Midnight Blue-Light Special (InCryptid Book 2)

Everything I've read by Seanan has been fantastic. She develops wonderful characters and her backdrops and situational descriptions truly come alive. I would, and have recomended this and her other books to anyone who will listen.

I like the characters in this series. All of them are extremely likable. Funny and quirky.
I guess my big let down in this book was the Purge. I was expecting a big war, with lots of fight scenes, with kick butt action. What I got was three covenant humans, in a city with large amounts of cryptids,all of whom could dispel of the Covenant themselves. If their would have been a battle scene between the cryptids and the covenant it could have been really good but their wasn't. I don't even know why Sarah went to all the trouble to get everybody's help if it wasn't going to be used. The very very ending was good with Verity and Domonique driving off into the sunset. The adventures could be endless with the to of them traveling, but her next two books in this series are going to be about her brother Alex.....ummm I guess we shall see.

Discount Armageddon was a fluffy adventure with interesting beasties, a promising start to a fun new series. With Midnight Blue-Light Special, however, Hugo winner and New York Times bestselling author Seanan McGuire proves that she means business: this is a more serious, meaty novel that indicates the series is not afraid to go to darker places.

It's been almost a year since the events of Discount Armageddon--and, fair warning, although it is not necessary to read the previous book to follow the events of this one, it will spoil you on some major plot twists in the first book--and Verity Price, ballroom dancer/cryptozoologist, and Dominic De Luca, Covenant operative/boyfriend (?) are still feeling things out. I must admit that I don't quite see what Verity sees in Dominic besides the fact that he's hot, but I don't look too hard at romance in fiction as long as both people like each other. And those slashes are what make this book very interesting, as both characters face internal conflicts and must make a fateful, irrevocable choice. Will Verity choose dancing or cryptozoology? Will Dominic choose the Covenant or cryptozoology? Even though the choice seemed fairly obvious, because I knew that the POV would be switching to Alex in the next book, I was not 100% sure of which way either character would go, and that was fun.

What I love about this book is that it doesn't waste any time: only a few pages in, Dominic informs Verity that the Covenant is coming to New York to check up on him and potentially begin a purge of all cryptids. There's no big mystery to solve here: basically everyone is screwed, and Verity needs to stop it. Somehow. Because evacuating all the cryptids in such a short time isn't really a conceivable option.

Whereas the first book spent a lot of time on introductory worldbuilding, this book can focus on the characters who have been established, and I felt much more invested in them, especially knowing that every single one of them was in mortal danger. The family aspect came out much more strongly in this book, as Verity has her own family but also, of course, her family of cryptid friends and coworkers, and they all really have to work together to oppose the Covenant. Especially her telepathic cuckoo cousin Sarah, who rightly snags a spot on the cover for her importance in this book.

Discount Armageddon/Midnight Blue-Light Special functions as a nice duology of the story of Verity Price. She has some truly badass moments in this book--which is saying something, given some of the amazing fight scenes in the first book--and she comes out knowing who she is and what she wants to do with her life. And there are still so many more members of the family to write about! I think Seanan has another hit series on her hands. HAIL THE PRIESTESS OF GIVE ME MORE INCRYPTID ALREADY!

Discount Armageddon was a fluffy adventure with interesting beasties, a promising start to a fun new series. With Midnight Blue-Light Special, however, Hugo winner and New York Times bestselling author Seanan McGuire proves that she means business: this is a more serious, meaty novel that indicates the series is not afraid to go to darker places.

It's been almost a year since the events of Discount Armageddon--and, fair warning, although it is not necessary to read the previous book to follow the events of this one, it will spoil you on some major plot twists in the first book--and Verity Price, ballroom dancer/cryptozoologist, and Dominic De Luca, Covenant operative/boyfriend (?) are still feeling things out. I must admit that I don't quite see what Verity sees in Dominic besides the fact that he's hot, but I don't look too hard at romance in fiction as long as both people like each other. And those slashes are what make this book very interesting, as both characters face internal conflicts and must make a fateful, irrevocable choice. Will Verity choose dancing or cryptozoology? Will Dominic choose the Covenant or cryptozoology? Even though the choice seemed fairly obvious, because I knew that the POV would be switching to Alex in the next book, I was not 100% sure of which way either character would go, and that was fun.

