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Hoodoo #1
Black Dust Mambo
FIRST IN A NEW SERIES!
“There will be times, girl, when all your magic ain’t going to be enough, times when it will seem to dry up like mud under the noonday sun, or even make matters worse. . . .”
Kallie Rivière, a fiery Cajun hoodoo apprentice with a talent for trouble, finds herself smack-dab in the middle of one of those times her mentor warned her about when she visits New Orleans to attend the Hecatean Alliance’s annual her hard-bodied conjurer hookup ends up dead in her blood-drenched bed. And he was killed by something that Kallie would never dream of touching—the darkest of dark juju, soul-eating juju—a black dust hex that may have been meant to kill her.
Now Kallie has to use every bit of hoodoo knowledge and bayou-bred mojo she possesses to clear her own name and find the killer—even as that dark sorcerer hunts Kallie and her friends. But Kallie’s search for the truth soon leads her in a direction she never anticipated—back home to Bayou Cyprés Noir, and to Gabrielle LaRue, Kallie’s aunt, protector, and hoodoo mentor . . . who is looking more and more like she just might be the one who wants Kallie dead.
“There will be times, girl, when all your magic ain’t going to be enough, times when it will seem to dry up like mud under the noonday sun, or even make matters worse. . . .”
Kallie Rivière, a fiery Cajun hoodoo apprentice with a talent for trouble, finds herself smack-dab in the middle of one of those times her mentor warned her about when she visits New Orleans to attend the Hecatean Alliance’s annual her hard-bodied conjurer hookup ends up dead in her blood-drenched bed. And he was killed by something that Kallie would never dream of touching—the darkest of dark juju, soul-eating juju—a black dust hex that may have been meant to kill her.
Now Kallie has to use every bit of hoodoo knowledge and bayou-bred mojo she possesses to clear her own name and find the killer—even as that dark sorcerer hunts Kallie and her friends. But Kallie’s search for the truth soon leads her in a direction she never anticipated—back home to Bayou Cyprés Noir, and to Gabrielle LaRue, Kallie’s aunt, protector, and hoodoo mentor . . . who is looking more and more like she just might be the one who wants Kallie dead.
384 pages, Paperback
First published June 18, 2010
37 people are currently reading
3892 people want to read
About the author
Adrian Phoenix
18 books930 followersAdrian Phoenix writes urban fantasy and is the author of The Maker's Song series, (currently working on book 6) and the Hoodoo series, the third book, Black Moon Mojo and the forthcoming Sons of Darkness series. Her humorous paranormal Thinning the Herd was released January 2016.
She lives in Springfield, Oregon in a zombie-free home (except when meeting deadlines) with three cats, Keats, Emily, and Raven and has two sons, three grandchildren and three granddogs.
She loves to read and see movies, enjoys hiking with her granddog, Cielo, (immortalized in Black Dust Mambo and Black Heart Loa), and hanging out with friends.
She also loves creepy things and yearns to go on a paranormal investigation. She also hopes to do a haunted tour one day.
She also loves, loves, loves music – and anything by Trent Reznor is high on the list. She also loves to hear from my readers and fans, So please feel free to contact her!
Website: http://www.adrianphoenix.com
Facebook fan page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adrian...
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/adriannikolasp...
She lives in Springfield, Oregon in a zombie-free home (except when meeting deadlines) with three cats, Keats, Emily, and Raven and has two sons, three grandchildren and three granddogs.
She loves to read and see movies, enjoys hiking with her granddog, Cielo, (immortalized in Black Dust Mambo and Black Heart Loa), and hanging out with friends.
She also loves creepy things and yearns to go on a paranormal investigation. She also hopes to do a haunted tour one day.
She also loves, loves, loves music – and anything by Trent Reznor is high on the list. She also loves to hear from my readers and fans, So please feel free to contact her!
Website: http://www.adrianphoenix.com
Facebook fan page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adrian...
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/adriannikolasp...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews
August 9, 2010
(Note: Gotta preface by saying that despite the rating, I wouldn't dissuade anyone from reading this book. I actually think many folk, especially my GR peeps, would like it.)
Well. Knock me over with a feather. I thought I'd really like this one. But there goes that.
This book starts off with a bang (no pun intended, though that works as well). It details the morning following a wild one-night stand for hoodoo apprentice ("root worker") Kallie Riviere. The reader is introduced to a scene with rumpled sheets, kinky memories, a nasty hangover....and a dead body. Namely, that of Kallie's lover. Not long after this discovery the story shoots off into investigation (both official and informal) of the "whos" and "whys" surrounding the death, and involves numerous character perspectives.
The first half of the book covers a roughly two-hour period of time, and just about the whole tale takes place on the hotel grounds where the murder has taken place. Kallie immediately finds herself visited by the deceased man's best-friend Layne (who instantly becomes her love interest), Kallie's own best friend Belladona (my fave character!), another friend named Dallas, some hotel staff and officials from a magic association that governs all mystical folk. This means lots of dialogue, lots of character posturing and the like. It's kind of got a "Clue"-type vibe, in that sense. It requires patience, that's for sure. ^_^
Now, one issue I had stemmed from the aforementioned multiple perspectives. I'm in fact usually a fan of tales that involve narration by many people, especially when the use of such a device increases the tension or deepens the reading experience. But amongst the ten different perspectives here, I just found obfuscation, (occasional) uninteresting introspection, and lack of connection with the characters.
As for the characters themselves...I can't say I connected much (save to the fiesty Belladona). The antagonists were just silly, no other way I can put it. They came off as several notches short of...anything really: intimidating, intriguing, tragic, exciting, maddening, sympathetic, etc. I imagine that inspiring such emotions was the goal, but I just didn't feel any of it. :o(
This is a flashback-heavy book. Which isn't inherently a bad thing. It's just that it feels like half of the book is spent in flashbacks referencing the other half! ^_^ The number of times whole sections of dialogue and action were repeated word-for-word...well. It just got old fast; I'd frequently be thinking along the lines of "okay I remember already! That was said like one page ago, I remember!") ^_^ There were numerous dreams and visions, as well, though those didn't rankle as much.
Okay. I'm going to cut the "didn't likes" off here, because this is getting long. ^_^ But trust, there were more.
One thing I really dug was the atmosphere. In fact, it's part of why I love books set in Louisiana (especially bayou country). The physical settings are hot and humid, the behaviors of the people are steeped in magic and mystery, and the history of the lands are rich, full of folklore and old wives tales. The author obviously researched her butt off for the Hoodoo books, because she captures the Looziana flavor admirably.
I also found it interesting how a lot of the characters motivations were influenced by past loss. A parent, a friend, a sibling, a lover... each loss seems to affect the respective loved one in a vastly different way. It made for some compelling character comparisons.
I'm not gonna lie. There were a few truly enjoyable scenes (one in particular involved a wet-boxers contest, and had me laughing out loud! ^_^) So there were some good moments. But overall the book just felt weighed down to me. And yet, I actually wouldn't completely discount reading the second book. If nothing else, I'd like to see if some of the fairly-promising-plot-threads-that-ultimately-lead-nowhere are in fact meant to be picked up at a later time.
Well. Knock me over with a feather. I thought I'd really like this one. But there goes that.
This book starts off with a bang (no pun intended, though that works as well). It details the morning following a wild one-night stand for hoodoo apprentice ("root worker") Kallie Riviere. The reader is introduced to a scene with rumpled sheets, kinky memories, a nasty hangover....and a dead body. Namely, that of Kallie's lover. Not long after this discovery the story shoots off into investigation (both official and informal) of the "whos" and "whys" surrounding the death, and involves numerous character perspectives.
The first half of the book covers a roughly two-hour period of time, and just about the whole tale takes place on the hotel grounds where the murder has taken place. Kallie immediately finds herself visited by the deceased man's best-friend Layne (who instantly becomes her love interest), Kallie's own best friend Belladona (my fave character!), another friend named Dallas, some hotel staff and officials from a magic association that governs all mystical folk. This means lots of dialogue, lots of character posturing and the like. It's kind of got a "Clue"-type vibe, in that sense. It requires patience, that's for sure. ^_^
Now, one issue I had stemmed from the aforementioned multiple perspectives. I'm in fact usually a fan of tales that involve narration by many people, especially when the use of such a device increases the tension or deepens the reading experience. But amongst the ten different perspectives here, I just found obfuscation, (occasional) uninteresting introspection, and lack of connection with the characters.
As for the characters themselves...I can't say I connected much (save to the fiesty Belladona). The antagonists were just silly, no other way I can put it. They came off as several notches short of...anything really: intimidating, intriguing, tragic, exciting, maddening, sympathetic, etc. I imagine that inspiring such emotions was the goal, but I just didn't feel any of it. :o(
This is a flashback-heavy book. Which isn't inherently a bad thing. It's just that it feels like half of the book is spent in flashbacks referencing the other half! ^_^ The number of times whole sections of dialogue and action were repeated word-for-word...well. It just got old fast; I'd frequently be thinking along the lines of "okay I remember already! That was said like one page ago, I remember!") ^_^ There were numerous dreams and visions, as well, though those didn't rankle as much.
