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mxsallybend's review
4.0
Last year's Owl and the Japanese Circus was a solid read, an entertaining urban fantasy that managed to reignite my excitement for a genre that I felt had become tiresome and repetitive. Granted, the whole “Indiana Jane” aspect was a big part of that - I'm a sucker for any sort of archaeological, tomb-raiding adventure - but Kristi Charish really impressed me. I went into Owl and the City of Angels hoping for more of the same, but not really knowing where she'd take the story next.
The simple answer to that? To a whole other level. This is one of those sophomore efforts that manages to top the book before it in every way. It's a bigger, bolder story, and one that really does an exceptional job of building upon all the elements of the first.
Owl is, as everybody around her likes to remind us, an absolute train wreck. She's neither the smartest nor wisest of young women, her choices are often suspect, and her selective morality is . . . well, just about perfect for a professional antiquities thief. Owl is defined by her contrasts and her contradictions, and what makes her exasperating for some readers is what makes her fascinating for others. Personally, I find her to be a hell of a lot of fun, and if I feel the urge to slap her upside the head once in a while, that's a testament to how invested I've become in her character.
It should come as no surprise that Owl is in trouble again, but this time it's not for anything she's done. Instead, there's an impostor out there, another thief raiding forbidden archaeological digs for cursed items. The IAA (who protect archaeological sites from the world, and the world from the supernatural) are after her, the vampires from the first adventure still want her dead, and a group of Somali pirates would very much like her out of the way. She's in well over her head, and things only get worse when she becomes cursed herself.
We get even more of the “Indiana Jane” element here, and that's where the book shines the brightest. Owl drags us down into multiple tombs and temples, past traps and treasures, and brings us face-to-face with more than one mummy. The urban aspects are even stronger here this time as well, with some cleverly satirical jabs at celebrity culture that should make even the most jaded reader smile. Much to my surprise, what originally seems like a bit of a throwaway segue between desert adventures comes back to dominate the final act, with . . . well, I don't want to give it away, but let's just say Hollywood has prepared us well to face rampaging hordes.
If there's one weak spot to the series for me, however, it's been the World Quest video game angle. I get the value in being able to virtually explore historical sites, and Owl's interactions with Carpe add a little humor to the story, but it gets a bit tiresome. The big tease of the epilogue promises big things ahead for World Quest and its creators . . . I just hope it doesn't mean we get an RPG dominated third chapter.
Ultimately, this is one of those books that just doesn't let up. Every new twist just ups the tension, and every new revelation just teases something more. By the end, we understand a lot more about who Owl is and why, but there are some tough choices to be made along the way. The story lags a bit during the penultimate arc, with the resolution of the counterfeit Owl storyline, but the final act was a huge surprise and an even bigger delight. If you get to that point wondering if Charish will really go there, rest assured she does.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
The simple answer to that? To a whole other level. This is one of those sophomore efforts that manages to top the book before it in every way. It's a bigger, bolder story, and one that really does an exceptional job of building upon all the elements of the first.
Owl is, as everybody around her likes to remind us, an absolute train wreck. She's neither the smartest nor wisest of young women, her choices are often suspect, and her selective morality is . . . well, just about perfect for a professional antiquities thief. Owl is defined by her contrasts and her contradictions, and what makes her exasperating for some readers is what makes her fascinating for others. Personally, I find her to be a hell of a lot of fun, and if I feel the urge to slap her upside the head once in a while, that's a testament to how invested I've become in her character.
It should come as no surprise that Owl is in trouble again, but this time it's not for anything she's done. Instead, there's an impostor out there, another thief raiding forbidden archaeological digs for cursed items. The IAA (who protect archaeological sites from the world, and the world from the supernatural) are after her, the vampires from the first adventure still want her dead, and a group of Somali pirates would very much like her out of the way. She's in well over her head, and things only get worse when she becomes cursed herself.
