Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Calvin Kinsey's just trying to have a good time...and then an injured vampire lands on his doorstep.

Cal has spent the past three months recovering from his injuries in the wake of the violent scandal that nearly tore DSI apart. Now back in Aurora after a stint in physical therapy, Cal's trying to get his life back on track, his mind back in shape, and his attitude back in check before he returns to active duty in a few weeks' time.

But when a mysterious vampire shows up half dead at Cal's apartment, and an old rival warns him that the dangerous Black Knights are plotting a major attack against Aurora, Cal finds himself caught in the middle of an off-the-books case that has the potential to end his career—and his life.

With enemies closing in from all sides, and his DSI colleagues left in the dark, Cal has no choice but to trust his instincts, a vampire he just met, and the very man whose savage attack traumatized him forever. Because if he doesn't, Aurora will fall, and millions of innocents will fall with it.

355 pages, ebook

First published March 22, 2018

31 people are currently reading
72 people want to read

About the author

Clara Coulson

27 books247 followers
Clara Coulson is an author of action-packed urban fantasy and paranormal thriller novels with sarcastic main characters and supernaturally empowered villains.

Currently living in the Middle of Nowhere, Virginia, Clara spends most of her time dreaming up bizarre paranormal scenarios and adapting them into novels and reading through the enormous backlog of books on her shelves.

Clara likes silly cats, pepperoni pizza, and collecting an absurd number of notebooks and BIC pens that she has no real use for.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
140 (55%)
4 stars
86 (33%)
3 stars
23 (9%)
2 stars
4 (1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Kit (Metaphors and Moonlight).
973 reviews162 followers
October 26, 2018
4 Stars

Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book from the author. This has not influenced my review.*

I’m going to repeat something I said in my review for the very first book of this series because it was true then, and it’s still true now: This series is urban fantasy at its finest. It’s everything you could want from the urban fantasy genre and more. And this was, clearly, another great book in the series.

I loved Cal, but that’s no surprise. He’s been one of my favorite characters ever since I first met him. He’s witty and sarcastic (though not in a mean way), but he’s also a caring, genuine person.

The plot was gripping, but that’s no surprise either. One of the best things about these books is how they suck me in every time, and this one was no exception. This one also had a bit of a twist that will impact future books, and I’m excited about it because I suspected part of it in Book 1 and was waiting to see if I was right. And I’m now curious to learn more and see how it will pan out.

I know I’ve mentioned the mental illness rep in previous reviews, but I don’t know that I’ve ever really talked about the other rep and how intersectional it is, since Cal is half-Mexican, bisexual, and has PTSD and panic attacks. And one thing I noticed during this book is that the author finds great, subtle ways (whether it’s purposeful or not) of reminding readers that Cal is still bi, regardless of who he’s currently dating.

Speaking of dating, because of the events of the last book, Cal’s sweetheart was unfortunately only around for a video call this time. In fact, this book was different from the others in that Cal was mostly alone or with minimal help. In previous books, he had his whole DSI team, Cooper, Erica, and various other allies. This time, the fate of his city rested on him not alerting his team. But that meant we got to know a couple other side characters a bit better (Lassiter and Lucian), and we got to meet a new character (a young vampire named Foley).

This author is so good at injecting just the right emotion at just the right moment to make these books impactful. These aren’t super emotional type books. They’re action-packed urban fantasy. And yet, I swear I tear up in most of them because the author knows when a moment is heavy or emotional for the characters, and she writes it so that you feel what the character is feeling, even when you don’t have that character’s POV.

Last but not least, vampires! I can’t help it. I like when books have vampires. I’m cliche like that.

Overall, I really enjoyed this, much like I have all the other books in this series so far!

Recommended For:
Fans of Books 1-4 in Clara Coulson's City of Crows Series. Anyone who likes action-packed urban fantasy, supernatural creatures, a hilariously snarky but also realistic and compassionate protag, and touching friendships/team dynamics.

Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Profile Image for Meep.
2,171 reviews229 followers
June 14, 2018
4.5% for this one, Cal spends most of it away from his team and the result was a better book - instead of frustration in the lack of integration it was more of a legitimate one-man show. There's some interesting new faces, more Lucian who is proving interesting.

I did have questions about some of the logic, DSI never strikes me as an elite force for all their battle prowess they generally lack intelligence.

Some interesting reveals, not unexpected but good to have out in the open. Bound to lead to a variety of situations.

The world is interesting and the stories without fail action packed, I really like the series despite flaws. Cal's poor-me tantrum at the end was somewhat teenage in tone but then for all his world-weary act he is young.

I'll be waiting for the next book and see from there. Would recommend to Urban Fantasy fans.
Profile Image for Ami.
6,244 reviews489 followers
August 6, 2018
4.25 stars

Despite the lack of Cooper Lee (BOO!!!!) since he was shipped to Siberia, as well Cal's team members, but personally this is my favorite City of Crows book so far. With Cal doing Lucian a favor and keeps everything hush hush from his DSI team -- Cal needs to protect this vampire noble, whose family members have all been murdered by the Black Knights -- I think the book actually feels more focused.

I also really liked Lucian -- I actually like him better than Erica. I think there's more than meets the eye with Lucian, despite the fact that he . I am also quite intrigued with the shape-shifter.

On top of that, we have a LOT of new information in this book, including about Cal himself.

Which makes the book oh, so very exciting to read. I cannot wait to see how this plays out in the next book.

Profile Image for Ari.
1,040 reviews116 followers
September 17, 2018
Ami was right, I should stop at book 4, coz now I need book 6 like I need air!!!!!!!

LOVE LOVE BOOK 5
I love that Cal finally admitted that he also love Cooper, because I feel like he's dating Cooper was like goin with the flow, like his friend-with-benefit relationship with Erica.
Also the fact that Cal is half human will open up to more possibility of story lines and with Clara Coulson's superb writing, it'll be helluva fun!

Seriously, this series deserves more attention and appreciation!
Profile Image for Chancey "Does not give out 5's like candy"  Knowles.
1,208 reviews19 followers
November 18, 2021
Rating (All ratings use a Scale of 1-5) = 4.5 Stars; 2 important facts - This one not a romance; unlike the others, there is not even a hint of one. Cooper is still in Russia, this entire book takes place in a 48 hour period upon his return from rehabilitation.

Blurb = 4
My Genre Scale = 4.5
Odds if not your genre = 3

Development of: =
*World = 4.5
*Characters = 4
*Plot = 4.5

What stood out = The family dynamics of Lucian's Vamp House; Cal's choice to be able to save the young heir while at DSI.

Mood Type / Appeal to those looking for = Supernatural political / action / adventure

Warnings = Graphic and extensive injuries sustained by multiple characters; as there has been in all the previous.

HFN/HEA = No not really.

Series Notes = 5th of 8 (not counting 2 novellas) as of Nov. 2021
*Reading on? Yes
*Reading back to back? Yes, after having to reread #'s 1-3, before reading 4 & 5.
*Can be easily read without the previous? This one could probably be read easier than any of the others without having read them. It is so self-contained and barely contains any of the Scooby gang etc...

Rating Notes = (SubPlots, thoughts, etc... )
For me this story flowed much better. I loved how the story arc progressed and learning more about the vampires world plus Lucian. The relationship between Cal and Lucien is truly fascinating especially as its grown and changed over the books.

This, by far, is my favorite, and a nice change from the others.


