smack Chess…
As much as it might sound like I don’t like Chess, I really do. I love her. She’s an awesome narrator and such a complex character. I don’t know how she does it, but even when she’s messing up or making HUGE mistakes, I feel for her the whole time. I know she really means well and to hear how she owns and can admit to her downfalls and flaws is truly heartbreaking at times.
This installment is full of heartache and emotion (and the action is still definitely there, too). Everything comes to a head and it’s incredibly intense. Every time I thought the worst had come, I felt like I was punched in the gut once again. I was sobbing through more than one part of this book. It completely exceeded by expectations and I am dying to jump into the next book.
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I am officially addicted to this series! This book killed me, but I love, love, loved it! It’s been over a month since I read Unholy Magic for the first time. Since then I have listened to it on audio 1 & ½ more times and also re-read parts of it. It’s that freaking good!
What an AMAZING sequel to Unholy Ghosts! I don’t think there’s anything about this book that I didn’t like. The plot was really interesting and I enjoyed the parts of Chess doing her regular Church debunking job even more in this one. She is given the assignment to check out an alleged haunting of celebrity, Roger Pyle’s home. I was kind of fascinated by the dynamic of the Pyle’s. They are so dysfunctional and messed up and the whole time I really couldn’t tell what was genuine. It was fun to actually care about the case and try to figure things out right there alongside Chess.
Of course, investigating the Pyle’s haunting isn’t the only thing Chess is doing for work. Always caught in the middle of things, she’s still working for drug dealers Bump (& Terrible) on one side and Slobag (& Lex) on the other. This situation has always put me on edge. With her drug habit and personal relationships with both Terrible and Lex… Ughhh… I want to slap Chess sometimes.
And sometime soon—shit, she hadn’t even asked when—she’d be standing around with all of them. Bump and Slobag, Terrible and Lex. Every one of whom thought she owed them something. Not to mention her mysterious friend, the one who’d left human body parts in her car outside her work and followed her through the dark streets. How the fuck had she gotten herself into this one. Did she want to be killed?
A lot and I mean A LOT happens in terms of the relationships in this book. Chess is still having her no strings attached thing with Lex, but we all know there’s no feelings there. But her friendship or whatever it is with Terrible is what gets to me. We all know they want each other! It just lingers there and it’s brutal!
Like playing with forbidden spells early in her training, like the rush of a line of speed she wanted just a little too much, she wanted this. Wanted to take from him and give back, too. Wanted to share something.
Chess and Terrible have their first real argument in this book. Followed by Terrible proving once again how much he cares and how loyal he is. Then comes the kicker, he lays out in front of Chess and all she has to do it grab it. Good god, that speech. Terrible… Oh my god, I don’t think I could possibly love him any more. And here is another moment that I wanted to smack Chess…
Her mouth refused to open, to utter that one small word that was all he needed to hear. Her body was taking its revenge on her, and what a time it picked.
As much as it might sound like I don’t like Chess, I really do. I love her. She’s an awesome narrator and such a complex character. I don’t know how she does it, but even when she’s messing up or making HUGE mistakes, I feel for her the whole time. I know she really means well and to hear how she owns and can admit to her downfalls and flaws is truly heartbreaking at times.
This installment is full of heartache and emotion (and the action is still definitely there, too). Everything comes to a head and it’s incredibly intense. Every time I thought the worst had come, I felt like I was punched in the gut once again. I was sobbing through more than one part of this book. It completely exceeded by expectations and I am dying to jump into the next book.
She wasn’t scared anymore. Being with him wouldn’t be scary. Being without him, being alone again … That made her booze-diluted blood run cold.
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August 29, 2015
After reading and absolutely loving Unholy Ghosts, I was somewhat nervous about reading Unholy Magic. I've been caught out before with a new series, reading and liking the first book only to be disappointed with the second, but thankfully, this was not the case with Unholy Magic. This book is AMAZING and I am totally in love with this series!
Unholy Magic begins roughly where Unholy Ghosts ended. Chess is still working for the Church of Real Truth as a debunker and popping pills, Terrible is still Bumps enforcer and Lex is Chess' new drug of choice.
To me this book is very character driven, which is one of the reasons I love it so much - you may have noticed that my reviews are character driven too - if I don't like the characters then it doesn't matter whether the plot is good or not, I just won't be able to connect with the book. But I didn't have that problem with Unholy Magic. It has two of the best characters I've read in the urban fantasy genre; Chess and Terrible. However, although this book is very much about the characters there is also an engaging storyline.
I really enjoyed reading about the world Kane has created. Downside is very gritty and dark, where drug dealers and gangs rule, prostitutes and pimps sell you their business and ghosts kill. The ghosts in Downside are scary, evil entities and it's Chess' job as a debunker for the Church of Real Truth to make sure that any claims of ghost sightings or hauntings are legitimate. One such case is given to her by an Elder of the Church for a celebrity who claims there's two ghosts in his house. This part of the story, although secondary to the relationships between the characters, is really enjoyable and we get to see Chess fighting ghosts and banishing them, and using her witchy magic.
In Unholy Ghosts, Chess unwillingly helped Lex with a problem he had and because of this she is now getting most of her drugs for free, which enables her to pop as many pills as she likes, and we see her falling into her addiction even further. The thing with Chess is that she enjoys them. She likes blocking out the harsh side of her life, the memories of her past filled with physical and mental abuse, and losing herself in the freedom the pills give her. Chess understands what is happening but doesn't really want to face her addiction and although she is fairly strong and brave in her job as a debunker, in life not so much. If something doesn't go to plan or if she feels letdown by someone then she leans on her drugs - uses them as a replacement for people. However, even though Chess is a drug addict it doesn't prevent her from doing her job - most of the time.
I heart Chess so much - she is flawed and vulnerable and that's what I love about her, but I can also see strength and determination. She cares about people and desperately wants to help them, even if it's at the risk of her own life. I have a feeling we are going to see Chess grow enormously in future books, there's so much scope for her character and I can't wait to find out how she evolves.
We also learn more about Terrible, which shows him in a softer light and makes him even more loveable. Terrible is so endearing he melts my heart, even though I know he has no qualms about killing someone with his bare hands - I know this and Chess knows this, but somehow it just doesn't matter. Terrible reveals quite a bit about his feelings in this instalment. There's a scene between Chess and Terrible that had my heart pounding in my chest, I just couldn't read the pages fast enough to find out what happened next. I won't go any further but let me just say it's heart-wrenching romance at its best.
Lex is still very much in the picture, although he does take a bit of a back-seat to the growing dynamics between Chess and Terrible. But he's growing on me. I'm still not convinced he's trustworthy, but I like him.
I'm also impressed by the street-speak, or as Kane puts it, "Down-speech". I think it takes a very talented writer to pull-off accents, but Kane does just that. It's different to anything I've read before but it gives the gangs of Downside a very distinctive and original flare.
VERDICT:
For me, Unholy Magic has the precise combination and balance of everything I love about the urban fantasy genre: action, romance, complex but likeable characters and world building. I adored this book so much from beginning to end - just perfect.
Unholy Magic begins roughly where Unholy Ghosts ended. Chess is still working for the Church of Real Truth as a debunker and popping pills, Terrible is still Bumps enforcer and Lex is Chess' new drug of choice.
To me this book is very character driven, which is one of the reasons I love it so much - you may have noticed that my reviews are character driven too - if I don't like the characters then it doesn't matter whether the plot is good or not, I just won't be able to connect with the book. But I didn't have that problem with Unholy Magic. It has two of the best characters I've read in the urban fantasy genre; Chess and Terrible. However, although this book is very much about the characters there is also an engaging storyline.
I really enjoyed reading about the world Kane has created. Downside is very gritty and dark, where drug dealers and gangs rule, prostitutes and pimps sell you their business and ghosts kill. The ghosts in Downside are scary, evil entities and it's Chess' job as a debunker for the Church of Real Truth to make sure that any claims of ghost sightings or hauntings are legitimate. One such case is given to her by an Elder of the Church for a celebrity who claims there's two ghosts in his house. This part of the story, although secondary to the relationships between the characters, is really enjoyable and we get to see Chess fighting ghosts and banishing them, and using her witchy magic.
In Unholy Ghosts, Chess unwillingly helped Lex with a problem he had and because of this she is now getting most of her drugs for free, which enables her to pop as many pills as she likes, and we see her falling into her addiction even further. The thing with Chess is that she enjoys them. She likes blocking out the harsh side of her life, the memories of her past filled with physical and mental abuse, and losing herself in the freedom the pills give her. Chess understands what is happening but doesn't really want to face her addiction and although she is fairly strong and brave in her job as a debunker, in life not so much. If something doesn't go to plan or if she feels letdown by someone then she leans on her drugs - uses them as a replacement for people. However, even though Chess is a drug addict it doesn't prevent her from doing her job - most of the time.
