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City of Crows #1
Soul Breaker
There’s a hideous monster on the loose, crushing heads and taking names.
But Detective Calvin Kinsey is on the case!
Two years ago, Cal Kinsey was an up-and-coming cop in the Aurora Police Department. But during a fateful nighttime stakeout in search of a prolific killer, Cal witnessed the darkest corner of his dreams come to life. A rogue vampire slaughtered his partner — to put it nicely — and introduced Cal to the supernatural world he never knew existed in the shadows.
Now, Cal is a newly minted detective at the often mocked Department of Supernatural Investigations. By day, the agents of DSI are called “Kooks” by local law enforcement. By night, they’re known as “Crows,” reviled by the supernatural underworld.
Mere weeks out of the academy, Cal catches his first real case, a vicious murder at a local college. An unknown sorcerer has summoned a powerful creature from the Eververse, a realm of magic and mayhem that borders Earth, and set it on a dangerous warpath through the city.
Between butting heads with his grumpy team captain, stirring up ill will with the local wizards and witches, and repeatedly getting the crap beaten out of himself, Cal must find a way to stop the Eververse monster and send it back to the hell it came from…
…preferably before Aurora, Michigan runs out of coffins for the dead.
But Detective Calvin Kinsey is on the case!
Two years ago, Cal Kinsey was an up-and-coming cop in the Aurora Police Department. But during a fateful nighttime stakeout in search of a prolific killer, Cal witnessed the darkest corner of his dreams come to life. A rogue vampire slaughtered his partner — to put it nicely — and introduced Cal to the supernatural world he never knew existed in the shadows.
Now, Cal is a newly minted detective at the often mocked Department of Supernatural Investigations. By day, the agents of DSI are called “Kooks” by local law enforcement. By night, they’re known as “Crows,” reviled by the supernatural underworld.
Mere weeks out of the academy, Cal catches his first real case, a vicious murder at a local college. An unknown sorcerer has summoned a powerful creature from the Eververse, a realm of magic and mayhem that borders Earth, and set it on a dangerous warpath through the city.
Between butting heads with his grumpy team captain, stirring up ill will with the local wizards and witches, and repeatedly getting the crap beaten out of himself, Cal must find a way to stop the Eververse monster and send it back to the hell it came from…
…preferably before Aurora, Michigan runs out of coffins for the dead.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2015
522 people are currently reading
1620 people want to read
About the author
Clara Coulson
27 books247 followersClara 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
May 28, 2018
This is a 4.5 star read.
Soul Breaker is everything an urban fantasy should be - snarky, funny, a tad gross and action packed with a totally kickarse main character that in your wildest dreams you would love to be!
Cal Kinsey has a less than spectacular start to his policing career, being a witness to his partner's gory death at the hands of a serial killer a whole city has been hunting. The only problem? Said serial killer is a vicious vampire and poor Cal is left devastated at the brutality of the crime as well as having his perceptions shattered. Not the most auspicious way to be introduced to everything that goes bump in the night.
Forward a year later and we see Cal a recent graduate of the Department of Supernatural Investigations. In what is supposed to be an easy introduction to working a case, Cal finds himself thrown in the deep end investigating the gruesome deaths of college students. With magic abounding and creatures summoned from the Eververse, Cal and his colleagues find themselves battling what looks to be a losing war against Gods from the Underworld.
I Sooooooo seriously enjoyed this book, the first in a new series by UF author Clara Coulson. The writing was so smooth the pages flew by and all the characters, not just the main protagonist, were so easy to become invested in. It is books like these that first drew me to the urban fantasy genre and it's just the icing on a very awesome cupcake that this series includes another love - murder mystery investigations. If you are an Urban Fantasy aficionado then do yourself a huge favour and read this!
I received an ebook of this novel from the author via Instafreebie. I have voluntarily chosen to review the book, and the gifting in no way determines my review/rating, which reflects my honest opinion.
Soul Breaker is everything an urban fantasy should be - snarky, funny, a tad gross and action packed with a totally kickarse main character that in your wildest dreams you would love to be!
Cal Kinsey has a less than spectacular start to his policing career, being a witness to his partner's gory death at the hands of a serial killer a whole city has been hunting. The only problem? Said serial killer is a vicious vampire and poor Cal is left devastated at the brutality of the crime as well as having his perceptions shattered. Not the most auspicious way to be introduced to everything that goes bump in the night.
Forward a year later and we see Cal a recent graduate of the Department of Supernatural Investigations. In what is supposed to be an easy introduction to working a case, Cal finds himself thrown in the deep end investigating the gruesome deaths of college students. With magic abounding and creatures summoned from the Eververse, Cal and his colleagues find themselves battling what looks to be a losing war against Gods from the Underworld.
I Sooooooo seriously enjoyed this book, the first in a new series by UF author Clara Coulson. The writing was so smooth the pages flew by and all the characters, not just the main protagonist, were so easy to become invested in. It is books like these that first drew me to the urban fantasy genre and it's just the icing on a very awesome cupcake that this series includes another love - murder mystery investigations. If you are an Urban Fantasy aficionado then do yourself a huge favour and read this!
I received an ebook of this novel from the author via Instafreebie. I have voluntarily chosen to review the book, and the gifting in no way determines my review/rating, which reflects my honest opinion.
