Bad Mojo

Zora Banks #1

by Shane Berryhill

“Berryhill's brand of southern-fried, supernatural noir is something to behold.”
—Cherie Priest, bestselling author of Boneshaker and Bloodshot

DESCRIPTION
Shane Berryhill’s first dark adult fantasy is the story of ZORA BANKS—a beautiful, Southern conjure woman of mixed race—as told through the eyes of her partner, ASH OWENS, a pretty boy-redneck cursed with a monstrous alter ego.

When Tennessee State Representative Jack Walker hires Ash to find his missing, drug-addicted wife, Ash finds himself at odds with Chattanooga’s various underworld gangs—both the living and the unliving—as he and Zora become embroiled in a far-reaching occult organization’s grab for ultimate power.

Equal parts True Blood and Justified, Bad Mojo is a dark delight for fans of urban fantasy, Southern Gothics, paranormal romance, and hardboiled crime. It's book one in Berryhill's "Zora Banks" series.

PRAISE
"My favourite Urban Fantasy novel of the first half of 2014, even counting the latest Harry Dresden offering. Yes, it is that good."
—S.R. Manev, Amazon review

"Imagine my delight when I found myself in a world filled with spooks of all types, vipers (vampires), werecreatures, hoodoo, zombies, and so much more. Plus, a subplot of a political hopeful with a dark secret. This is my kind of story."
—Frank Michael Errington, Blog

"Ash is a d!@k (and he doesn't apologize for it), but he's a very like-able d!@k and a glutton for punishment. I found myself drawn into his life and concerned for how things would fare."
—Zachary @ The Mouths of Madness Podcast

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy

217 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 28, 2014

About the author

Shane lives with his wife and son in Chattanooga, Tennessee and continues to work on the next books in The Adventures of Chance Fortune series, along with several other novels.

Reviews

[Frank Errington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review copy

I don't often mention dedications when I do these reviews, but Shane Berryhill's dedication for Bad Mojo: A Zora Banks Novel is just so fitting for the book that follows, that I felt it was worth a quote. "To the people of Chattanooga, Tennessee. The good. The bad. And everyone In Between."

Imagine my delight when I found myself in a world filled with spooks of all types, vipers (vampires), werecreatures, hoodoo, zombies, and so much more. Plus, a subplot of a political hopeful with a dark secret. This is my kind of story.

Writer, Shane Berryhill, has an in-your-face style of writing that was well-suited for this particular tale. "...you can understand why the sight of a low-rent count and his bride standing outside my bar has my hackles up. Through the barred, Plexiglas door, it's obvious that the count is a Southern-fried Anne Rice reject--long and pale with the sharp, predatory features. The business end of his sandy mullet is greased to a quill-like perfection. The stringy party-in-the-back dangles unkempt over the up-turned collar of his dark brown duster. And where the hell did he find a lacey ruffle shirt in camo green?"

Ashley Owens (better call him Ash, unless you're family), isn't exactly normal himself. I believe he may be a werewolf, but it's all under control, thanks to some hoodoo from his partner Zora Banks. In Bad Mojo, Ash and Zora and their friends have to do battle a wide variety of spook and even pay a visit to the In Between.

Bad Mojo: A Zora Banks Novel turned out to be a lot of fun. There's plenty of room for a sequel, yet things are left pretty much resolved by book's end. Also, kudos to George C. Cotronis who did the cover art. Very nice indeed.

Look for Bad Mojo: A Zora Banks Novel to be available on Amazon on July 28th, 2014.

[Andrea Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chattanooga is its own character in this dark urban fantasy series featuring Ash Owens, a rough and tumble redneck with a monstrous side, and his partner Zora Banks, a Southern conjuring woman of incredible power. Spooks (supernatural creatures) roam about 'Nooga, and Ash makes his living trying to keep some of them (and himself) in line. When Ash is hired on to find a politician's missing wife, he stumbles into more problems then he expected especially after he finds out it's not just spooks that act like monsters.

