Really good sequel to a really good book. Maybe not as charming, laugh out loud funny and a little less adventurous than the first, but definitely one worth reading! ( )

I am so enjoying monster fic right now, and I've been waiting and waiting for this book to come out. Did not disappoint -- the dry humor of most of the characters, the magic-math-science bent, Greta's imperturbable personality -- not that she's not passionate, but that she's professional --awesome. More and new vampires. Hilarious disparaging commentary on body glitter. New friends, old friends, lgbtq relationships, wellmonsters and hair monsters and all the THINGS.

oh, yeah, and Paris. ( )

Greta goes to Paris to a conference and ends up going missing and the gang have to assemble. Greta actually has issues with her capture and has to help solve the problems using her skills. Meanwhile they find more allies in Paris and find ways to change things for the better.
An interesting read with interesting characters and it kept me up well past my bedtime. ( )

I love this series! The characters are distinctive and well-written, the worldbuilding is very creative, and there's real compassion for nearly everyone. ( )

Hee! This was nearly as much fun as the first one. (It’s got the “it’s a sequel so I know what to expect” thing going on.) This is more an adventure than a mystery, but it’s still great for humour, great for gothic vibes, great for characters and world…. I’m really hoping this isn’t a trilogy because I want to read stuff in this world for years.

I’m really enjoying Shaw’s ability to weave in actual gothic and classic lit references with original world-building stuff, and her secondary abilities of making it all make sense together and packing the references in. There’s mention of the cinema found in the Paris catacombs, Twilight jokes, nods to historical werewolf legends, and a bit-part vampire who’s a dead ringer for movie!Lestat.

Also what are essentially a less-fertile version of tribbles, a demon who’s trying to perfect the croissant, in-context Polari, the Paris Opera House, and the ghost of Oscar Wilde.

I still like that Greta’s not a typical, guns-blazing heroine. She’s allowed to be afraid while still being resourceful and clever and doing what’s needed, and her emotions and empathy are her greatest strength. I also like that her friends and supporters, who are largely men, it’s true, never once doubt her. Yes, they want to protect and rescue her, as the case may be, but it’s always with the knowledge that she’s darn well going to look after herself anyway, thank you.

In other words, I totally rec this. No matter whether you’re reading this for the gothic fantasy stuff or the vampire jokes or the hairmonsters, there’s a very good chance it’ll satisfy. (And please read this series. I need to blither.)

Warnings: Kidnapping. Uncomfortable sexual power differences and kidnap-related situations. Rape metaphor. Abusive power dynamics à la every King of the Vampires ever. High likelihood of humming Andrew Lloyd Weber and a desire to own fictional animals.

8/10 ( )