Victor Catano

4.5

Book source ~ Review copy. My review is voluntary and honest.

Gabriel, Sheila, and wonder dog Orson are in Florida contemplating a nice stress-free vacation when Sheila suddenly gets an urgent call for help. And by call, I don’t mean by conventional means. Sheila is a witch and she hears the call in her head. So, they haul ass for Maine where danger awaits. And Sheila’s aunt. Who may or may not be dangerous.

Wait…has it really been nearly 4 years since I read book 1, Tail and Trouble?! Because it doesn’t feel like it. I opened this book up and dove right in, no refresher needed. Oh, how I love Gabriel, Sheila and Orson. Especially Orson. Who doesn’t love a smartass “talking” dog?! There’s two new characters added here, Sheila’s wacky aunt Mona and Mona’s old lover, Rett. I hope we see more of these two because I think they have more to share with us.

If you like great characters, humor, danger, magic, freaky villains, and a talking dog (I mentioned Orson, right?) then don’t hesitate to pick up this book. While you’re at it, you might want to snag book 1, too! It’s not needed to follow this tale, but why would you want to miss out on their 1st adventure? Again, talking dog. And magic. Go now!… (lisätietoja)

This is the second book in the series. I have not read the first book. It really is not necessary, but it would have helped me better understand and appreciate this one. This is a fantasy tale. Mona, Shelia’s aunt who first taught her magic, has called out to Shelia for help. So, Shelia, her boyfriend Gabe and dog/familiar Orson have left sunny, warm Florida for frozen, cold Maine, where her aunt Mona is fighting against a powerful force. Once there, Shelia and her companions find out that Mona is fighting a radical environmental group, totally ensconced in ancient magic, who are demanding Mona join and fight with their group. Shelia, Gabe and Orson begin to understand what Mona is facing, and it is not pretty. It will take all Shelia and her crew along with Mona have to overcome this evil force and make things right again.

This is a good fantasy for those who enjoy them. Not being a fantasy reader, I had some difficulty getting through this one, but I did manage to succeed. Some of it was fantasy beyond my liking or enjoyment, but a lot of it was well done and enjoyable (even the fantasy part). I enjoyed the characters. Gabe was solid and resolute, definitely the one for Shelia. Orson was a great familiar for Shelia, always ready to support and defend her. He also took to Gabe quite well and vice versa, which was good. There were parts of the story that struck me as beyond my comprehension (e.g. the monster they encounter, the epic battle, etc.), but these did not detract from my enjoyment as much as they might have. I have not read the first book in the series. While that is not necessary, as I said, it may have helped me better understand and appreciate the characters, their actions and how they figured in the plot. Still. This can be read as a stand-alone. This book will be a good choice for readers in the series and for those who are looking for something different. I received this from Library Thing to read and review.… (lisätietoja)

*Book source ~ A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Gabriel’s witchy girlfriend has disappeared so he and her familiar, a bulldog named Orson, head out to retrace her last steps. The coven is no help, but her friend Lisa drops clues whenever she can and not get caught by the coven’s lead bitch. I mean, witch. Her hints lead them to Florida and right into trouble. Not only are Gabriel and Orson still searching for Sheila, but now they have to dodge some weirdo named Yareth and his minions who are intent on dognapping Orson. What in the name of the Goddess is going on?! Whatever it is, Gabriel is fast losing patience and that’s never a good thing.

If you’re looking for a goofy and humorous paranormal tale with a snarky talking bulldog then this is the one for you. Ok, Orson only talks in Gabriel’s head (and Sheila’s as well as a select few others), but it’s still funny. It reminds me of that Supernatural episode where Dean drinks a potion and can hear animals. That was great! :D Anyway, the good guys are pretty cool, the bad guys are doofuses and the plot is shaky, but it all works out for an entertaining read. I’d be interested in reading more tales (tails?) of Sheila, Gabriel and Orson.… (lisätietoja)