July 27, 2018
I stumbled into this FREE edition this book on Amazon and I was happy with my decision to give it a try. Because this book is pretty exciting, and I can see myself following the series. Cal Kinsey, despite his youth, has quite grit. Even if he ends up destroying his beggar rings every single time. I am sure there's explanation for that later though *laugh*.
The fact that Cal is a bisexual is another bonus in here. I don't think I encounter many bisexual men in mainstream urban fantasy genre.
And I like the DSI team so far -- although it'll be nice if I can feel more of the "teamwork" rather than having Cal, albeit unintentionally, on solo path of the bad guys most of the times.
The fact that Cal is a bisexual is another bonus in here. I don't think I encounter many bisexual men in mainstream urban fantasy genre.
And I like the DSI team so far -- although it'll be nice if I can feel more of the "teamwork" rather than having Cal, albeit unintentionally, on solo path of the bad guys most of the times.
June 10, 2018
A actually really enjoyed this, though expectations were low.
It's first person present tense which will put off a lot of people, I don't think it was the best choice; but get past that and it's readable. Dialogue isn't the most natural but it's not bad enough to loose a star over.
The plot is busy and keeps going, there's a lot to learn about this world but it's interesting and doesn't get too info-dumpy. There's a few interesting characters, some strong women.
The main character Cal is somewhat cocky but he's young a new graduate sent to an elite team so that makes sense. There's certainly some questions to answer about him and I'm diving into the next book to see if any are asked.
This is urban fantasy with actual detective work. Team detective work - though Cal has that to learn. I can believe these as a professional team. No romance though some friendly off-page 'paper filing', Cal is Bi and might be developing an interest in a helpful someone.
It's first person present tense which will put off a lot of people, I don't think it was the best choice; but get past that and it's readable. Dialogue isn't the most natural but it's not bad enough to loose a star over.
The plot is busy and keeps going, there's a lot to learn about this world but it's interesting and doesn't get too info-dumpy. There's a few interesting characters, some strong women.
The main character Cal is somewhat cocky but he's young a new graduate sent to an elite team so that makes sense. There's certainly some questions to answer about him and I'm diving into the next book to see if any are asked.
This is urban fantasy with actual detective work. Team detective work - though Cal has that to learn. I can believe these as a professional team. No romance though some friendly off-page 'paper filing', Cal is Bi and might be developing an interest in a helpful someone.
June 3, 2022
3.5 rounded up. Pretty good but I did find the MC character quite annoying (and I’m pretty sure that wasn’t the author’s intention!)
September 24, 2020
Mon avis en français
My English review
After seeing some very good reviews of this novel, I must say that I was very curious to immerse myself in the story! What about the cover? It is so pretty! But what also attracted me was the fact that the main hero was a man. I always like such a change, it’s so nice!
After a tragic event that changed Cal’s life, he discovered that a world full of magical creatures existed. But not necessarily nice creatures… no. And some of them do a lot of damage. That’s how Cal moved from the regular policeman to another assignment, taking training to be part of the DSI, where officers deal with supernatural problems. But here he is, straight out of the academy, he finds himself employed in an elite team, while at the same time having to manage his first case. Except that this case is really not simple and could attract a large number of dangers! Fortunately for him, he will not be alone in this investigation, and if he sometimes acts without thinking, he will do everything possible to help his city!
I had a really good time with that novel. The author offers us a story of pure and hard urban fantasy and I must say that it is very pleasant! I was very curious to find out what was really going on with the murders and I found the plot well turned. Yes, I had a good time and I let myself be carried away by story with great pleasure, witnessing Cal’s courage and all his doubts!
I’m very curious to read the rest now!
My English review
After seeing some very good reviews of this novel, I must say that I was very curious to immerse myself in the story! What about the cover? It is so pretty! But what also attracted me was the fact that the main hero was a man. I always like such a change, it’s so nice!
After a tragic event that changed Cal’s life, he discovered that a world full of magical creatures existed. But not necessarily nice creatures… no. And some of them do a lot of damage. That’s how Cal moved from the regular policeman to another assignment, taking training to be part of the DSI, where officers deal with supernatural problems. But here he is, straight out of the academy, he finds himself employed in an elite team, while at the same time having to manage his first case. Except that this case is really not simple and could attract a large number of dangers! Fortunately for him, he will not be alone in this investigation, and if he sometimes acts without thinking, he will do everything possible to help his city!
I had a really good time with that novel. The author offers us a story of pure and hard urban fantasy and I must say that it is very pleasant! I was very curious to find out what was really going on with the murders and I found the plot well turned. Yes, I had a good time and I let myself be carried away by story with great pleasure, witnessing Cal’s courage and all his doubts!
I’m very curious to read the rest now!
August 12, 2018
3.5
Soul Breaker might not be perfect but it was a refreshing read when in comes to urban & paranormal fiction.
Soul Breaker might not be perfect but it was a refreshing read when in comes to urban & paranormal fiction.
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July 24, 2018💝FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (7/24/2018)!💝
January 23, 2016
A terrifying ambush and near-death experience changes the course of Cal Kinsey’s life or at the very least, his career. Once on the path to becoming an honoured officer of the Aurora PD, Kinsley’s brush with the supernatural sends him right back into training – to be a DSI agent (Department of Supernatural Investigations). His first day on the job sees him screwing up massively, to the point where he almost gets himself killed, and that’s only the start of the biggest case he’s had since quitting the force two years earlier.