Ash has got one helluva personality and it's clear from page one of Bad Mojo. He's a smart-talking country boy struggling to come to turns with his own monsters and trying to make a living in the city he loves. Chattanooga really is a huge character in this novel and holds her own as Ash travels from top to bottom trying to unravel the mystery he finds himself in. There's a lot of time spent developing the city of Chattanooga, the various underground circles run by the Vipers, and the Zombies, and even some more conjuring folk, and the mysterious In-Between.

Ash is a big act first think later kind of guy and it puts big strife between he and his partner Zora especially as the book progresses. The way the two partners want to handle this case causes a lot of chaos between them, and it's fun to watch Ash try to dance around his problems only to cause bigger ones.

Occasionally some of the sections of dialogue run a little long because I want back to the action, but overall this is a really fun, quick ride along a supernatural world. The lingo used to describe the creatures, Spooks and Vipers, makes the take of vampires and zombies seem fresher and unique to Berryhill's world.

A fun read for anyone who has a taste for a smartass Southern story, and wants to see a fresh take on urban fantasy.

[Seth Skorkowsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Berryhill comes out the gate swinging on this book, letting you know that we're in for something a little meaner than your standard urban fantasy. Our hero, Ash (don't call him Ashley) Owens fits the bill as rude, crude, and socially unacceptable. He's a man that's had more than his share of the darkness and has left him with a good amount of emotional damage.

The setting of Chattanooga is just as much a character as any other. I really enjoyed how much Berryhill weaves the setting into being intrinsic to the plot. Often times with Urban Fantasies the setting can easily be traded with just about any generic large city, but not here.

The biggest hindrance I think people will have with it is that the character of Ash is a self-professed asshole. He is. While he does do good things, and he does care about the people around him, he's also not a very likable person. Normally characters like this will start off that way, but slowly and gradually stop being dicks as the author dials it down, but not here. Ash unapologetically stays true to character through the entire story. We do learn more about him. We learn to sympathize with him. But he is what he is. Be warned.

[Zakk Madness · Rating 4 out of 5]

"There's no proportional, symmetrical change here. No ballet of the macabre in motion. This is raw, uncontrolled mess, as unpredictable and painful as life itself."

"Bad Mojo" tells the tale of Ash (Ashley) Owens, a full-time high octane SOB and a sometimes gun for hire. His specialty is the volatile non-human underbelly of Chattanooga, TN. On this night his job is to find the missing wife of a politician, kidnapped by Vipers (Vamps with serpent like features), and the journal of secrets taken with her. Along with Zora Banks, Ash's hoodoo partner and possibly only friend, the pair head out into the Nooga shadows and start kicking over stones, but the southern city isn't the only thing with secrets.

Ash is a d!@k (and he doesn't apologize for it), but he's a very like-able d!@k and a glutton for punishment. I found myself drawn in to his life and concerned for how things would fare.

"This night he comes to me whispering dark promises of shadows and moons. Of hunts and kills. Of blood and madness."

I really dig Shane Berryhill's writing style, fluid and up-tempo, hip without crossing the Diablo Cody line of distracting-hip, with solid, believable dialog (clunky dialog is my biggest peeve). Another great touch is Mr. Berryhill's use of actual Tennessee history and locales woven into his tale, it's like a constant tangible character bringing the narrative together. It serves the story rather than hinder. I often found myself taking a moment to read up on things like, for example, the lynching of Ed Johnson.

Although this book is subtitled "Zora Banks book #1" this character kind of takes a back seat through most of the tale. She makes for an intriguing character but you, the reader, just aren't going to get much of her back story here as she stays "off screen" for much of this book. I also would have loved to learned more about Ash's backstory, especially concerning his wife and child. And I was aching to see his darkness break free, fully unrestrained from Zora's mojo hand, but that is a small gripe as we are at Mr. Berryhill's mercy, and he is going to play things close to the vest. As it stands we're treated to a full cast of wonderful and memorable characters. Along with interesting takes on the usual suspects of the night creatures, Shane Berryhill crafts a fun romp through the 'Nooga underbelly.

I believe that in a future volume I'll get all of the sordid details that my bloodlust requests. I'll be here waiting patiently to find out what happens next in the life of Ash Owens & Zora Banks.

Check it out.

