She can glimpse visions of the past, present, and future but she doesn’t know when, how, or why. She only knows the outcome, and it doesn’t look good…
Being human is hard enough. Being human with psychic abilities is worse. It was for Terra Vane anyway, until she immigrated to Portiside. There she feels at home in the thriving city of the Fey, Shifters, Vampires, and other gifted humans.
Where there are many factions of creatures, however, crime and skirmishes are to be expected. With a stubbornness born out of years of being deemed a “freak,” Terra’s determination and unique ability serve her well as an Enforcer Field Agent for the Portiside City Agency.
Alongside her annoying wolf-shifting partner, Kaleb, there is no case that is too strange to solve. No case too dangerous—until there is, and the trail of bloodlust leads them to unravel a mystery that threatens Portiside as they know it.
How in the world have I not read something by Katie Epstein before?
Death Be Blue was my introduction to her writing. I picked it because, let's be honest ya'll, that's a great cover.
The blurb reminded me a lot of one of my favorite series, The Bloodhound Files by D.D. Barant. The main character is an FBI profiler that has been taken from her world into an alternate reality where only 1% percent of the population is human and the rest is vampires, werewolves, and golems. Oh my. After reading the blurb, I was all in. And I'm so glad I did!
The similarity to The Bloodhound Files is superficial. Death Be Blue is it's own creature. I read this in about two days and would have finished a lot sooner if not for having to work (ugh) those two days. This book is so much fun!
In Terra Vane's world of Portiside, she works as an Enforcer Field Agent, bringing wrong-doers to justice with her shifter partner, Kaleb. Think of them as detectives on the police force, if the detectives all had magical or supernatural abilities and the criminals grow fur and teeth at will.
Terra is a complex character. She has a heart-breaking backstory that she struggles to leave behind. Betrayed by those in her past, she's determined to forge a new life for herself in Portiside. She's tough, but vulnerable, and not just because she's a sheep amongst the wolves. (pun intended) Being human is a world where everyone around you sprouts claws and fangs, surely would weigh on anyone. She is determined to make those around her see her as more than just the breakable human though. It's rare that we see such a kick-ass character made imperfect and relatable without being annoying. She's flawed but she knows it, so she shakes herself off and moves on.
The supporting characters are well thought out and charismatic. I loved Kaleb. He made me smile more than once. He's kinda like the best friend that is trying to figure his way out of the friend zone. His relationship with Terra is well grounded but yet, tumultuous because of that. Cole is the strong, silent type, if the silent type also is your boss that always seems to be pissed at you. There's a bit of a love triangle here for Terra. I can't say that I wouldn't be happy with either of her choices. I loved the development of the romance in this book. I absolutely hate when characters immediately fall in love, or in bed, or when the story line comes second to the relationships. This had just the right amount of build up and slow burn. That scene at the end...woof! (pun not intended, ha!)
The world building, in a genre, where it's "all been done before", is surprisingly unique. The story is fast paced and exciting. The writing style is down to earth and easy to read. The dialogue is witty and flows well.
If you haven't picked up Death Be Blue and you love urban fantasy, go now and get it. This will definitely not be my last by Katie Epstein.
I *may* have already downloaded the second in the series, "Death Be Charmed" to devour next.
Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for the opportunity to review Death Be Blue!
Katie Epstein is an author of paranormal romance, fantasy and urban fantasy novels. She is known for the Prophecy Child series and the Terra Vane series.
Living in the UK, with a husband, two children and a wild imagination, Katie now dedicates her time to churning out stories in genres where the artistic licence is limitless.