Adult Book Review: Owl and the Japanese Circus by Kristi Charish
Title: Owl and the Japanese Circus
Series: The Adventures of Owl #1
Author: Kristi Charish
Age Group: ADULT
Genre Type: Urban Fantasy
Publication Date: January 13th 2015
Source: Publisher
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
SUMMARY:
Ex-archaeology grad student turned international antiquities thief, Alix—better known now as Owl—has one rule. No supernatural jobs. Ever. Until she crosses paths with Mr. Kurosawa, a red dragon who owns and runs the Japanese Circus Casino in Las Vegas. He insists Owl retrieve an artifact stolen three thousand years ago, and makes her an offer she can’t refuse: he’ll get rid of a pack of vampires that want her dead. A dragon is about the only entity on the planet that can deliver on Owl’s vampire problem – and let’s face it, dragons are known to eat the odd thief.
Owl retraces the steps of Mr. Kurosawa’s ancient thief from Japan to Bali with the help of her best friend, Nadya, and an attractive mercenary. As it turns out though, finding the scroll is the least of her worries. When she figures out one of Mr. Kurosawa’s trusted advisors is orchestrating a plan to use a weapon powerful enough to wipe out a city, things go to hell in a hand basket fast…and Owl has to pick sides.
Owl and the Japanese Circus is the first in a exciting new series featuring the kick-ass new heroine Owl—a modern-day “Indiana Jane.”
Part rogue archaeologist (thief) and fantasy gamer, Owl carefully treads a path between the hidden supernatural world and the artifacts she hunts down that exist within them. When she makes the unfortunate mistake of bathing a vampire superior in full sunlight during an excavation, she garners some unsavory attention from the supernatural world and a gang of vampire enemies hot on her trail. Owl decides to throw caution to the wind and reluctantly accepts an offer to help a red dragon retrieve an ancient stolen artifact in exchange for Owl's vampire problem being taken care of. In a world where dragons collect artifacts and the supernatural have their own set of moral codes, our heroine Owl has just stepped into the midst of a power struggle as a key player and now must choose sides.
Reasons to read this fun, addicting new Urban Fantasy series
- Easily addicting, this brand new series combines the fun and adventure of a rogue archaeologist globe trotting for artifacts with the endless possibilities found in an Urban Fantasy where supernatural creatures abound. The book synopsis mentions dragons, vampires and nagas, but there's many more creature cameos to be found.
- Exotic locations, ancient tombs and cryptic runes! If you're a fan of anything remotely Indiana Jones and love the mix of puzzle solving, danger and great locales then you will most likely enjoy this new series. Owl not only needs to know how to solve dangerous riddles, carefully collect *steal* rare artifacts-she must also be able to efficiently take out the supernatural creatures that seem to populate the hidden world around her. From Las Vegas casinos and Tokyo to the Dragon Catacombs in Bali to the realm of Dead Orcs only found in World Quest fantasy gaming, there's no shortage of adventure.
- Owl is a great new heroine to love, one who is smart and kick-ass. She's a realistic combination of toughness and quirkiness, yet also vulnerable too. She has a few trust issues, and I laughed as well as easily sympathized with her as she tries to navigate the confusing world of relationships and romance. She's better at handling vampires, dragons, and deadly nagus and playing online World Quest than the possibility of a boyfriend. It was great fun watching Owl deal with both human emotions and some very interesting supernaturals ones as well.
- An adorable, if deadly sidekick named Captain who just happens to be an Egyptian Mau cat bred specifically to hunt vampires. Captain has some pretty cool abilities that help Owl battle even the most dangerous of vampires.
- Rynn is the romantic interest and in no way is he only good for kissing. This guy has the patience of a saint when it comes to dealing with Owl and her knack for finding trouble and her trust issues. He has some very interesting surprises that are revealed, and can kick some serious ass as well.
- Nadya is a great BFF that cares and plays an important part in this adventure. With her ability to crack codes and track down rare information, she's a great asset and Owl's only trusted friend.
Owl and the Japanese Circus is fun, fast-paced and a great start to a new series that's sure to be a hit with Urban Fantasy fans. I loved the Indiana Jones action and adventure mixed with all the great supernaturals, and the hint of romance. I can't wait to see where Owl's next adventure takes her!
My Rating: 4 Stars. I really liked it!
PLEASE NOTE: A copy of this book was provided by Simon & Schuster in exchange for my fair and honest review. Thank you Simon & Schuster for the review opportunity!