"The world has become a vile, evil place, after all. But change is in the wind. Mind you and yours don't get swept up in it."

Z-Dubbz is a big dumb animal!

The Mouths of Madness Podcast
my link text

[Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review

Shane Berryhill brings us a hero who doesn’t act like a hero. Ashley (better call him Ash unless you’re family or the person he wishes was his love interest) Owens takes on a job to find a congressman’s wife who may have fallen into the depths of bad mojo (the drug equivalent of crack or meth, I believe). He’s a brash, macho kind of guy. The story includes vampires (called vipers), zombies, woodland nymphs – the homo occultum. However, we never truly learn what Ash becomes after an encounter in Iraq when he was an Army soldier. One character called him a “skinwalker.” I wish there was a definitive statement that what creature he’s become.
Ash works with a partner, Zora Banks, who is a strong, confident woman, a romantic magnet to Ash’s heart. When she speaks to him, “It’s the kind of thing a guy could get used to hearing every day of his life. Any guy but me that is.” This romantic relationship could bloom in the series, but then again, Ash could mess it up as he seems to do in this book – a lot.
I love the use of the city of Chattanooga. I felt like I was there alongside Ash and Zora. Chattanooga is a great supporting character in this book. Some of the language can be difficult to read. At times, it seems that Ash’s macho image and language is strained, but overall, this is a good first book for a series. There are many characters introduced in this piece so there are several choices on how to continue the Zora Banks series. I look forward to see what happens next.

[Stan Laws · Rating 4 out of 5]

Often times when you’re asked to step out of your comfort zone, great things happen. The last time I was asked was just a few days ago. When friend and author, Shane Berryhill sent me a copy of his latest book before it was release, I was honored that he valued my opinion enough to ask me to read it. Now while I consider myself a devout political thriller reader, I wasn’t going to let an opportunity to be one of the first to read this book pass me by.

I wasn’t really sure what to expect when I read BAD MOJO was “equal parts True Blood and Justified”, mostly because I’ve never watched either one. I was immediately drawn into this book when I read the dedication page. Being from the ‘Nooga area, I couldn’t wait to see if Ash and Zora would find themselves in places that I frequented. Not only were the locations familiar, so were the characters. So much so, I believe that went to high school with Ash. On top of all that, imagine my delight when I find a subplot of a local politician with a horrible secret.

I flew through this book, often dodging sleep, to see what Ash and Zora would do next. I’m looking forward to reading the next Zora Banks novel just to see what kind of predicaments Ash finds himself in and what Zora has to do to rescue him.

[Donald Armfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monsters, bad language, an urban fantasy a southern recipe that Shane Berryhill had stirred up for one heck of a read.

Ash, the now well populated man. Since he took on the case of the disappearance of Congressman Walker's daughter. Getting in his beatings and near death moments, to seek the truth behind this southern recipe.

Zora the sexy sidekick with the magic at hand. Fighting along side. Later helping decode the strange writing found a journal, while whipping up spells.

The angel chase scene is marvelous. I felt like I was on Ash & Zora's heels running with them.

I'm already anticipating for part 2.

[Escheresque · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a clever new entry in my second favorite genre. It is a familiar book -- it is in no way derivative, but it is familiar. The setting pops out, and it is like I have been there before. The characters are so at ease with themselves it is like I have known them before and have only forgotten them. It's violent. It's sexy (a lot of the books I have read lately have been needlessly devoid of sex). It's the first in a series that promises to deliver on initial promises of darkness, sex, and monsters. What's not to love, eh?

[Becca Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Berryhill kicks urban fantasy ass!

