27 April 2010

Book Banter -- Working for the Devil


Title: Working for the Devil (Dante Valentine bk. 1)
Author: Lilith Saintcrow
Genre: Urban fantasy
Length: ~300 pages
Where Word Nerd's Copy Came From: Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library
Plot Basics: Necromance Dante Valentine is willing to accept bounty hunter-type jobs on the side, but on one rainy Monday, it's the Prince of Hell himself who asks for her services. Lucifer needs Dante to track down the Egg and gives her a demon familiar to protect her during her search. But it's not a blind search, because Lucifer knows that the Egg has been taken by one Santino Vardimal -- who nearly killed Dante the last time she went up against him.
Banter Points: Word Nerd hadn't read much great urban fantasy (or even mediocre urban fantasy) in a long time, so this was a welcome treat. Dante's inner monologue (that often comes out) is fun. Plus, Saintcrow has created a future world that she throws readers into full force and just runs with. Slicboards, the legislation protecting people with psi powers.... it's all great stuff and never fully explained, but the reader feels so immersed in the world, it doesn't matter.
Bummer Points: Word Nerd can't say what bummed her out about this book without giving away a major plot piece at the end. Other than that she was SURPRISED and gives much respect to Saintcrow for doing that, because very rarely does that happen in this sort of book.
Word Nerd Recommendation: If you like kick-butt heroines, cool future worlds, slick dialogue and authors who don't pull punches, Working for the Devil is definitley for you.

1 comment:

Phaedra said...

The only thing that bothered me was the repetitive phrases Saintcrow used to describe Dante.. like her black molecule drip nails. I can't think of the exact phrase, but I was tired of reading it.

Anyhow, you should definitely continue with the series. It's one of my favorites.