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In the Free City of Pyrrh, murders and other serious crimes are investigated by the Cordonates of the Considerable Crimes Division.
Struggling with his grief over losing his last partner, the last thing Cordonate Parshan Koury wants is someone else. Zhivana Nedrogovna, his new partner, is fresh out of the City Watch and not even human, and unsure she wants to work with the broody, angry Par.
As Parshan and Zhivana rush to solve a case of mugging gone wrong that soon proves far more complex, they must learn to trust each other or this first case together might be their last.
Struggling with his grief over losing his last partner, the last thing Cordonate Parshan Koury wants is someone else. Zhivana Nedrogovna, his new partner, is fresh out of the City Watch and not even human, and unsure she wants to work with the broody, angry Par.
As Parshan and Zhivana rush to solve a case of mugging gone wrong that soon proves far more complex, they must learn to trust each other or this first case together might be their last.
183 pages, ebook
First published November 13, 2012
29 people are currently reading
304 people want to read
About the author
Annie Bellet
83 books838 followersAnnie Bellet is a full-time speculative fiction writer. She holds a BA in English and a BA in Medieval Studies and thus can speak a smattering of useful languages such as Anglo-Saxon and Medieval Welsh.
Her books include Avarice (Pyrrh Considerable Crimes Division: Book 1), The Gryphonpike Chronicles series, and the Twenty-Sided Sorceress series.
Her interests besides writing include rock climbing, reading, horse-back riding, video games, comic books, table-top RPGs, and many other nerdy pursuits.
Want to be notified when her next book is released, receive free stories and books, and be notified about sales and other goodies? Sign up for Annie Bellet's mailing list
Or if you want sneak peaks, regular updates, and exclusive stories, consider supporting her Patreon. Patreon is here!
Her books include Avarice (Pyrrh Considerable Crimes Division: Book 1), The Gryphonpike Chronicles series, and the Twenty-Sided Sorceress series.
Her interests besides writing include rock climbing, reading, horse-back riding, video games, comic books, table-top RPGs, and many other nerdy pursuits.
Want to be notified when her next book is released, receive free stories and books, and be notified about sales and other goodies? Sign up for Annie Bellet's mailing list
Or if you want sneak peaks, regular updates, and exclusive stories, consider supporting her Patreon. Patreon is here!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
May 6, 2021
Let's cut the crap review and get right down to it, shall we? (New territories to conquer, governments to overthrown, puny humans to enslave and such.)
You should read this book because:
① Annie Bellet wrote it and Annie Bellet also wrote The Twenty-Sided Sorceress, so QED and stuff.
② This is a Police Procedural Thingie (PPT™) which should have been boring as fish and not-bloody-shrimping-refreshing-at-all, but it wasn’t and it was, so there.
③ The world isn’t exactly Super Extra Complex (SEC™) but it’s still pretty intriguing and fun and stuff.
④ The plot is entertaining and super fast-paced and stuff. Because I said so.
⑤Great characterization and NOT A BLOODY SHRIMPING HINT OF ROMANCE. I kid you not.
Oh I am most definitely with you on that one, Monkey.
⑥ Meow people + diminutive scaled people with multiple lids (which kinda sorta makes blinking a challenge) + subtle social commentary about diversity and inclusion = 😍😍😍.
⑦ Truth beetles. Need I say more? Didn’t think so.
And now let’s dance and stuff.
Sexey moves are super sexey indeed.
P.S. The sequel to this Slightly Very Entertaining Book (SVEB™) was supposed to be released later this year but Annie Bellet recently suffered a serious health issue and had to put all her current projects on hold. Life really sucks, if you ask me.
[Pre-review nonsense]
Oh my bloody stinking shrimp! Finally! A winner!
See what I did there? No? That's because you haven't read this Slightly Very Good-SVG™-book. Ha!
➽ Review to come and stuff.
You should read this book because:
① Annie Bellet wrote it and Annie Bellet also wrote The Twenty-Sided Sorceress, so QED and stuff.
② This is a Police Procedural Thingie (PPT™) which should have been boring as fish and not-bloody-shrimping-refreshing-at-all, but it wasn’t and it was, so there.
③ The world isn’t exactly Super Extra Complex (SEC™) but it’s still pretty intriguing and fun and stuff.
④ The plot is entertaining and super fast-paced and stuff. Because I said so.