Coulson’s twist on the oober popular crime genre lends a breath of fresh air to an otherwise stagnant form. Her main character, Calvin Kinsey, is wonderfully flawed: a newbie who can’t help but get himself stuck between a rock and an Eververse Monster (umm… hard place); a guy who keeps breaking standard issue equipment; a mortal man who is not invincible but tries his darndest to keep people from dying. This is the kind of character to get excited about.
What really spoke to me with this particular book though, was the concept of the Eververse; an other-world construct that encompasses all known (both imaginable and unimaginable) entities of the supernatural. I quite enjoyed the division between the ‘regular’ cops, DSI Agents (non-magical humans who fight supernatural crime), and the ICM (International Council of Magic – magic wielding human diplomates to the supernatural community). The political structure of this world, especially where these regulating bodies are concerned, is a house of cards ready to topple – making for great tension and layering.
However, there are certain sticking points about Soul Breaker that left me less enthusiastic about the book. The first is a personal preference away from first-person, present-tense points of view. This is a difficult POV to pull off at the best of times. Here I found it distracting and tending more toward telling the story rather than showing us – because, quite frankly, people don’t ‘think’ like narrators. The scope is quite limited and when you look too closely at something, like how a person reacts to a bad situation, it can (and does) get awkward.
But I didn’t want to discredit the book on the POV, because I thoroughly enjoy the other books written by Coulson under her pen name Therin Knight. What I found though, was a confused character. Coulson frames Cal Kinsey as a bit of a bad-ass or man’s-man. While it’s true that we learn there’s more to Cal than just this facade, there were times it felt like a woman speaking instead of a man. The vocabulary didn’t ring true for me. Often his observances put me in mind of a teenage girl and not a twenty-something worldly male (as worldly as you can be growing up in Aurora). This not only pulled me out of the story on numerous occasions, but underscored a lack of depth for his character.
Lastly, while I found the story line compelling, many of the other supporting characters came across as two-dimensional. This is likely due to the fact that there’s only so much a reader can learn from the perspective Coulson chose to tell the story from, but also because we didn’t get to see or learn much about the true nature of these people. The few times Coulson does attempt to delve into another character’s past or emotional trauma, it falls short. I don’t feel a connection because I’m having to process what is happening through Cal’s eyes and strained emotional reactions.
Soul Breaker is a solid first novel for Clara Coulson, and anyone who enjoys first-person shooter games and who-done-it crime novels will lap up all this book has to offer. For my part though, I’ll stick to reading Coulson’s time tested alter-ego, Therin Knight.
Coulson’s twist on the oober popular crime genre lends a breath of fresh air to an otherwise stagnant form. Her main character, Calvin Kinsey, is wonderfully flawed: a newbie who can’t help but get himself stuck between a rock and an Eververse Monster (umm… hard place); a guy who keeps breaking standard issue equipment; a mortal man who is not invincible but tries his darndest to keep people from dying. This is the kind of character to get excited about.
What really spoke to me with this particular book though, was the concept of the Eververse; an other-world construct that encompasses all known (both imaginable and unimaginable) entities of the supernatural. I quite enjoyed the division between the ‘regular’ cops, DSI Agents (non-magical humans who fight supernatural crime), and the ICM (International Council of Magic – magic wielding human diplomates to the supernatural community). The political structure of this world, especially where these regulating bodies are concerned, is a house of cards ready to topple – making for great tension and layering.
However, there are certain sticking points about Soul Breaker that left me less enthusiastic about the book. The first is a personal preference away from first-person, present-tense points of view. This is a difficult POV to pull off at the best of times. Here I found it distracting and tending more toward telling the story rather than showing us – because, quite frankly, people don’t ‘think’ like narrators. The scope is quite limited and when you look too closely at something, like how a person reacts to a bad situation, it can (and does) get awkward.
But I didn’t want to discredit the book on the POV, because I thoroughly enjoy the other books written by Coulson under her pen name Therin Knight. What I found though, was a confused character. Coulson frames Cal Kinsey as a bit of a bad-ass or man’s-man. While it’s true that we learn there’s more to Cal than just this facade, there were times it felt like a woman speaking instead of a man. The vocabulary didn’t ring true for me. Often his observances put me in mind of a teenage girl and not a twenty-something worldly male (as worldly as you can be growing up in Aurora). This not only pulled me out of the story on numerous occasions, but underscored a lack of depth for his character.
Lastly, while I found the story line compelling, many of the other supporting characters came across as two-dimensional. This is likely due to the fact that there’s only so much a reader can learn from the perspective Coulson chose to tell the story from, but also because we didn’t get to see or learn much about the true nature of these people. The few times Coulson does attempt to delve into another character’s past or emotional trauma, it falls short. I don’t feel a connection because I’m having to process what is happening through Cal’s eyes and strained emotional reactions.
Soul Breaker is a solid first novel for Clara Coulson, and anyone who enjoys first-person shooter games and who-done-it crime novels will lap up all this book has to offer. For my part though, I’ll stick to reading Coulson’s time tested alter-ego, Therin Knight.
June 13, 2017
4 Stars
Full Review:
*I received a free ecopy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
This book was urban fantasy at it's finest---gruesome, bloody, snarky, hilarious, action-packed, and fun!
