This book is not perfect and I tend to agree with most of the criticisms I have read here : the dialogs are sometimes a bit juvenile, the characters lack depth and the heroine seems really insensitive. However, the story is very interesting and the action is well paced. The world created by the author is captivating with its many factions and political plays. I struggled a bit at first but after a while, I read with great pleasure the complete book plus the following sequels. When you're an avid reader of a certain genre you tend to run into a specific problem, all the books start having the same basic premise with small plot changes and name differences. As I began reading this book my inner voice shouted "hurray for something unique!" Thank you Kevin Hearne for exposing me to the fabulousness that is Jaye Wells and her Sabina Kane series! The world building is incredible, supernatural races that coexist under a tentative peace treaty always on the brink of conflict. Mages run by their Hekate Council, vampires run by the Dominae, along with demons and fairies. The mythology in this novel is excellent, well researched, fascinating, and easy to follow. If you've read anything about the supernatural you will recognize the popular myths and histories including the names of greater demons, the realm they inhabit, and the interesting concept of the birth of the vampiric race as children of Lilith. Vampires in this urban fantasy are differentiated by their red hair, which becomes more vibrant and darkens with age. Our heroine, our perfectly imperfect heroine, is a rare hybrid born of a vampire mother and mage father. She is raised by the Dominae, her grandmother its high priestess, and believes herself to be hated by her mage family even though she is mistreated by the vampires she works for. The action in Red-Headed Stepchild is fast paced, riveting, and never boring or overly unrealistic. The writing is impeccable and an ode to Jaye Wells fabulous talent, but my favorite aspect of this book is the dialogue. Sabina is snarky and rude and the humor and wit in her interactions is addicting. If you're looking for an urban fantasy series with a unique plot, starring an intelligent, bad ass, yet imperfect female lead, then the Sabina Kane series is a must read!
What do You think about Métisse (2011)?
Urban Fantasy officially becomes one of my genres. Well, non-YA kind to be exact.
—Nick
Not as good as a Patricia Briggs or Nalini Singh to me, but a solid, quick read.
—Karl
I have waited a long time to read this book and wow was it worth the wait.
—Rida