What I love about this book is that it doesn't waste any time: only a few pages in, Dominic informs Verity that the Covenant is coming to New York to check up on him and potentially begin a purge of all cryptids. There's no big mystery to solve here: basically everyone is screwed, and Verity needs to stop it. Somehow. Because evacuating all the cryptids in such a short time isn't really a conceivable option.

Whereas the first book spent a lot of time on introductory worldbuilding, this book can focus on the characters who have been established, and I felt much more invested in them, especially knowing that every single one of them was in mortal danger. The family aspect came out much more strongly in this book, as Verity has her own family but also, of course, her family of cryptid friends and coworkers, and they all really have to work together to oppose the Covenant. Especially her telepathic cuckoo cousin Sarah, who rightly snags a spot on the cover for her importance in this book.

Discount Armageddon/Midnight Blue-Light Special functions as a nice duology of the story of Verity Price. She has some truly badass moments in this book--which is saying something, given some of the amazing fight scenes in the first book--and she comes out knowing who she is and what she wants to do with her life. And there are still so many more members of the family to write about! I think Seanan has another hit series on her hands. HAIL THE PRIESTESS OF GIVE ME MORE INCRYPTID ALREADY!

Midnight Blue-Light Special is the second installment in author Seanan McGuire's InCryptid series. This story picks up several months after the events of Discount Armageddon. Protagonist Verity Price is back on the scene in Manhattan, protecting the Cryptid community, dancing at Freakshow (formerly Dave's Fish and Strips), while also keeping an eye out on her newest discovery, a male dragon named William. In case you were curious, the characters on the cover of the book are Verity and her cousin Sarah Zellaby. This is a book of choices, and decisions for Verity.

Verity has been training her whole life to become either a full time cryptozoologist, or a full time dancer. Which is the reason she was allowed to come to NYC in the first place. To see if she can cut it in the world of dancing. She has tried to succeed in both, but the stakes are much, much higher in this story. Especially after finding out from paramour Dominic De Luca that the Covenant is sending representatives to Manhattan to check on his work and decide whether or not they will start a purge of the local Cryptid community which Verity has come very fond of since arriving in NYC. (One of the Covenant members is rather curious if I do say so myself.)

This is where we finally get a chance to meet the Price family's boogeymen, aka The Covenant of St. George, who believe that the Price-Healy's are traitors to the cause. This is also the story where Dominic has to make a stand as well. Is he loyal to the Covenant after everything that he's seen with Verity, or will he change his stripes and help Verity save the Cryptid's from mass genocide at the hands of the Covenant? What makes this book different from the previous novel is the romance growth between Verity and Dominic.

This book is quite different from the first installment. Why you ask? Because the author puts Verity into a situation where Sarah has to make the choices. It is Sarah who gets more than her fair share of story time as Verity is fighting for her life against the Covenant. We also get introduced to two members of Verity's extended family with the arrival of Uncle Mike, and Grandmother Angela Baker. One thing that remains the same regardless of what series you are reading, is that McGuire loves mixing humor, with action, and suspense. Oh, in case I forget to mention, yes, the Aeslin Mice are back. Yes, they are cuter than ever, and yes, they must be in my possession asap!

I have, for reasons that I have discussed previously, chosen to skip over the next two books in the series. I chose to jump back into the series with Verity's next book called Chaos Choreography before finally getting a chance to read Antimony's book called Magic for Nothing.

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: The Covenant is coming to purge New York City, can Verity keep everyone alive?

Opening Sentence: Verity stood with her hands folded in front of her and her feet turned out in first position, watching her father read her report card.

Excerpt: Yes

The Review:

Verity is back, and when Dominic makes an appearance at her job and says they need to talk she knows this can’t be good. Once they make it back to her apartment and he let’s her know that the Covenant is on their way to check on his work and to start the purge of New York City, Verity knows for sure this isn’t going to be good at all. Especially since she isn’t quite sure where her on-again of-again boyfriend will stand during the Purge.

Verity and Dominic move as fast as they can to warn the major groups of incryptids that the Covenant is enroute. Verity makes the decision to relocate after her Uncle Mike shows up as back up, and points out that it should be done sooner rather than later. When the Covenant arrives, Dominic informs her that the woman in the group is Margeret Healy, and yes, she is a relation and not a fan.

Verity is in a race against time to provide sanctuary for her friends, and to keep the Covenant away from Sarah. After an altercation with Margeret, Sarah moves into Verity’s new place, but before anyone can get too comfortable Verity disappears. It is now up to Sarah and the rest of their friends to see if they can find Verity before it is too late. Will Dominic make a choice? Will Verity be able to hold out against the Covenant?

