For the first time in the series, Chess isn't working for the Church of Real Truth in solving or debunking ghost sightings. Instead, she is working for her dealer, Bump, when it appears the drug supply has been tainted with black magic and Bumps people are turning up dead.
Lex has taken over business from his father, and now he’s looking to expanding his business which includes making a major play against Bump. This includes using Chess and Terrible's relationship in order to lure Terrible to his side where he would be an unstoppable force throughout Downside. Lex knows that Terrible will stand in the way of any harm coming to Chess.
Chess finally opens up to Elder Griffin about what happened to Terrible and how she used magic to keep his soul from leaving his body. This revelation comes at a terrible price for Chess. Griffin has always been a supporter and believer in Chess's abilities. Now that the truth has come out, Chess's position as a debunker for the Church also comes up for question.
In my humbliest of opinions, this book was probably the best of the series. I loved the storyline, as well as the mystery and suspense in identifying the true bad guy. Unfortunately, I still have problems with Chess's idiocy when it comes to her drug usage and what happens over the course of this book. I mean, come on already! When will you finally listen to Terrible and stop hurting yourself and others around you? Did you not already break the heart of the person who most thinks you are a good person with your lies and deception? How did that turn out for you?
Terrible. Terrible. Terrible. Enough said. He is one of the best characters written today and I hope that doesn't change anytime soon. I also appreciated the fact that Kane gave us an insight into Terrible's relationship with Bump. Not just boss to worker in that regards is it? I loved when Terrible realizes that he is totally and madly in love with Chess and nothing is going to change that including asshat Lex's interference.
Lex, please go the freak away and stay away! You annoy the crap out of me, and even though you stood alongside Chess in her time of need, you still tried to damage Terrible and Chess's relationship by using sneaky tactics in order to lure Terrible to your side. I'm definitely not spoiling what happens between Lex and Terrible, but let's just say that Lex got a stinging endorsement that he doesn't rule the roost.
The Downside Ghost series has always been about the gritty determination of Chess to hide the truth from others about her addiction to Crepes and Speed, and what she did in order to save Terrible. When Kane uses Downside speak for her characters, she is luring the reader into the setting along with her. In Chasing Magic, we get a first hand look at the downtrodden and how they live their lives. We also get to see, finally, how much Terrible actually loves Chess and would do almost anything for her including dressing up like a monkey and showing up for a wedding ceremony.
I shall reiterate, Chasing Magic is by far the best novel of this series! I am absolutely looking forward to another book in this series and soon!
ARC recvd via Edelweiis on 04/16/2012. Thank you very much!
Author: Stacia Kane
Title: Chasing Magic
Publisher: Del Ray
Released: June 26, 2012
Chasing Magic is an intensely dramatic journey, that will have you biting your nails and gasping for breathe. It will make you feel uncomfortable at times, and make you sad, but will also make you super happy, too. Basically you will feel bipolar several times during the duration of this book, but it is such an awesome ride. Downside Ghosts continues to be one of the most unique Urban Fantasy series out there, in its rawness and grit, and seriously, I HAVE TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT every time, and this is no exception. I am chomping at the bit for the next book in the series.
ReplyDelete