I picked up an ARC of this book at Wiscon, so there was no tip-off cover picture. It wasn't clear what I'd got, but the back-cover copy was convincing: A bookshop open late at night? Vampires? Strong female main characters? Yes please. The book was really good. I read it in one sitting (overnight, of course). The protagonists are interesting and likeable. Which is useful if you want to spend a whole book -or still better, a series - with them. Val, who's a good vampire and the main character, runs the bookstore Night Owls just off a college campus. She no longer fights the bad vampires ("Creeps" or "Jackals") because of a terrible incident in her past. But now the battle's brought to her doorstep, some dear friends are dead, and her employee, an innocent student who had no clue, in grave danger.There's a great cast of characters; not just Val, but her human partner Chaz, Elly the orphan vampire-fighter and her foster-brother Cavale, a couple of succubi who show up as shape-changing ladies... and lots more. I'm off to buy the next book in the series. What happens when a vampire, her Renfield, and a teenage demon hunter get together? Nothing good that is for sure. In this book, reluctant vampire and bookshop owner, Val is just trying to get along when a mysterious book lands in her keeping. Let's throw in the innocent student who inadvertently opens the book, an evil race of were creatures called Jackals, a rival vampire and a mysterious brotherhood of demon hunters. Oh, this is getting good.I really enjoyed this book. It is the first in a series but is not nearly as clunky as some first books are. The world building is pretty straight-forward and easily blends into the story. There is plenty of action. I really like Val and Elly (demon hunter). The writing is very clean. Looking forward to the next in the series.
What do You think about Night Owls (2014)?
Brilliant Story Line Is there going to be more about these Characters ???????
—cooper
I dont know what everyones beef was, I loved this book from start to finish.
—abk11
Not a bad read. Different enough to be interesting.
—vivek