I heart Chess so much - she is flawed and vulnerable and that's what I love about her, but I can also see strength and determination. She cares about people and desperately wants to help them, even if it's at the risk of her own life. I have a feeling we are going to see Chess grow enormously in future books, there's so much scope for her character and I can't wait to find out how she evolves.
We also learn more about Terrible, which shows him in a softer light and makes him even more loveable. Terrible is so endearing he melts my heart, even though I know he has no qualms about killing someone with his bare hands - I know this and Chess knows this, but somehow it just doesn't matter. Terrible reveals quite a bit about his feelings in this instalment. There's a scene between Chess and Terrible that had my heart pounding in my chest, I just couldn't read the pages fast enough to find out what happened next. I won't go any further but let me just say it's heart-wrenching romance at its best.
Lex is still very much in the picture, although he does take a bit of a back-seat to the growing dynamics between Chess and Terrible. But he's growing on me. I'm still not convinced he's trustworthy, but I like him.
I'm also impressed by the street-speak, or as Kane puts it, "Down-speech". I think it takes a very talented writer to pull-off accents, but Kane does just that. It's different to anything I've read before but it gives the gangs of Downside a very distinctive and original flare.
VERDICT:
For me, Unholy Magic has the precise combination and balance of everything I love about the urban fantasy genre: action, romance, complex but likeable characters and world building. I adored this book so much from beginning to end - just perfect.
July 16, 2014
4.25 stars
"The dead do not offer forgiveness. They do not feel. They do not advance or grow. They remain frozen as they were, save for the replacement of love with hate.
—The Book of Truth, Veraxis, Article 329"
Downside World 201 by Mimi
All right, in addition to the information I got and mentioned in my review of Unholy Ghosts, here are some other details/facts/questions
1)Remember the Church employees that go to the City and do something with ghosts? They're called Liaisers and apparently they guide relatives to visit spirits.
"The benches along one pale wall were thick with people waiting their turn to be escorted down to the Liaising Rooms, to wait while their assigned Liaiser rode the long train deep into the ground to visit with the pale, emotionless shades of their loved ones or distant ancestors."
2)Psychopomps seem to be physical beings. Not sure how they're summoned through a skull, but they can be shot and killed-therefore they're alive. They can be birds, too.
3)There is such a thing as sex magic. There's death magic, too.
4) I'm not sure about this one but I think Haunted Week might be the same as the Week of Terror. Is that when the time became measured as AT, After Truth? Also BT-Before Truth…1924 BT is it measured the same way BC, AD way works? Just when was this Week of Terror happen? Recently or centuries before?
5)There are spirit prisoners. Seems like, when you commit an atrocious crime you are punished after death, too.
"Punishment of both crime and sin is the exclusive dominion of the Church. That punishment begins before death. Be assured it continues after it.
—The Book of Truth, Veraxis, Article 220"
6) Apparently, most ghosts attack and get violent because it's their nature...
"Ghosts … especially murder victims, they just hate. They get stuck in whatever pattern they were in when they died, they don’t evolve or anything.”
7)You can bind yourself to a ghost/spirit. It's a big offense and there are two ways to do it.
"Worse still are those who commit the ultimate evil, who bind themselves unto the dead."
"Tyson was a Host, someone who’d made a deal with a spirit to share his body in exchange for power—as opposed to a Bindmate, where the energy was shared but the body kept separate."
I think the bound ones can be corporal, since one tries to choke Chess. Not sure how that works.
8) Every child is tested at 14 to see if it has "talent" for magic. If it does it's taken to the Church and trained.
Generally, I have some answers, more questions and I still think all this could've been explained much better.
The story
We first see Chess at work for the Church, at a Seance. She's nearly poisoned but deals with it. I'm not sure why this scene was in the book at all. What is its purpose? I didn't get it.
Similarly to the previous book she gets two missions:one for the Church, and one for her drug dealer(s). Her Church one is to discover whether a movie star is faking a sighting. Her other one is to solve murders in Downtown. Some hookers are getting gruesomely killed and Chess senses the presence of sex magic. Pretty soon she gets in a muddle because both drug dealers want her to solve it, but she doesn't want the other to know what she's doing and so on.
Her addiction still controls her life, she manages to screw up and still solve the case.
The book only started coming together for me at the rooftop. From there on it was I Can't Wait To See What Happens Next. Before? Not so much.
Chess&Terrible
And just as Iknew dreaded, Chess manages to screw things up between them. I think it's the combination of her addiction and some kind of self-destructive quality she has, but it works every time. And her question...
"When had being an addict gotten so fucking hard? So exhausting?"
Oh, Chess. It's not supposed to be easy. You're destroying yourself and maybe even people around you. I liked this observation:
"Terrible stood in his usual spot near the back. She headed for him, watching the red lights play off his shiny black hair and illuminate the breathtaking ugliness of his profile. She didn’t notice it anymore, not really; even now her eyes simply slid over it. He was Terrible, that was all. He was her friend … sort of."
Still, she is in my TFUTL pile(just for her Too Fucked Up To Live). It's not that I'm not sympathetic...I am, but she really, really screws up with Terrible and hurts him. He's effing amazing and she doesn't deserve him. I'll root for them anyway.
And the whole Lex thing is stupid. Not a typical Love triangle, but still stupid.
Terrible is even better this time around. He's dangerous, strong, vulnerable, gentle, romantic...*sigh*. That rating up there-mostly because of him. I like how he seems old-fashioned and calls girls Dames...he's really great.
“Shit. I want you, Chess. Make no mistake on that one, dig? Want you bad. So bad I ain’t even can think of any else sometimes, ’cept gettin you under me. Ain’t give a fuck what pills you swallow get you through the day or what happens you ain’t got em, aye? Still want you.”
“I figure you really wanted me you’d say. Like now, maybe, if you dig. I’ll fuckin carry you down your place on a run, you tell me aye, get you on your back afore the next word comes out your mouth. But you oughta have yourself certain, causen I ain’t lookin for charity, an I ain’t lettin you go after. Once … once ain’t enough for me, dig?”
"The dead do not offer forgiveness. They do not feel. They do not advance or grow. They remain frozen as they were, save for the replacement of love with hate.
—The Book of Truth, Veraxis, Article 329"
Downside World 201 by Mimi
All right, in addition to the information I got and mentioned in my review of Unholy Ghosts, here are some other details/facts/questions
1)Remember the Church employees that go to the City and do something with ghosts? They're called Liaisers and apparently they guide relatives to visit spirits.
"The benches along one pale wall were thick with people waiting their turn to be escorted down to the Liaising Rooms, to wait while their assigned Liaiser rode the long train deep into the ground to visit with the pale, emotionless shades of their loved ones or distant ancestors."
2)Psychopomps seem to be physical beings. Not sure how they're summoned through a skull, but they can be shot and killed-therefore they're alive. They can be birds, too.
3)There is such a thing as sex magic. There's death magic, too.
4) I'm not sure about this one but I think Haunted Week might be the same as the Week of Terror. Is that when the time became measured as AT, After Truth? Also BT-Before Truth…1924 BT is it measured the same way BC, AD way works? Just when was this Week of Terror happen? Recently or centuries before?
5)There are spirit prisoners. Seems like, when you commit an atrocious crime you are punished after death, too.
"Punishment of both crime and sin is the exclusive dominion of the Church. That punishment begins before death. Be assured it continues after it.
—The Book of Truth, Veraxis, Article 220"
6) Apparently, most ghosts attack and get violent because it's their nature...
"Ghosts … especially murder victims, they just hate. They get stuck in whatever pattern they were in when they died, they don’t evolve or anything.”
7)You can bind yourself to a ghost/spirit. It's a big offense and there are two ways to do it.
"Worse still are those who commit the ultimate evil, who bind themselves unto the dead."
"Tyson was a Host, someone who’d made a deal with a spirit to share his body in exchange for power—as opposed to a Bindmate, where the energy was shared but the body kept separate."
I think the bound ones can be corporal, since one tries to choke Chess. Not sure how that works.
8) Every child is tested at 14 to see if it has "talent" for magic. If it does it's taken to the Church and trained.
Generally, I have some answers, more questions and I still think all this could've been explained much better.
The story
We first see Chess at work for the Church, at a Seance. She's nearly poisoned but deals with it. I'm not sure why this scene was in the book at all. What is its purpose? I didn't get it.
Similarly to the previous book she gets two missions:one for the Church, and one for her drug dealer(s). Her Church one is to discover whether a movie star is faking a sighting. Her other one is to solve murders in Downtown. Some hookers are getting gruesomely killed and Chess senses the presence of sex magic. Pretty soon she gets in a muddle because both drug dealers want her to solve it, but she doesn't want the other to know what she's doing and so on.
Her addiction still controls her life, she manages to screw up and still solve the case.
The book only started coming together for me at the rooftop. From there on it was I Can't Wait To See What Happens Next. Before? Not so much.