Okay. I'm going to cut the "didn't likes" off here, because this is getting long. ^_^ But trust, there were more.
One thing I really dug was the atmosphere. In fact, it's part of why I love books set in Louisiana (especially bayou country). The physical settings are hot and humid, the behaviors of the people are steeped in magic and mystery, and the history of the lands are rich, full of folklore and old wives tales. The author obviously researched her butt off for the Hoodoo books, because she captures the Looziana flavor admirably.
I also found it interesting how a lot of the characters motivations were influenced by past loss. A parent, a friend, a sibling, a lover... each loss seems to affect the respective loved one in a vastly different way. It made for some compelling character comparisons.
I'm not gonna lie. There were a few truly enjoyable scenes (one in particular involved a wet-boxers contest, and had me laughing out loud! ^_^) So there were some good moments. But overall the book just felt weighed down to me. And yet, I actually wouldn't completely discount reading the second book. If nothing else, I'd like to see if some of the fairly-promising-plot-threads-that-ultimately-lead-nowhere are in fact meant to be picked up at a later time.
July 19, 2010
Thoughts:
Starting off, I really disliked this authors previous book, A Rush of Wings. After I had finished it I was exhausted from forcing myself to through it. It was too wordy, like the author was trying to cram to many words into one sentence. There were so many characters that took turns telling the story that I was afraid when ever I saw a page break or a new chapter starting—I didn't want to start on a new character, or go back to characters I just wasn't interested in. A Rush of Wings was a good idea, don't get me wrong, but it had so many issues that it was boring. The pace slowed it down, jumping from character to character slowed it down more.
So why did I buy this? The cover. That's right I'm a shallow cover lover. With this cover, you can't blame me. The blue hues are so pleasing, the bottles in the tree branches just call to me! The lovely lady on the cover looks like she eats Navy Seals for breakfast.
Luckily the insides of this book are just as appealing as the outsides. It was clear about 3 pages into this book that I was going to love it. Sure there were a couple of moments where the writing felt crammed, but it disappears fast and the rest is smooth sailing.
The reader doesn't spend all that much time with the main character Kallie, which is a shame cause she's a sassy anger management case. Phoenix makes up for it though. Where A Rush of Wings was plagued by the annoyance of one new character after another, characters I really disliked, it was Black Dust Mambo's strength. Even the evil villains take a turn in the narration, and it actually works out really good! The cast is so colorful and all are so easy to sink into. Let me just share some.
Belladonna, Kallie's best friend, who's 100 % evil and absolute fun at a wet boxers competition. Dallas, a family friend of Kallies, who happens to be an adulterous lech. Who just happens to have a bullseye on his head by many husbands. Layne, the hot Nomad man candy who is a vessel that ghosts can take over and use his body. Augustine a dominating Brit, with one heck of a sly attitude. Then Layne-Augustine takes the floor, trust me it's just as fun as it sounds. Then of course a Bondalicious babe. That's just the tip of the iceberg.
This book just kept going and going, and when you thought it was all about Kallies dark birth and past. It ended up throwing a curve ball out there. It's hard to find books that are ambitious enough to create a really good plot, and then include a story arc to fit into the next book.
The humor is off the hook!! Even in the most dramatic parts of the book, Phoenix managed to crack a good one. The bayou humor is so refreshing. I haven't read to many books that have taken place in New Orleans, but this has to be the best one. Usually all the Cajun talk and slang really boggles my mind, this time I was speaking the language.
Only one complaint. The book has a heavy dose of repetitive flash backs. Like Phoenix is trying to make sure that this moment is dramatic, the reader shouldn't miss it. Whether it's one sentence or a couple of paragraphs on repeat.
Bottom Line:
If you're looking for a good time and a great mystery this is the best kind of read. Urban Fantasy readers will love the Hoodoo and Voodoo users, as there aren't too many in the genre. If you were put off by Phoenix's other series, don't be shy to try this out. Black Dust Mambo is a ton of fun, between wet boxer competitions, black voodoo soul eating magic, and twisted plots! Just be prepared for a bit of a cliff hanger.
Sexual Content:
No sex scenes that I can remember. However lot's of sex talk and humor.
Rating: 5/5- Fabulous, a beautiful obsession.
Starting off, I really disliked this authors previous book, A Rush of Wings. After I had finished it I was exhausted from forcing myself to through it. It was too wordy, like the author was trying to cram to many words into one sentence. There were so many characters that took turns telling the story that I was afraid when ever I saw a page break or a new chapter starting—I didn't want to start on a new character, or go back to characters I just wasn't interested in. A Rush of Wings was a good idea, don't get me wrong, but it had so many issues that it was boring. The pace slowed it down, jumping from character to character slowed it down more.
So why did I buy this? The cover. That's right I'm a shallow cover lover. With this cover, you can't blame me. The blue hues are so pleasing, the bottles in the tree branches just call to me! The lovely lady on the cover looks like she eats Navy Seals for breakfast.
Luckily the insides of this book are just as appealing as the outsides. It was clear about 3 pages into this book that I was going to love it. Sure there were a couple of moments where the writing felt crammed, but it disappears fast and the rest is smooth sailing.
The reader doesn't spend all that much time with the main character Kallie, which is a shame cause she's a sassy anger management case. Phoenix makes up for it though. Where A Rush of Wings was plagued by the annoyance of one new character after another, characters I really disliked, it was Black Dust Mambo's strength. Even the evil villains take a turn in the narration, and it actually works out really good! The cast is so colorful and all are so easy to sink into. Let me just share some.
Belladonna, Kallie's best friend, who's 100 % evil and absolute fun at a wet boxers competition. Dallas, a family friend of Kallies, who happens to be an adulterous lech. Who just happens to have a bullseye on his head by many husbands. Layne, the hot Nomad man candy who is a vessel that ghosts can take over and use his body. Augustine a dominating Brit, with one heck of a sly attitude. Then Layne-Augustine takes the floor, trust me it's just as fun as it sounds. Then of course a Bondalicious babe. That's just the tip of the iceberg.
This book just kept going and going, and when you thought it was all about Kallies dark birth and past. It ended up throwing a curve ball out there. It's hard to find books that are ambitious enough to create a really good plot, and then include a story arc to fit into the next book.
The humor is off the hook!! Even in the most dramatic parts of the book, Phoenix managed to crack a good one. The bayou humor is so refreshing. I haven't read to many books that have taken place in New Orleans, but this has to be the best one. Usually all the Cajun talk and slang really boggles my mind, this time I was speaking the language.
Only one complaint. The book has a heavy dose of repetitive flash backs. Like Phoenix is trying to make sure that this moment is dramatic, the reader shouldn't miss it. Whether it's one sentence or a couple of paragraphs on repeat.
Bottom Line:
If you're looking for a good time and a great mystery this is the best kind of read. Urban Fantasy readers will love the Hoodoo and Voodoo users, as there aren't too many in the genre. If you were put off by Phoenix's other series, don't be shy to try this out. Black Dust Mambo is a ton of fun, between wet boxer competitions, black voodoo soul eating magic, and twisted plots! Just be prepared for a bit of a cliff hanger.
Sexual Content:
No sex scenes that I can remember. However lot's of sex talk and humor.
Rating: 5/5- Fabulous, a beautiful obsession.
August 27, 2014
Black Dust Mambo
is the first in the Hoodoo series by Adrian Phoenix. Her Maker's Song series is one of my favorites, but this one just reinforced my love of her stories. Her world building in this one isn't nearly as complex or initially overwhelming. We jump right in Kallie's world with no acclimation needed.
After partying a little too hard at carnival the night before, Kallie wakes up in the bathroom to find the hottie nomad, Gage, she hooked up with in her bed - dead. First things first, call your best friend to help ya outta this mess. (Belladonna is a riot! I just love her.) She rushes over, but not quick enough. Layne, Gage's brother-in-magic, arrives first after having a dream.
Together they try to find out who killed Gage, was Kallie the intended victim and why they would want her/him dead.
Kallie is a hoodoo, a rootworker. Bella is training to be a mambo, a voodoo priestess. Layne is medium, but not just any medium, he's a Vessel for the dead.
We also meet McKenna, Layne's ex-wife, a shaman. Kallie and Bella call her the leprechaun b/c she's so little and has the brogue accent. Dallas, Kallie's cousin, is at carnival to "keep an eye" on her, per their aunt's wishes. Then there's Augustine, the brit sorcerer and his fiesty assistant Felicity.
I instantly feel in love with Layne. Kallie and Bella's BFF banter was a hoot. The other characters were just as colorful. It's going to be interesting to learn more about Kallie and her aunt. I want more!
