Summary
Alexa is juggling her life in the city, her unusual housing situation, her toddler daughter, her daughter's guardian, and all the "usual" paranormal business in her life. Then she is summoned by a vampire queen to Egypt where mysteries abound. Final book in the Alexia Tarabotti series.
Review
I was sad to read this would be the last book in the series, but I have found out that the author is working on two new series related to this world that will come out in 2013. I love the dynamics in this book that are brought about by Alexa's daughter, Prudence. I think she really brings a freshness to the series. The rest of the regulars are present and continue to be fun to spend a few hours with. You can read about the rest of the books in the series here. I have really enjoyed this take on the paranormal fervor that has taken over much of the publisher world in the last few years. The steampunk elements make for another fun and unusual twist compared to most of the books I read.
4 out of 5 stars
Recommended for: sci-fi/fantasy/steampunk fans, fans of the previous books in the series, romance fans who want paranormal elements in their stories.
Cautions: romantic relationships and alternate lifestyles
Summary
Alexia is very pregnant and very tired of being targeted for murder because of her child. A plan to end the assassination attempts seems to be working when Alexia hears from a discombobulated ghost that the queen is in danger. Alexia decides she must put her personal drama aside and stop the plot against the queen - if only she can figure the plot out in time.
Review
If you are new to Alexia's story, you should know she lives in a world where vampires and werewolves roam free, and Alexia, who is the only person who can return a supernatural person to their human form just by a touch, works closely with the queen and the leadership of the two supernatural groups to keep everyone in line. But Alexia's "gift" makes some of the supernaturals very nervous - not to mention their fears about any child she might have. In this particular part of the story, Alexia is as spunky as ever. She is a great character - she tries to follow the rules for someone in her station, but reality and practicality often push her to take things into her own hands.
4 out of 5 stars
Recommended for: fans of supernatural fiction or "steampunk." The series is often shelved in the science fiction/fantasy section of bookstores, so if you like that sort of story with a strong female protagonist, give Alexia a try. The first book in the series was Soulless. You can read about the series here.
Cautions: Romantic relationships described in some detail as well as references to alternate lifestyles.
