93) Hunted by the Others by Jess Haines

New York in a world where werewolves, vampires and magi have made themselves known. After 9/11 the humans needed help and the Others came and did everything they could. People have accepted them but it isn't easy living with the Others and of course there are those who would like to see them all dead.

Shiarra Waynest is a PI and runs a detective agency with her wealthy friend Sara. Both usually stay away from the Others and don't really know everything about them. It is just that Shiarra needs money and doesn't want her partner to pour more of her own money into the business. So when the receptionist sets up a meeting with a magi she reluctantly goes along to at least see if the case is worth her time or not. With the offer the magi make her she can't help but say yes.

The case isn't exactly simple but the mage has offered enough protection and money to make Shiarra take the chance. Finding out if the ancient vampire businessman Alec Royce does indeed has some strange artifact shouldn't been a problem. However the tables get turned and Shiarra finds herself thrown into the middle of a huge Other power struggle. Now there is no way out of the deal unless she becomes one of the victims herself.

This book has been on my to be read pile for a while. I believe I got hold of a copy not long after it came out but for some reason or another (usually other books...) I only just managed to sit down and start this one yesterday. I immediately liked the story and knew this was one I was going to enjoy till the end. As a debut this was well written, thought out and very exciting. However there were a few little bits and bobs that I hope will have more depth in the sequel.

The main character was a refreshing change to the norm. Not only did Shiarra have no idea with what she was dealing with but she also wasn't your typical fight and ask questions later heroine. Sure I like a strong main character who knows what she is doing but sometimes the 'I know it all' attitude gets a little old and it was nice to come across someone who needed guidance and wasn't stubborn about listening to it. On saying that though, don't be surprised if you also find it a little frustrating. Just like a bad horror movie, I found myself wanting to scream 'don't do that'.

In conclusion this series has made a great start and I hope it continues and improves. Different enough to stand out with a good selection of the paranormal, Hunted by the Others, was a good read and I am looking forward to more. I have already added the second book, Taken by Others, to my list and will definitely be taking a look at it when it comes out in January.