Unholy Ghosts (Downside Ghosts, Book 1)
by Stacia Kane
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Del Rey
Available: May 25, 2010
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Book received from: Random House
THE DEPARTED HAVE ARRIVED.
The world is not the way it was. The dead have risen, and the living are under attack. The powerful Church of Real Truth, in charge since the government fell, has sworn to reimburse citizens being harassed by the deceased.
Consequently, there are many false claims of hauntings from those hoping to profit. Enter Chess Putnam, a fully-tattooed witch, freewheeling Debunker, and ghost hunter. She’s got a real talent for nailing human liars and banishing the wicked dead. But she’s keeping a dark secret from the Church: a little drug problem that’s landed her in hot and dangerous water.
Chess owes a lot of money to a murderous drug lord named Bump. And Bump wants immediate payback. All Chess has to do is dispatch a very nasty species of undead from an old airport. But the job involves black magic, human sacrifice, a nefarious demonic creature, and crossing swords with enough wicked energy to wipe out a city of souls. Toss in lust for a rival gang leader and a dangerous attraction to Bump’s ruthless enforcer, and Chess begins to wonder if the rush is really worth it. Hell, yeah.
Reviewer: Fiction Vixen
I think most people will say they like it when an author takes risks, goes for something different and writes outside the box. After reading Unholy Ghosts, I have to wonder if Stacia Kane is aware there is a box. Really, Unholy Ghosts pushes the limits in what we’re seeing in Urban Fantasy today. If you’re looking for a typical gorgeous, kick ass urban fantasy heroine who competently slays the bad guys and makes sweet hot monkey love to a sexy supernatural god-like hero then move along folks, there’s nothing to see here. This is a dark, gritty, urban fantasy set in a post apocalyptic ghetto-like world drenched in violence and drug use. It’s not pretty or shiny in anyway.
Chess Putnam is a witch working for the Church of Real Truth as a Debunker. When the Ghosts rose and wiped out a huge portion of the population, it was the Church and it’s magic that harnessed them and saved the world. Now the Church is government and it has sworn to protect the citizens of the world from the spirits that wish to do them harm. If Chess investigates a ghost report and determines it’s a hoax, she gets a nice hefty bonus. Unfortunately, she spends the majority of her income on her drug habit.
Now, I am not usually one to get behind a drug addicted heroine. Just thinking about drug use and the yuck that comes with it turns me off. And, I’m not going to lie, I had some serious trouble engaging with Chess in the beginning. Well, as long as I’m being honest, I cringed and winced my way through this book every time Chess popped a pill or snorted a line. I can’t help it, the Just Say No campaign of the 80’s and 90’s made an impression on me. However, I think the drug use was appropriate (can illicit drug use be appropriate?) in the story and it really would have lost some of it’s edge without it. I waited for the miraculous healing rehab magic but it never came. Chess is just as addicted at the end of the story as she is in the beginning with even more access to her drug of choice than ever thanks to a sort of double crossing she did. I’ll still hold out hope she’ll work through her addiction throughout the series, even if I have to call A&E and schedule and intervention. I do have to thank the author for sticking to her guns in keeping her heroine true. High five Stacia Kane.
Chess owes a huge debt to her drug dealer Bump and he offers her a way to work off what she owes. He wants to re-open an small abandoned airport for the purpose of flying in drugs but it seems some paranormal activity is causing him some problems. He can’t exactly call in the Church to check it out so he strong arms Chess into solving his ghost problem. Chess soon comes to realize that the ghost problem is worse than she thought when she discovers evidence of black magic on the scene, something that is forbidden by the Church. To make her problems even worse, a rival gang wants stop Bump from using the airport and they are willing to cut Chess a deal she might not be able to refuse to get her to flip sides. Chess is a resourceful girl and has had more than her fair share of hard knocks. She’ll have to figure a way to play both sides and stay alive.
If you need a little romance with your urban fantasy, then don’t worry, Unholy Ghosts has got that too. There is a touch of romance although it’s not all that romantic in the usual sense. Chess finds herself attracted to Terrible, her drug dealer’s main muscle. He’s feeling her too but after a drug hazed encounter, their relationship has become awkward. Terrible, every bit as tough and terrible as his name implies also has a bit of a soft vulnerable side when it comes to Chess and after their encounter, Chess has to tread lightly since involvement with him would be nothing but trouble. Lex, the rival gang leader who is causing Chess all sorts of stress has romantic intentions toward her as well. Between you and me, I’m on Team Terrible.