Chess&Terrible
And just as I
"When had being an addict gotten so fucking hard? So exhausting?"
Oh, Chess. It's not supposed to be easy. You're destroying yourself and maybe even people around you. I liked this observation:
"Terrible stood in his usual spot near the back. She headed for him, watching the red lights play off his shiny black hair and illuminate the breathtaking ugliness of his profile. She didn’t notice it anymore, not really; even now her eyes simply slid over it. He was Terrible, that was all. He was her friend … sort of."
Still, she is in my TFUTL pile(just for her Too Fucked Up To Live). It's not that I'm not sympathetic...I am, but she really, really screws up with Terrible and hurts him. He's effing amazing and she doesn't deserve him. I'll root for them anyway.
And the whole Lex thing is stupid. Not a typical Love triangle, but still stupid.
Terrible is even better this time around. He's dangerous, strong, vulnerable, gentle, romantic...*sigh*. That rating up there-mostly because of him. I like how he seems old-fashioned and calls girls Dames...he's really great.
“Shit. I want you, Chess. Make no mistake on that one, dig? Want you bad. So bad I ain’t even can think of any else sometimes, ’cept gettin you under me. Ain’t give a fuck what pills you swallow get you through the day or what happens you ain’t got em, aye? Still want you.”
“I figure you really wanted me you’d say. Like now, maybe, if you dig. I’ll fuckin carry you down your place on a run, you tell me aye, get you on your back afore the next word comes out your mouth. But you oughta have yourself certain, causen I ain’t lookin for charity, an I ain’t lettin you go after. Once … once ain’t enough for me, dig?”
June 6, 2012
I’m going with 4.5 on this book of the series just like the first book but for different reasons. This book was so much smoother to read than the first book. With the world building already done in the previous book we are taken right into Chess’s world from the get go. Chess’s drug abuse is still rampant but maybe I’m just a little numb from it because it bothered me less in this book. The main story itself centered more on just two cases and it felt less chaotic that way. Of course that doesn’t mean she wasn’t juggling a lot of balls because the story focusses more on her relationships with Terrible and Lex. Anyone that knows me knows that I HATE triangles. Somehow the author pulls this off.
Loving the series even though this book didn’t feel as intense as the first the Chess and Terrible relationship more than made up for it.
I will be moving on with the series. (Probably in a half hour…haha)
Loving the series even though this book didn’t feel as intense as the first the Chess and Terrible relationship more than made up for it.
I will be moving on with the series. (Probably in a half hour…haha)
March 8, 2012
If you are looking for a review that discusses this book, keep looking. This one is more of an internal dialog, you know, notes to self.
Self, you have reached the point where you need to examine your relationship with this series. Why? Because you are not a die-hard fan of urban fantasy and this one is pure UF.
Let’s see…you are married to Night Huntress, Dresden Files, and Tales from the Nightside. You are living with Rachael Morgan, Kate Daniels, and the Iron Druid Chronicles. You are dating Black London and Indigo Court. You recently broke up with Black Dagger Brotherhood and happy to see the end of Dark Swan. You are not reliable when you have so many options. You are fickle. Do not lie to yourself.
True, you enjoy your time with Chess, Terrible, and the world of Downside but where is this going? One more for the road or are you sated with your experience so far? The series hasn’t let you down but something is making you lace up your running shoes. Could it be that Chess is not even close to getting her shit together? Do you want her to? Is this going to be a ghost thing with no variety? Does Chess have some skill-sets that haven’t manifested yet? What is Terrible now? Exactly how ugly is Terrible? Is Chess going to win his love and devotion back? Do you want her to? Is Lex going to become more interesting? What made the ghost start killing people out of the blue one day? What are those ghost doing down in the City all day?
Self, you simply do not have enough to go on yet. Read book 3 and see what happens. It could become a deep and lasting love or go straight to hell. You have dated worse and survived. You know you want to. At least stay until you get screwed by a cliffhanger.
Self, you have reached the point where you need to examine your relationship with this series. Why? Because you are not a die-hard fan of urban fantasy and this one is pure UF.
Let’s see…you are married to Night Huntress, Dresden Files, and Tales from the Nightside. You are living with Rachael Morgan, Kate Daniels, and the Iron Druid Chronicles. You are dating Black London and Indigo Court. You recently broke up with Black Dagger Brotherhood and happy to see the end of Dark Swan. You are not reliable when you have so many options. You are fickle. Do not lie to yourself.
True, you enjoy your time with Chess, Terrible, and the world of Downside but where is this going? One more for the road or are you sated with your experience so far? The series hasn’t let you down but something is making you lace up your running shoes. Could it be that Chess is not even close to getting her shit together? Do you want her to? Is this going to be a ghost thing with no variety? Does Chess have some skill-sets that haven’t manifested yet? What is Terrible now? Exactly how ugly is Terrible? Is Chess going to win his love and devotion back? Do you want her to? Is Lex going to become more interesting? What made the ghost start killing people out of the blue one day? What are those ghost doing down in the City all day?
Self, you simply do not have enough to go on yet. Read book 3 and see what happens. It could become a deep and lasting love or go straight to hell. You have dated worse and survived. You know you want to. At least stay until you get screwed by a cliffhanger.
August 5, 2019
Unholy Magic
Downside Ghosts, Book 2
By: Stacia Kane
Narrated by: Bahni Turpin
This book has a lot more suspense than the first one! My shoulders were so tense by the end of the book I needed a muscle relaxant! This gave a deeper dive into the inner workers of the Church also, especially what they do with the convicted ghosts. In this book she is dealing with someone or something killing prostitutes and making it look like the killer from 20 years ago who is dead. One spotted a ghost. Another case, at the same time, is an actor's home and the Church wants to see if they are faking a haunting which is against the law.
Chess is having serious problems with her love life which she has brought upon herself. I don't know why either see her. She seems to use drugs more and more too!
I like the mysteries, the alternative world that mixes part our world with a different world. Kane is a terrific world builder and uses that to make horror spring to life. It is gritty, full of little hope, no government just The Church that believes in No gods, there are ghosts and magic that is controlled by the Church for good of mankind. (Mostly) Chess works for The Church but they don't know her secret about the drugs.
The narration is really, really good! She is perfect for this series!
Downside Ghosts, Book 2
By: Stacia Kane
Narrated by: Bahni Turpin
This book has a lot more suspense than the first one! My shoulders were so tense by the end of the book I needed a muscle relaxant! This gave a deeper dive into the inner workers of the Church also, especially what they do with the convicted ghosts. In this book she is dealing with someone or something killing prostitutes and making it look like the killer from 20 years ago who is dead. One spotted a ghost. Another case, at the same time, is an actor's home and the Church wants to see if they are faking a haunting which is against the law.
Chess is having serious problems with her love life which she has brought upon herself. I don't know why either see her. She seems to use drugs more and more too!
I like the mysteries, the alternative world that mixes part our world with a different world. Kane is a terrific world builder and uses that to make horror spring to life. It is gritty, full of little hope, no government just The Church that believes in No gods, there are ghosts and magic that is controlled by the Church for good of mankind. (Mostly) Chess works for The Church but they don't know her secret about the drugs.
The narration is really, really good! She is perfect for this series!
![Profile Image for Namera [The Literary Invertebrate].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1647896333i/31792110._UX200_CR0,96,200,200_.jpg)
March 20, 2022
Right, it's time to try and catch up with my massive backlog of books that need to be reviewed...
The plots of these books always start to lose me somewhere around the middle. Like Karen Chance's books, the characterisation and dialogue are superior, but the action leaves me confused. Still, Terrible and Chess are such incredible and unique characters that I don't even mind. Plus the worldbuilding is unforgettable.
This one is heart-wrenching because it's where Chess's deceptions against Terrible with Lex are brought to light, and he responds with all the jealousy and rage of a man who bared his heart to his angel and dared to hope for reciprocity in turn. The scales have fallen off his eyes - but it allows him to see her more clearly in the end, and their romance in later books is all the stronger for it.
There's also a scene of Chess going through withdrawals which was very difficult to read. Not a book which one could easily forget.
The plots of these books always start to lose me somewhere around the middle. Like Karen Chance's books, the characterisation and dialogue are superior, but the action leaves me confused. Still, Terrible and Chess are such incredible and unique characters that I don't even mind. Plus the worldbuilding is unforgettable.
This one is heart-wrenching because it's where Chess's deceptions against Terrible with Lex are brought to light, and he responds with all the jealousy and rage of a man who bared his heart to his angel and dared to hope for reciprocity in turn. The scales have fallen off his eyes - but it allows him to see her more clearly in the end, and their romance in later books is all the stronger for it.
There's also a scene of Chess going through withdrawals which was very difficult to read. Not a book which one could easily forget.