The wet boxers contest was awesome and Augustine's "exploration" and subsequent comment "Oh.Dear.God." was FANTASTIC! ;)
There is so much action, excitement and sexual tension throughout that I don't want to ruin a single part of the story for anyone, so I'll stop there. Let me just say that I will MOST DEFINITELY be following this series until the end. Thank you, Adrian Phoenix for yet another fantastic UF!
After partying a little too hard at carnival the night before, Kallie wakes up in the bathroom to find the hottie nomad, Gage, she hooked up with in her bed - dead. First things first, call your best friend to help ya outta this mess. (Belladonna is a riot! I just love her.) She rushes over, but not quick enough. Layne, Gage's brother-in-magic, arrives first after having a dream.
Together they try to find out who killed Gage, was Kallie the intended victim and why they would want her/him dead.
Kallie is a hoodoo, a rootworker. Bella is training to be a mambo, a voodoo priestess. Layne is medium, but not just any medium, he's a Vessel for the dead.
"Vessels don't need ritual or séance or linked energy from the living to call to the dead or to open doors between the mortal and spiritual worlds. A Vessel was a living, breathing spirit cabinet. And most Vessels spiraled into madness by their late teens, usually ending their lives in messy and desperate ways."
We also meet McKenna, Layne's ex-wife, a shaman. Kallie and Bella call her the leprechaun b/c she's so little and has the brogue accent. Dallas, Kallie's cousin, is at carnival to "keep an eye" on her, per their aunt's wishes. Then there's Augustine, the brit sorcerer and his fiesty assistant Felicity.
I instantly feel in love with Layne. Kallie and Bella's BFF banter was a hoot. The other characters were just as colorful. It's going to be interesting to learn more about Kallie and her aunt. I want more!
The wet boxers contest was awesome and Augustine's "exploration" and subsequent comment "Oh.Dear.God." was FANTASTIC! ;)
There is so much action, excitement and sexual tension throughout that I don't want to ruin a single part of the story for anyone, so I'll stop there. Let me just say that I will MOST DEFINITELY be following this series until the end. Thank you, Adrian Phoenix for yet another fantastic UF!
May 7, 2010
So totally excited to have been given the opportunity to review BLACK DUST MAMBO, the first in Adrian Phoenix’s new Hoodoo series! I have been hooked on Adrian ’s work since the moment I picked up A RUSH OF WINGS, the first book in her Maker’s Song series, and have been waiting patiently… well maybe not patiently… but waiting all the same to be able to get my hands on this book.
Kallie Revere has a past that haunts her. After almost dying and losing both of her parents she is sent to live with her aunt, Gabrielle LaRue. Gabrielle is also Kallie’s Ti-tante, training her and her cousin, Jackson, in the art of Hoodoo as a root-worker and healer. Now Kallie and her friend Belladonna are off to attend the May Madness Carnival in New Orleans . This is a time for those who practice in Hoodoo and Voodoo to come together to learn, share and have a good time. The last thing Kallie expects it to find the sexy nomad, Gage, dead in her bed when she wakes up on the bathroom floor with a killer hangover.
Layne Valin is out for revenge due to the death of his clan brother Gage. Sticking close to Kallie as they search for the one responsible they make their way through a maze of obstacles. This becomes difficult with the presence of Lord Basil Augustine since he’s decided that he wants to use Layne’s body as a way to keep from crossing over. With both of them hellbent on finding the person responsible for death during the carnival it becomes an interesting dance that they share and one that was very interesting to see played out.
I have to say that I loved how different each character was and how much they stood out on their own yet worked together so well. I really found McKenna’s character, a member of the nomad clan, to be one of my favorites and I can’t wait to find out if we will be seeing more of Ms. Felicity Fields, Lord Augustine’s assistant. The writing is so rich and the detail is amazing without dragging on. Adrian has a way of hooking you on page one and never letting up. The plot was filled with twists and turns that kept the pages turning until the wee hours of the night. The moment the book came to an end I wanted to start reading it again and have gone back and reread several parts. Adrian ’s writing has such a depth that it’s like walking into the world that she has created and I didn’t want to leave. I am so ready to find out what happens next that I can’t imagine how I’m going to wait till next year… The only saving grace is that ETCHED IN BLOOD, the 4th in the Maker’s Song series, will be out in December!
Kallie Revere has a past that haunts her. After almost dying and losing both of her parents she is sent to live with her aunt, Gabrielle LaRue. Gabrielle is also Kallie’s Ti-tante, training her and her cousin, Jackson, in the art of Hoodoo as a root-worker and healer. Now Kallie and her friend Belladonna are off to attend the May Madness Carnival in New Orleans . This is a time for those who practice in Hoodoo and Voodoo to come together to learn, share and have a good time. The last thing Kallie expects it to find the sexy nomad, Gage, dead in her bed when she wakes up on the bathroom floor with a killer hangover.
Layne Valin is out for revenge due to the death of his clan brother Gage. Sticking close to Kallie as they search for the one responsible they make their way through a maze of obstacles. This becomes difficult with the presence of Lord Basil Augustine since he’s decided that he wants to use Layne’s body as a way to keep from crossing over. With both of them hellbent on finding the person responsible for death during the carnival it becomes an interesting dance that they share and one that was very interesting to see played out.
I have to say that I loved how different each character was and how much they stood out on their own yet worked together so well. I really found McKenna’s character, a member of the nomad clan, to be one of my favorites and I can’t wait to find out if we will be seeing more of Ms. Felicity Fields, Lord Augustine’s assistant. The writing is so rich and the detail is amazing without dragging on. Adrian has a way of hooking you on page one and never letting up. The plot was filled with twists and turns that kept the pages turning until the wee hours of the night. The moment the book came to an end I wanted to start reading it again and have gone back and reread several parts. Adrian ’s writing has such a depth that it’s like walking into the world that she has created and I didn’t want to leave. I am so ready to find out what happens next that I can’t imagine how I’m going to wait till next year… The only saving grace is that ETCHED IN BLOOD, the 4th in the Maker’s Song series, will be out in December!
February 28, 2012
Black Dust Mambo is a dark and sultry tale. Set in New Orleans during May Madness Carnival (think Spring Break for people with magical abilities), Black Dust Mambo has just the right amount of mystery and magic to keep me reading late into the night.
Imagine…the partying, the debauchery…a young woman’s first May Madness Carnival…all kinds of fun. And murder, black magic style.
Kallie Riviere wakes up to find her companion for the evening very dead. The victim’s best friend Layne Valin accuses Kallie of murder. When Valin touches the corpse, he dies too. Kallie manages to resuscitate him and they work together to find the killer.
Some interesting facts about our heroine: Kallie spends a good portion of the book in her underwear, almost the entire first half. No, it’s not THAT kind of book. Kallie also punches first and asks questions later. I can’t recall how many people Kallie punched, but it was enough that I did make note of it.
The magic in Black Dust Mambo is fascinating. There were hexes, poppets, divinations, and more. Kallie’s magical abilities remain a mystery, especially her strength to resist compulsion. I also liked Valin’s magical ability. Valin is a vessel, a person that can host spirits so that they can communicate with the living. Kallie’s best friend Belladonna is a mambo, a voodoo princess.
I enjoyed the interactions between the characters, especially their ability to poke fun at each other.
I think that this book would have benefitted from a glossary of terms. A lot of creole words are thrown into the story and a glossary would have been beneficial to people who do not have a knowledge of French.
Cliffhanger alert: This book ends on a pretty intense cliffhanger. Thankfully book 2 Black Heart Loa is already published.
Favorite quotes:
“Felicity Fields sounds like the name of a Bond Babe.”
“Men. A little juju, a little wormwood, a near death, and they curled up like salted slugs.”
“You really must stop punching people. Have you considered anger management or a twelve-step program for quick fisted pugilists?”
Review posted on Badass Book Reviews.
Imagine…the partying, the debauchery…a young woman’s first May Madness Carnival…all kinds of fun. And murder, black magic style.
Kallie Riviere wakes up to find her companion for the evening very dead. The victim’s best friend Layne Valin accuses Kallie of murder. When Valin touches the corpse, he dies too. Kallie manages to resuscitate him and they work together to find the killer.
Some interesting facts about our heroine: Kallie spends a good portion of the book in her underwear, almost the entire first half. No, it’s not THAT kind of book. Kallie also punches first and asks questions later. I can’t recall how many people Kallie punched, but it was enough that I did make note of it.
The magic in Black Dust Mambo is fascinating. There were hexes, poppets, divinations, and more. Kallie’s magical abilities remain a mystery, especially her strength to resist compulsion. I also liked Valin’s magical ability. Valin is a vessel, a person that can host spirits so that they can communicate with the living. Kallie’s best friend Belladonna is a mambo, a voodoo princess.
