Review by Steve Caldwell
Author: James Jakins
Length: 326 Pages
Publisher: Robber’s Dog Pub
Release Date: April 21, 2019 (expected)
Genre: Urban Fantasy
I read the first book in this series, Jack Bloodfist: Fixer, last year. I found it to be a refreshing change of pace from the usual wizard PI and shape changer mechanic/bounty hunter tropes in urban fantasy. The story about a group of orcs, goblins and elves on the run from their own dimension settling in a small town the US is creative and fleshed out really well. This book takes off months after the climactic events of the first book.
After the events of the last book, Jack is now working for anyone who will write him a check. From guarding werewolves locked up for their monthly change to working with a corporation that fights supernatural menaces, Jack finally has the respect he has craved. Unfortunately, he also has more responsibility, as a case Jack is working on, a break in of a pawn shop, has consequences far greater than he could have imagined.
When a necromancer attacks Jack and his family at a gathering, Jack must fight with his friends to find out what her plans are. What he finds out has potential consequences for the entire world, since it goes far beyond just orcs and wizards, to some truly powerful divine beings with plans that don’t involve peace and love for everyone. Jack finds out the universe is a much bigger place than he expected, and their are beings he never would have expected pulling the strings behind reality. Jack has a role he could have never imagined in the scheme of the world.
While the first book did a good job setting up the characters, This book really expands on them. We get little bits and pieces revealed throughout, really fleshing out the characters pasts and their motivations. The setting is expanded as well, and we get to see how the new arrivals to earth interact with the larger world. The new additions with the reveal of a larger universe work in the story, and some mystery is still left for later books to flesh out. All in all, it improves on an excellent series debut in just about every way.