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OSI #2
A Flash of Hex
After a series of brutal murders, Occult Special Investigator Tess Corday is convinced the identity of the killer is locked in her own head. The only question is-how many rules is she willing to break to get to the truth?
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2009
7 people are currently reading
388 people want to read
About the author
Jes Battis
20Ìýbooks170ÌýfollowersJes Battis (they/them) is the author of THE WINTER KNIGHT (April 2023), the OCCULT SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR series, and the PARALLEL PARKS series. Jes writes in the areas of urban fantasy, horror, and mystery/thriller. They also teach literature and creative writing in the Canadian prairies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
August 20, 2018
Good plot. I like Tess Corday and it's easy to see why other readers will too. This has ritualistic murder, so those with weak stomachs may not be able to read. If you're looking for something different in the paranormal realm, then give this a try.
June 23, 2009
Flash of Hex is the second book from Jes Battis in her OSI series. OSI is the group of Occult Special Investigators and takes place in Vancouver, Canada. I didn't read, Night Child, the first book in this new series, but A Flash of Hex brings the reader up to speed about everything going on in Tess Corday's life. Tess is an OSI along with her best friend and roommate, Derrick Siegel. They work for Vancouver's Mystical Crime Lab. I can't help but compare Tess and Derrick's relationship to that one of Will and Grace, but with a supernatural slant. Tess is Grace and Derrick is Will. And you know what, it really works! In so many past urban fantasies I have read, the heroine of the piece is all alone with no family or friends. She is stunted socially and has major issues. Tess does have some problems, mainly with her mother and a man she shouldn't be involved with. A Flash of Hex is heavy on the suspense and the shocking horror of the crimes committed, but there are some nice lighthearted moments. Jes Battis is one author you will want to keep on your radar, especially if you are in the mood for a different type or urban fantasy, with a great first person POV.
As Tess and Derrick are deciding on what type of doughnuts they want, they are called to a crime scene that is very gory and disturbing. The victim is a young teenage boy who has been tortured and killed. He was also a drug user addicted to a very potent new drug called Hextacy. The victim's mother is a very powerful mage who wants retribution for her only son's death. Now Tess and Derrick are on a deadline to catch this killer before they strike again.
When such dark magic is used in horrendous ways, danger is around every corner. Tess has no choice but to turn to the mysterious necromancer, Lucian Agrado. Tess has been warned not to become too close to Lucian. A romantic relationship will not be tolerated between these two by Tess's unseen bosses. But Jess has crossed that line already and she realizes she places herself and everyone she cares about in a bad situation if she continues to act on her desire for Lucian. Every time Tess is with Lucian, her internal arguments on why she shouldn't do anything with him is funny. If I were in the same place, I would do the same because Lucian is one sexy guy with a great deal of power at his fingertips. And he sure does know how to use those hands in wonderful ways when it comes to Tess.
Along with Lucian and Miles Sedgewick, who is deaf, a profiler and a love interest for Derrick, Tess and her group enter into the underworld of dark magic, drug trafficking and drug use. Tess witnesses things she never thought possible, including more murders of young misunderstood teens, some who have incredible powers at their disposal. Not only is the stress of the case getting to Tess, she also has to deal with Mia, the vampire teen she and Derrick have taken into their home. Tess is not cut out to be a parent and can barely keep it together as she and Lucian continue to step around their attraction for one another. And because of her mother, Jess doesn't realize she may be closer to the killer than she thinks.
Jes Battis has written a wonderful book that mixes science and magic as well as mystery and suspense. A Flash of Hex has a bit of everything. There are pop culture references throughout and nice romance undertones between Tess and Lucian. Ms. Battis makes sure that Derrick gets a bit of love action also. I love the friendship between Tess and Derrick, especially when the talk about things other than the case. They have a great relationship that I wish I could read in other urban fantasies such as this one. I am so used to reading about a heroine like Tess not having any family or friends to turn to. That is not the case with A Flash of Hex.
The crimes are horrible and the outcome even worse as some diabolical being is targeting teenage boys who are lost in the world. And when you find out why, you will be as shocked as Tess is.
