“WITHOUT A TRACE
Anya Kalinczyk is the rarest type of psychic medium, a Lantern, who holds down a day job as an arson investigator with the Detroit Fire Department—while working 24/7 to exterminate malicious spirits haunting a city plagued by unemployment and despair. Along with her inseparable salamander familiar, Sparky, Anya has seen, and even survived, all manner of fiery hell—but her newest case sparks suspicions of a bizarre phenomenon that no one but her eccentric team of ghost hunters might believe: spontaneous human combustion.
After fire consumes the home of elderly Jasper Bernard, Anya is stunned to discover his remains—or, more precisely, a lack of them; even the fiercest fires leave some trace of their victims—and she is sure this was no naturally occurring blaze. Soon she’s unearthed a connection to a celebrity psychic who preys on Detroit’s poor, promising miracles for money. But Hope Solomon wants more—she’s collecting spirits, and in a frantic race against time, Anya will face down an evil adversary who threatens her fragile relationship with her lover, her beloved Sparky’s freshly hatched newts, and the wandering souls of the entire city”
From Goodreads.
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Publisher: Pocket Books
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Release Date: August 31st, 2010
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My Copy: eARC given to me by the author.
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Pages: 352
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Series: Anya Kalinczyk
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Genre: Urban Fantasy
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Pre-Order This Book:
 | Sparks |
As much as I absolutely love Urban Fantasy, it is not often that a book or series brings something new to the table. When that happens, I can’t help but feel my love for the genre being reignited. I was pleasantly surprised by Embers a few months ago and was really excited about reading its sequel, Sparks. I have to say that Laura Bickle has done a superb job with this book and she has delivered an even better one than her debut.
Sparks starts off 3 months after the events in Embers and we find Anya trying to cope with the happenings of the previous book, while she also gives a shot at moving on and giving her DAGR colleague, Brian, a chance at her heart. I am really loving Anya as a character and I feel that in this book she has evolved a lot. She has to deal with so many trial and tribulations in Sparks and the stakes just keep getting higher and higher.
We get an awful Villain in Sparks and she is just vile! We also get to see Anya learn more about her powers, interact with spirits and even deal first hand with her tragic past, which she has been avoiding for a long time. She also learns the truth about her mom’s death and we get a new mystery in the form of “Who the hell is Anya’s father?”. All the great side characters from Embers are back in Sparks and we even get some new ones that I can’t wait to read more about.
I really enjoyed the plot of Sparks and the set up for future stories just make me want more and more. I’m really rooting for Anya' and Brian’s relationship, but I feel that there will be much trouble ahead and I can’t wait to read about it. I really want my girl Anya to be happy, now, is Brian is her HEA? Well, that is definitely up for debate.
Sparks is such a thrill ride that I did NOT want to get down from! I read the book in one sitting and the pace was perfect and full of non-stop action. I just know now that Laura Bickle is the kind of author that will only get better with each book and I really hope there will be more books in this series. This is an awesome new Urban Fantasy series that you just have to read. I absolutely recommend it!
Smut meter says:
Previously in The Anya Kalinczyk Series:
Check out My Review of “Embers” HERE!
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I have to admit, I read Embers, and I wasn't all that impressed, so even with your glowing review, I'm still feeling reluctant.
I'll add it to my wish list pile just in case.
Thanks for the review! I have added both the books to my wishlist
@Missie
I know what you mean hon, I wasn't blown away by bk1 either, but I did love this one =)
@misha
My pleasure =) hope you like them!
I have the first on my tbr. Sounds like I really need to get the second one too!
Thanks for the review!
@Melissa
My pleasure =)))
Hope you enjoy both of the books!