My favorite thing, however, had to be Cal himself. Not only was he hilariously quippy, he was just so real. He was definitely badass, risking his life to save others, going head-to-head with death gods and whatnot, but he was also terrified out of his mind while he was being badass, and that made him so much more likeable and relatable to me. He also wasn't invincible, another thing that made him seem realistic, as shown by the way he got his ass handed to him numerous times. And while I would never classify this as an emotional book, the author still wasn't afraid to give Cal some emotion, and I'm pretty sure he was suffering from PTSD considering the flashbacks and panic attacks he sometimes had. (Plus he called an Etruscan demon an idiot, and you can't not love a character who does that.)
Another fantastic thing about Cal though (and the book in general) was that he was such a feminist! He had so much respect for what the women around him were capable of and had no trouble admitting how much better than him they were at things. Yeah, he felt inadequate at times, but it was never in a bitter way, more like he was just in awe of them.
I also loved that the injuries, fights, crime scenes, etc. were portrayed realistically. Most authors have this tendency to make things easier and prettier and less bad than they really are---characters get knocked out all the time but wake up feeling fine; they get into fights, but all the injuries they surely sustained, even if they were just cuts and bruises, disappear; people are shot and bludgeoned to death, but the blood and brain matter and body parts are just kind of overlooked, etc.---but this author made sure to include it all.
And last but not least, look at that cover! Gorgeous, right?
Overall, this book had me cracking up, cringing, and clinging to the edge of my seat, sometimes all at once, and I really enjoyed it!
Recommended For:
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 on Blog
Full Review:
*I received a free ecopy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
This book was urban fantasy at it's finest---gruesome, bloody, snarky, hilarious, action-packed, and fun!
My favorite thing, however, had to be Cal himself. Not only was he hilariously quippy, he was just so real. He was definitely badass, risking his life to save others, going head-to-head with death gods and whatnot, but he was also terrified out of his mind while he was being badass, and that made him so much more likeable and relatable to me. He also wasn't invincible, another thing that made him seem realistic, as shown by the way he got his ass handed to him numerous times. And while I would never classify this as an emotional book, the author still wasn't afraid to give Cal some emotion, and I'm pretty sure he was suffering from PTSD considering the flashbacks and panic attacks he sometimes had. (Plus he called an Etruscan demon an idiot, and you can't not love a character who does that.)
Another fantastic thing about Cal though (and the book in general) was that he was such a feminist! He had so much respect for what the women around him were capable of and had no trouble admitting how much better than him they were at things. Yeah, he felt inadequate at times, but it was never in a bitter way, more like he was just in awe of them.
I spent the night having awesome sex with a witch nearly twice my age, who also saved my life with such ease that I will never overcome the sense of inadequacy that blooms in my chest in her presence. This presents a multitude of conflicting thoughts and feelings that may take me some alone time to work through. And maybe a trip to the gym to beef up my macho cred. (Or maybe not. Because that sounds stupid.)
I also loved that the injuries, fights, crime scenes, etc. were portrayed realistically. Most authors have this tendency to make things easier and prettier and less bad than they really are---characters get knocked out all the time but wake up feeling fine; they get into fights, but all the injuries they surely sustained, even if they were just cuts and bruises, disappear; people are shot and bludgeoned to death, but the blood and brain matter and body parts are just kind of overlooked, etc.---but this author made sure to include it all.
And last but not least, look at that cover! Gorgeous, right?
Overall, this book had me cracking up, cringing, and clinging to the edge of my seat, sometimes all at once, and I really enjoyed it!
Recommended For:
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 on Blog
July 17, 2018
Well... The blurb made this look so good. Cal, a rookie cop, finds out that the supernatural exists, in one of the more horrible ways to do so, when his older and wiser partner is murdered in a gory fashion right before his eyes. For some reason the vamp who committed the murder just slaps him around a little, but lets him live. After Cal recuperates, he pulls on his big boy pants and joins a "secret" arm of law enforcement that hunts those sorts of monsters.
Sounded interesting enough and I've enjoyed other series based on this sort of premise. But this was not the book or series for me. Cal is "special" - no one says this flat out, but somehow he's the one theorizing about the case they're on and explaining everything to the "more seasoned" agents. He calls the shots; he cracks the jokes; he charges in without back-up -- all the time! His "dressing downs" are more what you'd expect from someone's vastly disappointed parent, not someone's boss who has a right to expect subordinates to be professional and have their heads screwed on right and who definitely has way too much to do to deal with this bullshit all the time. No one was an adult and everyone wanted to hear what Cal had to say next.
Despite these desperate flaws, the plot was interesting. The mythos explored was not one I've seen used at lot, Etruscan. The magic system had promise. But I cannot read anything more. (Granted, it was probably a mistake to be re-reading Kate Daniels right before - and while - I was trying to read this, but, hey!)
Sounded interesting enough and I've enjoyed other series based on this sort of premise. But this was not the book or series for me. Cal is "special" - no one says this flat out, but somehow he's the one theorizing about the case they're on and explaining everything to the "more seasoned" agents. He calls the shots; he cracks the jokes; he charges in without back-up -- all the time! His "dressing downs" are more what you'd expect from someone's vastly disappointed parent, not someone's boss who has a right to expect subordinates to be professional and have their heads screwed on right and who definitely has way too much to do to deal with this bullshit all the time. No one was an adult and everyone wanted to hear what Cal had to say next.
