Probably it's the first time I'll try to write a "serious" review without my usual images and smiles (just one, here -->
), because the fantastic quality and the 3 stories of this anthology deserve my effort. I must write telling you everything that pass in my mind. So sorry, in advance, for all my grammar mistakes.All 3 stories background is the same. In a world where humans and demons try to live in harmony, a special human force, of powerful sorcerers and warlocks, is needed. They are called Hell Cops. Because even if this harmony exist, it's just apparent. Humans use demons (or their body parts) in their technological advances, so a sort of abuse could happen, and there must be a cop force to avoid it.
I would define this anthology as Cyberpunk, not fantasy or just sci-fi. So for this rare fact, right quality M/M and cyberpunk, I would already recommend this book (with only the warning about also the erotic content of all stories).
Each story is about one hell cop, and his case, so site down. Be comfy, and allow me to say few words about them.
First story: Next Of Kin, by Astrid Amara
I have no idea if it's fair to say which of the 3 stories is my favorite, but if I could pick the best one I would say it's this one.
Jay is a Hell Cop with a very powerful force. He can burn demons, with only a light touch... he is considered one of (if not the) best and stronger Hell Cop... but as you can imagine,m this deadly touch is not restrict to demons. Jay can't have any skin to skin contact, humans or demons, no one can touch or be near him.
Yes, it's the perfect tortured soul, because how can someone life with such burden?
In a horrible case of children murder, he must not only find who is the human invoking demons to do such horrendous crime, but also avoid at all cost a newbie of the city... the innocent Brian, a human that by a coincidence will be involved in Jay's case. You will see both POV, but certainly Jay's is in the spotlight.
Everything in this story (in my modest opinion) is perfect. The writing, the introduction of all the scientific innovations of this strange world, the characters, the suspense, the drama, the romance, I repeat everything is perfect.
Brutal honesty? I could give 5 stars to this review just for this story, because it's quality. It is superb, and certainly I would recommend it to all readers, not only sci-fi or fantasy readers.
Second story: Red Sands, by Nicole Kimberling
This sweet story is all written in just one POV, the University professor, and half demon, Michael.
After an trip for scientific reasons, Michal during a portal travel will be accused of murder. He can't hide his half demon origin, because his physical aspect is not completely human.
Racism can drive the hell cops, to accuse someone, just because of his origin? Maybe Michael would be the victim of hate, but one of the two Hell Cops involved is Detective Argent... and both men met before... I can tell more, or will spoil the mystery.
Again, it's a perfect story? Yes, it's a very good part of the anthology, but in my view there is this little (and the only) problem: the rushed end. I know it's a short story inside an anthology, and certainly the authors were obligated to follow a maximum of word count. Probably that's what made the suspense end with such abrupt conclusion.
But, it's not something that ruined this story. I just had this impression, of an anticlimactic resolution of the two mysteries (who is the killer and where is Michael father), but again, as the first, i would give 5 stars.
Third story: Touching Sparks, by Ginn Hale
This writer is the only one I already knew (Wicked Gentlemen) so I was very excited to read more of her work.
I wasn't disappointed... at all.
Moran, the tormented and lonely Hell Cop, using the "innocent" and young James as informant in a very dangerous case.... such great couple! I had some problems to deal with the (IMO) excessive dramatic POV of Moran, but well, he really had a very traumatic lost.
Both men POV gave me a very complete view of the case, and I really appreciate this story.
It's the best of the anthology? Hum.... brutal truth, I think the first story is the best, but this one was very close to be perfect.
Anyway, again it's a 5 stars...
so... my conclusion is:
Individually, or judging by the anthology whole, certainly it will get my 5 stars
I'm already starting the second part of this anthology. Always the same characters, but now with a possible different end... because in this anthology the HEA is foreseeable, while in the second no. Will the couples be still together, as a true Happily Ever After? It's a good question, and you must read both anthologies to know the answer.... so I'll certainly keep reading it.