I enjoyed the interactions between the characters, especially their ability to poke fun at each other.
I think that this book would have benefitted from a glossary of terms. A lot of creole words are thrown into the story and a glossary would have been beneficial to people who do not have a knowledge of French.
Cliffhanger alert: This book ends on a pretty intense cliffhanger. Thankfully book 2 Black Heart Loa is already published.
Favorite quotes:
“Felicity Fields sounds like the name of a Bond Babe.”
“Men. A little juju, a little wormwood, a near death, and they curled up like salted slugs.”
“You really must stop punching people. Have you considered anger management or a twelve-step program for quick fisted pugilists?”
Review posted on Badass Book Reviews.
April 25, 2012
I am really late to the reviewing part on this one, so no blurb this time around.
Black Dust Mambo has been languishing on the TBR pile forever, though I did give it a short it was first released - I read the first page and was bummed out by the gorgeous guy who ended up dead just because he crawled in the wrong bed and set the book aside. But this time I made it past that part and once I did I was completely intrigued.
I don't know if I would have liked the book as much if the story, in true UF fashion, had been told from the point of view of Kallie, a lusty hoodoo practitioner with anger management issues, who is at the center of everything that is going on. Instead, because the story head hops between most all of the characters of the interesting cast of magic wielders - including the bad guys - I didn't find Kallie as irritating as I would have it I'd been stuck in her head the whole time. So I really enjoyed Black Dust Mambo, magic, action, a bit of steam (and technically no sex). I was also happy that the dead gorgeous guy isn't just forgotten after the first scene and that every time I started thinking that he was Kallie would remember something about her time with him and regret being the cause of his fate.
Probably my biggest nit with the story telling was that there were lots of flashbacks and bits of inner dialog (that could really have been left out for the most part) written in italics - italics are not my friend, I find them irritating to read and I am always tempted to skip over long italicized passages. My other nit is that I could have lived without a scene in which a character who is a spirit molests his host's body while he fantasizes, it was the only on screen 'sex' in the book and felt kind of pervy to me.
Still, I ended up really liking Black Dust Mambo and will most likely hunt down the second book, to see more of the characters and how the impact of Kallie's secret plays out.
Black Dust Mambo has been languishing on the TBR pile forever, though I did give it a short it was first released - I read the first page and was bummed out by the gorgeous guy who ended up dead just because he crawled in the wrong bed and set the book aside. But this time I made it past that part and once I did I was completely intrigued.
I don't know if I would have liked the book as much if the story, in true UF fashion, had been told from the point of view of Kallie, a lusty hoodoo practitioner with anger management issues, who is at the center of everything that is going on. Instead, because the story head hops between most all of the characters of the interesting cast of magic wielders - including the bad guys - I didn't find Kallie as irritating as I would have it I'd been stuck in her head the whole time. So I really enjoyed Black Dust Mambo, magic, action, a bit of steam (and technically no sex). I was also happy that the dead gorgeous guy isn't just forgotten after the first scene and that every time I started thinking that he was Kallie would remember something about her time with him and regret being the cause of his fate.
Probably my biggest nit with the story telling was that there were lots of flashbacks and bits of inner dialog (that could really have been left out for the most part) written in italics - italics are not my friend, I find them irritating to read and I am always tempted to skip over long italicized passages. My other nit is that I could have lived without a scene in which a character who is a spirit molests his host's body while he fantasizes, it was the only on screen 'sex' in the book and felt kind of pervy to me.
Still, I ended up really liking Black Dust Mambo and will most likely hunt down the second book, to see more of the characters and how the impact of Kallie's secret plays out.
July 18, 2010
This book is the start of a great new series that easily surpasses the “Maker’s Song Series”. Ms. Phoenix, while she continues to write from multiple perspectives in this book, has 1) decreased those perspectives down to a manageable level and 2) brought those perspectives quickly together so that the reader is not left hanging, wondering why the heck you are reading about some minor character who happens to be the maid.
The story is dark, and fascinating. Ms. Phoenix has created a world, a language, and a unique way of being in this book. Magic is a way of life, not needing explanation, it just is. It is hard to explain what is going on in the book because I find myself writing spoilers every time I try. To avoid spoiling the book, I will just tell you the mystery is good and I did not predict the ending, it was quite the twist.
In addition, for those who read the Maker’s Song Series, there is no glossary in the back.
The story is dark, and fascinating. Ms. Phoenix has created a world, a language, and a unique way of being in this book. Magic is a way of life, not needing explanation, it just is. It is hard to explain what is going on in the book because I find myself writing spoilers every time I try. To avoid spoiling the book, I will just tell you the mystery is good and I did not predict the ending, it was quite the twist.
In addition, for those who read the Maker’s Song Series, there is no glossary in the back.
December 2, 2014
4.25
This book was great! I'm a huge fan of Ms. Phoenix's Maker's Song books and this had a similar feel. At least in regards to the setting, the Creole vibe, and the interesting and odd characters. The last half had me glued to the story. This wasn't as dark as her other series either. I'll be reading book 2 pretty soon. I have to know what's happening!!
This book was great! I'm a huge fan of Ms. Phoenix's Maker's Song books and this had a similar feel. At least in regards to the setting, the Creole vibe, and the interesting and odd characters. The last half had me glued to the story. This wasn't as dark as her other series either. I'll be reading book 2 pretty soon. I have to know what's happening!!
October 11, 2012
Ugh! Seriously, THAT'S how it ended! I'm so jacked about the stupid ending I wanted to give it 2, it deserves bonus points for really cool readability, so 3 it is. I'll never suggest it to a friend though, the last quarter was lacking.
July 27, 2018
2.5 stars
I think this was a Goodreads recommendation. Since it was only .99 on Kindle, I grabbed it.
I have mixed feelings on it. Overall it was entertaining, and the mystery kept me wondering what was next, but I was never really rooting for any one character. The shifting perspectives kept the story moving, and I think the jumping POV added a lot to the story. If this was told entirely from Kallie's depressing viewpoint, I'm sure I would have given up on it.
The world building is SERIOUSLY lacking, which was really disappointing, because the little there was, was actually quite interesting. The world is divided into magic users, and those that are shut-off, and although the two intersect, the shut-off know nothing about magic. What's the difference between Hoodoo, Voodoo and Conjurers? What's a loa? Where does magic come from? How does it work? These are foundational questions that never get answered.
The characters are ok, but I HATED the accents. Everyone spoke this brambling cajun slang, except for the occasional Irish and British accents thrown in there for luck. It's annoying, for true. All the characters were beautiful. That's a pet peeve of mine. There was also a constant sexual awareness with each of the characters. Between Belladonna, Dallas, Kallie, Layne, McKenna, Augustine...there was enough lust to bottle and start selling.
I think this was a Goodreads recommendation. Since it was only .99 on Kindle, I grabbed it.
I have mixed feelings on it. Overall it was entertaining, and the mystery kept me wondering what was next, but I was never really rooting for any one character. The shifting perspectives kept the story moving, and I think the jumping POV added a lot to the story. If this was told entirely from Kallie's depressing viewpoint, I'm sure I would have given up on it.
The world building is SERIOUSLY lacking, which was really disappointing, because the little there was, was actually quite interesting. The world is divided into magic users, and those that are shut-off, and although the two intersect, the shut-off know nothing about magic. What's the difference between Hoodoo, Voodoo and Conjurers? What's a loa? Where does magic come from? How does it work? These are foundational questions that never get answered.
The characters are ok, but I HATED the accents. Everyone spoke this brambling cajun slang, except for the occasional Irish and British accents thrown in there for luck. It's annoying, for true. All the characters were beautiful. That's a pet peeve of mine. There was also a constant sexual awareness with each of the characters. Between Belladonna, Dallas, Kallie, Layne, McKenna, Augustine...there was enough lust to bottle and start selling.
July 9, 2010
I liked this book tremendously. It's set in the same world in which the author's Maker's Song series is set, and the focus of this story is the hoodoo practitioners and motorcycle riding gypsy types called nomads. The setting is at a magical practitioner's Carnival, and someone is killed. Our protagonist, Kallie Riviere, is a hoodoo, a magical practitioner from a tradition developed from sancretization of catholicism and african religious elements. Someone has set a spell to kill Kallie...but it accidentally kills the man in her bed instead and destroys his soul. Whoever it is has a big grudge on, and Kallie is forced to prove her innocence while struggling to figure out what is going on and staying alive. She, a handsome nomad, a dead man, and other friends have a wild ride in New Orleans solving the mystery. Zombie dust, voodoo dolls and a strong creole flavor color this world and the action.
I enjoyed this immensely. I know something about the hoodoo/voodoo/African-based religions and found this book was really dead on in its interpretations of the practitioners' attitudes and many of their beliefs. Not being an expert, I cannot state definitively that it's 100% accurate, but it's comes across as very well researched and brings something little seen (and frequently badly done vis 70s horror where everything non-Christian is satanic) to the urban fantasy milieu. Well done!