There are so many urban fantasy books saturating the market that may be a bit too alike in their telling, but that is definitely not the case with Jes Battis. If you are a die hard urban fantasy enthusiast I urge you to pick up A Flash of Hex.
As Tess and Derrick are deciding on what type of doughnuts they want, they are called to a crime scene that is very gory and disturbing. The victim is a young teenage boy who has been tortured and killed. He was also a drug user addicted to a very potent new drug called Hextacy. The victim's mother is a very powerful mage who wants retribution for her only son's death. Now Tess and Derrick are on a deadline to catch this killer before they strike again.
When such dark magic is used in horrendous ways, danger is around every corner. Tess has no choice but to turn to the mysterious necromancer, Lucian Agrado. Tess has been warned not to become too close to Lucian. A romantic relationship will not be tolerated between these two by Tess's unseen bosses. But Jess has crossed that line already and she realizes she places herself and everyone she cares about in a bad situation if she continues to act on her desire for Lucian. Every time Tess is with Lucian, her internal arguments on why she shouldn't do anything with him is funny. If I were in the same place, I would do the same because Lucian is one sexy guy with a great deal of power at his fingertips. And he sure does know how to use those hands in wonderful ways when it comes to Tess.
Along with Lucian and Miles Sedgewick, who is deaf, a profiler and a love interest for Derrick, Tess and her group enter into the underworld of dark magic, drug trafficking and drug use. Tess witnesses things she never thought possible, including more murders of young misunderstood teens, some who have incredible powers at their disposal. Not only is the stress of the case getting to Tess, she also has to deal with Mia, the vampire teen she and Derrick have taken into their home. Tess is not cut out to be a parent and can barely keep it together as she and Lucian continue to step around their attraction for one another. And because of her mother, Jess doesn't realize she may be closer to the killer than she thinks.
Jes Battis has written a wonderful book that mixes science and magic as well as mystery and suspense. A Flash of Hex has a bit of everything. There are pop culture references throughout and nice romance undertones between Tess and Lucian. Ms. Battis makes sure that Derrick gets a bit of love action also. I love the friendship between Tess and Derrick, especially when the talk about things other than the case. They have a great relationship that I wish I could read in other urban fantasies such as this one. I am so used to reading about a heroine like Tess not having any family or friends to turn to. That is not the case with A Flash of Hex.
The crimes are horrible and the outcome even worse as some diabolical being is targeting teenage boys who are lost in the world. And when you find out why, you will be as shocked as Tess is.
There are so many urban fantasy books saturating the market that may be a bit too alike in their telling, but that is definitely not the case with Jes Battis. If you are a die hard urban fantasy enthusiast I urge you to pick up A Flash of Hex.
January 8, 2012
The pacing/plot is still flawed, but at least the main character's choices make more sense. I continue to like the somewhat diverse cast (we can add jews, people with disability and transgendered folk to the list along with gay, black, and latino characters). The constant pop culture references start to grate (especially since some of them are clearly some attempt at fanservice). The whole "unusual family setup" thing is a little forced. Also a few worldbuilding things seemed slightly off from what was said in the first book However, it was still a decent read and I will be reading the next one.
April 9, 2013
better than the one before,
a lot less dark and Tess seems to have cleaned up quite a bit
still tooooo many info dumps, but nice plot twist, which seems to be have resolved quickly,
I doubt that I'll be continuing on with the series since it ties up neatly here
a lot less dark and Tess seems to have cleaned up quite a bit
still tooooo many info dumps, but nice plot twist, which seems to be have resolved quickly,
I doubt that I'll be continuing on with the series since it ties up neatly here
January 4, 2020
First of all � trigger warning. Gross, disturbing serial killer/rape. This is one of those I’d never watch it on TV but even pushing a little dark for my reading tastes.
There’s a dark serial killer on the loose, ritualistically preying on children of mages. But what is the ritual? And who (or what?) in the world would do something like this?
First of all, you have to start on book one. While I think you could follow along with the plot just fine and not be lost, the characters will make so much more sense if you read from the beginning. This series is like a cross between Jim Butcher and a CSI show, so if you are into any of those things, check these out!