Unholy Ghosts is one of the best Urban Fantasy stories I’ve read this year. It’s rich with details, the suspense is heart stopping at times, and the world building is fabulously unique. Don’t let my rant about the drug use deter you from reading this book, you would be missing out if you did. While I don’t necessarily adore the heroine, I don’t have to approve of every action or behavior in a novel to love a book and I’m a big girl, if I choose to, I’ll get over it. Stacia Kane has taken some risks with smashing results. Luckily, I don’t have to wait too long for more from The Downside series, books 2 and 3 will be both be released in July, 2010.
Favorite quote:
“And you look like Elvis vomited you up,” she managed. “So?”
Purchase a copy of Unholy Ghosts
Other books in the series:
- Unholy Magic book 2 – July 6, 2010
- City of Ghosts book 3 – July 27, 2010
Unholy Ghosts on GoodReads
Visit Stacia Kane at:
Website | Blog |Twitter | Facebook | GoodReads
****GIVEAWAY****
I have one extra copy of Unholy Ghosts to giveaway. Your comment about this book or the review is your entry.
Giveaway is open until June 18, winner announced the following day. Open to all, good luck!
I have this book on the TBR shelf, and now it will be moved to must read shelf.
Thanks for the excellent review!
I am soooo very interested in the rich, dark, gritty UF that you're describing. It sounds like a great series and has been added to my TBR list!
I´ve been thinking about buying this book for quite a while not, you awesome review has convinced me now to finally get it! I´ve been prefering the Darker Urban Fantasy lately and this book seems to fit just perfectly.
Thanks for the contest!
Patricia–Yes, this is a must read!
Smash Attack–A very different UF, very gritty. Pushed my limits a bit.
Tine–This one fits the bill for darker.
This is the first time I read about Unholy Ghosts, I don't knew. I realy like your review!! Thanks for the contest!
Never heard of this books before! But if Charlaine Harris says something about it, I´ll give it a try!
kynhaa–really worth checking out!
Carol–Karen Marie Moning gave her stamp of approval as well I believe.
I've been hearing alot about this one, sounds good! tWarner419@aol.com
Nice review FV. I've heard many good things about this book. I have this sitting on my nightstand ready to read. I need to get crackin' on it.
tetewa–yes, this one is certainly buzz worthy.
Tori–Yes, get crackin' girl. Be warned though, could make you all squirmy. Not your momma's UF. hehe
Interesting. Dark and gritty sounds appealing right now. I will have to add this one to the TBR list.
Oh this sounds GOOOOD! =) Its going in my TBR pile!!! Thanks girl! And that quote is a hoot! lol
This sounds like a good read. The title is going onto my TBR list, because seriously I'm getting tired of the same ol' same ol' in urban fantasy.
Your review really makes me want to read this!
Lisa.2713 at gmail dot com
Your review was really good, it made me want to read it.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
No need to enter me hon, just wanted to pop in to say you did a great review!!!!
And I wanted to see how things were going! Hope all is well in Vixen haven! Have a great day hon!
This one really sounds interesting. I've heard such good things about this book and love your review!
I'm with you FV *puffs chest out with her D.A.R.E. shirt* a drug addicted heroine doesn't seem like my cup of tea but from your review seems like the author portrayed the character well. I like when author's push my reading buttons.
KC–*digs out my DARE t-shirt* My buttons certainly got pushed with this book. I'm excited for Unholy Magic. Curious to see if the author keeps up the momentum. *crosses fingers*
Well good 'ol Sherlock Holmes was (is?) a heroine addict, and I was quite enamored of him. Never used drugs (of any kind aside from legal) myself, but doesn't bother me in books if it fits as well as you say this does.
Another book for my TBR pile – thanks for the excellent and straightforward review.
Jamie–I think what I both liked and hated was that there was no miraculous redemption for the addict. I kept waiting.
The more I hear about Unholy Ghosts, the more interested I am to read it. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
Awesome. I love the sound of this book..and the pushing boundaries…yes please.