***************
I am way off my usual rate of reading over the last 11+ years. Real life has hit hard this year. Most recently with the death of my mother, and I had just been getting back into the swing of things. More upheaval appears to be on the horizon, but it has as much potential to be good as bad. I have no idea what that means for the rate of my reading and reviewing, but we will see...
***************
Below is my philosophy on reviewing!
***************
1. I try to take into account and note common pet peeves often bemoaned by others.
2. "Brain candy' does not necessarily carry a negative connotation. (What is brain candy? Publishing industry 's version of pop music - Typically: formulaic, from a prolific author published often and quickly (like monthly), things escalate fast, and are often solved easily etc..)  It has its uses: to pass time when tired, on the beach, etc...  The problem comes  when "brain candy" is unexpected or even disguised.
3. Blurb rating purpose:
Like many readers, I do not like to think I'm reading one kind of story; just to end up with another. But...I also don't think a book should be docked stars for being as stated. If I don't like stories about "_________", and I choose to read it; I shouldn't give it 2 stars based JUST on my preferences. Unless... it wasn't clear in the blurb.
4. Other Factors that effect my perspective when reviewing:
Since 2009, I have exclusively read m/m. My 1st was in 2007. I am a Kindle diehard, and I never do audio for m/m. I read at least 100+ books a year - with an average length of 220± pages; but the total number of books is usually much higher. My Goodreads lifetime rating (at the start of 2021) was a 3.64 average for 1527 books. Which considering, one should be better at picking out books the more one reads, I feel is an accurate average. I have over 795 reviews within the m/m genre here on Goodreads.
Profile Image for A.M..
Author 7 books57 followers
December 3, 2020
A gutted vampire knocks on Cal’s door. He’s not even back at work yet, and he’s got a near impossible task. Protect this young born-vampire for Lucian, but he is not at full fitness. [Dumbass, he should have kept a couple of drops of vampire blood for his shot hand; he can’t even hold a gun now…]
The vampire is Foley; the geeky son of Tepes House- he is 23 - a youth by human standards, but a baby by vampire ones. His sister Lizze is the conspirator. She and a few Black Knights, took out the leaders of the houses in their meeting. Lucian saved Foley and whisked him away down and Eververse pathway that just happens to open in the stairwell of Cal’s building. This explains how he can leave the post-it notes and never be seen.
Erica has been dragged off to Europe to ‘help’ the magic council interrogate Delos, so he can’t ask her for help.
Cooper Lee is still in Siberia and looking more worried every day; they barely get to talk and given someone is always watching the feeds, talk is all they get to do.
He can’t tell anyone in DSI; if his location leaks Foley is dead, and the Black Vampire Knights not only gain another house vote, putting in Lizzie as leader, they’d gain the majority on the vampire council, and could twist the council votes to do the bidding of the bad guys.
Plus, Tepes house is one of the wealthier ones; they’d gain a huge war chest.
Cal is on his own.
888

Oh boy - the series just stepped up.
A lot of the tiny clues dropped right from the start are paid off. The conspiracy widens and deepens; and spreads to other worlds!!
[I swear, I was lying on the day surgery biopsy table saying ‘I just have a few pages to go’]
5 stars
Profile Image for Chrissy.
1,390 reviews62 followers
May 22, 2018
Such a good book!

ARGGHGHGH!!!! That’s my response to reading the last chapter of this book. I want more book, right now. Instead I’m going to have to wait until the Summer to get the next instalment.

In this book it is revealed to us why Cal has a few interesting quirks in his skill set. I’ve been waiting for that reveal since book 1 and it’s not a disappointment. However, it does raise more questions than it answers, which is why I REALLY want the next book.

Cal is back in Aurora after being away for three months getting rehabilitated after his severe injuries in the last book. Cooper is away in Siberia working on a research project he didn’t really want to be a part of but he got stuck with it. Their communication is solely through video chat. There is much about his work that he can’t talk about and Cal is missing him fiercely. However on his first evening back home there is a pounding on the door. When Cal opens it a badly injured vampire staggers in asking if he’s Calvin Kinsey. When he answers yes, he falls to the floor and proceeds to drink many bags of blood.

