Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between by J.A. Saare
Paperback, 225 Pages
2011, Mundania Press
ISBN: 9781770650220
Series: Book 1 of Rhiannon's Law
Synopsis
No one knows better than Rhiannon Murphy that one bad corpse can ruin your whole day. She left behind the flash and sass of Miami for the no-nonsense groove of New York City, eager for a clean slate and a fresh start. A bartender by trade, a loud mouth by choice, and a necromancer by chance; she managed to keep her nifty talent hidden from those around her-until now. The deliciously good-looking vampire, Disco, knows her secret. When he strolls into her bar to solicit help investigating the mysterious disappearances of his kind from the city, Rhiannon discovers he's not the kind of person that appreciates the significance of the word no. But in a world where vampires peddle their blood as the latest and greatest drug of choice, it's only a matter of time before the next big thing hits the market. Someone or something is killing vampires to steal their hearts, and unlike Rhiannon, this isn't their first stroll around the undead block.
Review
I think I've found my new favorite urban fantasy leading lady. Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between's Rhiannon is tough, can hold her own with the boys, and says what's on her mind, even if it's grossly inappropriate. That's my kind of gal.
Rhiannon works as a bartender in a strip club and isn't squeamish about the dancers or the bar's clientele. She's delightfully comfortable in the sexualized surroundings, considering she's a virgin. I was a bit wary about her inexperience, but it's explained well once her hidden past is revealed. She's not a goody-goody, waiting for marriage, preachy about her choice type, which makes the virginity a non-issue anyway.
Disco, a vampire who asks Rhiannon for help in finding those who are killing his kind, has all the makings of an otherworldly heartthrob. He's take-charge without being overly aggressive and condescending. He leads without having to evoke fear in his followers. And he has emotions, something that many other male vampire leads seem to either be lacking or at least hide very well.
Disco needs Rhiannon because she's a necromancer. She can not only see and speak to ghosts, she can also communicate with the twice dead, meaning vampires that have died. Rhiannon has no training and really doesn't know much about her ability at all. Enter Goose: another necromancer in Disco's employ. He's the perfect mentor for Rhiannon, young enough to relate to her, yet experienced enough to guide her. The two play off each other well, which Goose's more straight-laced personality often loosening with Rhiannon's influence.
As Rhiannon aids Disco, they connect well. Their romance often has to take a backseat to the mystery, as it should. The balance between personal and professional blurs at times, but always for wonderful tension-filled encounters. The mystery in Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between is surprising, but the ending of the book itself takes us into blow-your-mind territory. You will not see this coming and it will make you tear your hair out waiting for the second Rhiannon's Law book.
Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between is one of the very best urban fantasy series starters I've read in recent memory. I've got a complete girl crush on Rhiannon and can not even begin to imagine how she's going to deal with twist ending that takes us into the next book. Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between is absolutely wonderful.
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