As I said, these are a little dark for my tastes, but the characters are fantastic. Tess is a great character, as is her quasi-partner Derrick, their Mia (just read the books�)…and the supporting characters are great too. All are written well and add to the story � and a very diverse group, too!
While there are a few moments where the plot and world system is a little confusing, for the most part, it is well explained and makes great sense. I love the CORE (the CSI group), especially as we get to see more of it in this book. I’m very much looking forward to reading the next book and I highly recommend them if you can stomach some darkness! Also � not PG warning � there are some romantic relationships that could have skimmed a little more in my opinion. I’m not a big fan of the steamy romance scenes � thankfully, they are few and far between.
I’m really enjoying this series and can’t wait to read the next! I’ll go 8.5 of 10 overall and 3.5 of 5 for readability.
There’s a dark serial killer on the loose, ritualistically preying on children of mages. But what is the ritual? And who (or what?) in the world would do something like this?
First of all, you have to start on book one. While I think you could follow along with the plot just fine and not be lost, the characters will make so much more sense if you read from the beginning. This series is like a cross between Jim Butcher and a CSI show, so if you are into any of those things, check these out!
As I said, these are a little dark for my tastes, but the characters are fantastic. Tess is a great character, as is her quasi-partner Derrick, their Mia (just read the books�)…and the supporting characters are great too. All are written well and add to the story � and a very diverse group, too!
While there are a few moments where the plot and world system is a little confusing, for the most part, it is well explained and makes great sense. I love the CORE (the CSI group), especially as we get to see more of it in this book. I’m very much looking forward to reading the next book and I highly recommend them if you can stomach some darkness! Also � not PG warning � there are some romantic relationships that could have skimmed a little more in my opinion. I’m not a big fan of the steamy romance scenes � thankfully, they are few and far between.
I’m really enjoying this series and can’t wait to read the next! I’ll go 8.5 of 10 overall and 3.5 of 5 for readability.
August 18, 2017
The end helped this book. Mostly, this confirms that I do not like vampire novels. I enjoyed the banter between Tess and her pals for the most part, but feel that Battus doesn't know his character that well. There are many times when Tess talks about Mia and being a parent --but we are supposed to believe she's only 25. Her first-person narration, wherein she discusses anatomy and references literature, makes her sound like someone much older. We are never told, for example, that she was in any kind of accelerated educational program, or any other reason that would explain her wealth of knowledge. It feels inconsistent for who the character is described as. Also, what's with the feeling really ugly because she isn't wearing a bra?
Mia is a raging brat. The blow-by-blow sign language descriptions are tedious and overdone. I do like that a deaf person is brought into the story, and I like much of the humor, but overall this one just doesn't work for me.
Mia is a raging brat. The blow-by-blow sign language descriptions are tedious and overdone. I do like that a deaf person is brought into the story, and I like much of the humor, but overall this one just doesn't work for me.
July 28, 2018
SO GOOD! Action a-plenty and snarky humor, fab combo for me. A secret organization of magical folks who police and keep non-magical and magical folk safe. It takes place in Vancouver and there are plenty of descriptions of everywhere there that makes me want to visit, even if the UF world in this book actually existed there. Maybe even more of an enticement.
The first book in the series, NIGHT CHILD, was superb. This is fantastic addition to the series. I think what I liked most are the secrets that are kept from the non-magical people in the agents lives and what they are open about is what is usually kept secret in the 'normal' world. OSI agents know that life is short. Keep the secrets you must to keep people safe and get the job done but grab life exuberantly since it might not last past the next encounter with a demon.
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author.
The first book in the series, NIGHT CHILD, was superb. This is fantastic addition to the series. I think what I liked most are the secrets that are kept from the non-magical people in the agents lives and what they are open about is what is usually kept secret in the 'normal' world. OSI agents know that life is short. Keep the secrets you must to keep people safe and get the job done but grab life exuberantly since it might not last past the next encounter with a demon.
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author.
August 14, 2022
This is an older series that I found in my To Be Read pile. It’s a dark and forensically detailed urban fantasy - and not for the sensitive reader. The primary character is a tough, to-hell-with-the-rules mythical agent risking everything for justice with a eclectic gang of cohorts helping her save the day. There are pop culture references throughout that were probably effective at time of publication but are obscure now and got frustrating to read. Lots of action with great worldbuilding for fantasy fans.