Loved your review and have heard so much about this book! Usually not an avid UF reader but this one has me intrigued! Please enter me!
Amy
tnsongbird865@aol.com
Love your review and the mention of sweet monkey love
. I want to try out this book – it's sounds interesting and different from the kick ass heroines I'm use too..
Great review. I cant wait to get my hands on a copy and read it for myself.
Thanks for sharing!!
bacchus76 at myself dot com
I am really curious about this book and really want to read it! It's always fun to read something different. and geez I LOVE the quote you choose!
PLease count me in for the giveaway =) It would be an awesome Bday present hahaha
TyngaUF(a)gmail.com
i've read personal demons and i loved it, currently reading demon inside and i'm loving that too please pick me
You know, I wasn't planning on reading this one, but I came across your review, and now I'm intrigued. I like that the author pretty much destroyed the "box." I always like to read something that was completely different from what I expected.
Thanks for the giveaway!
~Natalie
n_monzyk_27(at)yahoo(dot)com
wow this book sounds fasinating and thats just from the back of the book. I'd love to read this book!
chirth7@yahoo.com
My daughter would love this book. I'm entering for her. Thanks for the giveaway!
shundelt@yahoo.com
This book sounds fantastic! I don't think I've read one like it before. I love that! thanks for the awesome giveaway!
christina101092@yahoo.com
Thank you for your review and for making this awesome giveaway international!:) This book sounds amazing!
Giada M.
fabgiada @ gmail.com
It’s rich with details, the suspense is heart stopping at times, and the world building is fabulously unique.
I am sold – thanks for the review – I am not a Zombie fan, but this plot looks to be different…
Enter me please..
E.H>
The heroine sounds awesome. Great review. One of the best you have read, huh. Now I am really intrigued.
robin [at] intensewhisper [dot] com
The more I read about this book, the more I want it! It's gone from a "maybe I'll get it from the library sometime" to "MUST HAVE"!
Looking forward to it!
eeeschen (at) gmail (dot) com
I'm very glad you liked it, as I already have a copy of the bloody thing. I had been slightly nervous about the drug thing, and curious about any romantic leads – glad Kane knows what she is going with both!
Great review!
Have wanted to read this for a while. It sounds so different!
Jess Tudor
Alright. For sure I'm keeping this on my to-read shelf. Great review!
I am currently reading Personal Demons, on page 70. This book sounds like another I want to get my hands on.
This has been at the top of my wishlist ever since I read a synopsis. I love books with damaged lead characters so I have absolutely no problem with a drug addicted heroine. The fact that she doesn't "miraculously" get clean just makes me want to read it even more.
I haven't ever read anything buy this author and this book is different from what I usually read but it sounds very interesting and I would love to read it.
sstrode@scrtc.com
look like a good book i love a gritty get down paranormal book.
I follow this blog
sasluvbooks(at)yahoo.com
Another new to me author! I just discovering them. The book looks awesome. I'd love to be entered to win it.
I follow on gfc
mlawson17 at hotmail dot com
I've read some nice reviews on this book. I'd love to win it. Thanks
forwhlz at gmail dot com
I have this book on my TBR list. I'd love to win it.
sgiden AT verizon.net
i love that gritty darker urban fantasy, this sounds right up my alley!
k_sunshine1977 at yahoo dot com
This book sounds so good–definitely on my TBR list. Thanks for a good review.
I haven't heard much about this book (perhaps I've been under a rock?). A drug-addicted heroine actually sounds like a good story; something I'd like to sink my teeth into.
pspinney at cox dot net
I enjoy reading less than perfect characters. The heroine here sounds so scarred and I'd find her intriguing to read about.
joderjo402 AT gmail DOT com
I am really tempted to buy this (if I don't win) because it sounds so good. I love me a gritty UF read!
patronus89013 at yahoo dot com
This book is on my '@ Buy" list … sounds great!
dennypsp@hotmail.com
I just love te idea of being able to sue for being harrassed by the deceased!