March 9, 2012
Nobody writes dark urban fantasy like Stacia Kane. The author creates a world where ghosts wreak havoc and people turn to the Church to protect them. The Church provides people specially trained to get rid of ghosts. This is a world where summoning a ghost results in the death penalty. Ghosts kill and steal energy.
Part of the allure of this series is the way that the characters are written. Almost every character is flawed and yet, the reader feels invested in that character’s well-being. The main character Chess Putnam is a Church debunker or Church witch. Chess has a serious drug dependency problem – she is often strung out on a combination of pills. Even though she is an addict, Chess is surprisingly lucid, very good at her job, and able to research and solve her cases.
Speaking of characters, this series has one of my favorite scary enforcers named Terrible. Oh, Terrible. If I saw you out in the streets, I would run in the opposite direction. Terrible is huge and not very attractive. The way he is written, the way he speaks, makes the reader see him in a different life. You want him to have a happy ending. He deserves it.
In this book, we learn more about Chess’ past. We learn why she is so damaged and why she has become so drug dependent. Chess’ past gives us a clue why Chess cannot understand that someone could love her.
There is a kind of love triangle going on. Stick with the books, the triangle is a function of Chess’ lack of self-respect rather than stringing on two men at a time.
I can’t write a review about this book or this series without mentioning Downspeak the slang/patios used by residents of Downside. It adds a realistic touch to the chatter, dig?
This series is not for everyone. It is most definitely an adult series, with adult situations and themes. If you like dark, urban fantasy, it is one of the better series out there.
Part of the allure of this series is the way that the characters are written. Almost every character is flawed and yet, the reader feels invested in that character’s well-being. The main character Chess Putnam is a Church debunker or Church witch. Chess has a serious drug dependency problem – she is often strung out on a combination of pills. Even though she is an addict, Chess is surprisingly lucid, very good at her job, and able to research and solve her cases.
Speaking of characters, this series has one of my favorite scary enforcers named Terrible. Oh, Terrible. If I saw you out in the streets, I would run in the opposite direction. Terrible is huge and not very attractive. The way he is written, the way he speaks, makes the reader see him in a different life. You want him to have a happy ending. He deserves it.
In this book, we learn more about Chess’ past. We learn why she is so damaged and why she has become so drug dependent. Chess’ past gives us a clue why Chess cannot understand that someone could love her.
There is a kind of love triangle going on. Stick with the books, the triangle is a function of Chess’ lack of self-respect rather than stringing on two men at a time.
I can’t write a review about this book or this series without mentioning Downspeak the slang/patios used by residents of Downside. It adds a realistic touch to the chatter, dig?
This series is not for everyone. It is most definitely an adult series, with adult situations and themes. If you like dark, urban fantasy, it is one of the better series out there.
February 19, 2011
"Somewhere in the back of her mind she thought if she kept kissing him, she'd get more secrets, get answers to questions she didn't know she had, and it excited and scared her in equal measure, made her dizzy."
I loved this book! I love living in Chess's (and Terrible's) world!
It's a little surprising the direction that Kane is taking this character in. Instead of showing her improving and battling her addiction, her situation seems to be drastically declining. I was able to grasp a better understanding of just how bad off Chess really is. She describes things like her old, faded clothing and her blanket that is covered in holes because she spends every bit of her money on drugs. It's pretty pathetic. One half of me adores Chess and wants to see her overcome her addiction, but the other half of me doesn't want her to change because she's so damn interesting the way that she is.
At one point in the story you get to experience what happens to Chess when she has to spend one night without a fix. I had considered that maybe it would lead to a start on the road to recovery, but I was mistaken. Even with her many, many flaws Chess is too fascinating for me to dislike. The residents of Downside and the crazed, murderous ghosts that she encounters are equally as fascinating.
I can easily see how this series wouldn't be liked by everyone. Most people don't want to read about a poor, damaged, drug addicted, protagonist who shows no signs of advancing toward self-improvement, but regardless this is definitely one of my favorite series.
I've got City of Ghosts ordered and I hope it arrives soon!
I loved this book! I love living in Chess's (and Terrible's) world!
It's a little surprising the direction that Kane is taking this character in. Instead of showing her improving and battling her addiction, her situation seems to be drastically declining. I was able to grasp a better understanding of just how bad off Chess really is. She describes things like her old, faded clothing and her blanket that is covered in holes because she spends every bit of her money on drugs. It's pretty pathetic. One half of me adores Chess and wants to see her overcome her addiction, but the other half of me doesn't want her to change because she's so damn interesting the way that she is.
At one point in the story you get to experience what happens to Chess when she has to spend one night without a fix. I had considered that maybe it would lead to a start on the road to recovery, but I was mistaken. Even with her many, many flaws Chess is too fascinating for me to dislike. The residents of Downside and the crazed, murderous ghosts that she encounters are equally as fascinating.
I can easily see how this series wouldn't be liked by everyone. Most people don't want to read about a poor, damaged, drug addicted, protagonist who shows no signs of advancing toward self-improvement, but regardless this is definitely one of my favorite series.
I've got City of Ghosts ordered and I hope it arrives soon!
September 5, 2019
I am here for one thing and one thing ONLY - and that is to see how the relationship between Chess and a certain someone plays out.
All that other ghost crap and mystery of the week plots I honestly just don't give two shits about. That stuff is actually super boring to me and I skim a lot of it.
If this author could have made the mysteries and the witch stuff more interesting to me, this would have been 5 stars for sure. As it is, the relationship drama is enough for me to 4 star this thing I LOVE IT.
All that other ghost crap and mystery of the week plots I honestly just don't give two shits about. That stuff is actually super boring to me and I skim a lot of it.
If this author could have made the mysteries and the witch stuff more interesting to me, this would have been 5 stars for sure. As it is, the relationship drama is enough for me to 4 star this thing I LOVE IT.
May 9, 2018
I believe I have found myself a new series to add to my all time favourite shelf.
But at the same time I don't really think this series is for everyone. I have also mentioned this before that this is a very complex book with very complex characters. It requires understanding and patience from readers, it's dark and sick and contains too many slangs. But there isn't a single thing about this book that I would ever want to change.
There are a few other things as well that might not appeal to other readers.
Let's see.
We all want to be able fall in love with the main character. Its highly important in order to keep moving forward with a book. We all love a badass, smart, strong headed heroine.
Now let's talk about Chess here a bit. She is a lying bitch who all happens to a complete drug addict. She makes completely pathetic choices, ends up hurting people unintentionally and then goes and get high a little more. And then she will go make some stupid decision again. Sometimes with her you don't even know whom to kill – her or yourself.
Sounds even worse than Bella or Anastasia huh?
Personally, if someone ever gave me a character to read about with the traits mentioned above, I'd probably end up clawing my eyes out. So how is it possible that I managed to fall in love with Chess. You see, it’s how the book's written. Stacia Kane has somehow managed to paint Chess as such a powerful character, you will overlook so many things about her.
Yes, Chess is a complete mess. Yes, she makes ridiculous choices at times but she isn't weak. Drugs are her weakness. Her addition makes her weak. But she is a strong character who has been through so much shit. In the previous book, we just got to peek a little into Chess’ soul. This book we get to see it raw and naked. We see her in her most vulnerable and helpless moments. This book made me feel for her, understand her in ways more than one. Her flaws didn't ever make me want to hurl the book out of the window like it should have. Instead she made me want to read more and more about her.
Then we have Terrible. Another very very powerful character. In the last book we all fell in love with this ugly, huge and super scary man. But in this book, he will hit you like a truck.
He is probably the best male MC I have ever read about in the whole Urban Fantasy universe. Despite him being described as ugly he manages to be so so so attractive. He's always respected Chess, never judged her and accepted her for who she was. He was scary to the world but so sweet to her.
Until she messes up. Big time. And then things become not so pretty between them. I am so glad we go to see this side of Terrible as well. I felt bad for Chess but I knew she deserved it. She knew she deserved it.
This was an important milestone in their relationship and it’s evolution. And I enjoyed every damned second of it.
Moving onto the love triangle which in my opinion isn't much of a love triangle. And never was. From the start we knew Lex and Chess were just in a no string attached relationship. There wasn't much depth between their exchanges. Still isn't. Doesn't mean Lex isn't a great character. I have loved him from the start. He is funny and charming and not to mention extremely hot. What's not to like huh?
Apart from the characters, the plot was really good – strong and gripping. At the same time, also dark, sick and creepy as hell. The pace was perfect and so was the writing.
I would again like to appreciate Stacia Kane for what she has created here. Especially the downside speech – the broken English almost everyone in the Downside except for Chess had. It's always so fun reading it, especially when it comes from Terrible. It might seem easy to write broken English like that but when you notice certain expressions in those sentences you relalise being able to maintain that sort of dialect and all those slangs in it is an art in itself.