April 14, 2022
engaging
This world continues to entice with its rich cast and interesting set up. This has a distinct edge to it, they are hunting a serial killer, but it isn’t grim. The characters allow you to believe and find hope.
This world continues to entice with its rich cast and interesting set up. This has a distinct edge to it, they are hunting a serial killer, but it isn’t grim. The characters allow you to believe and find hope.
January 27, 2019
Better than the first book but still with timeline issues. Still unclear on the main character’s personality. Otherwise interesting plot.
October 29, 2009
I chose to read the second book in this series because I thought that once Battis had gotten over the need to info dump in the first book, he would work more on strengthening his plots and fleshing out his characters.
Unfortunately the info dumps were ever present. There were even fewer surprise twists in this installment and even those were bogged down with too much exposition again.
There were a few saving graces. Miles was a welcome addition to the cast; a believable, well-written love interest for Derrick and a strong character in his own right. Other characters, such as Wolfie and Duessa, were fun to read.
I thought that Battis dropped the ball with Patrick's character. He had the potential to be so much more and part of my interest in him was down to the possibility of following him through his transition. But the author failed to flesh him out.
It's a shame that this series is written in first person. I normally have no problem with that particular narrative style, but in this case I wanted to see certain characters interact without Tess' presence. Derrick and Miles. Duessa and Wolfie. Mia and Patrick. I did like the group dynamic, but I wanted to see the smaller, more subtle dynamics that Tess often overlooked.
Although I think Lucian still has the potential to be an interesting, complex character, I thought Battis failed to acknowledge his history, what he is and what kind of impact that would have on Tess. The author continuely states that Tess is slowly changing her mind about Lucian, but he still never delves deep enough into Lucian's darker side so the reader can understand for themselves what it means to be what he is. We're just expected to take the characters' word that he's a nice guy. And I'm sure he is. He seemed to be. But I want more than that from a character who seems to have a very intriguing background.
The plot was poorly handled again. It started off so strong but with the surprise revelations and the not-so-unexpected twists that were crushed by all the science babble, the tension and the suspense were gone. The ending, like the ending of the previous book, was far too easy. There just never seems to be any tense, all-out showdowns in this series thus far, which is disappointing.
This series would really benefit from a little more action. I know that's maybe not what the author wants from this venture, but if he wants his shocking twists and his mystery plots to work, it means cutting back the info dumps and letting the actual story happen for once.
Unfortunately the info dumps were ever present. There were even fewer surprise twists in this installment and even those were bogged down with too much exposition again.
There were a few saving graces. Miles was a welcome addition to the cast; a believable, well-written love interest for Derrick and a strong character in his own right. Other characters, such as Wolfie and Duessa, were fun to read.
I thought that Battis dropped the ball with Patrick's character. He had the potential to be so much more and part of my interest in him was down to the possibility of following him through his transition. But the author failed to flesh him out.
It's a shame that this series is written in first person. I normally have no problem with that particular narrative style, but in this case I wanted to see certain characters interact without Tess' presence. Derrick and Miles. Duessa and Wolfie. Mia and Patrick. I did like the group dynamic, but I wanted to see the smaller, more subtle dynamics that Tess often overlooked.
Although I think Lucian still has the potential to be an interesting, complex character, I thought Battis failed to acknowledge his history, what he is and what kind of impact that would have on Tess. The author continuely states that Tess is slowly changing her mind about Lucian, but he still never delves deep enough into Lucian's darker side so the reader can understand for themselves what it means to be what he is. We're just expected to take the characters' word that he's a nice guy. And I'm sure he is. He seemed to be. But I want more than that from a character who seems to have a very intriguing background.
The plot was poorly handled again. It started off so strong but with the surprise revelations and the not-so-unexpected twists that were crushed by all the science babble, the tension and the suspense were gone. The ending, like the ending of the previous book, was far too easy. There just never seems to be any tense, all-out showdowns in this series thus far, which is disappointing.
This series would really benefit from a little more action. I know that's maybe not what the author wants from this venture, but if he wants his shocking twists and his mystery plots to work, it means cutting back the info dumps and letting the actual story happen for once.