This is one for the TBR list.
eva.s.black[@]gmail[.]com
I am an urban fantasy fan and I like stories which pushes the boundaries of urban fantasy, however don't really read those, because in my experience these books are usually not "good reads". But this books looks like I so need to have a closer look…
Re-posted your contest at: http://contests-freebies.blogspot.com/2010/06/win-unholy-ghosts-at-fiction-vixen-book.html
Twitted: http://twitter.com/cherrymischivus/status/15852239268
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Cherry Mischievous
mischivus101-warrior [at] yahoo [dot] com
Oooh interesting! Hadn't heard of this series but it sounds just like my kind of read
Great review. Sounds good.
Crystal816[at}hotmail[dot}com
I've always been a fan of the dark urban fantasy books, but this book is being moved to the top of my TBR list! Your awesome revied has made me want to see exactly why this book is getting such great reviews!
To quote from this great review "After reading Unholy Ghosts, I have to wonder if Stacia Kane is aware there is a box."….. That's it! That is the line that explains why I am so drawn to this story/series! I've been looking for something a little different and this series is it!
Have a great day every one!
Kate (aka YzhaBella's BookShelf)
mleger0546(@)rogers(.)com
Your review managed to capture the very essence of the story, making me want to find out more about it. Thankfully, you've assured me that the drug parts are just part of the many threads that make up this tale.
Thank you!
ilovearevolution (at) live (dot) com
I just finished this book-and wow, just wow. I think you are right about the drug addiction part-the book wouldn't have been the same without it, and I'm actually glad there wasn't a magic cure to the problems-it just made the book that more real.
This book sounds really interesting. Count me in the giveaway. juliecookies(at)gmail.com
Wow! from your review and the comments, count me in! Thanks for the giveaway.
gcpeach17 at aol dot com
I have been wanting to read the book for quite a while now. Please enter me! Thanks
mishamary@gmail.com
I have been wanting to read the book for quite a while now. Please enter me! Thanks
mishamary@gmail.com
This looks great. Please enter me!
lovemybabysquid at yahoo dot com
I love the interesting twist of the main character/herione being a drug addict. I'd love to read this.
Thanks!!!
heatwave96(at)hotmail.com
I love the interesting twist of the main character/herione being a drug addict. I'd love to read this.
Thanks!!!
heatwave96(at)hotmail.com
Oh, please enter me, too!
svs26@sbcglobal.net
This certainly sounds unique. I can't think of another story I have read with a protagonist presently addicted to drugs.
catherine.n.morgan @ gmail . com
Awesome, count me in!!!
If this isn't open for Canada, just disregard my entry!
natashajennex(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks for the great review! I've been intrigued by this book, besides the plot I find it interesting that Stacia Kane chose an addic heroine, and I can't wait to see for myself Chess (oh I also love the unique original names of the characters)!
Please enter me if it's international, thank you!
stella.exlibris (at) gmail (dot) com
This book sounds great–I'm glad you enjoyed it. I don't think I've read anything by Stacia Kane yet.
meredithfl(at)gmail(dot)com
Your review was really good, it made me want to read this book…
Thank you for the chance to win a copy
acouponaddict@charter.net
I don't read all that many books with ghosts in them anymore since vamps are really more my speed these days but I always love to read a good story!
Ladytink_534(at)yahoo(dot)com
Added to the TBR, anything described as 'gritty' pretty much means I'll read it. I'm such a sucker sometimes. Especially when 'gritty' only means the author uses one swearword.
hawkeyegirl at gmail dot com
Sounds really exciting, just hope it's true that there won't be too long a wait for the next books in the series as it looks like it'll be a really addicting read! (lol)
Unholy ghosts sounds interesting. I haven't heard of it before new. Definitely gonna have to check it out.
sandyg0261@yahoo.com
Oh I've heard such great things about this book. I can't wait to read!!
I want to read this book so badly! Please enter me.
bellie7@msn.com
I'm usually not a fan of ghost related things… to be honest, they creep me out (i'm fine with vamps and werewolves, but ghosts and zombies give me the heebie jeebies, lol). HOWEVER… I keep hearing AMAZING things about this book. I'm thinking I may have to break my "no ghosts" rule
*crosses fingers* enter me please
thanks
HappyTwilighter(at)aol(dot)com
I've seen lots of comments & review links with high praise for Unholy Ghosts. I'd love a chance to read it. Thank you for giving everyone a chance at winning a copy, and thanks Stacia for RT the link to here.
Good luck everyone.