⑤Great characterization and NOT A BLOODY SHRIMPING HINT OF ROMANCE. I kid you not.
Oh I am most definitely with you on that one, Monkey.
⑥ Meow people + diminutive scaled people with multiple lids (which kinda sorta makes blinking a challenge) + subtle social commentary about diversity and inclusion = 😍😍😍.
⑦ Truth beetles. Need I say more? Didn’t think so.
And now let’s dance and stuff.
Sexey moves are super sexey indeed.
P.S. The sequel to this Slightly Very Entertaining Book (SVEB™) was supposed to be released later this year but Annie Bellet recently suffered a serious health issue and had to put all her current projects on hold. Life really sucks, if you ask me.
[Pre-review nonsense]
Oh my bloody stinking shrimp! Finally! A winner!
See what I did there? No? That's because you haven't read this Slightly Very Good-SVG™-book. Ha!
➽ Review to come and stuff.
May 17, 2019
4,25 stars - English Ebook 🦋🦋🦋
Quote: Dhul..., uh, ...Dhul Fiqar. That’s my shop there. He pointed at the door of a butcher’s shop kitty-corner from where he stood. “I Swear he was like that when I found him. I’m the one that called the Watch”. He caught himself with embarrassased, nerveus laughter. “ I warn you, zer Fiqar,” Zhivana said, “ we Kirgani can smell lies.” She twichted her whiskers for emphasis and he flinched.🌸🌸🌸
I liked the start of this book series with Par and Zhivana in the leading parts. There is a new world to discover where Kirgani an Humans live together.
In the storyline you get some information about the city, the land, the habits ect of this world and the different . This backgrounds make the story more clear, and explains some action and thoughts of Par and Zhivana. 🌹🌹🌹I have a line of novels to read, So it could take a few months before I reconect with Par and Zhivana, or Maybe I can not wait. 🍒🍒🍒
Quote: Dhul..., uh, ...Dhul Fiqar. That’s my shop there. He pointed at the door of a butcher’s shop kitty-corner from where he stood. “I Swear he was like that when I found him. I’m the one that called the Watch”. He caught himself with embarrassased, nerveus laughter. “ I warn you, zer Fiqar,” Zhivana said, “ we Kirgani can smell lies.” She twichted her whiskers for emphasis and he flinched.🌸🌸🌸
I liked the start of this book series with Par and Zhivana in the leading parts. There is a new world to discover where Kirgani an Humans live together.
In the storyline you get some information about the city, the land, the habits ect of this world and the different . This backgrounds make the story more clear, and explains some action and thoughts of Par and Zhivana. 🌹🌹🌹I have a line of novels to read, So it could take a few months before I reconect with Par and Zhivana, or Maybe I can not wait. 🍒🍒🍒
April 18, 2021
This is a cop/mystery with a semi-medieval setting and more than one race of sentient beings.
Early on, I did not think I would like book this too much. It seemed kind of plodding at the beginning. The writing was free of errors, but just not that engaging.
By the end, though, the characters and the plot made me change my mind. I am interested in continuing this series.
Early on, I did not think I would like book this too much. It seemed kind of plodding at the beginning. The writing was free of errors, but just not that engaging.
By the end, though, the characters and the plot made me change my mind. I am interested in continuing this series.
April 26, 2016
Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over
Avarice lives up to its subtitle Pyrrh Considerable Crimes Division perfectly. It reminds me a bit of Tamara Siler Jones’ fantasy police novels though this is following modern procedures more closely. I was also doing a binge watch of Castle when I read Avarice, and the commonalities between this novel and the contemporary police work in the TV show were amusing, but I found, at the heart, the draw to both was the same: the characters. The book and program are also both episodic with the book focused around one murder like most of the episodes of Castle do.
Zhivana and Parshan are complicated characters with secrets and a drive to help people even when they would be in real trouble if anyone discovered what they hide. Parshan is also wracked with guilt and grief over the loss of his old partner (in both life and police work), making for an interesting dynamic because he doesn’t want to become close only to lose again. This makes him both angry at the world and somewhat unpredictable as that anger makes him lash out. What he doesn’t know, because Zhivana will do anything to keep him from discovering this, is she can’t be hurt and suspects she cannot die.
The answers to those mysteries are revealed later, but the hints and teases early on create a lovely layer of mystery on top of mystery, making the reader just as eager for the information about the characters as piecing together the mystery of the murder.
