Dog Days

Mason is one of the “talented,” part of the hidden world of the practice of real magic, those who take the energy of the living world and transform it to their desires. He was once an enforcer, but now he prefers to live more simply as a jazz musician working around town. It suits him. But when a new threat appears on the scene, targeting him specifically, Mason is drawn back into the world he’d tried to escape—back into the world of dark magic and unspoken rules with which he never quite came to terms. But Mason isn’t alone. He can call upon not only the resources of his former enforcer friends, but he can also call upon his ifrit Louis, a magical creature that takes the form of a miniature pinscher, though he is far more than a dog.

This is a entertaining new addition into the myriad of urban fantasy worlds out there. Mason is a great character, one who speaks to the part of the reader that might have extraordinary gifts, but doesn’t necessarily believe that one must dedicate their lives to them. He wants to be a musician, and would like very much to have his life revolve around that instead of magic. But it seems the fates have a different plan in store for him and, like any reluctant hero, he strides boldly, if not necessarily enthusiastically, into his future.

This reviewer strongly recommends this book to anyone who likes urban fantasy and/or min pins. Being one who enjoys both, he found the novel both entertaining and intriguing.

November 2007