Book 2 picks up about six months after the ending of Book 1 and it starts off with a bang and just keeps going from there. I was a bit shocked when Verity is taken and it is left up to Sarah and the others to save her, but I enjoyed it. I like Sarah almost as much as I like Verity. I am now also totally sold on Dominic. I wish I could complain about the ending, but spoilers, so I will be really vague and say that I am glad I am reviewing this series at the moment so I can hurry up and read the next book.

I also have to say that I very much want my own colony of Aeslin mice. Like that would be the best thing ever or probably a tad annoying. I love all of the different incryptids and learning about them in every book. This is a rich, loving world that Seanan has created, one that is in some ways much nicer while being just as dangerous as the world of October Daye.

Notable Scene:

I was about to lose my apartment, my partner, and my chance at ever having the kind of career I dreamed of when I was a kid. As a professional dancer, I was on the cusp of failing. At the same, the Covenant of St. George was in my city, I’d been forced to go into hiding to avoid having them find and I had no game for getting rid of them. As a cryptozoologist I wasn’t doing much better.

FTC Advisory: DAW/Penguin provided me with a copy of Midnight Blue-Light Special. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.

Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy.

MIDNIGHT BLUE-LIGHT SPECIAL is one of those rare sequels that outshines even its predecessor, offering non-stop cryptid comedy as Verity prepares to thwart the Covenant in her own backyard. Well paced action in parallel with laugh out loud moments had me giggling, snorting, and reading excerpts to everyone within earshot.

Rather than being the type of series that continually leaves the reader hanging, it is clear that McGuire is building something here. The foundation from DISCOUNT ARMAGEDDON gave context to Verity's love life, but even readers new to the InCryptid series won't have a hard time getting up to speed in this richly described supernatural world. Dominic and Verity both have some dramatic life choices to make, but those weighty issues pop up organically in a plot that mainly focuses on Verity's hilarious inner monologue regarding cryptid species' idiosyncrasies and family history. The imminent Covenant threat had all the characters out of their comfort zone, which meant introducing a carnivorous waheela to the Aeslin mice, bargaining with pregnant Dragon princesses, and strategizing on how to hide a preternatural titty bar where gorgons dance the cancan from a religious organization who has vowed to wipe all monsters from the earth. In short, awesomeness from start to finish.

In a book that lavishes attention on the characteristics of cryptids, it's clear that the Prices and Healys are their own special breed. The distinct talents of this family caused a twist I didn't expect and the Covenant conflict culminated in some significant character changes that I can't wait to follow into book three. A comprehensive field guild to the preternatural ecosystem of New York City, anyone with a taste for the weird and the clever is going to love MIDNIGHT BLUE-LIGHT SPECIAL.

Sexual Content: References to sex, a non graphic sex scene.

McGuire's second full entry in her urban fantasy "InCryptid" series (following Discount Armageddon and a raft-full of short stories and novellas) once again focuses on, and in mostly narrated by, Verity Price. It's every bit as fun of a read as the first novel. Verity's voice is as sarcastic as any male urban fantasy first-person narrator (see: Harry Dresden, Atticus O'Sullivan), and I happen to particularly enjoy snarky lead characters ... as long as we get to see beyond the snark, which McGuire makes sure we do at all the right moments. We also get a look at how other characters see Verity, thanks to a few choice chapters narrated by Verity's telepathic Cryptid cousin Sarah. I won't spoil what leads up to Verity being off-stage for a couple of chapters, but I will say that McGuire navigates the change in narrator's voice expertly; there are subtle differences in Sarah's snark versus Verity's, largely in terms of bravado and self-confidence.

If Discount Armageddon can be considered an "origin story" of sorts, then MBLS is Verity's "Year Two," where the author expands the world. We are introduced to at least one more member of Verity's family, Uncle Mike, who comes to NY to help with the problem Verity is facing. We get a deeper look into how the Healeys who didn't leave The Covenant feel about the part of the family that did (no surprise, those feelings are not favorable). We get to learn more about the variety of Cryptid populations in New York City and how devastating a Covenant-led "Purge" would be.

And we get more complications in the Verity-Dominic relationship, as one would expect when your boyfriend might be keeping important secrets from you. McGuire spools out the mystery of Dominic's allegiance throughout the book, not giving Verity or the reader any easy answer. I was pretty sure I knew how it would play out, but I was equally sure McGuire could go in the opposite direction, and either outcome would have created new wrinkles for Verity and her family to deal with.