Speaking of the murder, the actual case has neat twists and the same kind of putting together disparate information as I’ve enjoyed in Castle, plus the main team is likely to bend the rules and ignore politics in favor of justice for their victim. In this case, as with most mysteries I read, the existence of additional questions is welcome since I pegged the mastermind early on. The case has good seeding that most would notice only in retrospect, but the character interactions and the complex world building kept me going even when the characters didn’t recognize a clue I’d picked up on for a bit. Between the character interactions and the story behind the crime that they put together, I was perfectly happy to ride it out until I learned whether I was right or not.
The layering in of character and world details is also done well. Zhivana is not human. We learn that almost immediately. However, the details of her nature are parceled out like a dot-to-dot picture where you see it take form as you go rather than knowing what you’re trying to reveal. There’s never a huge dump of information, most of which I’d forget soon after reading. Instead, it’s a movement here, a coloration there, and a fact tossed in only where relevant. There were many secondary characters that I connected with as well, making this introduction to Pyrrh a fascinating and multi-layered event.
I had a lot of fun with the read.
Avarice lives up to its subtitle Pyrrh Considerable Crimes Division perfectly. It reminds me a bit of Tamara Siler Jones’ fantasy police novels though this is following modern procedures more closely. I was also doing a binge watch of Castle when I read Avarice, and the commonalities between this novel and the contemporary police work in the TV show were amusing, but I found, at the heart, the draw to both was the same: the characters. The book and program are also both episodic with the book focused around one murder like most of the episodes of Castle do.
Zhivana and Parshan are complicated characters with secrets and a drive to help people even when they would be in real trouble if anyone discovered what they hide. Parshan is also wracked with guilt and grief over the loss of his old partner (in both life and police work), making for an interesting dynamic because he doesn’t want to become close only to lose again. This makes him both angry at the world and somewhat unpredictable as that anger makes him lash out. What he doesn’t know, because Zhivana will do anything to keep him from discovering this, is she can’t be hurt and suspects she cannot die.
The answers to those mysteries are revealed later, but the hints and teases early on create a lovely layer of mystery on top of mystery, making the reader just as eager for the information about the characters as piecing together the mystery of the murder.
Speaking of the murder, the actual case has neat twists and the same kind of putting together disparate information as I’ve enjoyed in Castle, plus the main team is likely to bend the rules and ignore politics in favor of justice for their victim. In this case, as with most mysteries I read, the existence of additional questions is welcome since I pegged the mastermind early on. The case has good seeding that most would notice only in retrospect, but the character interactions and the complex world building kept me going even when the characters didn’t recognize a clue I’d picked up on for a bit. Between the character interactions and the story behind the crime that they put together, I was perfectly happy to ride it out until I learned whether I was right or not.
The layering in of character and world details is also done well. Zhivana is not human. We learn that almost immediately. However, the details of her nature are parceled out like a dot-to-dot picture where you see it take form as you go rather than knowing what you’re trying to reveal. There’s never a huge dump of information, most of which I’d forget soon after reading. Instead, it’s a movement here, a coloration there, and a fact tossed in only where relevant. There were many secondary characters that I connected with as well, making this introduction to Pyrrh a fascinating and multi-layered event.
I had a lot of fun with the read.
July 29, 2014
Zhivana Nedrogovna moved from the Watch to work in investigation. Zhivana also has partner named Parshan "Par" Kouri, who lost his partner recently, and still grieving. The case they're given is murder but none of the pieces are adding up. They are slowly adjusting to each other but don't completely trust each other either yet. Will the murder be solved? Whose behind the murder? Can Parshan let go of the past? Will Zhivana be accepted? Your answers await you in Avarice.
This is a new to me author. I must admit that I found the book very enjoyable. The characters were unique, flawed, and interesting. The title of the book is aptly named. This book is what I call a page turner because you gotta know what happens next. I will be definitely interested in more of this author's work in the future.
This is a new to me author. I must admit that I found the book very enjoyable. The characters were unique, flawed, and interesting. The title of the book is aptly named. This book is what I call a page turner because you gotta know what happens next. I will be definitely interested in more of this author's work in the future.
July 25, 2022
4,5 stars- English Ebook
In the Free City of Pyrrh, murders and other serious crimes are investigated by the Cordonates of the Considerable Crimes Division.