August 10, 2017
I picked this up at a discount book sale and was attracted by the "paranormal investigator" angle. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the story is so much more than that! The science is explained very well and I love that the magic and physics of things are meshed together. This was the second book of the series but I didn't feel lost, nor did I feel like anything was over-explained. If I'd read the first book, I feel like I wouldn't have been bored by the bits of catch up.
Tess is a well-developed character with an interesting past and I like that there is mystery from her first adventure in this series that only makes me want to find and read that one even more. Her situation with Derrick and Mia, their powers, and how they all came together is touched upon well enough to keep up and I could feel their family dynamic even though I'd just met these characters. The homosexual relationships were handled very tastefully and I like that they were included, that they weren't a huge deal, that there wasn't much adversity and instead there was acceptance, as well as the way that a part of the proceeds went to LGBT support. I didn't know about that aspect when I picked up the book but I liked that it was included.
The one thing I found a tiny bit annoying (though not enough to reduce the rating by any stars) was the sign explanations. I'm not adverse to a deaf character but when you're trying to explain signs in a book it can get a little confusing. I found myself distracted during these explanations with trying to make the signs myself so that the descriptions would make more sene. For some, this might be enjoyable but for me it took away from the story and I didn't like it.
Tess is a well-developed character with an interesting past and I like that there is mystery from her first adventure in this series that only makes me want to find and read that one even more. Her situation with Derrick and Mia, their powers, and how they all came together is touched upon well enough to keep up and I could feel their family dynamic even though I'd just met these characters. The homosexual relationships were handled very tastefully and I like that they were included, that they weren't a huge deal, that there wasn't much adversity and instead there was acceptance, as well as the way that a part of the proceeds went to LGBT support. I didn't know about that aspect when I picked up the book but I liked that it was included.
The one thing I found a tiny bit annoying (though not enough to reduce the rating by any stars) was the sign explanations. I'm not adverse to a deaf character but when you're trying to explain signs in a book it can get a little confusing. I found myself distracted during these explanations with trying to make the signs myself so that the descriptions would make more sene. For some, this might be enjoyable but for me it took away from the story and I didn't like it.
January 12, 2015
A Flash of Hex by Jes Battis
Book 2 of Tess Corday, Occult Special Investigator
This is not a spoiler free review.
I wasn't impressed with the first book in this series but decided to soldier on anyway and read book 2. It was little disconcerting because I felt like I was reading an entirely different series. The characters and universe were all indeed the same as the first book but the tone seemed so much lighter that I kept wondering if I misremembered the first book and went back to refresh my memory. I didn't imagine it.
Sure there are still grisly murders and crime scenes but we see more of Tess� home life with her gay BFF Derrick and their newly adopted teen, Mia from book one. Derrick gets an unbelievably hunky and adorable boyfriend with and equally adorable dog. Tess� reluctant relationship with necromancer Lucian progresses. There is much more light banter and the entire feel of the story is just less foreboding than the first one.
With a new boss, the team tackles the case kicked off in the first chapter much more competently than in the first book. It is also much more of a team effort with Tess, Derrick, Mikes (consultant and eventually Derrick’s boyfriend) and even Lucian all contributing to the effort. There is certainly enough procedural plot to fill the book but it is mostly forgettable. Unfortunately, when the most interesting parts of the book are the minor / side characters and the book is essentially about Tess solving crimes, it doesn't give one much reason to continue reading the series.
The second installment was in many ways better than the first but not good enough to convince me to invest the time in the third book.
Book 2 of Tess Corday, Occult Special Investigator
This is not a spoiler free review.
I wasn't impressed with the first book in this series but decided to soldier on anyway and read book 2. It was little disconcerting because I felt like I was reading an entirely different series. The characters and universe were all indeed the same as the first book but the tone seemed so much lighter that I kept wondering if I misremembered the first book and went back to refresh my memory. I didn't imagine it.
Sure there are still grisly murders and crime scenes but we see more of Tess� home life with her gay BFF Derrick and their newly adopted teen, Mia from book one. Derrick gets an unbelievably hunky and adorable boyfriend with and equally adorable dog. Tess� reluctant relationship with necromancer Lucian progresses. There is much more light banter and the entire feel of the story is just less foreboding than the first one.