Despite these desperate flaws, the plot was interesting. The mythos explored was not one I've seen used at lot, Etruscan. The magic system had promise. But I cannot read anything more. (Granted, it was probably a mistake to be re-reading Kate Daniels right before - and while - I was trying to read this, but, hey!)
January 6, 2019
I liked this book in the same way I like certain TV shows: you watch it for the good looking actors/actresses, and because the special effects are also nice to watch. It doesn't have a super intricate plot, nor original dialogue, but the overall package is entertaining enough.
I liked all the characters. Some I would rather see more than others. I also have my own ship, but not sure if this series would even go that route.
I liked all the characters. Some I would rather see more than others. I also have my own ship, but not sure if this series would even go that route.
March 5, 2016
*I received an ebook copy of Soul Breaker in exchange for an honest review*
Cal Kinsey is a young man that’s a bit out of his depth. See, he’s a rookie at DSI – that’s the Department of Supernatural Investigations – and though he looks to have a bright future at the agency, his first case is a humdinger with a fire spirit, multiple dead college students, and a blue demon with a big hammer. It’s gonna be a rough week.
The DSI is a government agency that polices and studies the things that go bump in the night. Think Men in Black or Hellboy, except more official and out in the open. The DSI’s true knowledge of events is still very need-to-know, and the general public doesn’t realize they regularly engage in firefights with demons, but they’re no secret hush-hush urban legend sort of deal. Admittedly I haven’t read a whole lot of urban fantasy, but I thought that approach to the fantasy worldbuilding was pretty unique.
Worldbuilding is a specialty for Clara Coulson (AKA Therin Knite, author of Othella and Echoes). She has a talent for creating a live, breathing world on the page, with all the small details figured out. Beyond the DSI and their complicated role in our world, there’s also the Eververse, the place where all the demons, gods, and creepy crawlies come from. I would’ve liked more of the Eververse in Soul Breaker (the sections of the book concerning this alternate dimension are some of the book’s finest moments) but that seems to be something Coulson has in mind for next time.
By the end of the book, many parts of the mystery are left unsolved, many plot threads left hanging. So many questions are left unanswered. Too many? But the sequel is right around the corner, so one hopes that at least some of those questions will be answered soon enough.
Soul Breaker is the foundation for which a new series is being launched and I think it’s a pretty solid foundation. Coulson’s a pro at worldbuilding and it’s clear she has something big in mind for the world she’s created here. I liked Soul Breaker’s unique fantasy world and I liked the characters, especially the lead Cal Kinsey. Count me in for Book 2.
Cal Kinsey is a young man that’s a bit out of his depth. See, he’s a rookie at DSI – that’s the Department of Supernatural Investigations – and though he looks to have a bright future at the agency, his first case is a humdinger with a fire spirit, multiple dead college students, and a blue demon with a big hammer. It’s gonna be a rough week.
The DSI is a government agency that polices and studies the things that go bump in the night. Think Men in Black or Hellboy, except more official and out in the open. The DSI’s true knowledge of events is still very need-to-know, and the general public doesn’t realize they regularly engage in firefights with demons, but they’re no secret hush-hush urban legend sort of deal. Admittedly I haven’t read a whole lot of urban fantasy, but I thought that approach to the fantasy worldbuilding was pretty unique.
Worldbuilding is a specialty for Clara Coulson (AKA Therin Knite, author of Othella and Echoes). She has a talent for creating a live, breathing world on the page, with all the small details figured out. Beyond the DSI and their complicated role in our world, there’s also the Eververse, the place where all the demons, gods, and creepy crawlies come from. I would’ve liked more of the Eververse in Soul Breaker (the sections of the book concerning this alternate dimension are some of the book’s finest moments) but that seems to be something Coulson has in mind for next time.
By the end of the book, many parts of the mystery are left unsolved, many plot threads left hanging. So many questions are left unanswered. Too many? But the sequel is right around the corner, so one hopes that at least some of those questions will be answered soon enough.
Soul Breaker is the foundation for which a new series is being launched and I think it’s a pretty solid foundation. Coulson’s a pro at worldbuilding and it’s clear she has something big in mind for the world she’s created here. I liked Soul Breaker’s unique fantasy world and I liked the characters, especially the lead Cal Kinsey. Count me in for Book 2.
December 2, 2015
Cal Kinsey probably wishes this author never created him - he's continuously put in life-threatening situations, suffers through an embarrassing lecture about his sex life, and gets the stuffing beaten out of him numerous times in this story. In spite of that, he still maintains his integrity and snarky sense of humor and it's impossible not to like the guy.
The world-building was entirely convincing - a Department of Supernatural Investigations? Why not? Somebody has to handle the critters that find their way to Earth from the Eververse- kind of like Men In Black for supernatural creatures. The fact that some of these characters are from Etruscan mythology lends a touch more realism to this world.
Although convinced I knew who the 'bad guy' was - I was wrong and pleased to see this author didn't make the plot twists blatantly obvious.
Throughout the story, I felt like something was missing and came to the conclusion it was character depth, but with this being the first book in a series, the author can't reveal all her cards at once. I'm sure this will be resolved in subsequent novels in this series.
Soul Breaker is full of action, mystery, and a touch of gore and moves at a wickedly fast pace. If you're looking for a new spin on urban fantasy, this is your book.