This is the start of Cal’s next big adventure. Tied up with vampire problems means he can’t communicate with any of his old team and he is flying by the seat of his pants, as usual, trying to keep his vampire guest alive, despite being chased by teams of vampires.

It’s an all action adventure this time round and it’s ooooooh so good!
1,618 reviews11 followers
June 11, 2019
I am rarely interested in reading book series. Yet, for some reason, Cal is a young protagonist with more going on the most. 1) and uncanny ability to get into trouble, 2) a remarkable way of surviving the worst, 3) Stopping menaces that would destroy others in seconds. Along with a cast of characters that you cannot help but fall in love with and Coulson manages to add new characters as interesting as the rest--but you never know who will survive.
This is an X-Files meets Men in Black (literally - in black) meets Dresdon Files, meets Supernatural. It is a fun ride and after five books, I am still not quite ready to stop reading the series. Yes, it has a bit of LGBTQ+, magic, monsters, Vampires, Ghosts, Wraiths, Werewolves, cops, corruption, political issues, world domination, etc. But isn't that kind of life these days? (okay, not vampires or werewolves, or wraiths or magic) but cops, corruption, politics, world domination, etc? Sure why not. If you don't want anything too hard to think about, but characters that are kind of like friends, situations that are unexplainable and yet, keep you reading -- this is a series for you.
Profile Image for Mark Gardner.
Author 20 books53 followers
April 3, 2018
I knew Day Killer would be awesome. I have yet to read a Clara Coulson City of Crows novel that I didn’t like. I did like that Cal is almost solo in this adventure. I like Erica and Cooper, but it was fun to see Cal do his thing. With the DSI taking a back seat to this adventure, Day Killer is all Cal all the time.

Without spoiling anything, I’m looking forward to reading Cal to be awesome in book six. There has been this rather annoying self-deprecating angle to Cal that while it works as a character flaw, just grates on the nerves. Since the timeline of the books is compressed, it seems as if Cal has been with the DSI a lot longer, and I keep forgetting that he’s the baby crow.

Book five wraps up the main story nicely, teases a little something something about Cooper, and sets up a new world of Cal. I think I liked Day Killer more so than Doom Sayer, and am looking forward to reading Spell Caster this summer. I’m gonna say that this one is the best of the bunch, and five stars is the only rating possible.
868 reviews14 followers
May 22, 2019
This feels like a big turning point in the series, and really you'll have to read to find out why!! If you've got this far then I hope that you love this series as much as I do. Cal is one tough cookie, both mentally and physically. Battered, bruised and all round broken, he steps back into Aurora and straight into trouble, with it literally landing on his doorstep. I love the evolving and challenging relationship that he has with Lucian, the vampire that started it all, and there is obvious respect on both sides, even if neither admit it. foley makes a fantastic addition to the cast and adds dimension to vampires that we have not previously seen. He and Cal makes a fantastic team and what unfolds changes all of their lives forever. Cal is forced to keep his team at a distance and it is one of the hardest things he has ever done. And whilst I missed them it was interning to see Cal opening in different circumstances. yet more great action lots of answers to pressing questions.
Profile Image for Aethena Drake.
1,182 reviews3 followers
September 16, 2021
Cal Kinsey can't seem to stay out of trouble. This installation of the City of Crows series gives some insights into why. The big reveals aren't too surprising if you have been paying attention, but they do have some interesting twists.

I am having trouble putting this series down. The author has a gift for maintaining tension throughout the series but still leaving a satisfying ending for each book. This skill along with the ability to develop a character in interesting ways will ensure that I read every new release.

