Red Headed Stepchild (Book 1) has one of the THE funniest scenes I think I’ve ever read in urban fantasy (hint: It’s when Sabina learns she’s not “just” a vampire). When I picked up Green Eyed Demon, it was so enjoyable because I had almost forgotten how much I had enjoyed the first two. The mythology that Wells has provided is simply unheard of til now and truly awesome. There’s a good amount of classical/latin (Pythian Guard, Hekate Council) mixed in with biblical references. Her premise is that Lilith was the first vampire and that after “de-sanctifying” the Garden of Eden, anything apple is fatal to vampires. Therefore, it’s not just stakes, but applewood stakes. Sabina loads her gun with apple cider bullets. Also, all vampires are identified by their red hair: after Cain killed Able, he was punished by God and “marked” with red hair. Sabina, only half vampire, has black hair with streaks of red. It’s a very cool take on what I think is becoming a bit tired.

Here’s an excerpt from Ms. Well’s latest short story, Violet Tendencies:

Violet Tendencies

by Jaye Wells

All in all, excellent stuff. It’s a fun, fresh take on the usual Vampire mythos, so pick it up if you’re getting bored with all the other stuff out there! You can read the first chapter here, and be sure to follow Jaye and Giguhl on Twitter!

So, let’s skip to the fun part: Aftermath.

An apt title, Aftermath takes places just hours after the end of Changes. It is told from a wholly unexpected POV: Lt. Karrin Murphy. We haven’t heard from her in any of the other short stories, so it’s a refreshing change of pace from Harry’s dry humor. The story focuses quite a bit on characters we don’t hear much from, which is also a fun alternative. The interactions with Murphy, “Gentleman” John Marcone, Ms. Gard, and the local werewolves create an exciting read from a completely different angle in the Dresden Universe. Alas, it goes by too quickly.

“Restoration of Faith”
Takes place before Storm Front

“Vignette”
Takes place between Death Masks and Blood Rites

“Something Borrowed”
Takes place between Dead Beat and Proven Guilty.

“It’s My Birthday Too”
Takes place between White Night and Small Favor.

“Heorot”
Takes place between White Night and Small Favor

“Day Off”
Takes place between Small Favor and Turn Coat.

Backup
Takes place between Small Favor and Turn Coat

The Warrior
Takes place between Small Favor and Turn Coat

“Last Call”
Takes place between Small Favor and Turn Coat

“Love Hurts”
Takes place between Turn Coat and Changes.

“Aftermath“

Post-Changes novelette

As a quick recap from Tempest Rising, we know that Jane is half selkie–she can call on the power of water. Her new boyfriend, Ryu, is a vampire. This leads to a fun romance with lots of steamy scenes (Did I mention they have a lot of sex?). With Tracking the Tempest, Jane is still coming into her power. She is coached by Nell, a powerful gnome, and Trill, a kelpie. Along with this newfound power, she maintains a long distance relationship with her new beau, Ryu. Everything goes well until Ryu decides that she should visit him for Valentine’s Day. With that visit, Jane’s contentment goes Ka-BOOM!

Jane becomes embroiled in yet another investigation, this time a killing spree. All evidence hints that the murderer is a halfling–just like Jane. The action is fast paced and Ms. Peeler packs so much into this book that its size is deceiving.

Jane is again thrown into a supernatural world she is still new to. The characters really come together in Tracking the Tempest, from Ryu’s detective team to Jane’s coworkers at the bookstore, keeping the reader interested not only in our main characters, but the supporting cast as well. Nicole Jane is downright bawdy at times, leaving me laughing at almost every page (I got a lot of weird looks while reading this one). The range of supernatural (gnomes, kelpies, ifrits, and even brownies) is just as refreshing as when I read Tempest Rising.

There are eyebrow waggling moments, jealous boyfriends, and some seriously scary moments as well. All is woven together seamlessly, creating one fun read! I have really enjoyed seeing Jane come into her power–at first a very fragile character, she really begins to hold her own in this book. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Jane in Tempest’s Legacy!!