The stakes are definitely higher in this book than in the first, and the outcome of this book sets the stage for future battles between the Price-Healy Clan and the Covenant, to which I very much look forward.

I enjoyed Seanan McGuire's debut InCryptid novel, Discount Armageddon, but its sequel is even better! Midnight Blue-Light Special has it all - harrowing adventure, forbidden love, funny quips, believable relationships, and talking mice. That's right, talking mice. Trust me; you'll love them!

Verity Price is a cryptozoologist, meaning she takes care of the monsters of New York. She makes sure they don't endanger innocent humans and helps them to fit into society. She's always been caught between two worlds, with her parents wanting her to pursue cryptozoology full-time while she wants to pursue a professional dancing career. In this book, we see Verity growing more comfortable in her own skin and realizing what exactly makes her happy. She figures out what her true calling is and decides to go for it completely. She has to make a lot of hard decisions, but she is a strong girl and she makes it through. Her narrative voice still had the quick quips and hilarious comments, but we saw a bit of a deeper side to Verity and learned more about her hopes, doubts, and fears. She has grown into a confident, self-sufficient young woman and I can't wait to see where she ends up in the future.

The plot of Midnight Blue-Light Special was incredible. The Covenant is questioning Dominic DeLuca's handling of the cryptid situation in New York, so they are sending a team of agents (one of which has some interesting connections to Verity) to evaluate whether a purge is necessary. Dominic is torn by his need to protect Verity and his loyalty to the Covenant who raised him. He has to decide where he stands on the issue of cryptid rights and he needs to decide soon. Seanan writes the best characters and I could really feel how tortured Dominic was by this choice. She kept me guessing until the end with which side he would actually choose. I like Verity and Dominic together so it was hard to see them driven apart at times, but we did get a few good scenes before the Covenant came to town. I'm not going to tell which side Dominic eventually chose, but suffice it to say, it was a very touching and emotional moment.

This series is packed with wonderful side characters, but one in particular stole the show - Sarah Zellaby. Verity's cousin Sarah is a telepathic cuckoo. Cuckoos are typically a cryptid species to be feared, or better yet shot on sight, but Sarah proves that they are capable of learning right from wrong. She faces her fears, both internal and external, and goes above and beyond to help Verity. We learn so much more about Sarah and how hard she has to struggle everyday with her natural cuckoo instincts. It was fascinating and I really enjoyed the chapters that were written from her perspective. Kitty, the manager at Verity's workplace "Freakshow," also impressed me in this book. She took a hole-in-the-wall strip club and turned it into a fabulous burlesque club where humans and cryptids interacted naturally, if unknowingly. Kitty knew what had to be done when the chips where on the table and she didn't hesitate in her decisions. Uncle Mike was an interesting addition to the Price world and I can't wait to learn even more about them and their extended family.

This book will take you through the entire gamut of emotions. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll worry for the characters safety, and you'll cheer their triumphs. As with all Seanan McGuire novels, the writing is top-notch and the world entirely engrossing. Give yourself some time to savor this novel; once you pick it up, you won't be able to put it down!

Thank you to Seanan McGuire and DAW for providing an ARC copy of this book.

After the aftermath of the last book, Verity is finally settling into her new role at the Freakshow, her ever-changing relationship with the cryptid population of NYC, and trying to discover the true nature of her budding romance with Dominic. However, even though everything seems as though it is finally falling into place, Dominic tells her that the Covenant is coming into town to assess his work and field reports. He has been lying on them, and the Covenant is not convinced that he is going to reach a decision about a possible Purge.

Wanting to keep Verity safe, Dominic begs her to leave town and take any cryptid she can with her. But, being a Price girl, Verity is determined to keep the population of cryptids safe from the Covenant and try to convince them that a Purge is unnecessary. However, she questions where Dominic's true loyalties lie, whether she can make it through this storm on her own, and keep the city safe.

This book was just as awesome, fun, and hilarious as the first book. McGuire was able to keep up the momentum and pace set in the previous book. Reading them one right after the other, I felt as though the transition was seamless between the two. Granted, time had passed; however, I didn't feel as though I was lost or that she was skipping a lot of important stuff.

