Friday, February 20, 2015

Review: Grave Matters by Lauren M. Roy


Grave Matters
Author:  Lauren M. Roy
Series:  Night Owls 2
Publisher:  Ace, February 24, 2015
Format:  Mass Market Paperback and eBook, 304 pages
List Price:  $7.99 (print)
ISBN:  9780425272497 (print)
Review Copy:  Provided by the Publisher

Night Owls bookstore always keeps a light on and evil creatures out. But, as Lauren M. Roy’s thrilling sequel continues, even its supernatural staff isn’t prepared for the dead to come back to life…

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…



Trinitytwo's Point of View

Grave Matters by Lauren M. Roy is the second in the Night Owl series which features a sensational array of supernatural characters. Book two picks up about a month after the events of its predecessor and although Roy fills in all the blanks to allow this installment to stand alone, I think the reader would get a much better flavor for the world of Night Owls if they start with book one, Night Owls. (Click here for review.)

Vampire Valerie McTeague owns Night Owls, a bookstore that caters to the nocturnal crowd. Staffed by Chaz, Val’s Renfield, and Justin, a newly turned vampire, the bookstore and its surrounding area are a hub of paranormal activities. Val and her crew have joined forces with Elly and her brother Cavale, both former members of the mysterious Brotherhood. Elly and Cavale are well-versed in the all things mystical and especially the laying to rest of a variety of monsters, either by magical means or lethal force. In Grave Matters, a renegade necromancer is raising the dead and causing havoc within the circles of their small community. To further complicate matters, Elly’s new boss, the powerful leader of a nearby vampire coven, is keeping her busy dealing with a rival group of vamps who are trying to edge into his territory.

I like this series. It’s entertaining and dark at the same time. Roy does a great job of fleshing out her characters while dealing with the emotional complexities and conflicts that come with such a diverse group of supernaturals. Physically badass but emotionally vulnerable Elly continues to be my favorite character. Elly is now living with her brother Cavale, which alternates from being awkward to endearing. Elly is new to the concept of friendships and it’s interesting to see how she handles the relationships she is beginning to forge with the Night Owls crew. I find Cavale fascinating and liked discovering more about his talents and flaws. I really enjoy his interactions with his sister as well as his occult work at Hecate’s Cabinet as a Tarot reader. Chaz, realizing he is now physically the weakest link, begins self defense training with succubi Lia and Sunny. His attempts to keep up with the other members of the group are admirable; I respect his motives, but he somehow rubs me the wrong way and I’m not really sure why. Grave Matters is at its best for me when our heroes are kicking supernatural ass and taking names, but I’m also happy with the way they support one another in the face of the unspeakable and always have each other’s backs. Grave Matters is an enjoyable read and if the pace lags a tiny bit from time to time, the satisfying climax more than makes up for it. I would definitely recommend this book and the series to lovers of paranormal adventures.

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