Waking the Witch | Kelley Armstrong

Waking the Witch
by Kelley Armstrong
Pub: Orion

The latest in Kelley Armstrong's Otherworld series (which started with Bitten) is another that is probably readable as a stand alone. The series is told from a number of character's POV's varying from one to three per book and moving between the main characters so we get stories from each perspective and can really get to know the characters. There are books in the series that would be difficult for newcomers as a result, but over all it has meant it's possible to dip in at any point. Certainly this book is sufficiently seperate from the rest of events that there is no need to be familiar with the rest of events to this point.

It's an excellent adventure, Savannah has her first solo case and there are murders to solve, a number of possible suspect, a twist or two and a cult leader. It's hugely entertaining, somewhat dark, Armstrong was not misplaced in Horror really, certainly more appropriate there than mixed with Paranormal Romance on the Dark Fantasy shelves.

Savannah is smart and strong and delivers what we have come to expect from her. Not one to back away from a fight and with less fixed morals than her guardians she is determined to cope with everything on her own, in spite of knowing really she needs a friend at times. There is plenty of action, well balanced with investigation and Armstrong ends by setting things up for Savannah's next novel which has a promising premise.

The werewolf novels remain my favourites of this particular series but I do enjoy the variety and they are always excellent. Also, for those with a preference for her single narrator novels, Savannah is an excellent narrator.