Verity did a lot of growing in the book. She was finally faced with making the decision between her dance career and following in the family business. While I will not tell her choice, it was definitely an adult and defining moment in her life. Further, she is starting to see that her cavalier attitude isn't always a wise choice. Her actions--while surely that of a twenty-three-year-old--need to be thought out. I also appreciated seeing her inner turmoil concerning her relationship with Dominic. Even though she loved it, she was really forced to find her priorities.

It was interesting to add the familial element in this book. I really thought Uncle Mike's character was neat. I will like to see him and her adopted grandmother in later books. He was needed to push the plot on; however, his role wasn't huge.

I LOVED Istas! She was a neat minor character in the previous book; however, she really took on more of a major role in this one. Her talk about carnage, rat casserole, and her gothic Lolita threads is absolutely priceless! I hope she is in future books, and that her character continues to develop.

The one thing I really didn't like was when Sarah took over the narration. Granted, I understand the circumstances that brought it about; however, I didn't like the plot device. For me, Sarah has always been a rather weak and boring character. In the first book, she had a few funny lines and unique quirks, but she never held my attention. I wish that McGuire had found some other way to tell that side of the story, or just didn't include it. For a cuckoo especially, Sarah is just too damn whiny and annoying. That being said, in the end, she got a tiny bit neater.

The continued romance between Dominic and Verity should prove to be an interesting story. With her grandmother's past, it was easy to see it coming. However, it didn't take away from the romantic and "awww" factor!

For me, this book was another hit right out of the ballpark! Seanan, I need the next books STAT! If you haven't read the first book, GO DO IT! These books take all of the best elements of the October Daye and Newsflesh series and combine them in an awesome, funny package.

Verity Price is back, doing her best to juggle everything going on in her life, whether it's working her job to get enough money to eat, checking on and protecting the many cryptids of New York City who need help, and trying to make it big-time as a ballroom dancer. New York Times bestselling author Seanan McGuire first introduced us to the Prices and this unique world in Discount Armageddon, but in Midnight Blue-Light Special she doesn't waste any time throwing the reader back into catastrophic mayhem. But then in you've read a McGuire novel before, you'd be disappointed if that wasn't the case.

Verity Price has a big problem. Other than the fact that her boyfriend, Dominic, is a member of the clandestine, evil group known as the Covenant which is out to rid the world of all cryptids; it's that the Covenant is coming to New York to check up on Dominic and see what sort of a job he's doing, and decide if the city is ready to be purged of all cryptid life. So Verity has to get every cryptid gone or hidden, and hope none of the Covenant check underground for the giant dragon.

With a sequel, readers might have expected another fun adventure, but no, McGuire pushes everything to the limit here with an ultimate showdown that sucks the reader in and doesn't let go. Building on the great world she started in Discount Armageddon, readers will be left wanting the next book in the series.

Originally written on February 11, 2013 ©Alex C. Telander.

For more reviews, check out the BookBanter site: http://www.bookbanter.net.

The second of the InCryptid novels, Ms. McGuire has upped the ante and taken a really great world and expanded upon it in entertainingly unexpected ways. The emotional roller coaster that Verity, her friends, and co-workers undergo is as exciting as it is volatile.

Verity's worst fears have come to pass - the Covenant is sending a team to NYC to inspect her boyfriend Dominic's reports/work, and determine how many will be needed to conduct a full-fledged purge.

Once again we are treated to another rollicking adventure through a New York City few humans have ever been aware of - at least not for more than the few minutes it takes them to die. Of course there are humans that work side by side with cryptids and know exactly what they are, but they a few in numbers and certainly don't go around spreading tales about their lives with the cryptids.

Ms. McGuire continues to develop an astounding world, peopled (& creatured) with some truly enjoyable characters. There is mayhem & mischief galore, as well as tender romance and steamy personal relationship building exorcizes. Another coup for Ms. McGuire's latest series. And apparently we get to meet more of the family since the next book or two will focus on a family member other than Verity. For anyone worried about missing Verity, never fear as I'm sure there will still be plenty Aeslin mice!!

Hail and rejoice for another fun, thrilling and heartwarming romp with Verity Price, her Aeslin mice and the cryptids of New York. Oh, and Dominic and the Convenant of St. George. Verity and Dominic return in the second of the Incryptid books, and trouble is coming for the cryptids of New York in the form of 3 Covenant agents intent on seeing how Dominic's work toward a purge is going. But that isn't the only agenda and the cryptids of New York aren't about to take it lying down. The book is an absolutely fun read full of the humor and great characters that Seanan McGuire has introduced us to in this series. Not only do we have great interaction between Verity and Dominic but we have more of Istas, "Vengeance carnage is often satisfying, but it takes longer to perform properly than the kind which does not require a death to begin", her boyfriend Ryan and Sarah and the Dragons and the newest addition Kitty the Boogeyman who replaced her uncle as the owner of the club where Verity works.

