Tears of the Furies

The premise of this series is very cool. It’s like a new twist on the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (or even the Justice League), but with more unique, and urban fantasy-type characters. I mean, Eve. THE EVE – as a vampire?! So, despite the fact that the first book never really sucked me in, I went on to Furies because the potential was so high.

I have read many books over the years written by two (or more) authors. Most of the time, I don’t notice. Regrettably, it is very noticeable with this series. At the beginning, the team splits: three go to Greece to investigate mysterious murders and four go (eventually) to the Underworld. I can’t help but think the two writers each handled one segment – and it was like reading two show more different books. This issue was exacerbated when it came to character development – they are all one dimensional because there is no connection between them, or the two lines of the plot. The hobgoblin, Squire, can travel through shadows. I know because EVERY SINGLE TIME the story switched back to him readers were again told that he travels through shadows (this after being told every time in book one). It's like the author has to remind you after you come back from reading that other book! But, that’s all the info we really get about him. Eve, the ultimate sinner, is a vampire with a refined taste in fashion. But, how did she come to be with the Menagerie and why? With such an unusual and eccentric bunch of characters, that it is implied have been together for a long time, I expected more camaraderie – or at least familial nitpicking – and some sharp, funny, emotional dialog. That is completely lacking. They are like strangers to one another.

I did like that these novels incorporate so much historical into the fantastical, and that the various mythologies and religions all exist and have unforeseen repercussions. The overarching plot with the DemoGorgon and Sweetblood is tantalizing while still allowing each book to have closure. In short, all the ingredients are here for the perfect recipe of urban fantasy. But, in this case, too many cooks are spoiling the pot. show less