With a new boss, the team tackles the case kicked off in the first chapter much more competently than in the first book. It is also much more of a team effort with Tess, Derrick, Mikes (consultant and eventually Derrick’s boyfriend) and even Lucian all contributing to the effort. There is certainly enough procedural plot to fill the book but it is mostly forgettable. Unfortunately, when the most interesting parts of the book are the minor / side characters and the book is essentially about Tess solving crimes, it doesn't give one much reason to continue reading the series.
The second installment was in many ways better than the first but not good enough to convince me to invest the time in the third book.
July 31, 2009
Jes Battis is a major new fantasy talent who has knocked out of the ballpark with a A Flash of Hex, the second book in the Occult Special Investigations series. This one is a solid five stars. Urban fantasy, suspense thriller, police procedural, this book has it all. It is set several months after the conclusion of Night Child. Mia is living with Tess and Derrick, attending a local middle school. Tess is now an OSI-2 assigned to investigate a series of murders of the teenage children of powerful mage families in both Ontario and Vancouver. The murders are ritualistic in nature. Miles Sedgwick, a special psychic profiler, is brought in from Toronto and also provides a romantic interest for Derrick. Lucian Agrado, the dark necromancer is also back, lending his expertise on the case, and sending Tess' libido into overdrive. No spoilers, but their relationship progresses nicely. Other characters return from the first book, but to spell it out, would be a spoiler. We also meet Tess' mother and learn more about her biological father.
Tess has created a great family for Mia and that family continues to expand with wonderful new secondary characters. Tess is a flawed, but totally believable, heroine. Battis excels at characterization. The reader accepts the characters and cares about them. This book is difficult to put down and I dropped everything else I was reading to concentrate on it. This series has me hooked. Kudos to Sue from Gigi's Company, a Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ group, for recommeding this series.
Tess has created a great family for Mia and that family continues to expand with wonderful new secondary characters. Tess is a flawed, but totally believable, heroine. Battis excels at characterization. The reader accepts the characters and cares about them. This book is difficult to put down and I dropped everything else I was reading to concentrate on it. This series has me hooked. Kudos to Sue from Gigi's Company, a Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ group, for recommeding this series.
June 22, 2009
I love a spunky redhead. I love a spunky redhead who ties into the earth magically. I love a spunky redhead with a gay best friend who reads minds. I love a spunky redhead who falls for a man who elicits drool in a black tight t-shirt and just so happens to channel necromantic energy.
Battis contributes all the fun and readability of the urban fantasy genre, but isn't afraid to let a verbose vocabulary add to the writing. This academic bent shines forth in the diversity rainbow of characters that parade through the novel; Battis manages to cultivate this diversity just shy of the line of too much, celebrating within the variety the many differences that do not see written attention frequently. While occasionally slipping into a digressive queer theorist mode, it is never long enough to turn attention away from the character building.
As an added plus, the OSI (Occult Special Investigation) novels blend elements of forensic mystery solidly with urban fantasy - think Kathy Reichs researching magical crime, further helping elide the distinctions between genre novels.
A Flash of Hex manages that difficult step in being an even better novel than its predecessor, establishing continuity and developing its worldview. Our spunky redhead Tess has some growth to pursue, and I for one cannot wait to read more about her love interest fleshing out his tight black t-shirts.
Battis contributes all the fun and readability of the urban fantasy genre, but isn't afraid to let a verbose vocabulary add to the writing. This academic bent shines forth in the diversity rainbow of characters that parade through the novel; Battis manages to cultivate this diversity just shy of the line of too much, celebrating within the variety the many differences that do not see written attention frequently. While occasionally slipping into a digressive queer theorist mode, it is never long enough to turn attention away from the character building.
As an added plus, the OSI (Occult Special Investigation) novels blend elements of forensic mystery solidly with urban fantasy - think Kathy Reichs researching magical crime, further helping elide the distinctions between genre novels.
