Review + Giveaway: Grave Matters by Lauren M. Roy

Grave Matters
Author: Lauren M. Roy
Reviewer: Gikany & Una
Rating: A

What We’re Talking About:

As much as Gikany and Una enjoyed the debut novel, Night Owls, we weren’t sure what to expect in the next book in Night Owls series, Grave Matters.  We are happy to report that we loved it!  It was gripping and compelling and we couldn’t put it down.  We want more!

The novel opens with Elly doing a little ghost busting.  When other odd things start happening, our heroes realize something big is going on and they may be the only ones who can stop it.  But the question is will our heroes survive this in one piece? Or will it destroy them?

The previous novel, Night Owls, was focused primarily on Val and Elly. Grave Matters, however, is focused mainly on Elly and Cavale with a little of Chaz’s story thrown in.  One of the things we love about this series is that it is strongly character driven.  Ms. Roy’s down-to-earth characters ground the novel, giving it a firm foundation.  We found ourselves completely engrossed in the novel as we watched Elly and Cavale struggle not only to figure out who is controlling the dead but also to better understand themselves.

There are several character development plots that are going on. Cavale is concerned that Elly will bolt since she is unused to being surrounded by others and having roots.  Cavale wants her to stay with him and wants her to be happy.  He wants a better life than they knew with Father Value.  Everyone wants her to stay, but they have no idea how to do it, which keeps them a little apart, trying not to spook her.  Elly does want to stay and be a part of the group, but she is frustrated that they are tiptoeing around her.  Chaz is trying to be more what he appears.  Chaz is a bit geeky in appearance, no one would mistake him for being something other than a bookstore guru, but with the attacks and the potential threats, he wants to be able to defend himself, and protect Val. Val is adamant that he risk nothing for her.  Sunny and Lia, it turns out, are hiding from a powerful demon and will do anything to stay hidden.  Justin is still coming to grips with his new circumstances.

All of these different character plot lines are woven expertly within the framework of dealing with the necromancer and the turf war between Elly’s employer, Ivanof-head of the Boston Vampire coven, and the Oisin-a rival coven looking to take territory from Ivanof.  It does seem like there are a lot of plot lines going on, but they work together, keeping the story flowing towards the conclusion.  Although not all of the plot lines are resolved, there is progress made by the end.

Upon the completion of Grave Matters, we were left pondering some interesting questions.  Without giving anything away (because it is that good) we are curious as to what Val’s declaration will mean in the next novel.  We also wonder about Katya, and if her circumstances will change.  We hope to see more of Justin, Elly, Sunny, Lia, Cavale, Val and Chaz – and what this novel’s impact will be on them.  But, most of all, we look forward to revisiting this fascinating and rich world again and seeing what trouble our crew lands in next.

If you haven’t picked up the Night Owls series, you really should.  It is truly well done urban fantasy.  It has a good foundation of character-driven plot lines within the fantastical mythology of this world.  The pace of the novel builds and it is difficult to put down.  Make sure to start with the first novel in this series since each story builds upon the last.  We hoped you enjoy it as much as we did!

Our Rating:  A, Loved It

About the Book:

Elly grew up training to kill things that go bump in the night, so she’s still getting used to working alongside them. While she’s learned to trust the eclectic group of vampires, Renfields, and succubi at Night Owls bookstore, her new job guarding Boston’s most powerful vampire has her on edge—especially when she realizes something strange is going on with her employer, something even deadlier than usual…

Cavale isn’t thrilled that his sister works for vampires, but he’s determined to repair their relationship, and that means trusting her choices—until Elly’s job lands all of the Night Owls in deep trouble with a vengeful necromancer. And even their collective paranormal skills might not be enough to keep them from becoming part of the necromancer’s undead army…

Release Date: February 24, 2015
Publisher: Ace
Series: Night Owls #2
ISBN: #978-0425272497
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Paperback (304 pages), e-book
Book Source: Publisher/NetGalley

Purchase Info:
Grave Matters (Night Owls #2)

Reviews in the Series:
Night Owls by Lauren M. Roy (Night Owls #1)

About the Author:

Lauren M. Roy has flexed her literary fantasy muscles over the past several years contributing to various role playing games, including Green Ronin’s Dragon Age Set 3 sourcebook, Pelgrane Press’ Mythos Expeditions anthology (part of the Trail of Cthulhu line), and Green Ronin’s Song of Ice and Fire. Visit her online at http://www.falconesse.com/.

Giveaway:

ACE is generously donating one copy of the Grave Matters to give away to one (1) lucky commenter. To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter form AND leave a comment at the end of this post telling us what the best book you’ve read so far in 2015. The giveaway is open during the time specified on the Rafflecopter form. Winner(s) chosen at random from all eligible entries. This contest is open to U.S. mailing addresses only and where not prohibited by law. Open to participants, 18 years or older, who are legally allowed to participate in such a contest as allowed by their local laws. All federal, state, local, and municipal laws and regulations apply. Void where prohibited. No purchase necessary. By participating in the contest, participants agree to be bound by the decisions of the contest sponsor. Prize will be delivered by the author. This blog, its reviewers, and the owner are not responsible for items lost in the mail. By entering this giveaway, participants agree to abide by these terms.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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