I enjoyed this immensely. I know something about the hoodoo/voodoo/African-based religions and found this book was really dead on in its interpretations of the practitioners' attitudes and many of their beliefs. Not being an expert, I cannot state definitively that it's 100% accurate, but it's comes across as very well researched and brings something little seen (and frequently badly done vis 70s horror where everything non-Christian is satanic) to the urban fantasy milieu. Well done!
July 12, 2010
My rating: 4.5 stars
Black Dust Mambo kept a fast pace with action packed scenes, a few that were very intense, that included bits of snaky humor. It encompassed the stereotypical Cancun people speak along with the traditional superstitions of voodoo/hoodoo conjuring and practices, which are two of the reasons that I really enjoyed this book. Adrian Phoenix made these stereotypes work for this book in the form of making more authentic and turned it into an intense, fun, sit-on-the-edge of your seat story. Kallie kept me laughing and cheering her on with her boisterous personality and the intense scenes surrounding plot gave me a very real feel for those in danger. Oh, and there is a very sexy nomad with blond dreads that I have a particular fondness for named Layne. Can't wait to read more about him.
I found Black Dust Mambo to be written in a different style from Adrian Phoenix's Maker Song series. The world building didn't seem as complex, which made this story move at an easy fast clip. I'm definitely going to pickup the next book in this series.
Black Dust Mambo kept a fast pace with action packed scenes, a few that were very intense, that included bits of snaky humor. It encompassed the stereotypical Cancun people speak along with the traditional superstitions of voodoo/hoodoo conjuring and practices, which are two of the reasons that I really enjoyed this book. Adrian Phoenix made these stereotypes work for this book in the form of making more authentic and turned it into an intense, fun, sit-on-the-edge of your seat story. Kallie kept me laughing and cheering her on with her boisterous personality and the intense scenes surrounding plot gave me a very real feel for those in danger. Oh, and there is a very sexy nomad with blond dreads that I have a particular fondness for named Layne. Can't wait to read more about him.
I found Black Dust Mambo to be written in a different style from Adrian Phoenix's Maker Song series. The world building didn't seem as complex, which made this story move at an easy fast clip. I'm definitely going to pickup the next book in this series.
September 22, 2015
Oh I loved this book! I was a bit skeptical because it had some bad reviews but I'm SO glad I ignored them.
Kallie the main character was fantastic, she was sarcastic, stubborn and hard-headed. Not to mention she is literally in a bra and panties for half the book. Her best friend Belladona was hilarious and there's nothing she wouldn't do for Kallie. Then there is Kallie's Love interest, his name is Layne who is always being followed and bossed around by his ex-wife Mc Kenna aka leprechaun due to her size. These two have a past which gets explained later on in the book and also makes me want to hate her more than I already do.
This is an extremely fast pace book and I finished it in a day. It's multiple POV so there is very little mystery of who the killer is. It still didn't distract from the story or dull it in any way. Kallie's adventures have just started and I can't wait for the second book.
Kallie the main character was fantastic, she was sarcastic, stubborn and hard-headed. Not to mention she is literally in a bra and panties for half the book. Her best friend Belladona was hilarious and there's nothing she wouldn't do for Kallie. Then there is Kallie's Love interest, his name is Layne who is always being followed and bossed around by his ex-wife Mc Kenna aka leprechaun due to her size. These two have a past which gets explained later on in the book and also makes me want to hate her more than I already do.
This is an extremely fast pace book and I finished it in a day. It's multiple POV so there is very little mystery of who the killer is. It still didn't distract from the story or dull it in any way. Kallie's adventures have just started and I can't wait for the second book.
July 15, 2010
This one is just there for me, for the likes of me don’t know why I couldn’t get into it the way I wanted to, but after a little of over a hundred pages I quit. You get action, mystery, magic and a great cast of characters. I loved the setting. I didn’t like how it took you from reading about one character to another in each chapter. I really like to concentrate on the main character with little from the others. That was one of my major problems with this book, I wanted to read more about Kallie and her life instead of everyone else although Layne is hot. I would warn this book is full of cussing more than I have read even in erotic books. I may at some point give it another try.
April 5, 2011
I was amazed at the compacted time in the story...but it still moved quite quickly! It took me a bit to "adjust" to this world, and there are a lot of characters to remember, but it was a good read! I'm so looking forward to the next book...though I thought about removing one star because of the extreme cliffhanger end.
July 27, 2010
The heroine was too belligerent and quick to use her fists for met to ever get to like her. And I was very, very uncomfortable with what happened to Layne while he was "not himself".
January 9, 2018
You know I really like a book when I request the next one from the library before I'm even finished reading the first because I cannot wait to get my hands on the next one! Unfortunately, I realized there are only 2.5 in the series?! Unacceptable. Phoenix introduces a lot of characters but it's not overwhelming. I did not enjoy the omniscient narrator, however. I like finding things out with the characters (most of the time the surprises are nice and/or jaw-dropping). Knowing who is good/bad and what they've been up to before the other characters is so frustrating. I'm excited to see where Phoenix takes the next book but I'll be sad when it ends.
September 16, 2010
Kallie Wakes up to find her date for the night dead by evil JuJu, wail still trying to get a grip on the situation she is confronted by the handsome demanding nomad Layne . Even with the tragedy of the events that have just happened in her hotel room she cant help but feel drawn to this strange nomad who is blaming her for his clan members' death. Finding out that the nomad is also a vessel for the dead . He decides to speak to the dead nomad and fond out who caused his untimely death only to find out his soul was taken by dark evil JuJu and that the spell still has enough juice to attack Layne . So Kallie brings up as much power as she can muster to cleanse him and save him . She can not let another person today die she won't. Then to make matters worse the hot nomads pixy like ( in body only ) ex-wife joins them only to see what has happened she also blames Kallie for the nomads death.
But as the events unfold more attempts on Kallies friends lives happen it seems evident that the actual target is Kallie her self.
It looks like the only to clear her name and find this evil conjurer is to go back home to Bayou Cyprés Noir. So with a little help from the hot nomad Layne , she sets out find who did this and stop them before they hurt someone else.
I thought this was a good book. I loved the Hoodoo aspect i have never read about that before, Ive done witches and stuff but hoodoo is different . I loved the nomad aspect to . Layne is yummy! His ex-wife is a pip she is a bit much at first , but you see that is just her personality and you except it. All the side characters in this book are very strong also . I don't want to say to much and give away the whole book. I recommend you to buy and read it your self . It is a quick and light read. you can can get sucked into from the very beginning. I can not wait until the next book comes out . I want to know about all the characters in this book.
~Athenna
After a night of drinking at the annual Hecatean Alliance carnival in New Orleans, hoodoo apprentice Kallie Riviere wakes up to find the handsome nomad she took to bed last night dead. A soul eating juju was used and its intended target was Kallie herself. Whoever is powerful enough to conjure up such a dark spell will not simply walk away because his first attempt failed. Along with her best friend, a voodoo priestess in training and a possessed nomad, Kallie is in search of who wants her dead and what and how her aunt and mentor Gabrielle LaRue has to do with it all.
Black Dust Mambo had a great pace to it from page one. The book starts out with the murder of Kallie's bed mate for the night Gage. It's soon discovered that a very dark spell was used that not only kills someone's body but also their soul leaving nothing left but a shell. Kallie is the intended target and the race is on to find out who and why someone is after Kallie. I wasn't a fan of Kallie's character. While she is woman who can take care of herself and knows how to have a good time, I just couldn't connect with her character. A lot of emphasize is put on her looks and she doesn't really think things through or weigh the consequences. Her power is already formidable but there is some maturing that she needs to do before I could start to like her.
There were a lot of supporting characters I loved. Belladonna is Kallie's best friend and by her side the entire time. She is so over the top yet keeps herself together that I fell for her character immediately. Layne was Gage's best friend and loyal to his friend even after his death. Augustine is the head of the Hecatean Alliance and manages to be both charming and a series pain in the butt. Dallas is a smooth southern talking ladies man with an eye on females who are already in relationships. All of these characters had me laughing and were the backbone to the story.
You learn early on who did it but the motives for why someone is after Kallie and those close to her aunt Gabrielle will keep you guessing to the end. One of the big surprises is about Kallie and she isn't the only who didn't see it coming. While there are similarities to Adrian Phoenix's other series, The Maker's Songs, that fans will like Black Dust Mambo is able to stand out and be its own book. There is a lot of suspense, Cajun talk, and sexual tension to make this a really good Urban Fantasy read that you won't want to put down.
~Stephanie
But as the events unfold more attempts on Kallies friends lives happen it seems evident that the actual target is Kallie her self.