The only downside was that the book ended, I wanted to stay in their world for longer but all good things have to end. I am eagerly awaiting the next incryptid book which will apparently be out Verity's older brother Alex.

Seanan McGuire's DISCOUNT ARMAGEDDON came out of nowhere and charmed the pants off me. That, and Cassie Alexander's Edie Spence series, restored my faith that new urban fantasy aren't just playing out the same old tropes and masquerading as urban fantasy when they're really paranormal romance.

Well, good news: The second InCryptid novel, MIDNIGHT BLUE-LIGHT SPECIAL, is just as good as its predecessor, if not better. We even get bonus narration from Verity's sweet little cuckoo cousin. And Sarah Zellaby really comes into her own here. She usually shies away from danger, but here she not only defends those she cares about, but she also launches a massive attack to save them...even at the cost of her own psychological wellbeing. Has Sarah regressed to the way she was before she was adopted? We'll have to stay tuned for HALF-OFF RAGNAROK, which will be narrated by Verity's brother.

It's so exciting to find a new series you're passionate about, and InCryptid is just that.

Finally, someone and her editors do it right. When Verity is incapacitated and the point of view has to be picked up by another character, the narration stays in the first person, WHICH IS HOW THINGS SHOULD ALWAYS BE DONE. Unlike so many novels have done, which I cannot understand how or why they were allowed to be published using both third and first person POVs, and why or if their editors did anything to advise their authors about it.

Anyway.

Seanan McGuire never disappoints, but I didn't really have very high expectations of this novel. I really enjoyed the first one and didn't think it could be topped, but I was pleasantly proved wrong.

Dominic is more fleshed out in this one, and I could see the affection between him and Verity clearly now, not just a passing infatuation.

With the little taste that this novel gave, I'm really looking forward to Sarah's own series, too.

Really well done. Highly recommend.

This is Seanan McGuire's second InCryptid novel, and it not only lives up to the first book's promise but, I rather think, exceeds it.

This is still told from Verity Prices point of view (a critical note for those who keep up enough to know that not all InCryptid tales are nor will be), and continues where Discount Armageddon left off.

It's simply more of everything, except possibly Dominic. More Sarah, more Istas, more of the mice, and more excitement.

Personally I don't like the end. That said, it's a good end, well written, noble, etc. As a writer, my hats off to Ms McGuire for the ending. As someone who is very fond of that character I'm sad, but at least there's nothing says it won't all turn out all right by the end of the series.

In fear of giving spoilers I'll say it as, if you want to read about someone kicking monsters' asses with the awesome power of ballroom dance, then this as with its predecessor is well worth your us$8. The book is available through all major booksellers, electronic and print.

On technical notes, Seanan is a sound writer and her editorial team too, I imagine, deserve a big hand. The book is one of the cleanest I've seen in a long time, possibly topping the first book on lack of typos and mistakes. Again, I can't laud the story telling enough. Lovable characters in hearty helping. Humour, suspense, action, and excitement abound in proportions that I think would make her a master chef were this food instead of text.

A better review, I suppose, might have simply been three words: buy this book!

I have read all of Seanan McGuire’s October Daye series (which I adore) and her Newsflesh series written as Mira Grant (which I also loved). This is the second book in the Incryptid series and it was even better than the first! I got a copy of this book to review through Goodreads First Reads program. This was a fun read, that was action packed and very well put together. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Verity is recovering from the deadly snake-cult mystery in the first book when she gets some dreadful news from Dominic...the Covenant is coming to the city to clear out all of the InCryptids. Now Verity has to find a way to protect both the InCryptids and herself from the Covenant. She also has to figure out if Dominic is with or against her. Part of the story is also told from Sarah’s POV (Sarah is Verity’s cousin who is a cuckoo).

The book is told from both Sarah and Verity's POVs. Cleverly you can tell which chapter is told from which POV by the little pictures up top. Verity's chapters are headed with bloody dance steps, while Sarah's are headed with math equations.

