June 15, 2015
In this breezy third Pax Arcana supernatural mystery (after Daring), set in present-day New York, James sends his witty, self-deprecating, dedicated urban monster-hunting troupe into the world of Japanese mythology. Returning are katana-wielding werewolf John Charming; his jealous Valkyrie girlfriend, Sig; former priest Molly; and musclebound Choo. After college student Kevin Kichida is attacked by magical beings, sheriff and dhampir (vampire) Ted Cahill calls in Team Charming. With the help of a witch, they learn that the ancient Akihiko Watanabe, an onmyouji (occultist) who drains the youth out of victims, is hunting Kevin. To get close to Watanabe, John and Sig infiltrate an underground New York City fight club for monsters. During the numerous action scenes, the plot slows a bit. However, mythology fans will be thrilled by the slew of Japanese mystical beings, as well as entities from Philippine, Hindu, and Celtic myths. What James’s brash urban fantasy series lacks in depth, it makes up in rollicking action and pure fun. Agent: Michelle Johnson, Inklings Literary Agency.