I would really really urge everyone to try this series. I can't guarantee everyone the same lovey dovey feeling towards it after but it's definitely worth a try :)
But at the same time I don't really think this series is for everyone. I have also mentioned this before that this is a very complex book with very complex characters. It requires understanding and patience from readers, it's dark and sick and contains too many slangs. But there isn't a single thing about this book that I would ever want to change.
There are a few other things as well that might not appeal to other readers.
Let's see.
We all want to be able fall in love with the main character. Its highly important in order to keep moving forward with a book. We all love a badass, smart, strong headed heroine.
Now let's talk about Chess here a bit. She is a lying bitch who all happens to a complete drug addict. She makes completely pathetic choices, ends up hurting people unintentionally and then goes and get high a little more. And then she will go make some stupid decision again. Sometimes with her you don't even know whom to kill – her or yourself.
Sounds even worse than Bella or Anastasia huh?
Personally, if someone ever gave me a character to read about with the traits mentioned above, I'd probably end up clawing my eyes out. So how is it possible that I managed to fall in love with Chess. You see, it’s how the book's written. Stacia Kane has somehow managed to paint Chess as such a powerful character, you will overlook so many things about her.
Yes, Chess is a complete mess. Yes, she makes ridiculous choices at times but she isn't weak. Drugs are her weakness. Her addition makes her weak. But she is a strong character who has been through so much shit. In the previous book, we just got to peek a little into Chess’ soul. This book we get to see it raw and naked. We see her in her most vulnerable and helpless moments. This book made me feel for her, understand her in ways more than one. Her flaws didn't ever make me want to hurl the book out of the window like it should have. Instead she made me want to read more and more about her.
Then we have Terrible. Another very very powerful character. In the last book we all fell in love with this ugly, huge and super scary man. But in this book, he will hit you like a truck.
He is probably the best male MC I have ever read about in the whole Urban Fantasy universe. Despite him being described as ugly he manages to be so so so attractive. He's always respected Chess, never judged her and accepted her for who she was. He was scary to the world but so sweet to her.
Until she messes up. Big time. And then things become not so pretty between them. I am so glad we go to see this side of Terrible as well. I felt bad for Chess but I knew she deserved it. She knew she deserved it.
This was an important milestone in their relationship and it’s evolution. And I enjoyed every damned second of it.
Moving onto the love triangle which in my opinion isn't much of a love triangle. And never was. From the start we knew Lex and Chess were just in a no string attached relationship. There wasn't much depth between their exchanges. Still isn't. Doesn't mean Lex isn't a great character. I have loved him from the start. He is funny and charming and not to mention extremely hot. What's not to like huh?
Apart from the characters, the plot was really good – strong and gripping. At the same time, also dark, sick and creepy as hell. The pace was perfect and so was the writing.
I would again like to appreciate Stacia Kane for what she has created here. Especially the downside speech – the broken English almost everyone in the Downside except for Chess had. It's always so fun reading it, especially when it comes from Terrible. It might seem easy to write broken English like that but when you notice certain expressions in those sentences you relalise being able to maintain that sort of dialect and all those slangs in it is an art in itself.
I would really really urge everyone to try this series. I can't guarantee everyone the same lovey dovey feeling towards it after but it's definitely worth a try :)
March 3, 2012
Holy. Hell.
Wow.
I’m warning you now. This is going to be a really crappy review. It’s going to be an I-love-Kane/will-you-marry-me-Terrible kind of review. But can you blame a girl?
This book was so awesome. I am flying through this series and have only Stacia Kane to thank for this Terrible Fever I am in.
There are so many great things about this series. First off, I find that I love Church’s job. It gets her into some really messy situations, but I’m always interested in what is going on. Typically with other UFs, I feel like their “ass-kicking job” is used as a filler, to bring some action in while the real story arc gains some meat. But in this series, I’m genuinely interested and find myself reading and rereading some of those parts. In this book, Chess has a celebrity assignment that brings her to the door of a rich but troubled family. As she works out the mystery concerning this family, Kane reveals a few secrets that had me gobsmacked.
Another great thing about this series is the world. Downside has some pretty crazy and shitty things happen in it. But for some reason, I cannot get enough of it. It’s almost like a drug. I can’t stop wanting more.
But perhaps the best thing about this series is TERRIBLE. I didn’t expect the romance subplot to take such an alarming twist in this book. The graveyard scene broke my heart and all the events following that only made me want to read the next book quicker. Chess makes a mistake. And now she is living with the consequence of that decision.
What I love is that Terrible kind of snuck up on me. I didn’t think I would grow to love him so hard, but I really, really do. I wish more authors wrote more characters like Terrible. We don’t see enough of these guys.
Downside Ghosts has gone straight to the top of one of my favorite UF series EVER. And I know it only gets better. Come on Kane, gimme my next hit!
Wow.
I’m warning you now. This is going to be a really crappy review. It’s going to be an I-love-Kane/will-you-marry-me-Terrible kind of review. But can you blame a girl?
This book was so awesome. I am flying through this series and have only Stacia Kane to thank for this Terrible Fever I am in.
There are so many great things about this series. First off, I find that I love Church’s job. It gets her into some really messy situations, but I’m always interested in what is going on. Typically with other UFs, I feel like their “ass-kicking job” is used as a filler, to bring some action in while the real story arc gains some meat. But in this series, I’m genuinely interested and find myself reading and rereading some of those parts. In this book, Chess has a celebrity assignment that brings her to the door of a rich but troubled family. As she works out the mystery concerning this family, Kane reveals a few secrets that had me gobsmacked.
Another great thing about this series is the world. Downside has some pretty crazy and shitty things happen in it. But for some reason, I cannot get enough of it. It’s almost like a drug. I can’t stop wanting more.
But perhaps the best thing about this series is TERRIBLE. I didn’t expect the romance subplot to take such an alarming twist in this book. The graveyard scene broke my heart and all the events following that only made me want to read the next book quicker. Chess makes a mistake. And now she is living with the consequence of that decision.
What I love is that Terrible kind of snuck up on me. I didn’t think I would grow to love him so hard, but I really, really do. I wish more authors wrote more characters like Terrible. We don’t see enough of these guys.
Downside Ghosts has gone straight to the top of one of my favorite UF series EVER. And I know it only gets better. Come on Kane, gimme my next hit!
August 14, 2012
Unholy Magic is the 2nd in the Downside Ghosts series and boy, is it emotionally gripping and extremely intense.
Chess is a debunker for the Church who exterminates ghosts and more frequently, busts those who are set up fake hauntings for financial gain. She's also an extremely drug dependent, which helps her deal with the scars that early life experiences have caused.
In this book, we see her making horrible decisions that lead her to drive a divide between her personal relationships and the only person she really cares about, Terrible. Somehow, she's found herself wedged in between two opposing gang members, Terrible and Lex. It's evident throughout the book that she doesn't know how to deal when she actually cares about someone.
Chess is such an interesting, complex character. We find out the reasons why she is so dependent on drugs and see her hit rock bottom in this book. Somehow, you just can't help but sympathise with her and wish that she will one day find solace in something that isn't drugs. Stacia Kane has a way with conveying heavy emotions throughout the book. This is not an easy read, with so many dark themes involving sex, drugs, and murder.
The world of Downside is so corrupt, dark and gritty. The crimes performed within this book are not for the squeamish, involving mutilated bodies, necrophilia, and the like. Once you become adjusted to the world of Downside, you'll be in for a heck of a ride as you follow Chess on her journey of debunking and ghost-busting.
Check out Happy Indulgence for more reviews!
Chess is a debunker for the Church who exterminates ghosts and more frequently, busts those who are set up fake hauntings for financial gain. She's also an extremely drug dependent, which helps her deal with the scars that early life experiences have caused.
In this book, we see her making horrible decisions that lead her to drive a divide between her personal relationships and the only person she really cares about, Terrible. Somehow, she's found herself wedged in between two opposing gang members, Terrible and Lex. It's evident throughout the book that she doesn't know how to deal when she actually cares about someone.
Chess is such an interesting, complex character. We find out the reasons why she is so dependent on drugs and see her hit rock bottom in this book. Somehow, you just can't help but sympathise with her and wish that she will one day find solace in something that isn't drugs. Stacia Kane has a way with conveying heavy emotions throughout the book. This is not an easy read, with so many dark themes involving sex, drugs, and murder.
The world of Downside is so corrupt, dark and gritty. The crimes performed within this book are not for the squeamish, involving mutilated bodies, necrophilia, and the like. Once you become adjusted to the world of Downside, you'll be in for a heck of a ride as you follow Chess on her journey of debunking and ghost-busting.
Check out Happy Indulgence for more reviews!
January 16, 2012
I guess it says alot about this book that it has inspired such a tangled mess of emotions in me. I'm angry at Chess. I feel sorry for her. I feel like she deserves her misery, but I want it to all work out. Her self-destructive behavior doesn't just affect her, but the fallout is landing on those around her. --And I'm getting ahead of myself.