Struggling with his grief over losing his last partner, the last thing Cordonate Parshan Koury wants is someone else. Zhivana Nedrogovna, his new partner, is fresh out of the City Watch and not even human, and unsure she wants to work with the broody, angry Par.
As Parshan and Zhivana rush to solve a case of mugging gone wrong that soon proves far more complex, they must learn to trust each other or this first case together might be their last.
This an intriguing book. It takes place in another world with 3 different species of sentient beings--human, kirgani a cat like species with shorter lives than humans, and a reptilian species, anuran.
The protagonists are a female kirgani, a rookie detective and a human detective getting over the loss of his human partner.
The world building is phenomenal and I felt as if I was there with the characters. It read as if it was a movie playing in my head.This a great start to a new series.
In the Free City of Pyrrh, murders and other serious crimes are investigated by the Cordonates of the Considerable Crimes Division.
Struggling with his grief over losing his last partner, the last thing Cordonate Parshan Koury wants is someone else. Zhivana Nedrogovna, his new partner, is fresh out of the City Watch and not even human, and unsure she wants to work with the broody, angry Par.
As Parshan and Zhivana rush to solve a case of mugging gone wrong that soon proves far more complex, they must learn to trust each other or this first case together might be their last.
This an intriguing book. It takes place in another world with 3 different species of sentient beings--human, kirgani a cat like species with shorter lives than humans, and a reptilian species, anuran.
The protagonists are a female kirgani, a rookie detective and a human detective getting over the loss of his human partner.
The world building is phenomenal and I felt as if I was there with the characters. It read as if it was a movie playing in my head.This a great start to a new series.
December 4, 2020
I just love Annie Bellets writing. It's great. I have nothing bad to say about this book other than it's too short with seems to be a thing. I would LOVE to read a full novel some day.
These short stories just goes by so fast and then I sit there and have to read other authors... and that's not okay.
It's a struggle, really.
These short stories just goes by so fast and then I sit there and have to read other authors... and that's not okay.
It's a struggle, really.
April 16, 2014
As someone noted below (also named Pat, I believe), this is a fantasy police procedural that is not terribly good at being either. The fantasy is too low-key to factor into the storytelling much, being largely of a simple find-and-replace nature where guns are swords, drugs are poppies, etc, etc. There is an exception to this rule but it largely comes out of nowhere, without much prior mentioning or setup. The police procedural elements are also lacking, primarily because facts and plot points are kind of just thrown at the reader with little time to actually absorb or ponder over them. The female protagonist is more interesting than the male protagonist, but jumping between the two actually may hurt the story more than it helps it because it removes some of the mysteries regarding each character. There are hints of a larger, more interesting world, but unfortunately the story doesn't actually take us there at all. Still one of the better fantasy police procedurals out there, but still not great.
March 23, 2016
Avarice starts out being very awkward and out of place. A crime thriller that is set in some fantasy world is not something that i was looking for and not something that i thought would work. Im still not 100% convinced that it works but this book makes me think it could be possible. The story starts off rather boring and i almost gave up, but about 1/2 way through i started to care again and decided to finish the book since its so short.
I eventually started to like the characters but i feel that there was too much magical reasoning for how the crime case unfolded. Not the sort of thing that i could figure out myself since i don't know the rules of this strange universe. For me that means I'm just following along rather that trying think about, anticipate, and solve the mystery. Since that is something that i enjoy in a crime novel I was disappointed to have that taken away from me. Also the reprieve at the end didn't really make much sense to me.
There are more books in this series but i don't think I'll continue.
I eventually started to like the characters but i feel that there was too much magical reasoning for how the crime case unfolded. Not the sort of thing that i could figure out myself since i don't know the rules of this strange universe. For me that means I'm just following along rather that trying think about, anticipate, and solve the mystery. Since that is something that i enjoy in a crime novel I was disappointed to have that taken away from me. Also the reprieve at the end didn't really make much sense to me.
There are more books in this series but i don't think I'll continue.
March 4, 2015
I liked the characters, but the storyline did not grab me.