Bad Mojo is a roller coaster through the Chattanooga underbelly. It's told from the perspective of Ash Owens, a were-creature who works with hoodoo witch doctor Zora Banks to keep balance and peace in their beloved Nooga. We learn about Zora from Ash, the antihero. Where Zora is ethical, strong of faith, and true to her word, Ash is emotionally ugly, unclean, and amoral in the most delicious ways, answering only to Zora due to her ability to keep his own inner monster in check.
Berryhill brings us two seemingly parallel story lines that end up being one and the same. We get a twisted new vampire, were creatures, hoodoos, politicians, drag queens, trolls, zombies, the Fae, drugs and sex, all both honest and crooked in equal measure. The vampires are called vipers in Berryhill's Nooga, an interesting twist on the bloodsucker leaning more toward snakes than bats. And we can hear the Southern speech of Ash Owens without the weird spelling that bogs down dialect. This look at Nooga shows humans and spooks with all their associated customs blending into a normal society for those aware of both sides. Almost like being a spook is a form of socially acceptable mental illness.
In the same vein as Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden, Berryhill gives us an antihero that tries his best, gets the hell beaten out of him at every opportunity and still gets back into the fight. Owens will do anything to accomplish what needs done; only being penitent to the exotic Zora Banks whom he secretly loves. Bad Mojo is a delicious read, both provocative and repulsive, giving the reader vicarious access to their own inner demons.

[Clay Sanger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Real Hardcore Southern Noir

"Bad Mojo" - Shane Berryhill's debut offering in the Zora Banks Series - follows Ash OWens (haunted, cursed occult mercenary for hire) and Zora Banks (hoodoo conjure woman) through a twisted nest of supernatural factions, political intrigue, and personal drama in the dark side of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

A simple missing persons bounty hunt turns into anything but, and along the way the groundwork for a very compelling series takes shape like a thorny bramble patch.

Voodoo gangsters, Mischevious Fae, Vampires who trace their origin right back to the serpent in the Garden of Eden, and a tip-of-the-iceberg peek at a secret and sinister society in highest halls of power form the bones of this tale.

Relatable, believable, and genuine characters, running the spectrum from anti-hero to crusader, are its flesh and blood and Berryhill voices each of them with authenticity.

Sexy, hardcore, and machine-gun paced, "Bad Mojo" is no genre lightweight. The author doesn't flinch from the grit and brutality of his emerging underworld, or hard-ass and bitter personalities of his characters.

Chattanooga plays both the role of setting and supporting character, vibrant and authentic, giving real depth to this story. Rounding it out, Berryhill has an excellent feel for atmospherics - a real five-senses-narrative that ropes the reader in by sight, sound, touch, scent, and taste.

Berryhill is developing a very compelling southern-fried mythology here. "Bad Mojo" is a very impressive debut that lays a lot runway for Berryhill's world and more to come. I look forward to his next offering eagerly.

[Star]

In BAD MOJO, the city of Chattanooga, Tennessee is as much a character as the people who dwell there. BAD MOJO is the first book of the Zora Banks series and the story is told in the first person by Ash Owens, Zora’s partner - a redneck who lives at the bar where he works and tries not to turn furry once a month. Something very bad is going down in the Nooga, so it’s up to Ash and Zora to figure out who is behind it all. I think the way the story is told through Ash’s eyes/words helped to give Zora, an exotically beautiful and powerful mixed-race Conjure woman, an air of the mysterious and taboo. Both the protagonists and antagonists of BAD MOJO were fully developed with distinctive personalities and abilities. BAD MOJO has it all – humor, mystery, magic, suspense, sex, twists, and thrills. Fans of dark and gritty urban fantasy will love to dive into BAD MOJO!

[Sveto Manev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bad Mojo is Shane Berryhill’s first novel in the Zora Banks series and if I had to describe it in three words, those would be ‘gripping, suspenseful, and (freaking) awesome’. In fact, I’d go so far as to call it my favourite Urban Fantasy novel of the first half of 2014, even counting the latest Harry Dresden offering. Yes, it is that good. The plotting, characters and world-building are all superb, and Mr. Berryhill is nothing short of a writer-extraordinaire. The whole time while reading Bad Mojo, I felt like I was watching a movie play out in my head. The writing has a way of coming to life, which is sure to keep you awake late into the night as you hunger to see what happens next…

But first thing’s first. Bad Mojo is the story of Zora Banks – a beautiful, Southern conjure woman of mixed race – and her partner, Ash Owens, a pretty boy-redneck cursed with a monstrous alter ego.