Three months have passed since the events of Unholy Ghosts. Chess is still a raging drug addict. She is still sleeping with Lex. And she is still forging a friendship with Terrible. Only she can't see that it's really something more.
Her latest job for the church is to try and debunk the supposed haunting of a famous actor's home. Meanwhile, her latest mission on the street is to figure out who is using a ghost to help them kill off Downside's prostitutes and gouge their eyes out. Once again, I am amazed to find Chess surviving it all, considering her incredibly bad choices and divided loyalties.
But obviously, I am not feeling too charitable towards her right now. I guess that's because Terrible has stolen a piece of my heart. The man is far, far too good for her. She proves it over and over. And yet, I want them to work things out so badly, it's like an anvil on my chest. ((**sigh**))
I guess you can say I have grown invested in the series. It's still kind of strange. But I'm getting used to it. Stacia Kane has created a world like no other I've read about. And her characters, while flawed, are very compelling. A powerful and unexpected ending that has me itching to find out what happens next. 4 1/2 stars.
Three months have passed since the events of Unholy Ghosts. Chess is still a raging drug addict. She is still sleeping with Lex. And she is still forging a friendship with Terrible. Only she can't see that it's really something more.
Her latest job for the church is to try and debunk the supposed haunting of a famous actor's home. Meanwhile, her latest mission on the street is to figure out who is using a ghost to help them kill off Downside's prostitutes and gouge their eyes out. Once again, I am amazed to find Chess surviving it all, considering her incredibly bad choices and divided loyalties.
But obviously, I am not feeling too charitable towards her right now. I guess that's because Terrible has stolen a piece of my heart. The man is far, far too good for her. She proves it over and over. And yet, I want them to work things out so badly, it's like an anvil on my chest. ((**sigh**))
I guess you can say I have grown invested in the series. It's still kind of strange. But I'm getting used to it. Stacia Kane has created a world like no other I've read about. And her characters, while flawed, are very compelling. A powerful and unexpected ending that has me itching to find out what happens next. 4 1/2 stars.
August 11, 2013
Why was she so determined always to do the exact wrong thing?"
It's funny. Chess Putnam is not one of those annoying female characters that you end up hating because she has a flair for melodrama and does everything ass-backwards. That's exactly what she does, but you just can't hate her for it. You can't pity her, either. You just FEEL for her. Her horrible addiction to drugs, her barely contained self loathing, her complete fear of every aspect of her life. It digs under your skin and just makes you feel.
She goes through a ridiculous downward spiral throughout this book. All of the different aspects of her life start to merge together while on a case for a very "high profile" client for the church. Her fear of being caught - by EVERYONE in her life, for one reason or another - leads her to make even worse decisions than we saw in Unholy Ghosts. Her constant paranoia starts to seep into you as you read this book, leaving you on the edge of your seat the whole time. Then throw the "sex magic" into the mix, and you're left with this very dark, twisted novel about a very dark, twisted girl.
I have to give Stacia Kane some serious praise, here. I don't think, in most cases, that I would care about this character. In most cases, I think I'd be a little grossed out, and move on to some steamy erotica book to get my mind off of it. But the way she has created this world, and these characters, has completely sucked me in. Right at this moment I'd rather be starting the next book than writing this!
What a wonderful mix of Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Horror, and... sadness this series has. I'm SO GLAD I started it, and I can already relate to all you pretties who sing the praises of Downside Ghosts. I'm ensnared!!
"Damn. 'Sfucking cool, Chess. You like -- cool, is all."
And here I will take a moment to recognize the fact that Terrible is kind of the shit. What a glorious character, and the perfect man to deal with Chess.
NEED. MORE. NOW.
June 22, 2010
Unholy Magic is book two in the Downside Ghosts series & without a doubt my favorite new series of 2010. I have never in my life felt the need to email an author & wax poetic about how much I enjoyed their book until I read Unholy Magic!
I am a huge fan of Unholy Ghosts but I feel with Unholy Magicyou get to know Chess better, you already know what she’s about in the most basic of senses. We know Chess is a debunker as well as a drug addict, but we don’t really know why she is either. In Unholy Magicyou get a little idea as to why Chess is the way she is, why she is addicted to drugs & her life before she became a debunker. It’s not pretty, but it makes Chess, Chess. It was just more in depth in my opinion, you already know some of the back story from the previous book but now you’re learning what makes everyone tick. You understand the downspeak & are comfortable with the world that Kane has written.
The story is fabulous, Chess is working at a Celebrities house because he claims to have seen ghosts & his wife was attacked by one of them. On top of that, there are hookers being murdered in a gruesome fashion & no one has any idea why. We also get more into Chess relationship with Terrible & Lex, trust me I wanted to strangle Chess at one point. There is also a HUGE epic moment towards the end of the book that had be going “WTF, OMG”, so book three in the series is going to be all sorts of drama I am sure. I will even admit that I cried. Uh-huh.
I tried real hard to read Unholy Magic slowly, because the wait for City of Ghosts may be too much for me. I think I’m already going into withdrawals. Stacia Kane does not disappoint & crafts one of the most original new series of 2010.
I am a huge fan of Unholy Ghosts but I feel with Unholy Magicyou get to know Chess better, you already know what she’s about in the most basic of senses. We know Chess is a debunker as well as a drug addict, but we don’t really know why she is either. In Unholy Magicyou get a little idea as to why Chess is the way she is, why she is addicted to drugs & her life before she became a debunker. It’s not pretty, but it makes Chess, Chess. It was just more in depth in my opinion, you already know some of the back story from the previous book but now you’re learning what makes everyone tick. You understand the downspeak & are comfortable with the world that Kane has written.
The story is fabulous, Chess is working at a Celebrities house because he claims to have seen ghosts & his wife was attacked by one of them. On top of that, there are hookers being murdered in a gruesome fashion & no one has any idea why. We also get more into Chess relationship with Terrible & Lex, trust me I wanted to strangle Chess at one point. There is also a HUGE epic moment towards the end of the book that had be going “WTF, OMG”, so book three in the series is going to be all sorts of drama I am sure. I will even admit that I cried. Uh-huh.
I tried real hard to read Unholy Magic slowly, because the wait for City of Ghosts may be too much for me. I think I’m already going into withdrawals. Stacia Kane does not disappoint & crafts one of the most original new series of 2010.
November 4, 2011
This series is one of the greatest!! Its like being sucked in to a whole new world thats dark and scary and full of the unknown. I didnt think I would like a book about the protaganist being an addict with no dreams of recovery....but it worked and I wouldnt have it any other way! One of the sweetest moments in literary history:
"I figure you really wanted me you'd say. Like now, maybe, if you dig. I'll fuckin carry you down your place on a run, you tell me aye, get you on your back afore the next word comes out your mouth. But you oughta have yourself certain, causen I ain't lookin for charity, an I ain't lettin you go after. Once...once ain't enough for me, dig?"
I really thought she was learning her lesson and admitting to herself that she really wanted to be with him....Especially when Terrible came to her rescue at the Pyles'.(I must say that her withdrawal was the most powerful scenes Iv ever read.)
Then this idiot was to damn scared to take the fecking leap when he basically confessed his love to her...I was soooo disappointed in Chess at that moment! She really fucked herself over with this love triangle she had going on! And it was so sad when Terrible busted her...at the same time....Im glad her dumb ass got caught. She really pissed me off with that one. She knew how Terrible felt about her and she went ahead and fucked Lex anyway! She shouldnt even been in that graveyard with him in the first place.
"Two nights past. He say two nights past, aye? Two nights---you seen him? That night you seen him, after I--you went from--"
Then to top it all off Thank God he wasnt. I swear I was about to be real Feckin Pissed and loose all hope in UF!! That said....this series is one wild fecking ride!
"I figure you really wanted me you'd say. Like now, maybe, if you dig. I'll fuckin carry you down your place on a run, you tell me aye, get you on your back afore the next word comes out your mouth. But you oughta have yourself certain, causen I ain't lookin for charity, an I ain't lettin you go after. Once...once ain't enough for me, dig?"
I really thought she was learning her lesson and admitting to herself that she really wanted to be with him....Especially when Terrible came to her rescue at the Pyles'.(I must say that her withdrawal was the most powerful scenes Iv ever read.)
Then this idiot was to damn scared to take the fecking leap when he basically confessed his love to her...I was soooo disappointed in Chess at that moment! She really fucked herself over with this love triangle she had going on! And it was so sad when Terrible busted her...at the same time....Im glad her dumb ass got caught. She really pissed me off with that one. She knew how Terrible felt about her and she went ahead and fucked Lex anyway! She shouldnt even been in that graveyard with him in the first place.
"Two nights past. He say two nights past, aye? Two nights---you seen him? That night you seen him, after I--you went from--"
Then to top it all off Thank God he wasnt. I swear I was about to be real Feckin Pissed and loose all hope in UF!! That said....this series is one wild fecking ride!