I received a digital ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The world-building was entirely convincing - a Department of Supernatural Investigations? Why not? Somebody has to handle the critters that find their way to Earth from the Eververse- kind of like Men In Black for supernatural creatures. The fact that some of these characters are from Etruscan mythology lends a touch more realism to this world.
Although convinced I knew who the 'bad guy' was - I was wrong and pleased to see this author didn't make the plot twists blatantly obvious.
Throughout the story, I felt like something was missing and came to the conclusion it was character depth, but with this being the first book in a series, the author can't reveal all her cards at once. I'm sure this will be resolved in subsequent novels in this series.
Soul Breaker is full of action, mystery, and a touch of gore and moves at a wickedly fast pace. If you're looking for a new spin on urban fantasy, this is your book.
I received a digital ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 18, 2019
Well, that was some wacky shit. Shades of The Martian crossed with The Hollows crossed with The Men in Black. Smartaleck bisexual rookie magic cop gets his ass kicked repeatedly by extraplanar demons while trying to solve the mystery of a supernatural heist in time to prevent said extraplanar demons from killing everyone associated with the heist.
Spoiler:
In the end, his borrowed magic and allies, human and magical, all amount to nothing, and he is left with only his integrity (and stupid lack of self-preservation) to carry him through to the end. He also takes a moment to get laid (fade to black).
This was a fun story to get lost in, and Cal's ironic and irreverent voice made the main character likeable to a fault, even when he's being a complete idiot and realizes it. I will definitely check out the other books in the series.
Spoiler:
In the end, his borrowed magic and allies, human and magical, all amount to nothing, and he is left with only his integrity (and stupid lack of self-preservation) to carry him through to the end. He also takes a moment to get laid (fade to black).
This was a fun story to get lost in, and Cal's ironic and irreverent voice made the main character likeable to a fault, even when he's being a complete idiot and realizes it. I will definitely check out the other books in the series.
Read
July 9, 2018I gave this one to 30%, but it's just not working for me. There are some really interesting concepts, but I'm not attaching to the MC. I find him to be a rather arrogant jerk in a way that doesn't seem deserved. The writing is kind of uneven with errors which keep tossing me out of the story.
The gore is pretty gruesome and abundant. Definitely not for the squeamish.
The gore is pretty gruesome and abundant. Definitely not for the squeamish.
August 23, 2018
Thank you Ami for brought this book up to my attention, me love it! ^^
September 28, 2018
Baguus, rasanya hanya beberapa kali saja saya membaca novel bertema pemburu hantu seperti ini.
Selain ceritanya yang bagus, saya juga sekali karakter heronya yaitu Cal.
Dia keren, yahh idola wanita lah pokoknya tetapi dia tidak malu untuk merasa sedih dan menangis. Dia tidak menyembunyikan perasaannya itu dan bahkan sangat terbuka walaupun dia tahu dan sedikit malu karena akan dianggap lelaki lemah. Begitu pula dengan Riker dengan rasa duka dan sesalnya. Belum lagi karakter Ella yang menjadi favorit saya di novel ini :D
Saya suka sekali kalimat Ella kepada Cal, “You’re a human being, just like the rest of us, and from time to time, you will stumble. What matters isn’t that you fall—it’s that you get back up and keep going.”
Yang tidak saya sukai sih yah namanya juga hero :D
Selain ceritanya yang bagus, saya juga sekali karakter heronya yaitu Cal.
Dia keren, yahh idola wanita lah pokoknya tetapi dia tidak malu untuk merasa sedih dan menangis. Dia tidak menyembunyikan perasaannya itu dan bahkan sangat terbuka walaupun dia tahu dan sedikit malu karena akan dianggap lelaki lemah. Begitu pula dengan Riker dengan rasa duka dan sesalnya. Belum lagi karakter Ella yang menjadi favorit saya di novel ini :D
Saya suka sekali kalimat Ella kepada Cal, “You’re a human being, just like the rest of us, and from time to time, you will stumble. What matters isn’t that you fall—it’s that you get back up and keep going.”
Yang tidak saya sukai sih yah namanya juga hero :D
May 27, 2021
Good series about a cop who works in a supernatural investigation department in Aurora, Michigan.
Read
February 22, 2016This is my first book by this author, including pen names. I am very impressed and I am a fan now. This is the story of Cal, who is a human police officer, who comes in contact with a supernatural entity, and realizes that the bumps in the night are really real. He's almost lost his mind because of it. He watched his partner be brutally slaughtered in front of him by something that was supposed to only be in nightmares. And now, he's part of the DSI- Department of Supernatural Investigations. A secret force of the police that comes in when there's "weird" circumstances. LOL. He's even got a little bit of magic himself, though he doesn't think of it that way. He's a rookie here, and though he's good, he lacks experience and his first case is HUGE. Too much for him to take on by himself as a rookie, so his captain sends him to a witch, a real one, to help him. And then we get to meet one of his team mates who have been on an assignment overseas.