When Tennessee State Representative Jack Walker hires Ash to find his missing, drug-addicted wife, Ash finds himself at odds with Chattanooga’s various underworld gangs – both the living and the unliving – as he and Zora become embroiled in a far-reaching occult organization’s grab for ultimate power.

Unlike most other Urban Fantasies, Bad Mojo – the first Zora Banks novel – is told through the point of view of Zora’s partner, Ash. This helps build a sense of mystery around Zora’s character, which for me personally was one of the highlights of the novel. Mind you, I'm not saying I didn't enjoy Ash’s narrative. On the contrary – he’s badass, sarcastic, and tough, while also showing enough vulnerability to win one’s sympathy. Plus, he gets some of the best one-liners in the novel. As a long-time fan of True Blood’s Pam, I can’t help but like a character like that.

Besides the two protagonists, Bad Mojo offers a colourful cast of supporting heroes, both human and supernatural alike. Highlights for me included Ash’s friend ‘Baby Shit’ (best nickname ever!), who I’d love to see as the hero of his own short story, the mouthy and tough-as-nails Earlene, and the Faye woman Autumn. The latter plays only a minor role, but will definitely leave a lasting impression in your minds… trust me.

The antagonists of Bad Mojo are also quite exotic and well-realized. There are zombies, vipers (aka vampires), a particularly creepy necromancer, and… wait for it… politicians. Yes. I’d argue that the latter were the worst, but you’ll probably think I'm bias… so I’ll keep my opinions to myself and let you judge for yourselves as you read.

One aspect of Bad Mojo I particularly enjoyed is the rich mythology introduced throughout the novel, and Shane Berryhill’s ability to make the setting of Chattanooga its own character. The landscape is painted beautifully and masterfully, while the author manages to maintain a fast-paced plot full of twists and turns, as well as sex, drugs, and Rock and Roll. It’s like Sons of Anarchy and True Blood had a bastard child with American Horror Story: Coven, and… Wait. Need I even continue? There’s so much to like in Bad Mojo that whether you’re a fan of Urban Fantasy, horror, or suspenseful thrillers, you won’t be disappointed.

Now, all I've said so far doesn't mean that Bad Mojo is perfect. There were a few small things that irritated me, including a bit of language and a rather explicit scene I found unnecessary, but ultimately those minor annoyances didn't in any way lessen my overall enjoyment of the novel. Quite the opposite, really. They make me even more eager for the next Zora Banks book, and whatever else Shane Berryhill has in store for us.

In conclusion, I’d say that if you’re on the lookout for a new and exciting Urban Fantasy, you need look no further. Bad Mojo is a striking beginning to a promising series that hopefully will continue for many years to come. Shane Berryhill is an author of considerable talent, and his characters are like new friends you’re only just getting to know and can’t wait to ‘see’ again.

All in all, the Zora Banks series is yet another thrilling addition to Ragnarok Publications’ growing catalogue, and a ‘must-read’ for anyone who loves the fantastic and the macabre.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting one, both to read and to review. Taken at face value, it certainly sounded good enough to be worth a read, though I had initial reservations about telling the story of its ‘conjure woman’ through the eyes of the story’s lead male character, instead of Zora personally – but more on that in a bit.

Said male lead, Ash Owens, is as interesting, magically speaking, as this book’s eponymous character. Shane Berryhill establishes that Something Isn’t Right about Ash more or less from the word ‘go’, and we get fairly tantalising doses of information and backstory as the book progresses. Not all of the beans are spilled, however, and so I’m certainly left intrigued enough to want to know more about that.

The trouble with Ash, for me, isn’t so much his curse as his personality. I found it difficult to like him. Now, having said that, it isn’t unusual for me to enjoy a book or character specifically because of that fact, so I’m certainly not saying that this is a downside. It’s just… I kept squinting at him. I suspect the real problem isn’t that Ash is kind of an asshole – it’s that Ash himself keeps saying so. It’s the rather classic “show, don’t tell” situation; we’re being told as often as we’re being shown, and this irked me a little.

On the other hand, Ash is a perfectly solid candidate for the book’s narrator, and carries the story pretty well. With this in mind, I did find myself wondering more than once why the book is billed on its cover as “a Zora Banks novel”. If so, why not make her the POV character? We get enough information on her from Ash to make her just as interesting as he is, but this left me feeling like it only compounded the issue.