February 15, 2020
I bought the Witches and Warriors anthology collection to specifically get this book. I loved Annie Bellet���s Twenty-Sided Sorceress series and I love the idea of a fantasy mystery set in a different time period. The story itself read like an episode of Law & Order. There was next to no fantasy elements and there really wasn’t any reason for there to be cat-people and reptilian-people in the book aside from giving it racial diversity (as if it was New York with its racial diversity). If you can’t tell, I’m predominantly a fantasy fan, and bemoaned the lack of fantasy elements. And I usually avoid crime procedurals. It wasn’t so much that it reminded me of Law and Order (yes, I watch them occasionally on TV, but they bore me to tears in print), but that it felt like the author had written this as a Law & Order episode and then changed names of things here and there to make it sound like it was set elsewhere. Like the names of races replaced with species names, alchemy in place of minting, the ever-present New York hot dog cart replaced out with a food truck featuring a different named food, hacks in place of New York cabs, even the hired thugs and drug-abusing mother sounded right out of Law & Order. And like Law & Order, it spends quite a bit of time in the police precinct headquarters and in the medical examiner’s office. I liked both Zhivanna (who had the striking-looks, drive, and athleticism of Olivia Benson from Law & Order: SVU) and Par (who had the bad temper and muscle of Goren from Law & Order: CI), but sadly it didn’t override my non-interest of urban crime procedurals (which didn’t have anything innovative to it), and like real life this wasn’t a cut and dry solve, leaving the mystery itself on an unsatisfied note.
August 30, 2017
In the Free City of Pyrrh, murders and other serious crimes are investigated by the Cordonates of the Considerable Crimes Division. Zhivana Nedrogovna has a new job and a new partner. She’s late for one and unimpressed by the other.
Cordonate Parshan Koury is struggling with grief. His last partner, both emotional and work-wise, died . He thinks it was his fault and he’s not coping. The last thing he needs is a new partner. Plus, his new partner isn’t strictly human. She’s one of the Kirgani cat people; the six fingered calico furred sheathed clawed types. She’s also married to a super wealthy sculptor and she shouldn’t need to work. Especially in such a dangerous job.
Their new case is a young man found stabbed to death but with a shiny new sun coin (the highest currency) in his throat. His mother is a drug addict, his wife is heavily pregnant but she’s obviously lying and she’s also packing to move.
The man was employed at the alchemy division where they make coins.
Can the two get past their issues and work together?
***
A very intriguing world. Overlaid with recognisable things like medical examiners and lawyers.
4 stars
This was in a boxed set: Witches and Warriors: 6 Fantasy Novels
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Thank goodness for Annie Bellet. This boxed set was sadly disappointing and this is the only book in it I rate above 2 stars.
This feels like the start of a series and it’s marked as #1 - but so far, no #2. *pouts*
4 stars
Cordonate Parshan Koury is struggling with grief. His last partner, both emotional and work-wise, died . He thinks it was his fault and he’s not coping. The last thing he needs is a new partner. Plus, his new partner isn’t strictly human. She’s one of the Kirgani cat people; the six fingered calico furred sheathed clawed types. She’s also married to a super wealthy sculptor and she shouldn’t need to work. Especially in such a dangerous job.
Their new case is a young man found stabbed to death but with a shiny new sun coin (the highest currency) in his throat. His mother is a drug addict, his wife is heavily pregnant but she’s obviously lying and she’s also packing to move.
The man was employed at the alchemy division where they make coins.
Can the two get past their issues and work together?
***
A very intriguing world. Overlaid with recognisable things like medical examiners and lawyers.
4 stars
This was in a boxed set: Witches and Warriors: 6 Fantasy Novels
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Thank goodness for Annie Bellet. This boxed set was sadly disappointing and this is the only book in it I rate above 2 stars.
This feels like the start of a series and it’s marked as #1 - but so far, no #2. *pouts*
4 stars
March 6, 2018
This book was quite a surprise as it was part of a box set called witches and warriors so I really was not expecting to read a cops and robbers sort of mystery read and these are not my novels of choice at all however I got into the story as it is very well written and has interesting characters especially those which are not humanoid ones! Would have liked to have had a bit of background as to what these characters were but this was quite a short novel and turned out to be a very exciting read right till the last line! Seems some things never change such as the carrying out of justice when political intrigue and the higher classes are involved but I am so glad that the officers did not give up before they were happy to call the case finally closed themselves! There is a slight hint of magic but it is very minimal.
November 10, 2017
I've completely enjoyed this book. It was entertaining from start to finish and I feel there are secrets still to be revealed in the next part of the series.