December 30, 2010
Better than #1, there are more "close to dying" scenes in this than any book I've ever read. I think everything was smoother, and the world was even deeper and I really enjoyed the storylines.
I am still sticking with 4 stars here though, because the MAIN CHARACTER IS STILL A DRUG ADDICT and still never has the thought to quit or how it's ruining her life! IT KILLS ME. I do find myself skimming some until Terrible comes back in, because basically she has no functional relationship BESIDES that one, as messed up as it is. Oy the ending is pretty traumatic, but considering this series borderlines on horror, it's kind of in line.
All in all, I enjoyed, and have started 3 and it's the best of all of them, so sticking with this series looks like a given!
I am still sticking with 4 stars here though, because the MAIN CHARACTER IS STILL A DRUG ADDICT and still never has the thought to quit or how it's ruining her life! IT KILLS ME. I do find myself skimming some until Terrible comes back in, because basically she has no functional relationship BESIDES that one, as messed up as it is. Oy the ending is pretty traumatic, but considering this series borderlines on horror, it's kind of in line.
All in all, I enjoyed, and have started 3 and it's the best of all of them, so sticking with this series looks like a given!
May 3, 2013
I'd even go somewhere between 4-4½♥'s on this.
Yes, it's a dark, underbelly of a world. Yes, Chess is one whacked junkie. Yes, I've finally seen just why Terrible has such a following. I was 'Team Lex' last book, but this one converted even me. It definitely leaves me wanting more of the series.
Ghosts are a nice change of pace, as well. No fangs, no sparkles, no full moons, or needs of a razor- it can be liberating at times, as long as you can handle the raw descriptions. There are top-of-the-world moments, and the foul lows of addiction.
Yes, it's a dark, underbelly of a world. Yes, Chess is one whacked junkie. Yes, I've finally seen just why Terrible has such a following. I was 'Team Lex' last book, but this one converted even me. It definitely leaves me wanting more of the series.
Ghosts are a nice change of pace, as well. No fangs, no sparkles, no full moons, or needs of a razor- it can be liberating at times, as long as you can handle the raw descriptions. There are top-of-the-world moments, and the foul lows of addiction.
February 8, 2015
Buddy read with these lovely ladies :))))
August 4, 2015
Uh, yeah. There might be spoilers here. And I write this while listening to the Stooges. That seems appropriate.
So this was my favorite book out of the 3 out so far. The plot is crazy. There are dead prostitutes with missing eyeballs. This brings together both sides (and I'm not talking the Church) working with Chess to put a stop to it. The other storyline is her debunking a case for an actor and his family which leads to such an emotional and horrible scene with Chess going through withdrawal. That was insanely intense.
So lets get to some quotes from the books:
“Think we help each other here, ain’t you? Got anything I can help you with, Tulip?”
“Maybe.” She reached back, finding him hard and ready beneath his jeans and opening them.
He made a low, satisfied sound in the back of his throat, one she’d come to associate with him and the time they spent in his bed. The cigarette flew into the sink and landed with a tiny sizzle. His palms slid up her ribcage under her shirt, under her bra, then back down to shove her jeans and panties off her hips.
“What you say? Gonna help me? Come round my neighborhood, check the sights?” His hand on the back of her neck forced her gently down, bending her over the counter, while one knee pressed the inside of her thigh and urged her legs apart as far as they could go with her jeans pooled around her ankles. His erection butted up against her, hovering, waiting. “Sure could use you, Tulip.”
~ So this is Lex and Chess. I like Lex but can't forget that yes, he did kidnap her to take advantage of her. But they do have their sizzling moments. I still think he cares but business is business. He just happens to mix business with pleasure.
And that brings me to the scene on the rooftop. Damn. Just, damn.
“Shit. I want you, Chess. Make no mistake on that one, dig? Want you bad. So bad I ain’t even can think of any else sometimes, ’cept gettin you under me. Ain’t give a fuck what pills you swallow get you through the day or what happens you ain’t got em, aye? Still want you.”
...
I ain’t … ain’t think I can take it, wakin up next to you on the morn, have you fake like nothin happened. Or tell me you made yourself a mistake. Or say, aye, thanks, maybe try that again on the sometime. I know how you run it, keepin it cool and no repeats, and I dig it, aye? Got your reasons. So I figure …”
...
“I figure you really wanted me you’d say. Like now, maybe, if you dig. I’ll fuckin carry you down your place on a run, you tell me aye, get you on your back afore the next word out your mouth. But you oughta have yourself certain, causen I ain’t lookin for charity, an I ain’t lettin you go after. Once … once ain’t enough for me, dig?”
~ Such raw emotion from Terrible. It was painful to read and my heart broke for him but I'm happy he let his true feelings out.
But then what happens at the cemetery? I can't... I can't describe my thoughts on that. As I mentioned in my review of Unholy Ghosts, Chess makes mistakes and this reveals her biggest one. Her running to Lex. I can't formulate words to describe how much I feel for Terrible when he realizes. I just want to hug him.
But then Terrible makes some harsh comments to her when she is putting sigils on his face and I can't blame the guy. I really can't. I don't think Chess knew what she was doing at the time but she still did it. Yes, her relationship with Lex started before she really admitted to herself she had any feelings for Terrible, but still. She runs to Lex's place after what happened at Chuck's in book 1 with Terrible and now she runs to Lex again after what happens on the roof.
Then the ending happens. He put himself in danger to save her, and she completely cracks. I would have felt really awkward if I was Lex after watching her break down.
This is my favorite book so far. So much happens. Many ups and downs. I think she really has some life changing experiences though that help her see what she is lying to herself about.
I love this book. I love this series and just barely finished but want to do an immediate re-read. 5 stars all the way.
So this was my favorite book out of the 3 out so far. The plot is crazy. There are dead prostitutes with missing eyeballs. This brings together both sides (and I'm not talking the Church) working with Chess to put a stop to it. The other storyline is her debunking a case for an actor and his family which leads to such an emotional and horrible scene with Chess going through withdrawal. That was insanely intense.
So lets get to some quotes from the books:
“Think we help each other here, ain’t you? Got anything I can help you with, Tulip?”
“Maybe.” She reached back, finding him hard and ready beneath his jeans and opening them.
He made a low, satisfied sound in the back of his throat, one she’d come to associate with him and the time they spent in his bed. The cigarette flew into the sink and landed with a tiny sizzle. His palms slid up her ribcage under her shirt, under her bra, then back down to shove her jeans and panties off her hips.
“What you say? Gonna help me? Come round my neighborhood, check the sights?” His hand on the back of her neck forced her gently down, bending her over the counter, while one knee pressed the inside of her thigh and urged her legs apart as far as they could go with her jeans pooled around her ankles. His erection butted up against her, hovering, waiting. “Sure could use you, Tulip.”
~ So this is Lex and Chess. I like Lex but can't forget that yes, he did kidnap her to take advantage of her. But they do have their sizzling moments. I still think he cares but business is business. He just happens to mix business with pleasure.
And that brings me to the scene on the rooftop. Damn. Just, damn.
“Shit. I want you, Chess. Make no mistake on that one, dig? Want you bad. So bad I ain’t even can think of any else sometimes, ’cept gettin you under me. Ain’t give a fuck what pills you swallow get you through the day or what happens you ain’t got em, aye? Still want you.”
...
I ain’t … ain’t think I can take it, wakin up next to you on the morn, have you fake like nothin happened. Or tell me you made yourself a mistake. Or say, aye, thanks, maybe try that again on the sometime. I know how you run it, keepin it cool and no repeats, and I dig it, aye? Got your reasons. So I figure …”
...
“I figure you really wanted me you’d say. Like now, maybe, if you dig. I’ll fuckin carry you down your place on a run, you tell me aye, get you on your back afore the next word out your mouth. But you oughta have yourself certain, causen I ain’t lookin for charity, an I ain’t lettin you go after. Once … once ain’t enough for me, dig?”
~ Such raw emotion from Terrible. It was painful to read and my heart broke for him but I'm happy he let his true feelings out.
But then what happens at the cemetery? I can't... I can't describe my thoughts on that. As I mentioned in my review of Unholy Ghosts, Chess makes mistakes and this reveals her biggest one. Her running to Lex. I can't formulate words to describe how much I feel for Terrible when he realizes. I just want to hug him.
But then Terrible makes some harsh comments to her when she is putting sigils on his face and I can't blame the guy. I really can't. I don't think Chess knew what she was doing at the time but she still did it. Yes, her relationship with Lex started before she really admitted to herself she had any feelings for Terrible, but still. She runs to Lex's place after what happened at Chuck's in book 1 with Terrible and now she runs to Lex again after what happens on the roof.
Then the ending happens. He put himself in danger to save her, and she completely cracks. I would have felt really awkward if I was Lex after watching her break down.
This is my favorite book so far. So much happens. Many ups and downs. I think she really has some life changing experiences though that help her see what she is lying to herself about.