Moving on, though, there is still plenty to like about this book. Shane sets up his Southern scene well, and his take on magic and magical creatures is impressively sugar-free, as it were – the local undead (here known as ‘vipers’, which should tell you a great deal right there) are vicious, violent and entirely not appealing, which is just as it ought to be in my view. He pulls no punches when it comes to putting Ash through the wringer, either, as he gets progressively more beaten up the harder he searches for the information he’s after. In fact, in something of a redemptive move after my initial qualms about the narrator-character issue, it’s only when Ash swallows his pride (having had what seems to be a typical falling-out with Zora earlier in the story) and goes to his friend and partner for help that the story really moves up a gear. Indeed, it’s Zora and her own resources that really push the story forward. She would have to be a remarkably strong character in her own right to carry the story at all, so this gives me hope that she can, and indeed that she might get that proper starring role in later books.

So, yes – I think I’ll be going back for more. Ash may not be likeable, but he is at least intriguing enough to warrant seconds – I really do want to know more about his curse! (The ending might have had a great deal to do with this curiosity, but therein lies spoilers…)

In summary, this is not a perfect book – but roughness or not, it’s got a lot of promise. I find myself reminded that the first book in The Dresden Files was much the same. Whether or not this will become as well-loved as that series for me remains to be seen – but I figure the key part there is “remains to be seen”. Hopefully I will get to see!

[C.T. Phipps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad Mojo by Shane Berryhill is an urban fantasy novel which exists halfway between The Southern Vampire Mysteries and the kind of violent adult content HBO should have gone for with True Blood. It also takes place in Chattanooga, TN, former home of my wife, so I will make no secret of the fact I'll be biased toward it. The book captures all of the things I disliked about that city and adds monsters, so what's not to like?

Hehe.

The book follows the adventures of Ashley Owens, a former United States Army officer who was affected with lycanthropy in Afghanistan. The book plays very coy with what kind it is, specifically, but we get a real sense of how it impacts both his behavior as well as attitude. Forced out of the military and into supernatural organized crime, he's since cleaned himself up and now works for a Voodoo sorceress named Zora Banks.
Despite it being the Zora Banks seires, Bad Mojo is entirely Ashley's book. He's a fascinating character to get inside the head of, even if he's not a particularly likable person. Having grown up in the South, I've met plenty of jackasses like Ashley and make no mistake--he is a jackass.

While professing (to himself) to be desperately in love with Zora, he spends much of the book getting into the pants of half the female cast. He's just enough mixture of dangerous, jerkass, and swagger I can buy it. It helps most of the women aren't looking for anything more than Ashley is offering, either. You wouldn't want to be friends with Ashley, though, as his ostensible best friend finds out when the former sleeps with the latter's fairy wife. Like so many other urban fantasy protagonists, Ashley is basically a present-day urban mercenary doing whatever jobs he's paid to do for clients who can shell out his fees. He's quite not a hit man but he's sure as hell not afraid to drop bodies in the course of his jobs either.

In this book, an evangelical Senator and Chattanooga's former mayor hire him to find the former's vampire drug-addicted wife. She's been taken in a kidnapping plot, or so it seems, and they want the problem to go away. Shane manages to create such a sleazy atmosphere, it's clear they wouldn't mind it happening in a rather permanent way but Ashley chooses to interpret it as a rescue mission.

The depiction of urban Tennessee is remarkably true-to-life, even with open supernaturals. There's still the remnant of Southern gentility but it covers up the nasty undercurrent of sleaze, drugs, racism, murder, and Jerry Springer-style antics. The fact Ashley is in love with a black woman is a problem for several of his associates as well as her business, even though she's the best sorceress in town. Conversely, she's part white is probably just as much a problem with the other side of her heritage, though we don't get to see that part from Ashley's perspective.