We get even more of the “Indiana Jane” element here, and that's where the book shines the brightest. Owl drags us down into multiple tombs and temples, past traps and treasures, and brings us face-to-face with more than one mummy. The urban aspects are even stronger here this time as well, with some cleverly satirical jabs at celebrity culture that should make even the most jaded reader smile. Much to my surprise, what originally seems like a bit of a throwaway segue between desert adventures comes back to dominate the final act, with . . . well, I don't want to give it away, but let's just say Hollywood has prepared us well to face rampaging hordes.
If there's one weak spot to the series for me, however, it's been the World Quest video game angle. I get the value in being able to virtually explore historical sites, and Owl's interactions with Carpe add a little humor to the story, but it gets a bit tiresome. The big tease of the epilogue promises big things ahead for World Quest and its creators . . . I just hope it doesn't mean we get an RPG dominated third chapter.
Ultimately, this is one of those books that just doesn't let up. Every new twist just ups the tension, and every new revelation just teases something more. By the end, we understand a lot more about who Owl is and why, but there are some tough choices to be made along the way. The story lags a bit during the penultimate arc, with the resolution of the counterfeit Owl storyline, but the final act was a huge surprise and an even bigger delight. If you get to that point wondering if Charish will really go there, rest assured she does.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC of this title from the publisher in exchange for review consideration.This does not in any way affect the honesty or sincerity of my honest review.
colorfulleo92's review
3.0
3.5 stars. These books are so much fun! Owl is a interesting character to follow
blodeuedd's review
3.0
I was so happy to see this one on a site, since book 1 could not be found. It was also really weird to read it after having listened to book 1. I found myself missing the narrator, also, so weird to see the names in writing! ;)
But let us begin.
Alix is hunting treasures for her dragon boss.
She is getting closer with Rynn, but still he is an incubi, can they really be happy?
Captain is the best cat side kick a girl can have!
Nadia is just there...poor Nadia, she needs to do more.
Carpe, well every girl needs an elf buddy to play online games with.
The hunt is on. She needs to find something. And the IAA is after her. It sucks to be her.
This series is fun, great characters, action and humour.
But let us begin.
Alix is hunting treasures for her dragon boss.
She is getting closer with Rynn, but still he is an incubi, can they really be happy?
Captain is the best cat side kick a girl can have!
Nadia is just there...poor Nadia, she needs to do more.
Carpe, well every girl needs an elf buddy to play online games with.
The hunt is on. She needs to find something. And the IAA is after her. It sucks to be her.
This series is fun, great characters, action and humour.
ashkitty93's review
4.0
I'm really getting a feel for these characters now. I still swear Owl would be me if I'd been an archaeology student and if she drank sangria instead of Corona (oh wait that's Kate Daniels). But this installment feels much better than the first book, more even and consistent. Might have gotten five stars if not for that ending. Seriously, do not mess with Captain.
Owl remains hesitant to allow anyone closer than arm's length, and I have to say I admire her for it. I did count a total of five "train wreck/whore" exchanges, which -cringe- but it's far from a perfect world. This feels like a good series for people just dipping their toes into the urban fantasy genre.
Owl remains hesitant to allow anyone closer than arm's length, and I have to say I admire her for it. I did count a total of five "train wreck/whore" exchanges, which -cringe- but it's far from a perfect world. This feels like a good series for people just dipping their toes into the urban fantasy genre.
happyglowlucky's review
4.0
Really enjoyed this book! I was excited to read in a genre that I don't usually read in - fantasy. I read the first book in this series, too, so I was happy to continue to read about Owl. Good plot, keeps you engaged, and turning pages! Also, as someone who wanted a way to have a start into the Fantasy Genre, this is a good place to start...I think if you start off with some other, more intense books, you might get put off the genre; this is a good, gentle start.
creeker868's review
2.0
World is interesting so I keep reading this series. Reason for the low rating is I find the main character very annoying.
biteintobooks's review
3.0
Listening to the Owl books is starting to become a bit of a guilty pleasure for me. I feel like these really aren't the best fantasy books I've ever read, but the narrator is fun and does great voices and accents. The stories are fast paced and the main character has a lovely amount of sarcasm and banter to keep me entertained. So I will definitely keep listening to these books!