It looks like the only to clear her name and find this evil conjurer is to go back home to Bayou Cyprés Noir. So with a little help from the hot nomad Layne , she sets out find who did this and stop them before they hurt someone else.
I thought this was a good book. I loved the Hoodoo aspect i have never read about that before, Ive done witches and stuff but hoodoo is different . I loved the nomad aspect to . Layne is yummy! His ex-wife is a pip she is a bit much at first , but you see that is just her personality and you except it. All the side characters in this book are very strong also . I don't want to say to much and give away the whole book. I recommend you to buy and read it your self . It is a quick and light read. you can can get sucked into from the very beginning. I can not wait until the next book comes out . I want to know about all the characters in this book.
~Athenna
After a night of drinking at the annual Hecatean Alliance carnival in New Orleans, hoodoo apprentice Kallie Riviere wakes up to find the handsome nomad she took to bed last night dead. A soul eating juju was used and its intended target was Kallie herself. Whoever is powerful enough to conjure up such a dark spell will not simply walk away because his first attempt failed. Along with her best friend, a voodoo priestess in training and a possessed nomad, Kallie is in search of who wants her dead and what and how her aunt and mentor Gabrielle LaRue has to do with it all.
Black Dust Mambo had a great pace to it from page one. The book starts out with the murder of Kallie's bed mate for the night Gage. It's soon discovered that a very dark spell was used that not only kills someone's body but also their soul leaving nothing left but a shell. Kallie is the intended target and the race is on to find out who and why someone is after Kallie. I wasn't a fan of Kallie's character. While she is woman who can take care of herself and knows how to have a good time, I just couldn't connect with her character. A lot of emphasize is put on her looks and she doesn't really think things through or weigh the consequences. Her power is already formidable but there is some maturing that she needs to do before I could start to like her.
There were a lot of supporting characters I loved. Belladonna is Kallie's best friend and by her side the entire time. She is so over the top yet keeps herself together that I fell for her character immediately. Layne was Gage's best friend and loyal to his friend even after his death. Augustine is the head of the Hecatean Alliance and manages to be both charming and a series pain in the butt. Dallas is a smooth southern talking ladies man with an eye on females who are already in relationships. All of these characters had me laughing and were the backbone to the story.
You learn early on who did it but the motives for why someone is after Kallie and those close to her aunt Gabrielle will keep you guessing to the end. One of the big surprises is about Kallie and she isn't the only who didn't see it coming. While there are similarities to Adrian Phoenix's other series, The Maker's Songs, that fans will like Black Dust Mambo is able to stand out and be its own book. There is a lot of suspense, Cajun talk, and sexual tension to make this a really good Urban Fantasy read that you won't want to put down.
~Stephanie
July 28, 2010
Kallie Riviere, a hoodoo rootworker, attends an annual witches’ carnival looking for some fun. She thinks she’s found it in the form of sexy nomad Gage, but before they can do the deed, Kallie passes out in the bathroom while Gage goes to bed alone. In the morning, Kallie finds Gage murdered, the victim of a hex that was laid on Kallie’s bed.
Before long, she has Gage’s disturbingly attractive clan brother knocking on her door looking for answers, the Hecatean Alliance (the witch organization behind the carnival) wanting to take her into protective custody, and a sneaking suspicion that she, not Gage, was the intended victim. This leads her to a mystery centering on her powerful aunt, Gabrielle LaRue.
Unusually for an urban fantasy, Adrian Phoenix switches the point of view among a number of characters. This includes the murderer, so that character’s identity is not the real mystery here; the big questions are whether the good guys will find the culprit before someone else gets killed and how it all ties in with Gabrielle.
The characters are kind of over-the-top, “larger than life” figures. Everyone is gorgeous and some (such as “Bond babe" Felicity Fields) are homages to action-movie archetypes. And boy, are they ever amorous. Thinking about sex, bantering about sex... there’s very little actual sexual activity in Black Dust Mambo, but there’s a whole lot of fantasizing. The constant horniness gets a little obnoxious in places, but it’s made up for by the fact that the characters are also funny. Everybody wisecracks all the time and it’s a great deal of fun for the reader.
The plot is exciting and makes use of well-researched voodoo and hoodoo lore. Especially clever is what Phoenix does with Kallie and her true nature. It’s implied that she’s something more than human, but we’re not told what until much later. There’s a really subtle little clue planted early in the book. Blink and you’ll miss it. (I did. I spent most of the book thinking her supernatural secret was something completely different. The significance of the clue dawned on me in retrospect, several hours after finishing the book, and suddenly I was feverishly scrambling back through the pages to see if I’d remembered it correctly.)
Black Dust Mambo doesn’t make as much use of the New Orleans setting as one might expect. In fact, most of the book takes place in a hotel. Yet the atmosphere of New Orleans is still pervasive, and the ending implies that we’ll be seeing much more of the setting in future installments. I’ll definitely be “tuning in” for these. I really enjoyed Black Dust Mambo and I look forward to seeing what Adrian Phoenix, and Kallie Riviere, do next.
This review originally published at Fantasy Literature
Before long, she has Gage’s disturbingly attractive clan brother knocking on her door looking for answers, the Hecatean Alliance (the witch organization behind the carnival) wanting to take her into protective custody, and a sneaking suspicion that she, not Gage, was the intended victim. This leads her to a mystery centering on her powerful aunt, Gabrielle LaRue.
Unusually for an urban fantasy, Adrian Phoenix switches the point of view among a number of characters. This includes the murderer, so that character’s identity is not the real mystery here; the big questions are whether the good guys will find the culprit before someone else gets killed and how it all ties in with Gabrielle.
The characters are kind of over-the-top, “larger than life” figures. Everyone is gorgeous and some (such as “Bond babe" Felicity Fields) are homages to action-movie archetypes. And boy, are they ever amorous. Thinking about sex, bantering about sex... there’s very little actual sexual activity in Black Dust Mambo, but there’s a whole lot of fantasizing. The constant horniness gets a little obnoxious in places, but it’s made up for by the fact that the characters are also funny. Everybody wisecracks all the time and it’s a great deal of fun for the reader.
The plot is exciting and makes use of well-researched voodoo and hoodoo lore. Especially clever is what Phoenix does with Kallie and her true nature. It’s implied that she’s something more than human, but we’re not told what until much later. There’s a really subtle little clue planted early in the book. Blink and you’ll miss it. (I did. I spent most of the book thinking her supernatural secret was something completely different. The significance of the clue dawned on me in retrospect, several hours after finishing the book, and suddenly I was feverishly scrambling back through the pages to see if I’d remembered it correctly.)
Black Dust Mambo doesn’t make as much use of the New Orleans setting as one might expect. In fact, most of the book takes place in a hotel. Yet the atmosphere of New Orleans is still pervasive, and the ending implies that we’ll be seeing much more of the setting in future installments. I’ll definitely be “tuning in” for these. I really enjoyed Black Dust Mambo and I look forward to seeing what Adrian Phoenix, and Kallie Riviere, do next.
This review originally published at Fantasy Literature
August 20, 2016
This is the first book in a planned series, the next book to follow is titled Black Heart Lola and is planned to be released on June of this year. If your a fan of Adrian's Maker Song series, don't compare it to this book. When I picked this book up, I was expecting it to be somewhere along the same lines. A paranormal romance filled with action, struggle, mystery, biting my nails suspense and an underlying romance. This book carries all of the above, minus the romance. At first I was a little dissapointed. I liked Kallie and I loved Layne. They definately had some intense chemistry and they shared one hot kiss. I'm hoping we will get more Layne in the next book and maybe see these two move a little closer together. I've been on such a romance kick, it was somewhat refreshing to be enthralled with a story that was focused on the characters and not centered on the romance. I've read another series that is somewhat similar in the aspect of the hero and heroine working together and fighting their feelings throughout several books before we get a chance to see them come together in an explosive manner. That's what I am hopig to see here. I'm already invested in Kallie and Layne and can't wait to see what's in store for them in the next installment, granted, McKenna, Laynes ex wife, doesn't get in the way, but I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of the pixie/leprechaun with her fiery attitude and her dislike for Kallie. The characters in this book were interesting and unique and the story moved at a steady pace. I actually couldn't believe that the whole book took place in the span of one day and the story was told through several of the characters points of view. I love different points of views, It brings me more into the story and helps me connect as I'm able to gleam information from not only the main characters but the supporting characters that surround Kallie. Being able to also see through the villans eyes and hearing his side of the story, really rounded everything out for me. Belladonna, Layne, Layne-Augustine, Augustine and his quirky assistant and who could forget the wet boxers contest. What more could a girl ask for :) The story starts off and moves quickly from page one, so hold on and pay attention. I love paranormals and I've read about witches, but Hodoo was new for me. With all the unfamillar terms in this book, I wish there would of been a glossary in the front, or something to refer to. There were some spots in the book that were maybe lagging and I can't say it was as fast paced and as full of suspense as The Maker Song series, but still a really good read. I was brought into Kallie's world and wasn't quite ready to leave. With the question of Kallie's missing cousin, I can't wait for the release of Black Heart Lola
April 6, 2011
Adrian Phoenix's Black Dust Mambo starts out with a dead body and takes off like a jet on rocket fuel. (Ok, I'm no rocket scientist, so if that means the jet explodes, that's so not what I mean!) Kallie Rivière is in New Orleans and finds out that passing out in the bathroom after drinking and doing the horizontal tango, isn't a good idea... Especially when the she wakes up and finds the tango partner dead in her hotel bed. Kinda kills the mood lickety-split, don'tcha think?