Bad Mojo is a very good book but it's not going to be for everyone, especially those who have any remaining illusions about the Mid-South. Ashley has a bunch of bad qualities and genuine flaws. This makes him interesting, though. The characters are colorful, the world-building excellent, and the plot interesting. About the only part I don't care for is Zora Banks herself, who is as dull as a wet dishtowel. Thankfully, she's only featured in the latter half of the book.

9/10

[Sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bad Mojo is the first in what hope is series of novels in the Zora Banks chronicles. Shane Berryhill has crafted a fully realized world of Hoodoo Gangsters, Spooks, and shady politicians all set in the original setting of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Bad Mojo introduces us to on Ash(don't call me Ashley, unless we're friends) Owens, redneck reprobate and all around bad boy. Ash is a jerk, he'll tell you himself repeatedly through out the book. Jerk he may well be, but like most protagonist that are, Ash has a heart of gold though it is tarnished. Ash works for hire as a fixer, navigating the shady side of Nooga underworld both the natural and supernatural. Ash has been tasked with finding a politician's wife which seems easy enough meaning it will complicated as hell or else we wouldn't
have much of story. Berryhill does a great job of world building, I really envisioned his version of Chattanooga. Nooga felt like as much of a character as Ash. His dialogue was punchy and southern fried really capturing the region without being a parody ( True Blood looking at you).There were very few down moments and he keeps the action well paced.

My gripes are minimal with this book. One it's titled the Zora Banks Novel. Zora is more like a background character and hardly involved even in the climax. Ash is our tour guide and we see this world through his eyes, which not a bad thing. Ash is very compelling, though after a period of time it does get tedious with his reminding us he is an asshole. I get that he is like Watson to Zora's Holmes however we rarely get to see her in action through out the novel. It takes away some when the lead character is treated more secondary.

My last complaint is the cover. I love the art work it great and captures the mood of the book well. The book describes Zora as biracial, however on the cover she looks white. I don't mind if she's white, but if you're going to describe someone skin tone and the description is one of a person of color then the cover should reflect that. I think the publisher white washed the cover to boost sales not having faith that authors work was strong to hook buyers. Diversity sales. Sleepy Hollow, Flash, Arrow, Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder, even the latest Dungeon and Dragon's rule book has diversity reflected in it's art. It's 2014 trust your readers more. All in all enjoyed the first it what hopefully will be a new series.

[Rhy Moore · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this a lot because I enjoyed the macho Southern vibe of the main character and the way the setting in Chattanooga, TN was described. (Being from the southeast originally, I was on board for some nostalgia.)

But overall it was a very average Urban/Contemporary Fantasy that got a star docked due to how the plot unfolded. The main character and his partner never really did anything about the conflict. Stuff would just kind of fall into their laps.

As an example, the main character goes off to find and tail or intimidate a lackey of a vampire he wants to question about a missing woman. Instead, he gets beat up three times within a couple of hours and ultimately kidnapped--luckily for him, by another lackey of the vampire he wanted to talk to. Although ultimately he does end up able to ask his questions, it's not via any successful action on his part.

I'm pretty sure every plot point played out like this. Not to mention, apparently the main character's defining trait is being a tough brawler type. Which is kind of contradicted by the constant ass whuppings he suffered.

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad Mojo is everything a die-hard urban fantasy fan could want out of a compelling, page-turning story: a tortured but cool protagonist the reader can get on board with, a unique setting that offers elements of things we haven’t seen before a million times, good world-building and rules, and an exciting plot with conspiracies afoot at every turn. I hope there will be more books in the series so readers can enjoy more of Ash and Zora’s adventures.

Read my full review

[Geoff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yeah, not my favourite book this year.
The story has potential, but it just isn't lived up to.
The narrative is a lot of telling rather than showing.
The main character is hard to like.
The narrative voice seems a poor-man's attempt to sound like Joe Lansdale (and the references to Lansdale, his daughter, and his work in the story push that point home over and over). If you're going to write, find your own voice, don't just try to imitate your favourite author.

That said, I finished the book and it was not as bad as it could have been.

[Shannon Wolf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice and dark little over the top on the "good ol'boy" though

Not bad, good story line, a bit too political for my tastes, but I guess npr likes it. And Oklahoma is not the midwest, but it is flyover, so I guess that is same thing.