A Flash of Hex manages that difficult step in being an even better novel than its predecessor, establishing continuity and developing its worldview. Our spunky redhead Tess has some growth to pursue, and I for one cannot wait to read more about her love interest fleshing out his tight black t-shirts.
June 25, 2012
Urban fantasy, suspense thriller, police procedural: they all fit this book. And they fit it snugly. No sacks as a dress for Tess and her team.
OSI 2 improved the already good OSI #1: it has less jargon and it's more fluid.
The full cast of characters add a new couple: Patrick and Miles who are going to be a new addition to Tess' unusual family.
Mr Battis has created a truly unique world, tweaking the usual characters in a UF: vamps, mages, demons, witches and necromances. His location is outside the US of A, which is fresh too. But most of all I love Tess and her life, friends and family.
I think it was time a wider range of people got to the stage. And even if I'm not sure what to do with a messed heroine with no angst (but fully supported by people she loves and that love her), I can't stop rooting for her.
This is a fan dream if you like your tv shows on the crime-lab side. Even more if you're looking for something different.
I'm going to re-read the third book, , before buying the fourth.
OSI 2 improved the already good OSI #1: it has less jargon and it's more fluid.
The full cast of characters add a new couple: Patrick and Miles who are going to be a new addition to Tess' unusual family.
Mr Battis has created a truly unique world, tweaking the usual characters in a UF: vamps, mages, demons, witches and necromances. His location is outside the US of A, which is fresh too. But most of all I love Tess and her life, friends and family.
I think it was time a wider range of people got to the stage. And even if I'm not sure what to do with a messed heroine with no angst (but fully supported by people she loves and that love her), I can't stop rooting for her.
This is a fan dream if you like your tv shows on the crime-lab side. Even more if you're looking for something different.
I'm going to re-read the third book, , before buying the fourth.
February 10, 2011
4.5 stars
This series is more UF than PNR, but does have the romantic element that we all love so much.
There are a few things that really set this series apart from others that I (and probably you) have been reading. First, it's written by a man - kinda a rare thing for this genre. Second, it has more of a CSI element than most of the other UFs out there. It feels very well-researched. It's very detailed which allows for a depth of story, without those details bogging down the mind of the reader.
The story is basically a paranormal murder mystery with a heavy dose of humor and as I mentioned earlier, enough romance to keep PNR fans happy. Tess Corday is an Occult Special Investigator working a case tracking down the murderer of some runaway teens, all of whom had a magical drug called Hex in their bodies.
Fans of other paranormal mysteries like Kat Richardson's Greywalker series and Jim Butcher's Dresden Files series should definitely give these books a shot! First in the series is "Night Child". The third in the series, "Inhuman Resources" is out now.
This series is more UF than PNR, but does have the romantic element that we all love so much.
There are a few things that really set this series apart from others that I (and probably you) have been reading. First, it's written by a man - kinda a rare thing for this genre. Second, it has more of a CSI element than most of the other UFs out there. It feels very well-researched. It's very detailed which allows for a depth of story, without those details bogging down the mind of the reader.
The story is basically a paranormal murder mystery with a heavy dose of humor and as I mentioned earlier, enough romance to keep PNR fans happy. Tess Corday is an Occult Special Investigator working a case tracking down the murderer of some runaway teens, all of whom had a magical drug called Hex in their bodies.
Fans of other paranormal mysteries like Kat Richardson's Greywalker series and Jim Butcher's Dresden Files series should definitely give these books a shot! First in the series is "Night Child". The third in the series, "Inhuman Resources" is out now.
May 14, 2012
I Am Hexing This Series
I was disappointed with this installment. While I found the first book Night Child enjoyable, I found this second installment to be a part of what I personally feel is a greedy trend of pointless, generic, bubble-gum carbon copy urban fantasy books flooding the markets today.
Don't get me wrong, I am always on the lookout for new authors; personally some of these books (this one included) actually feel like they were written to take advantage of the urban fantasy "gold rush" instead of writing creative fantasy for the readers.
I found the main character Tess clueless, shallow and concerned more about fashion then solving a crime. The storyline didn't have enough paranormal or intrigue to keep my attention and interest. There really wasn't enough substance in the storyline to draw me in, stand out or make me want to read it.
