The Silver Bullets of Annie Oakley
It’s a slight plot, but Mackey infuses it with entertaining historical details and delightful descriptions of Annie’s trick shots. Annie’s spunk in the face of mythical monsters makes this a charmer.
Ramses the Damned: The Reign of Osiris
Though the Rices endow their characters with outsize superhero powers, they also give them an appealing introspective side that humanizes them throughout their challenging adventures. The authors have found a winning formula that ensures more entertaining installments to come.
An intimate personal portrait with a broader message on the mistreatment of migrants.
The Librarian Always Rings Twice
A slow-moving plot, far-fetched scenarios, an unfamiliarity with the workings of special collections, and an unqualified and inept protagonist add up to an unsatisfactory experience for readers. One hopes Hayley’s next outing will be more successful.
Balám’s art trends junior, with characters drawn a little too cute and rosy-cheeked, the gore and violence splattered on after. Schwab’s dedicated fan base will still pick it up, but are likely to grumble.
With mature emotional stakes, rousing combat, and wry humor, this is urban fantasy done right. New readers should start at the beginning and savor each installment.
"When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.