Before she can bat an eyelid (or get dressed), people are pounding on her door, and pretty soon a steady parade starts coming through--from the dead guy's clan brother, to the Carnival authorities. Lucky for Kallie, her BFF made it there too, and helps her clear her head so she can start pleading her innocence. After all, that's the first thing you do when you find a dead body in your hotel room, isn't it?
But things are not what they seem. And neither is Black Dust Mambo. Because while you may think that this is an urban fantasy mystery where Kallie sets out to find the perpetrator to prove her innocence, the web Adrian Phoenix weaves reveals that it is much, much, more... Of course, you'll have to read the book to find out what. *grin*
Character: I love the characters that Adrian Phoenix created for us in Black Dust Mambo. Kallie is (wait for it...) sassy and has a problem keeping her opinions (and her fist) to herself. What is it about these female characters that attract me so much? Hmm... Her BFF Belladonna is a hoot, and I love the smack-talk she gives to Kallie--you can tell these two have been through a lot together, even if you're not quite sure what, since there's no back history provided... The guys are cool (and gorgeous, but that doesn't even need saying), and having two people inhabit one body while conscious of each other, is a pretty neat concept brought vividly to life by Phoenix. And the language is what I'd imagine is Cajun through-and-through, but I'm no linguistics expert.
The only beef I have is with the bad guys. I mean, seriously? Big bad evil daddy plots revenge, and can't even get the most important thing right? Like, duh!
Pace & Plot: The pace is lightning quick, and your head will spin as you get to all the action thrown your way. The pace does slow a little bit once all the dead bodies have been exposed to sunlight (ha ha), and a bit of character and plot development take place. See paragraph above for my "beef".
Black Dust Mambo is engrossing to the very last word. I cannot wait till Black Heart Loa comes out in July to find out more about Kallie!
Before she can bat an eyelid (or get dressed), people are pounding on her door, and pretty soon a steady parade starts coming through--from the dead guy's clan brother, to the Carnival authorities. Lucky for Kallie, her BFF made it there too, and helps her clear her head so she can start pleading her innocence. After all, that's the first thing you do when you find a dead body in your hotel room, isn't it?
But things are not what they seem. And neither is Black Dust Mambo. Because while you may think that this is an urban fantasy mystery where Kallie sets out to find the perpetrator to prove her innocence, the web Adrian Phoenix weaves reveals that it is much, much, more... Of course, you'll have to read the book to find out what. *grin*
Character: I love the characters that Adrian Phoenix created for us in Black Dust Mambo. Kallie is (wait for it...) sassy and has a problem keeping her opinions (and her fist) to herself. What is it about these female characters that attract me so much? Hmm... Her BFF Belladonna is a hoot, and I love the smack-talk she gives to Kallie--you can tell these two have been through a lot together, even if you're not quite sure what, since there's no back history provided... The guys are cool (and gorgeous, but that doesn't even need saying), and having two people inhabit one body while conscious of each other, is a pretty neat concept brought vividly to life by Phoenix. And the language is what I'd imagine is Cajun through-and-through, but I'm no linguistics expert.
The only beef I have is with the bad guys. I mean, seriously? Big bad evil daddy plots revenge, and can't even get the most important thing right? Like, duh!
Pace & Plot: The pace is lightning quick, and your head will spin as you get to all the action thrown your way. The pace does slow a little bit once all the dead bodies have been exposed to sunlight (ha ha), and a bit of character and plot development take place. See paragraph above for my "beef".
Black Dust Mambo is engrossing to the very last word. I cannot wait till Black Heart Loa comes out in July to find out more about Kallie!
August 17, 2012
Well, Black Dust Mambo was certainly an interesting book to end my reading break. I began this title at the pool while in New Orleans during AAD12 and have been reading it on and off since then. I was hooked and absolutely loved the lingo and characterization. I also loved the dramatic start.
The only two weaknesses I found were the multiple POVs and the middle of the book. The POVs made this book strong and weak. In the beginning, we jumped from character to character and never got a chance to take a breather--something that I enjoyed since I was constantly on my toes; however, these POV swaps overwhelmed the middle of the book and slowed the story down dramatically as this urban fantasy turned into a "who dun it" kind of story with angst thrown in for good measure. If I had read this book even a month ago, the middle would have made me DNF this series, sadly.
Nitpicks: I wish there were more explanations. What exactly is the loa? Some of the phrases were unfamiliar to me since I'm neither French, nor from the south. I would have liked less lusting (though I suppose after being in NOLA for a week, it's understandable) and more delving into the mysterious aspects of this story's universe, like the Nomads, the HA, maybe even the magic and some backstory on voodoo. I suppose less superficial and more background would have been appreciated, though the wet boxer contest definitely made my imagination go wild.
Strengths included characters that were spunky and easy to relate with. The beginning and ending were jampacked with action that left me wanting more. In fact, I'm ready to read book two due to the cliffhanger and the ending in general. I was craving a romance, and there is a hint to one, and now I want to continue reading this series to see if it will actually happen. What I also loved--especially after leaving NOLA and (oddly enough after too many sleepless nights) missing it--was how Adrian captured the atmosphere of this city in scenes of this book.
There are certainly other UF novels out there that I would recommend over Black Dust Mambo, however, this is the start to a new series with a lot of potential. If you are looking for a refreshing approach to the genre, this book may be of interest to you due to the atmosphere alone. If setting is not big for you, or if you are a bit more critical about slow middles or too many POVs, I would suggest borrowing this book from someone if you're still willing to give it a chance.
The only two weaknesses I found were the multiple POVs and the middle of the book. The POVs made this book strong and weak. In the beginning, we jumped from character to character and never got a chance to take a breather--something that I enjoyed since I was constantly on my toes; however, these POV swaps overwhelmed the middle of the book and slowed the story down dramatically as this urban fantasy turned into a "who dun it" kind of story with angst thrown in for good measure. If I had read this book even a month ago, the middle would have made me DNF this series, sadly.
Nitpicks: I wish there were more explanations. What exactly is the loa? Some of the phrases were unfamiliar to me since I'm neither French, nor from the south. I would have liked less lusting (though I suppose after being in NOLA for a week, it's understandable) and more delving into the mysterious aspects of this story's universe, like the Nomads, the HA, maybe even the magic and some backstory on voodoo. I suppose less superficial and more background would have been appreciated, though the wet boxer contest definitely made my imagination go wild.
Strengths included characters that were spunky and easy to relate with. The beginning and ending were jampacked with action that left me wanting more. In fact, I'm ready to read book two due to the cliffhanger and the ending in general. I was craving a romance, and there is a hint to one, and now I want to continue reading this series to see if it will actually happen. What I also loved--especially after leaving NOLA and (oddly enough after too many sleepless nights) missing it--was how Adrian captured the atmosphere of this city in scenes of this book.
There are certainly other UF novels out there that I would recommend over Black Dust Mambo, however, this is the start to a new series with a lot of potential. If you are looking for a refreshing approach to the genre, this book may be of interest to you due to the atmosphere alone. If setting is not big for you, or if you are a bit more critical about slow middles or too many POVs, I would suggest borrowing this book from someone if you're still willing to give it a chance.
September 22, 2011
A new magical Bayou fantasy series from Adrian Phoenix that hurls you into a bloody, dark and fast-moving, page turning world. Ms. Phoenix already writes a great urban fantasy series, The Maker's Song.
This new series brings us a naive Kallie Rivere, feisty, sarcastic and packs a knuckle-fisted punch, who has come to New Orleans for the magical May Madness Carnival. From the first page where she awakens after a drunken night to find the man she slept with Gage,dead and bloody in her bed to helping save her BFF Belladonna Brown, this story is steeped in bayou-hoodoo and conjurers, colorful Cajun dialect and voodoo magic.
When Lord Basil Augustine the head of the Hecatean Alliance is also murdered, Lord Basil's soul requests the help of nomad and vessel for the dead Layne Valin, the dead man Gage's BFF, by letting the nomad host his soul to seek the murderer's capture. This wild bayou ride never stops twisting and turning, ending in a soul-stopping climax at Kallie's childhood home in the bayou aptly named Bayou Cypres Noir.