This book was action packed and fun. I recommend it to anyone who needs a little gruesome fun in their life. Honestly, the fight scenes are worthy of a Quentin Tarantino movie.
Profile Image for John-Torleif  Harris.
2,725 reviews12 followers
September 4, 2018
I’d recommend this series to anyone

This book was everything that I wanted it to be. I wanted to know what it was about Cal that had him always breaking his beggar rings, how he figured out how to see through a veil, and why he seems to constantly survive everything that should kill him. We got all of that and more in this book. Also, a lot of my guesses about the answers to those questions turned out to be correct.
Profile Image for Penny.
3,139 reviews85 followers
October 22, 2018
I didn’t think that this series could get any better, but this latest edition proved me wrong. Cal just can’t stay out of trouble even when he isn’t working. I have always liked one of Cal’s enemies, and this book just proved that I should have…well, at least in my eyes. I just love this universe, and I can’t wait to see what is going to happen next because something happens at the end of this book that just blew me away. Poor Cal. Have I intrigued you yet? If you are a fan of this series, you will be like me and think this one is the best yet. If you haven’t tried this series yet and are a fan of urban fantasy, give them a try; this last one is a doozy! Highly recommend; I was given a complimentary copy and I voluntarily left a review.
460 reviews4 followers
April 8, 2018
Great addition to a wonderful series!

This is a great continuation to the City of Crows series. This is mostly Cal working solo but it is very thrilling and action packed! A couple of huge revelations that bodes well for future books!
94 reviews2 followers
April 14, 2018
Loved this book and this series. It was nice in that it really focused on Cal and not the team as such. Good change of pace and the revelations about his heritage are great and keeps the series rolling along. Can't wait for book #6 this summer!!
776 reviews2 followers
November 8, 2018
Book five in the series. There is more of everything in every book. Talk about it ramping up! Cals now got powers. Roll on book six. If you like urban fantasy you will love this series. Highly recommended.
265 reviews7 followers
May 2, 2022
I really want to like this series but there’s just something about it that doesn’t resonate with me. I’m hoping it gets better with familiarity… he said after reading the fifth book. Yikes idk y’all.
3,323 reviews30 followers
September 14, 2018
To be or not to be - human

Cal gets into more life-threatening scrapes through no fault of his own. So many evil Supernaturals and so little time.
11 reviews
November 9, 2018
I need the next book! The plot twist is awesome! I almost guessed it, but I need the reveal!!!!
100 reviews
October 13, 2020
The city of crows saga just keeps getting better and better. I bought #7 immediately after reading Day Killer.
595 reviews
October 30, 2020

This storyline gets better and better with more interesting developments that I could imagine. Look forward to next one to find out what he really is and see how this pans out.
Profile Image for Chris.
2,885 reviews208 followers
May 27, 2021
Good series about a cop who works in a supernatural investigation department in Aurora, Michigan.
Profile Image for Morgan.
244 reviews37 followers
May 10, 2018
Man. I ate this book up!! New favorite series and now I'm biting at the bit for the next book in the series (which won't come until summer. OMG NOOO). I decided to review this book instead of the first couple since the main character, Cal, is bisexual and he was with a woman for the first two (three? My memory hella fails me) books (and I read this for the MM Romance Scavenger Hunt). However, this is still a new to me author and I'm so glad I stumbled upon it!

It's been a while since I've really read a non-romance book. The series really just focused on the action and the paranormal! And the romantic aspects were brief but there in a way that was super natural and fit with the mc super well.

And oh gosh the action! And the paranormal elements! And the police/Crow elements! It kept going and going along with Cal's constant stream of sarcasm and humor in the face of terrible odds. This is the 5th book in the series that took me two days to read (would've taken less but got in a fight with the now ex) and really this book was perfect for lifting up my spirits.

Really all five books in the series also flowed so easily that I feel like I read one book. Like a short book? It's hard to describe.

And also. Cal's bisexuality was really really well done.

And someone who hates MF wouldn't be uncomfortable and another reader who dislikes (gasp!o.o) MM would feel comfortable reading it

And the first book in the series (Soul Breaker) is free!!! (https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Breaker-C...)
Profile Image for __.
49 reviews25 followers
November 11, 2020
You can definitely tell the author was thinking ahead when she wrote the previous books.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.