It's tricky to make an interesting adventure story, with likable engaging characters, and then leave you wanting more after resolving the mystery at hand. These books are not intended for deep social commentary on the evils of our society. This is pure escapism and just what I needed.
I'm following author Annie Bellet now and I'm really looking forward to reading more of her work.
It's tricky to make an interesting adventure story, with likable engaging characters, and then leave you wanting more after resolving the mystery at hand. These books are not intended for deep social commentary on the evils of our society. This is pure escapism and just what I needed.
I'm following author Annie Bellet now and I'm really looking forward to reading more of her work.
November 6, 2018
Interesting and Different
This an intriguing book. It takes place in another world with 3 different species of sentient beings--human, kirgani a cat like species with shorter lives than humans, and a reptilian species, anuran. The protagonists are a female kirgani, a rookie detective and a human detective getting over the loss of his human partner. The world building by Ms. Bellet is phenomenal and I felt as if I was there with the characters. This a great start to a new series.
This an intriguing book. It takes place in another world with 3 different species of sentient beings--human, kirgani a cat like species with shorter lives than humans, and a reptilian species, anuran. The protagonists are a female kirgani, a rookie detective and a human detective getting over the loss of his human partner. The world building by Ms. Bellet is phenomenal and I felt as if I was there with the characters. This a great start to a new series.
June 20, 2022
The urge was to give it 5 stars
I am not easy with perfect writing applause for any wordsmith. Is this readable? Oh yes! (The exclamation mark that means a writer is laughing at their own joke.)
My reason is the "universe" of the book is strange and it took me awhile to grasp. I would buy the next book or two without question. I bought the entire 20 sided without a pause. This is intriguing enough for me to trust and continue. Some of the "sins" seem more venal than others and a whole book on crimes based on one sin might be difficult? Greed definitely works though.
I am not easy with perfect writing applause for any wordsmith. Is this readable? Oh yes! (The exclamation mark that means a writer is laughing at their own joke.)
My reason is the "universe" of the book is strange and it took me awhile to grasp. I would buy the next book or two without question. I bought the entire 20 sided without a pause. This is intriguing enough for me to trust and continue. Some of the "sins" seem more venal than others and a whole book on crimes based on one sin might be difficult? Greed definitely works though.
January 27, 2018
I enjoyed this title. Annie Bellet always manages to grab your attention and not let go. This series promises to do the same; at least, I hope it'll become a series. So different from the usual old-style mysteries we get all the time. The playing off of the two main characters is actually very refreshing and once they start to understand each other and their own abilities the story just takes flight. More please!
January 5, 2020
This little known book has been one of my favourites of the last few years. I love the characters, they all have their problems, ideas and such detailed personality. The procedural crime story in a fantasy setting works amazingly well. The fact that the main character is not human makes everything different. And the world building is amazing. Feels like dungeons and dragons meets csi (but with a better story)
May 13, 2017
I usually don't like a short story but this one was different. I found the characters compelling and the story left me wanting more. This was different from the normal and I think thats is the reason that kept me reading. I believe you will enjoy it too. Great Reading Everyone!
May 6, 2019
Good story
This is a fantasy police murder mystery. It reminds me of Dragon Age 2, Lindsay Buroker's Agents of the Crown, and Dragon Precinct. Those are all good things.
I enjoyed the story. It's more about the setting and characters than about the mystery.
This is a fantasy police murder mystery. It reminds me of Dragon Age 2, Lindsay Buroker's Agents of the Crown, and Dragon Precinct. Those are all good things.
I enjoyed the story. It's more about the setting and characters than about the mystery.
October 2, 2019
Intriguing story
I love the characters, they are very believable with just a touch of magic thrown in to keep things interesting. I would love to see a series with the different cases these to become involved with, and expand on their history together as detectives.
I love the characters, they are very believable with just a touch of magic thrown in to keep things interesting. I would love to see a series with the different cases these to become involved with, and expand on their history together as detectives.
June 16, 2017
Great! Can't wait for book2
Good plot, great characters, well written - what more can you ask for? I loved the pace of the book and it brought out the who-done-it in me.
Good plot, great characters, well written - what more can you ask for? I loved the pace of the book and it brought out the who-done-it in me.
January 17, 2019
I enjoy Anne Bellet and all her books this one included. Complicated but brilliant.