Ms. Phoenix reveals the misty dark and magical world that is New Orleans and all it's bayou's and keeps you wanting more. Her writing is imaginative, with a dash of the sarcastic, and creates her characters personas with faults and assests that we can all identify with. This is a must read and now my favorite Adrian Phoenix series.
This new series brings us a naive Kallie Rivere, feisty, sarcastic and packs a knuckle-fisted punch, who has come to New Orleans for the magical May Madness Carnival. From the first page where she awakens after a drunken night to find the man she slept with Gage,dead and bloody in her bed to helping save her BFF Belladonna Brown, this story is steeped in bayou-hoodoo and conjurers, colorful Cajun dialect and voodoo magic.
When Lord Basil Augustine the head of the Hecatean Alliance is also murdered, Lord Basil's soul requests the help of nomad and vessel for the dead Layne Valin, the dead man Gage's BFF, by letting the nomad host his soul to seek the murderer's capture. This wild bayou ride never stops twisting and turning, ending in a soul-stopping climax at Kallie's childhood home in the bayou aptly named Bayou Cypres Noir.
Ms. Phoenix reveals the misty dark and magical world that is New Orleans and all it's bayou's and keeps you wanting more. Her writing is imaginative, with a dash of the sarcastic, and creates her characters personas with faults and assests that we can all identify with. This is a must read and now my favorite Adrian Phoenix series.
July 21, 2010
I haven't read her Makers series yet so I don't know how similar this is to that.
I think this series has a lot of potential. It has a very strong flavour for lack of a better word, particulary with the language and the general atmosphere. It's sufficently exotic for me to be intriguing. I haven't read a lot about a hoodoo/voodoo so I find it interesting though I have no idea how genuine it is.
What did bug me was the first few chapters or so. I appreciate the banter between the introduced characters (and how it is a feature of the interaction through the book) but it seemed really out of place as if the dead guy was an aquaintance rather then the professed "brother" of Layne, and Kallie's one night stand. It just didn't quite gel for me.
I like Kallie - sassy and fun, though there is such a variety of interesting characters that its more of an ensemble cast than relying on Kallie as a lead - even though the plot focuses on her. I am hot for Layne already though the scene with Augustine umm exploring his new vessel was pretty creepy.
There is a lot of set up to lead in to the series, and so while the main plot is primarily involved there are a lot of loose threads left dangling.
Black Dust Mambo was a quick and entertaining read - I'll be picking up the next.
I think this series has a lot of potential. It has a very strong flavour for lack of a better word, particulary with the language and the general atmosphere. It's sufficently exotic for me to be intriguing. I haven't read a lot about a hoodoo/voodoo so I find it interesting though I have no idea how genuine it is.
What did bug me was the first few chapters or so. I appreciate the banter between the introduced characters (and how it is a feature of the interaction through the book) but it seemed really out of place as if the dead guy was an aquaintance rather then the professed "brother" of Layne, and Kallie's one night stand. It just didn't quite gel for me.
I like Kallie - sassy and fun, though there is such a variety of interesting characters that its more of an ensemble cast than relying on Kallie as a lead - even though the plot focuses on her. I am hot for Layne already though the scene with Augustine umm exploring his new vessel was pretty creepy.
There is a lot of set up to lead in to the series, and so while the main plot is primarily involved there are a lot of loose threads left dangling.
Black Dust Mambo was a quick and entertaining read - I'll be picking up the next.
August 13, 2011
2.5/5
I found it hard to stay interested in this book. Have you ever read a book that isn't good or bad and leaves you shrugging your shoulders thinking "meh." That's how I felt about this one. It isn't a can't-put-it-down-must-find- out-what-happens-next type book. Well at least it wasn't to me.
The main character is Kallie Riviere, a hoodoo apprentice. She gets caught up in a deadly case of mistaken identity when Doctor Heron, (powerful hoodoo practitioner, just released from prison for murder) mistake's her for the niece of his ex lover, who he believes is the reason for his imprisonment.
This book is written from the perspective of each character, so when you're reading you are privy to what each character is thinking. It was interesting way to read a story but it was also confusing since there were just so many characters. There was also a lot of jargon I wasn't familiar with and terminology that wasn't really explained. I however did find that as I went on and things were repeated, I got the gist of it. I didn't dislike this book, I just didn't get into it. The main character Kallie was likable enough, maybe if she was the focus of the book at all times I would have enjoyed it more.
I found it hard to stay interested in this book. Have you ever read a book that isn't good or bad and leaves you shrugging your shoulders thinking "meh." That's how I felt about this one. It isn't a can't-put-it-down-must-find- out-what-happens-next type book. Well at least it wasn't to me.
The main character is Kallie Riviere, a hoodoo apprentice. She gets caught up in a deadly case of mistaken identity when Doctor Heron, (powerful hoodoo practitioner, just released from prison for murder) mistake's her for the niece of his ex lover, who he believes is the reason for his imprisonment.
This book is written from the perspective of each character, so when you're reading you are privy to what each character is thinking. It was interesting way to read a story but it was also confusing since there were just so many characters. There was also a lot of jargon I wasn't familiar with and terminology that wasn't really explained. I however did find that as I went on and things were repeated, I got the gist of it. I didn't dislike this book, I just didn't get into it. The main character Kallie was likable enough, maybe if she was the focus of the book at all times I would have enjoyed it more.
August 4, 2012
2.5-3 I love Adrian Phoenix's Maker Song series but this was nothing like it. Kallie the heroine- she brash, rude, makes stupid choices and punches her friends in the face for trying to protect her. Her friend Belladonna is almost exactly the same. I was so taken aback by their weak choices, unbelievable actions and misplaced distrust I could not enjoy the story. I just did not like either one of them. They treated their male friends with such disrespect...Well I just couldn't get past them.
The story was slow paced and dragged. I found myself confused several times when POV's changed, trying to figure out who was who ? The second 1/2 of the story moved at a quicker pace and was easier to follow but I still did not connect to the characters. I finished the story and was left hanging- a cliffhanger ending ARGUH ! I am very sorry to say this series is a complete miss for my taste.
The story was slow paced and dragged. I found myself confused several times when POV's changed, trying to figure out who was who ? The second 1/2 of the story moved at a quicker pace and was easier to follow but I still did not connect to the characters. I finished the story and was left hanging- a cliffhanger ending ARGUH ! I am very sorry to say this series is a complete miss for my taste.
August 8, 2011
This one is between 3.5-4 stars for me.
Lots of hoodoo, voodoo, magic and revenge set in Louisiana. I think it's a great start and the world is pretty cool, but the story was unfinished. I really need to read the next one. Luckily for me, it's out now.
Another 3rd person following a few different characters - rare for UF as most are 1st person. I liked it, and think it was the right choice for this story, although I don't feel as though I know the main character, Kallie, as well as I would in a 1st person book. Also contains the most indestructible underwear I've ever read in a UF with romantic elements. Victoria's Secret should totally get in on that.
Lots of hoodoo, voodoo, magic and revenge set in Louisiana. I think it's a great start and the world is pretty cool, but the story was unfinished. I really need to read the next one. Luckily for me, it's out now.
Another 3rd person following a few different characters - rare for UF as most are 1st person. I liked it, and think it was the right choice for this story, although I don't feel as though I know the main character, Kallie, as well as I would in a 1st person book. Also contains the most indestructible underwear I've ever read in a UF with romantic elements. Victoria's Secret should totally get in on that.
July 16, 2010
Yet another Adrian Phoenix book that I loved!!
Kallie is a hoodoo "root doctor" that is at the annual magic carnival with her best friend. The book begins with her finding her lovers dead body in her bed and his nomad "brother" knocking on the door to find him... Then we're off on a lovely adventure filled with death, mystery and a severe case of mistaken identity.
At the end of this book, we are left hanging as another mystery unfolds.
Kallie is a hoodoo "root doctor" that is at the annual magic carnival with her best friend. The book begins with her finding her lovers dead body in her bed and his nomad "brother" knocking on the door to find him... Then we're off on a lovely adventure filled with death, mystery and a severe case of mistaken identity.
At the end of this book, we are left hanging as another mystery unfolds.
September 16, 2010
When's the sequel comin'? I like Black Dust Mambo -even more- than A Rush of Wings, and -that- book just Rocks So Hard, Yo. :) Kallie, Layne (doesn't even the name just make you want him? mmmm), McKenna, Bell and Dallas.... they're all amazing and tough and funny and sexy and awesome, and I can't wait to see what's in store for them. Hopefully beaucoup sexytimes ;) Of course they're all so sexy on their own, a joining of forces might be too much. Be still, my heart! :))
July 17, 2012
This was a big 5 for me. I really liked this book. I've read all of the books in her Maker's Song series and really like them but I think I may like this one even better. Her characters are so well done I'd love to see most of them have small series of their own. We really need a series for the Nomads. Can't wait to get my hands on the next one.
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