This series feels so blasé and passionless to me, therefore I have decided not to continue reading this series.
I was disappointed with this installment. While I found the first book Night Child enjoyable, I found this second installment to be a part of what I personally feel is a greedy trend of pointless, generic, bubble-gum carbon copy urban fantasy books flooding the markets today.
Don't get me wrong, I am always on the lookout for new authors; personally some of these books (this one included) actually feel like they were written to take advantage of the urban fantasy "gold rush" instead of writing creative fantasy for the readers.
I found the main character Tess clueless, shallow and concerned more about fashion then solving a crime. The storyline didn't have enough paranormal or intrigue to keep my attention and interest. There really wasn't enough substance in the storyline to draw me in, stand out or make me want to read it.
This series feels so blasé and passionless to me, therefore I have decided not to continue reading this series.
July 15, 2013
Terrific and disturbing second book in the OSI series. I love the medical CSI stuff in an urban fantasy setting. Battis has different writing styles: Action, medical, and just plain beautiful literature. The latter popped up at odd moments in her first book, but she found a way to insinuate the passages in a more organic way in this book. I also love how she is not afraid to deal with harder, uglier topics -- teen drug use and prostitution. The details can be quite graphic (you are forewarned). However, Battis allows the teen characters full participation in the story: They are not treated as victims, but are allowed to exercise their talents, and are expected to pull their own weight in accordance with their abilities. As a result, more than one hero emerges.
July 11, 2009
I think my comment on her first book was "she's going to be better." And sure enough, I really enjoyed this second book in the series, not least because it shows the underbelly of Vancouver BC, you know, the parts of town nobody talks about to tourists. She needs to be careful with the tropes of the genre so as not to become too formulaic. So far so good. Her take on the occult/paranormal/vampire/demon/etc world is interesting, her heroine is sardonic, there are lots of loyal sidekicks of varying types (and I do mean "varying"), a family group is formed, and most folk live to fight again another day. Appropriate grim with touches of humor. Fun.
October 22, 2014
A good, solid occult mystery story, with a few things that were kinda awkward. The author is just starting to gain her footing with this series, so it's worth watching. There was a decent amount of reference to the first book that required you remembering it, so it may be worth reading the two together or re-reading the first before you read this one.
January 10, 2011
This series is definitely coming along for me. The characters and the voice continue to work well. It is great to see Derrick and Miles get together. And I love Vancouver as described here. makes me want to move there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2014
4.5 stars really, only because the final climax was a bit short for my liking. Really breezy style - clear Buffy influence, but still original and all its own. For a Canadian like me, the true to life references to people, places and Tim's are an extra treat. Will definitely check out the rest of the series.
February 12, 2014
I bought Flash of Hex when it was released because my library did not get a copy, and I had to know what happened next with Tess and her family. Flash of Hex has one of my favorite love scenes, as well as the hilarious 'morning after' in a home with two couples and a teenager. The humor is fast and snarky, the horror is inescapable, and the characters are memorable.
April 22, 2014
Tess Corday gets herself involved in another occult mystery, but this one ends up being personal, really personal. She learns family secrets that end up helping solving the crime, but at a cost. It was interesting to see how Tess had developed in the 6 months between books. Will keep working my way through the series.
June 9, 2011
I liked this one better than the first one, even though the logical reasoning and drawing-conclusions-out-of-nowhere still makes me cringe. But once I got past that, I actually enjoyed the book a lot.
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April 17, 2013Just a quick note: this book talks quite a bit about the system of law - from the wrong country. It replaces the Canadian system of law. Couldn't get past it. I continually screamed: "There IS NO D.A. in our country!"
I wish the research had been a bit better. a little thing but worth mentioning.
I wish the research had been a bit better. a little thing but worth mentioning.
January 7, 2014
I liked this one so much better than the first one. In the first one in just couldn't get around all the technical talk. this one still had that but in a lesser amount. I love how Tess keeps collecting family.
July 22, 2014
Finally finished this today! It was really good much better than I remember the first one! The only downside is the author over describes everything! But there was enough snark and action to keep me going! I will be reading the rest soon!
June 28, 2009
Read from 6/20 to 6/22.
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