The archeology and gaming are still parts for me that stand out and that I'm enjoying. I feel like the combination of the two is pretty unique in a book.
This review wast first posted @ BiteIntoBooks
I am still somewhat annoyed by Owl, who is highly impulsive and has to be rescued by chance or friends multiple times. But I will take that for granted, because the story keeps me entertained!
The archeology and gaming are still parts for me that stand out and that I'm enjoying. I feel like the combination of the two is pretty unique in a book.
This review wast first posted @ BiteIntoBooks
I am still somewhat annoyed by Owl, who is highly impulsive and has to be rescued by chance or friends multiple times. But I will take that for granted, because the story keeps me entertained!
abookolive's review
3.0
This was a lot of fun and the author really excels at writing believable (read: complicated) relationships of all kinds. But there was never a moment to catch one's breath between action scenes. A few of them were completely expendable and could have either been cut out or replaced with downtime to help the pace feel less frantic. A heart racing novel is only worth its title if the racing heart isn't caused by anxiety of too much "up" time and too few pauses for rumination.
lilyelement's review
4.0
Owl and the City of Angels is book two in The Adventures of Owl series. This time around Alix Hiboux (aka Owl) is running a job for her dragon employer. The book opens with Owl at a dig site on the hunt for a medusa head. You see, Owl is an international antiquities thief for hire. While she'll do most jobs, she tries her hardest to stay away from the supernatural ones. She seems to get backed into corners and forced to do those quite a bit though. The book starts off with action and really doesn't let up. Like in book one, we go on a world tour of sorts along with Owl which I really enjoyed.
Owl finds out partway through the book that someone is impersonating her. They're doing reckless jobs that even she wouldn't sign up for. And in doing so, the IAA (International Archaeology Association), the vampires, and even her boss are on her case. In attempts to clear her name, she has to locate the artifacts, get them back, and find out who's behind it before they set something loose in the world that could threaten humankind. All in a normal days work for Owl.
Owl and the City of Angels is a fast paced adventure you won't be able to put down. While I don't see Owl guzzling energy drinks I feel that she has to in order to keep her head above water. I will admit, it leads to an interesting read that keeps you on your toes. Her friends from book one made appearances, her BFF Nadya is ever helpful when Owl gets in a tight jam. Owl's boyfriend Rynn is her security detail from her dragon employer. I will say for someone so set on not being around supernatural jobs/people/etc, Owl is fully immersed into that world and keeps taking more and more on. I'm hoping she'll fully accept it in the next book, she's slowly changing but I'm hoping to see more character growth in the next installment. All in all I really enjoyed Owl and the city of Angels, I'd recommend this series if you're looking for a supernatural rich story featuring a treasure hunter.
Owl finds out partway through the book that someone is impersonating her. They're doing reckless jobs that even she wouldn't sign up for. And in doing so, the IAA (International Archaeology Association), the vampires, and even her boss are on her case. In attempts to clear her name, she has to locate the artifacts, get them back, and find out who's behind it before they set something loose in the world that could threaten humankind. All in a normal days work for Owl.
Owl and the City of Angels is a fast paced adventure you won't be able to put down. While I don't see Owl guzzling energy drinks I feel that she has to in order to keep her head above water. I will admit, it leads to an interesting read that keeps you on your toes. Her friends from book one made appearances, her BFF Nadya is ever helpful when Owl gets in a tight jam. Owl's boyfriend Rynn is her security detail from her dragon employer. I will say for someone so set on not being around supernatural jobs/people/etc, Owl is fully immersed into that world and keeps taking more and more on. I'm hoping she'll fully accept it in the next book, she's slowly changing but I'm hoping to see more character growth in the next installment. All in all I really enjoyed Owl and the city of Angels, I'd recommend this series if you're looking for a supernatural rich story featuring a treasure hunter.