This was a very well done book. It's full of wonderfully creative characters and is a lot of fun to read. You never know what new type of beastie is going to be around the corner. The plot keeps you guessing, the pace is fast, and the book is action packed.

Verity grow a lot in this book. She is finally learning how to trust her friends and depend on them for some backup in this book. She also begins to come to terms with her life and her...destiny. She starts to have to truly decide what form her life will take; that of a professional ballroom dancer or that of a cryptozoologist.

We get a lot of insight into both Dominic and Sarah’s characters in this book as well. Sarah tells some of the story from her POV and she is a very interesting and complex character with an interesting background. We also learn quite a bit about Domonic’s background as well.

As with the past books there are many quirky characters in here. The mice are here in force and as strangely entertaining as they were in the last book. You never know what strange type of mythological beastie you will run into next. They are all interesting and engaging.

Parts of the book are laugh out loud funny, others are touching. All in all a very entertaining and well balanced book. There is a lot of action. As well as a lot of mystery solving.

Overall I absolutely loved this book. It is a perfect balance of everything that makes urban fantasy wonderful. You have creative characters that are fun and easy to engage with and a complex action-packed plot that is fast-paced plot. This book is intelligently written, super fun to read, and absolutely engrossing. It was so hard to put down. Those who love urban fantasy should definitely pick up this whole series, it’s been wonderful to read so far. I also recommend her October Daye series, which is less action packed but also exceedingly well written.

HAIL, HAIL HAIL THE HOMECOMING OF THE ARBOREAL PRIESTESS!!Gotta love those Aeslin mice. I mean who wouldn't want to be a goddess, even just for a little bit. :) After the world building in the first book of the series, this book jumps right into the story. Our heroine, Verity Price, protector of cryptids and other unknown zoological phenomena of New York City. Also part time dancer at a cryptid owned club, because being a defender of cryptids did not leave enough time to practice and compete professionally in ballroom dancing. And last, but not least in the complication level, girlfriend of Dominic De Luca, representative of the Covenant, whose group is sworn to kill all cryptids just on general principles and all Prices for being traitors.

The book starts out with a bang as Dominic tells Verity that the Covenant has decided to come to New York to check out his reports and see if they're accurate and possibly do a purge of the city. Purges=Not Good, kill all cryptids on sight, even suspicion, including mothers and babies. Since New York has such a huge cryptid population, there's no possible way to evacuate.

Basically the book is about the war for New York, for Dominic's soul and for the forming of lasting allegiances in the area that will snap back into place if ever there is another threat. It also, unexpectedly turns out to be a war against the members of the Price/Healy family that stayed true to the Covenant and stayed in Europe and those who came to America and began to try to understand the "monsters"instead of just outright killing them. It also jeopardizes the life of Verify's cousin Sarah, the Cuckoo.

The author keeps just enough snark and outright humor to avoid being weighed down by all the inherent danger.I loved this book and look forward to reading the next.

Heat factor mild.

Another fantastic book in a fantastic series! Lots of unusual events, unique takes on classic mythological beings, great mix of the historical and modern aspects of legends, and all around wonderful fun. Highly recommended!

Book number two of a two book series reputedly with more books coming in the future.

Another very good book by my not-cousin about Verity Price, the cryptid wrangler. Some days you wrangle the cryptids, some days they eat you. And then there is other side of the cryptid wrangler family.

Cryptid, noun:
1. Any creature whose existence has been suggested but not proven scientifically. Term officially coined by cryptozoologist John E. Wall in 1983.
2. That thing that's getting ready to eat your head.
3. See also: "monster."

The second installment in the InCryptid series was another fun read. The pacing felt a little slow in the beginning as the true threat of the Covenant takes some time to be realized and there was a brief change in the first person POV that felt a bit jarring. Fortunately that doesn't last more than a few chapters. But any niggling issues I may have had are all offset by a likeable, kick-ass heroine and an entertaining cast of secondary characters. Ista, the therianthrope, may be a new favorite. And, of course, the Aeslin mice remain awesome and hilarious. Hail!

What I love about this book is how Seanan McGuire is able to portray the cryptid population as being true to their own nature (which often involves carnage) and also being able to display real humanity. That is more than can be said for many of the humans who hide behind rules and conditioned upbringing as excuses to behave like monsters. Verity makes tough personal choices in this book. She applies the mental/physical training of her dance background to her Covenant fighting arsenal. Coupled with her tenacity, she is unbeatable. Almost. Enter Sarah, her cuckoo cousin. When Very is unconscious, the narration passes to Sarah who demonstrates how very capable people can be when those they love are in danger. I wasn't sure I would like her narration, but her adaptability won me over. Additional kudos to McGuire for plugging Michelle Sagara's "Silence" at the end as it's a terrific YA book with a teen heroine and an autistic boy who acts in a hero capacity.