I love this book. I love this series and just barely finished but want to do an immediate re-read. 5 stars all the way.
September 16, 2015
This review was posted at Under The Covers
After reading book one, and being shocked by the storyline in this series, I find myself a lot more comfortable with Chess and her issues in this book. Don't ask me why. I get it. It didn't bother me as much.
Now that being said... Chess is a lot more vulnerable in this book. She is trying to do her job, which now consists in going to a celebrity's house to prove that he doesn't really have a ghost problem.
Well, that is her mission with the Church. But of course, she has to do side jobs for her "friends". Terrible asks her to investigate something going on at an abandoned airport. Lex on the other hand also has interests in that same investigation. So she ends up working for both behind both backs.
And there in lays the problem. This book was a royal mess! A big fuck up. A WHAT THE HELL WAS SHE THINKING???? I mean, if the fact that she keeps getting high, especially when she's on the job, is not enough to make you think she's missing a few screws, then her actions in this book have made her certifiably nuts.
Here is a wonderful guy, Terrible. Yeah, I know, he's ugly, he works for a drug dealer/pimp. Not your standard hero material. But I can't help but feel an attraction to him. It's in the way he cares for Chess. How he's always there for her, and would give his life (and almost does) for her. He can look pass her issues and see the good inside of her that she can't see herself. And what she does to him in this book, well, it simply puts her on my bad side. Yes, I cried. I wanted to scream at her! How could she do this? This is not going to be an easy fix.
Can I bitch some more about that? Because it really got to me. Yeah? OK, how can you have a guy open up his heart and serve it on a platter for you the way he did, and you just stomp all over it. And tap dance on it. Damn! It just broke my heart.
But at least Chess was on her game with her investigations! I loved the story! This series is dark and intense. Ms. Kane has created a very unique world an I'll be back for more!
Favorite Quote:
"But I ain't, I ain't think I can take it. Waking up next to you on the morn, have you fake like nothing happened. Or say, aight thanks, maybe we can try that again on the sometime. I know how you run it. Keepin' it cool and no repeats, and I dig it aight? Got your reasons. So I figured...I figured you'd really wanted me, you'd say. Like now, maybe, if you dig. I'll fucking carry you down to your place on a run if you tell me aight. Get you on your back before the next word comes out your mouth. But you oughta have yourself certain, 'cuz I ain't looking for charity, and I ain't letting you go after. Once? Once ain't enough for me. Dig?"
After reading book one, and being shocked by the storyline in this series, I find myself a lot more comfortable with Chess and her issues in this book. Don't ask me why. I get it. It didn't bother me as much.
Now that being said... Chess is a lot more vulnerable in this book. She is trying to do her job, which now consists in going to a celebrity's house to prove that he doesn't really have a ghost problem.
Well, that is her mission with the Church. But of course, she has to do side jobs for her "friends". Terrible asks her to investigate something going on at an abandoned airport. Lex on the other hand also has interests in that same investigation. So she ends up working for both behind both backs.
And there in lays the problem. This book was a royal mess! A big fuck up. A WHAT THE HELL WAS SHE THINKING???? I mean, if the fact that she keeps getting high, especially when she's on the job, is not enough to make you think she's missing a few screws, then her actions in this book have made her certifiably nuts.
Here is a wonderful guy, Terrible. Yeah, I know, he's ugly, he works for a drug dealer/pimp. Not your standard hero material. But I can't help but feel an attraction to him. It's in the way he cares for Chess. How he's always there for her, and would give his life (and almost does) for her. He can look pass her issues and see the good inside of her that she can't see herself. And what she does to him in this book, well, it simply puts her on my bad side. Yes, I cried. I wanted to scream at her! How could she do this? This is not going to be an easy fix.
Can I bitch some more about that? Because it really got to me. Yeah? OK, how can you have a guy open up his heart and serve it on a platter for you the way he did, and you just stomp all over it. And tap dance on it. Damn! It just broke my heart.
But at least Chess was on her game with her investigations! I loved the story! This series is dark and intense. Ms. Kane has created a very unique world an I'll be back for more!
Favorite Quote:
"But I ain't, I ain't think I can take it. Waking up next to you on the morn, have you fake like nothing happened. Or say, aight thanks, maybe we can try that again on the sometime. I know how you run it. Keepin' it cool and no repeats, and I dig it aight? Got your reasons. So I figured...I figured you'd really wanted me, you'd say. Like now, maybe, if you dig. I'll fucking carry you down to your place on a run if you tell me aight. Get you on your back before the next word comes out your mouth. But you oughta have yourself certain, 'cuz I ain't looking for charity, and I ain't letting you go after. Once? Once ain't enough for me. Dig?"
July 20, 2010
(Combined review of Unholy Magic and Unholy Ghosts)
It’s not often that you will find me reading a book about a drug- addicted heroine who makes more terrible choices than Lindsey Lohan on a four day coke bender; but at the urging of my blogger friends I decided to stop being such a square and see what all the hoopla was about. As the rehab therapists would say, I had to “trust the process’.
Stacia Kane’s Downside Ghost series is dark, thrilling and gut wrenching. Chess Putnam works as the ‘Churchwich’ for a new order Church that indoctrinates the motto “Facts Are Truth”. They employ debunkers who use magic to rid the world of murderous ghosts. The world is in a post-genocide era, where the dead have risen and attack the living. The government has fallen, and the Church of Truth is now in power …
At first, I was worried that I would have a hard time connecting with Chess. Writing your main heroine as a drug addict whose life is spiraling dangerously out of control is an intricate balance. To create a sort of alternative, anti-hero who still has some redeeming qualities that allow her to appear vulnerable without playing the “Im a victim card” is the make of a truly talented writer. And that is the genius of Kane’s writing. She really makes the reader understand the depth of Chess ability to survive a life that most would turned in the keys and signed off. Abandoned and placed in foster care, her life is filled with one violation of trust after another. You truly understand that to forget the pain of the past, to live a somewhat ‘normal’ life you need something to numb the past. You don’t battle the demons without a few toxic coping mechanisms.
I was so taken with how vibrant and alive Kane has made her characters. Her dark, urban setting was fascinating rather than graphic and I have fallen head over heels with Terrible. (The body-guard/bouncer for Chess drug-dealer of choice, Bump). The intensity of Chess and Terrible’s budding friendship shows that even the most hardened shell can be cracked with just a little kindness, a little compassion. Although, their relationship is tenuous at best, you can’t help but be captivated and root for them.
Unholy Ghosts and Unholy Magic are two of the best books I’ve read of 2010 and 2009. I’m not going to lie, the second book will tear your heart out, you may even find yourself emotionally ‘stress eating’ but so worth it. I promise! This series has grit, angst, violence, and pulls you in with each page – if you haven’t read this series, get thee to a bookstore post haste!
It’s not often that you will find me reading a book about a drug- addicted heroine who makes more terrible choices than Lindsey Lohan on a four day coke bender; but at the urging of my blogger friends I decided to stop being such a square and see what all the hoopla was about. As the rehab therapists would say, I had to “trust the process’.
Stacia Kane’s Downside Ghost series is dark, thrilling and gut wrenching. Chess Putnam works as the ‘Churchwich’ for a new order Church that indoctrinates the motto “Facts Are Truth”. They employ debunkers who use magic to rid the world of murderous ghosts. The world is in a post-genocide era, where the dead have risen and attack the living. The government has fallen, and the Church of Truth is now in power …
At first, I was worried that I would have a hard time connecting with Chess. Writing your main heroine as a drug addict whose life is spiraling dangerously out of control is an intricate balance. To create a sort of alternative, anti-hero who still has some redeeming qualities that allow her to appear vulnerable without playing the “Im a victim card” is the make of a truly talented writer. And that is the genius of Kane’s writing. She really makes the reader understand the depth of Chess ability to survive a life that most would turned in the keys and signed off. Abandoned and placed in foster care, her life is filled with one violation of trust after another. You truly understand that to forget the pain of the past, to live a somewhat ‘normal’ life you need something to numb the past. You don’t battle the demons without a few toxic coping mechanisms.
I was so taken with how vibrant and alive Kane has made her characters. Her dark, urban setting was fascinating rather than graphic and I have fallen head over heels with Terrible. (The body-guard/bouncer for Chess drug-dealer of choice, Bump). The intensity of Chess and Terrible’s budding friendship shows that even the most hardened shell can be cracked with just a little kindness, a little compassion. Although, their relationship is tenuous at best, you can’t help but be captivated and root for them.
Unholy Ghosts and Unholy Magic are two of the best books I’ve read of 2010 and 2009. I’m not going to lie, the second book will tear your heart out, you may even find yourself emotionally ‘stress eating’ but so worth it. I promise! This series has grit, angst, violence, and pulls you in with each page – if you haven’t read this series, get thee to a bookstore post haste!
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