January 28, 2019
Interesting world
A fun fantasy mystery story. I hope this world will be revisited in the future. This book gives just a taste with some mystery teasers of a much bigger story
A fun fantasy mystery story. I hope this world will be revisited in the future. This book gives just a taste with some mystery teasers of a much bigger story
June 6, 2020
Great book!
The characters are strongly written. The story is full of she and suspense. I want to read more stories written about these two.
The characters are strongly written. The story is full of she and suspense. I want to read more stories written about these two.
July 16, 2020
This book reads like the work of a competent amateur. I have nothing against competent amateurs, but I don’t think I want to spend my time reading their books.
January 21, 2021
Nicely written fantasy with inventive characters and cleverly plotted story. I look forward to reading more in this series.
March 11, 2021
Well done
😇I I truly enjoyed the story, found it a little slow to get into but it finally
moved along.
I will certainly follow the series, I am looking forward to the sequels.
😇I I truly enjoyed the story, found it a little slow to get into but it finally
moved along.
I will certainly follow the series, I am looking forward to the sequels.
Read
June 13, 2024I can’t get into this at the moment. Shelving for now.
March 1, 2013
Avarice combines the well-loved genres of mystery, crime solving, and fantasy, giving it terrific agility between action and social commentary.
The story occurs in the free city of Pyrrh, in which live three different species of sentient creature: human, kirgani - described by the author as "like the Kajiit from the Elder Scrolls games: http://elderscrolls.wikia.com/wiki/Kh... but with a little more fox in them" and anuran - in the author's words, "The Anuran are more human. They are amphibious and have scales."
Racial and social tensions exist between the three and are explored within the relationships between colleagues and adversaries solving a violent attack. Avarice displays these dynamics carefully, showing them without editorializing their existence. Avarice allows the reader to decide for himself.
The world building is extraordinary and the details are shared with great patience. The action of a late night mugging, the internal conflict within the law enforcement branches trying to solve the case, the political pressures from social groups all carry the story quickly along. Bellet does not labor over setting the scene, and doles out her descriptions carefully. It is as if she assumes that we can see the action unfolding before us, and therefore only needs to describe the appearance of the kirgani or anuran when they change or react to circumstances. It is an elegant form of fantasy, confident and self-secure in its world and its story. Avarice does not need to impress with how intricate its world is; it knows that you will appreciate it as it unfolds naturally from the plot. It is sophisticated.
Its sophistication does not make it pretentious. In fact, one could ignore the softly spoken social commentary about race or loyalty and just enjoy a good crime novel. In this manner, Bellet satisfies the audiences of mysteries and the audiences of fantasy. The result is compelling, exciting - and fun. Avarice is a satisfying and provocative introduction to what promises to be an enjoyable series.
Link to online post:
http://wp.me/p262AS-mM
The story occurs in the free city of Pyrrh, in which live three different species of sentient creature: human, kirgani - described by the author as "like the Kajiit from the Elder Scrolls games: http://elderscrolls.wikia.com/wiki/Kh... but with a little more fox in them" and anuran - in the author's words, "The Anuran are more human. They are amphibious and have scales."
Racial and social tensions exist between the three and are explored within the relationships between colleagues and adversaries solving a violent attack. Avarice displays these dynamics carefully, showing them without editorializing their existence. Avarice allows the reader to decide for himself.
The world building is extraordinary and the details are shared with great patience. The action of a late night mugging, the internal conflict within the law enforcement branches trying to solve the case, the political pressures from social groups all carry the story quickly along. Bellet does not labor over setting the scene, and doles out her descriptions carefully. It is as if she assumes that we can see the action unfolding before us, and therefore only needs to describe the appearance of the kirgani or anuran when they change or react to circumstances. It is an elegant form of fantasy, confident and self-secure in its world and its story. Avarice does not need to impress with how intricate its world is; it knows that you will appreciate it as it unfolds naturally from the plot. It is sophisticated.
Its sophistication does not make it pretentious. In fact, one could ignore the softly spoken social commentary about race or loyalty and just enjoy a good crime novel. In this manner, Bellet satisfies the audiences of mysteries and the audiences of fantasy. The result is compelling, exciting - and fun. Avarice is a satisfying and provocative introduction to what promises to be an enjoyable series.
Link to online post:
http://wp.me/p262AS-mM
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