What a fantastic read! I was biting my nails, on the edge of my seat, and at one point I think I was even holding my breath. For the "FRIENDS" fans out there, my husband even offered to put the book in the freezer. I loved where this journey took Verity and the rest of her family and friends. And it was a very exciting read, so I'm anxious to continue on with the rest of Verity's story.

Seanan Mcguire does it again. How does she make a cast of talking mice, religious zealots, waheela, cuckoos and dragons seem so human? There is plenty of action, lots of sharp and subtle wit, (and some less subtle), friendship, knights, battles, salvation and love. Just a wondeful time to be had by all. Thanks for the ride, I can't wait to learn more about Alex!

The first book in this series, was mostly light hearted fun. This one however gets more to the meat of the world. While fast paced, and fun this book has a greater sense of danger, drama, a few twists you will not see coming.

This was the second book in this series. For me, a good book is one that I believe. I did! I have not been disappointed with any of her books. Her characters have depth. You care about the outcome and look forward to what comes next! A few of my favorite writers are Kim Harrison, Jim Butcher, Dean koontz, Illona Andrews and I have to say, Seanon McGuire is absolutely top of my list!

When you think about New York City and its various attractions, you never think about the possibiloities that Seanan McGuire presents in this series about the cryptozoologtists and the various intriguing adventures of a free runner in New York. Give her a try!

Though generations of her family have studied the Cryptid population and kept these “monsters” safe from the humans and visa-versa, cryptozoologist Verity Price is not a chip off the DNA block as she prefers ballroom dancing. However, Verity still proves Price blood flows through her veins when she came to Manhattan to competitively dance only to get sidetracked with the family vocation due to the snake cult (see Discount Armageddon). Still her recent caper led her to meet her maybe boyfriend Dominic De Luca although it is a star-crossed relationship as he is a monster-hunter for her family’s enemy the Covenant of St. George.

Dominic warns Verity that his bosses are coming to New York to inspect the progress he made in species cleansing and to finish the eradication of the Cryptid species from Manhattan. Putting aside her love of dance, Verity needs to prevent a bloodbath by concealing the monsters from the hunters including a traitorous blood relative seeking vengeance.

The superb second InCryptid urban fantasy is an incredibly fast-paced New York tale that except for an intrusive sidebar involving a psychic cousin never slows down as monsters, protectors, hunters and collateral damage humans converge for a Manhattan Midnight Blue-Light Special. Verity adds humor with her asides as she tries to keep a bloodbath from overwhelming the city. Sub-genre fans will enjoy this faster than the speed of light thriller.

Harriet Klausner

Okay, this book was inventive. But the author doesn't respect her readers at all. The book is littered with poorly justified decisions and nonsense. For example, the protagonist is deep in the sewers, knocking on the door of someone she needs to see. Deep in the sewers. At the end of a long unlit tunnel. How does she gain entry? By reasoning that they should let her in before she attracts attention. In the sewers. Attention? From all the passersby?

The protagonist travels by mainly sticking to rooftops. She's like a parkour specialist. And she often just leaps off of rooftops... because that's what you do. She grabs onto balconies as she falls past, or something. She's not a superhero, but she's trained so long that she can do this.

I tried to enjoy the book, but there's so much of this nonsense that it gets hard. It's such a shame, because there is a lot of originality in the book. (Okay, well, SOME originality. It's starting to feel like I've been reading the same book over and over.) But this author is lazy and just expects you to blindly accept reasons that haven't been thought out, as if you have no idea how existence works. It kept tripping me up and making me stop to complain to myself.

I hate this author.

I am quite surprised at the way things have progressed. Not just in the story, but also in the writing exhibited. This series isn't the author's first rodeo, but the writing in this, the creativity, was much better than the last one. I will likely be reading the next few.

The Incryptid series has become one of my favorite series. You know that when you come across a phrase like "she was outnumbered by her own hair", early in a book, things are just going to keep getting better. You don't particularly need to read the first book before reading this one because Ms. McGuire does a great job of doing a synopsis without making it boring. That being said, read the first book! The talking mice are a sheer delight.