So, poor Cal, like his didn't have enough emotional scarring, he now has a butt load of physical damage. His first case involves demons of sorts, a big blue with with a crazy hammer weapon who continuously beats the ever living crap out of Cal multiple times. Like, he spent a lot of time in hospital beds LOL. I loved his character because he wanted to be brave and he wanted to do the right thing, and yet he was still beyond scared. But he never gave up or let go. His captain has just lost one of Cal's team mates in a horrible way on a case and he's struggling as well, but he recognizes that Cal has great potential to be great. He just needs some help. And together they each make the other see the other ones outlook of trying to help. And I love that though this division of law enforcement is still kept quiet, it's not secret. They are a legal part of the system, and get called out to scenes, and report just like everyone else. People can call this division. It has made for some extremely fun moments.
I must say, especially at the end, the world building is impressive. I loved the "other world" and their members who came into our realm. Eververse is where all supernaturals come from, like the demons, gods, spirits, and things like that. And when we get to see there, it's so cool. It's creepy and scary really, but it was just done so well that I couldn't help but be awed. We don't get a whole lot of visual in this book but I have a feeling that after that ending, we're going to see more of it, and more beings from it. And we get some explanations so we aren't confused, but I see it becoming more prominent in the future. And I seriously cheered for Cal at that ending. I really thought it was about to go bad, and something more horrible was coming. Because it was already bad enough. :) And yet, Cal proved that he is a hero, even if he thinks he isn't, he's proven it to multiple people. Even those scaring "baddies" were impressed with his sacrifice. And yes, there's some things left open and a few questions left unanswered, but for the most part it's wrapped up. I like that there's a few things we will anticipate for the next book in the series, as well as giving an overall ending to this case without finishing every little thing. I am absolutely thrilled with this new series and I cannot wait for book two. I certainly will be reading more and I also secretly can't wait to meet more of Cal's team, and that sexy witch that makes everyone turn their heads for her. I am very impressed!!! Well done- 5 PAWS!!
So, poor Cal, like his didn't have enough emotional scarring, he now has a butt load of physical damage. His first case involves demons of sorts, a big blue with with a crazy hammer weapon who continuously beats the ever living crap out of Cal multiple times. Like, he spent a lot of time in hospital beds LOL. I loved his character because he wanted to be brave and he wanted to do the right thing, and yet he was still beyond scared. But he never gave up or let go. His captain has just lost one of Cal's team mates in a horrible way on a case and he's struggling as well, but he recognizes that Cal has great potential to be great. He just needs some help. And together they each make the other see the other ones outlook of trying to help. And I love that though this division of law enforcement is still kept quiet, it's not secret. They are a legal part of the system, and get called out to scenes, and report just like everyone else. People can call this division. It has made for some extremely fun moments.
I must say, especially at the end, the world building is impressive. I loved the "other world" and their members who came into our realm. Eververse is where all supernaturals come from, like the demons, gods, spirits, and things like that. And when we get to see there, it's so cool. It's creepy and scary really, but it was just done so well that I couldn't help but be awed. We don't get a whole lot of visual in this book but I have a feeling that after that ending, we're going to see more of it, and more beings from it. And we get some explanations so we aren't confused, but I see it becoming more prominent in the future. And I seriously cheered for Cal at that ending. I really thought it was about to go bad, and something more horrible was coming. Because it was already bad enough. :) And yet, Cal proved that he is a hero, even if he thinks he isn't, he's proven it to multiple people. Even those scaring "baddies" were impressed with his sacrifice. And yes, there's some things left open and a few questions left unanswered, but for the most part it's wrapped up. I like that there's a few things we will anticipate for the next book in the series, as well as giving an overall ending to this case without finishing every little thing. I am absolutely thrilled with this new series and I cannot wait for book two. I certainly will be reading more and I also secretly can't wait to meet more of Cal's team, and that sexy witch that makes everyone turn their heads for her. I am very impressed!!! Well done- 5 PAWS!!
May 20, 2018
Fascinating Urban Fantasy
I have loved Urban Fantasy since before it had it’s only sub-genre shelves at Waterstones. It’s rare for me to find a new type of Urban Fantasy, especially one as enjoyable as this one.
Cal is a newly minted member of the DSI (Department of Supernatural Investigations) with Aurora PD. He watched his partner get demolished by a vampire when he was just a rookie cop and it changed the direction of his life and he decided to join the DSI.
I love that this is definitely a rookie DSI agent. He is clearly in over his head and he admits his faults when he does something stupid and dangerous due to inexperience. He is smart and open minded and hard working.
Throughout the book we see him working through his first case with the Elite team of detectives, where most of the team are overseas, which is why he’s been thrown in over his head. He meets various team members and starts to build relationships with them as the case progresses. There are no information dumps in this book to overwhelm the reader as a world is built for us to enjoy. Everything is cleverly plotted and paced as each character trait and key bit of information are revealed.
There are so many tantalising hints in this book about Cal and his skills and his past that I really can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
I have loved Urban Fantasy since before it had it’s only sub-genre shelves at Waterstones. It’s rare for me to find a new type of Urban Fantasy, especially one as enjoyable as this one.
Cal is a newly minted member of the DSI (Department of Supernatural Investigations) with Aurora PD. He watched his partner get demolished by a vampire when he was just a rookie cop and it changed the direction of his life and he decided to join the DSI.
I love that this is definitely a rookie DSI agent. He is clearly in over his head and he admits his faults when he does something stupid and dangerous due to inexperience. He is smart and open minded and hard working.
Throughout the book we see him working through his first case with the Elite team of detectives, where most of the team are overseas, which is why he’s been thrown in over his head. He meets various team members and starts to build relationships with them as the case progresses. There are no information dumps in this book to overwhelm the reader as a world is built for us to enjoy. Everything is cleverly plotted and paced as each character trait and key bit of information are revealed.
