William’s dual nature is given a realistic feel as he continually works to understand human cues and maintain ‘normal’ responses (much like many introverted people, I might add).

It’s awkwardly integrated largely because William and Cerise are generally apolitical and insular, although for different reasons.Īs always with Andrews, characterization and characters stand out. There’s some mildly confusing Weird politics between the two countries and their spy agencies, the Hand and the Mirror, that play into the reasons for hunting the Spymaster. However, there’s some mutation-type magic employed by the Spymaster and his country that adds a fearsome, freaky angle to the story. The world-building is generally solid with more focus on the weird creatures than on personal magic or spells. Both William and Cerise have a connection to the natural world, although for different reasons, and their likes and dislikes of the area help bring it alive. The setting is clearly modeled on the marshy, changeable waterways of deep swamps and is always atmospheric. There is a significant amount of physical fighting in this book with particular techniques described.

Plot moves fairly fast and is generally straightforward, with heavy emphasis on action scenes. Narrative flows fairly smoothly, largely with alternating viewpoints between William and Cerise, with occasional intrusions by the Spymaster. They work together to navigate the Mire, and on their respective missions, dancing around their attraction for each other. Her return trip and William’s entry into the Mire coincide. She needs to journey to the Broken to retrieve some documents. Apparently the family’s arch-enemies have decided to re-open the feud by laying claim to her grandparent’s old house. They live in a multi-generation household in The Mire, an Edge area known for extensive swamps and a very insular lifestyle. At the same time, Cerise is working to keep her family’s fiances together when her parents disappear.

William’s unable to resist the offer, as he’s been on William’s personal to-kill list for years. A noble from the Weird comes to see him and enlist him in the cause to bring down the lead spymaster for the opposing team. It’s a couple years later and he’s hanging in the Broken, working flooring jobs and drinking beer. It begins with William, the wolf-shape changer from On the Edge. Bayou Moon, on the other hand, is Kate Daniels Special Dark–dark chocolate version. On the Edge ( review) went well, though it seemed a bit Kate Daniels Lite–milk chocolate version. Ilona Andrews books are the work of a solid writing team, and though I tend to avoid most paranormal romance, I thought it was time to give their Edge series a try. Read April 2016 Recommended for fans of dark UF with a romance twist ★ ★ ★ 1/2

Bayou moon ilona andrews