There are so many tantalising hints in this book about Cal and his skills and his past that I really can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
August 3, 2018
4.5
I seriously did not expect to enjoy this as much as I did, so it really was an awesome surprise. Cal, while 22 and ready to be a hero, is also self aware and willing to be inspired by those around him, including several badass women. (Women who were martially badass without reading like men-with-tits characters). He's inconsequentially bi-sexual, meaning it's no big thing or in need of explaining. He's bi, just like he's brunette, no need for further drama about it (this isn't a romance, after all). He shows emotion, including grief and tears and then gets up and does his job.
Of the side characters you have several powerful women, who aren't using sex to get ahead. A 40+ year old women still allowed to be sexy, have sex and enjoy it, (So often 'older' women' seem to have lost this aspect of themselves in literature.), man in authority who is grieving and showing physical pain but still functioning, an academic who is basically saving the day with research and being appreciated, and racial and sexual diversity.
All in all, I really liked this and look forward to more. I did think Cal made a couple leaps of logic that were a little too keen to follow and despite saying he's scared and such, he was a tad close to Marty Stew perfection (but not too close). I'll be looking for more books by Clara Coulson.
I seriously did not expect to enjoy this as much as I did, so it really was an awesome surprise. Cal, while 22 and ready to be a hero, is also self aware and willing to be inspired by those around him, including several badass women. (Women who were martially badass without reading like men-with-tits characters). He's inconsequentially bi-sexual, meaning it's no big thing or in need of explaining. He's bi, just like he's brunette, no need for further drama about it (this isn't a romance, after all). He shows emotion, including grief and tears and then gets up and does his job.
Of the side characters you have several powerful women, who aren't using sex to get ahead. A 40+ year old women still allowed to be sexy, have sex and enjoy it, (So often 'older' women' seem to have lost this aspect of themselves in literature.), man in authority who is grieving and showing physical pain but still functioning, an academic who is basically saving the day with research and being appreciated, and racial and sexual diversity.
All in all, I really liked this and look forward to more. I did think Cal made a couple leaps of logic that were a little too keen to follow and despite saying he's scared and such, he was a tad close to Marty Stew perfection (but not too close). I'll be looking for more books by Clara Coulson.
November 22, 2015
To me, Soul Breaker was heavier on the magical mysticism, over paranormal. And this works for me, because I like to keep my vampires and werewolves confined to the TV show Supernatural. The main character was written quite well, and I believed that the world could actually exist, instead of cardboard cutouts and clichés. We don’t learn as much about the supporting characters, but that’s cool, we learn just enough to flesh them out. I’m looking forward to more character development in Shade Chaser, and I’ll be sure to pick it up when it comes out in February. 4.5 stars!
August 5, 2018
Action packed, fast moving easy read. Enjoyed it, reading next book in series.
August 7, 2018
Engaging and fast paced. I hope the series continues to be this fun ... Or even berter. Worth a read.
August 8, 2018
40% DNF. The world building and the magic system look good, and the premise is interesting. Maybe will come back later to finish it, but right now, I just can't even.
It begun with the author using the present tense. It's a difficult thing to do, and it took me a while to get into the story. But then, people in that supposedly elite paranormal cop group begun to behave like scared rabbits every 10 pages, the MC vomits every time he sees some gore, even though people around him don't seem to be affected, and he definitely behaves like a 12 year old half the time. But the summit of it all is, , and then Sorry, maybe it was the wrong day to read this.
And btw., Etruscan is relatively unknown, and I doubt you could translate a text like the one on the book into English. But, OK, in a book about a paranormal police unit, I should not be complaining about how unrealistic the translation is. I know, I know.
It begun with the author using the present tense. It's a difficult thing to do, and it took me a while to get into the story. But then, people in that supposedly elite paranormal cop group begun to behave like scared rabbits every 10 pages, the MC vomits every time he sees some gore, even though people around him don't seem to be affected, and he definitely behaves like a 12 year old half the time. But the summit of it all is, , and then Sorry, maybe it was the wrong day to read this.
And btw., Etruscan is relatively unknown, and I doubt you could translate a text like the one on the book into English. But, OK, in a book about a paranormal police unit, I should not be complaining about how unrealistic the translation is. I know, I know.
October 14, 2019
Soul Breaker - a review by Rosemary Kenny
A confident young man with more than human powers (although he doesn't really know how to use or understand them), ex-Aurora PD, now DSI investigator, Cal(vin) Kinsey is brave, loyal to a fault - and prone to a spot of hubris, that may be his undoing, in Clara Coulson's Soul Breaker, Book 1 of her A City of Crows series.
An anonymous sorcerer has summoned a huge blue (no, not the blue genie from Aladdin, by any stretch of the imagination!), demon to Earth from the depths of Eververse/Hell itself and it's brought Thor's spare hammer to wreak havoc and death upon the City. As the body count rises, can Cal and 'his' team (he's the rookie of the department), fight back and save thousands more from this embodiment of evil? Who's the sexy witch who seduces all who see her? Who or what are the 'Crows'?
Perhaps more YA than adult fantasy, (no romance here, folks, just the battle between good and evil) with an unlikely hero who may have bitten off more than he can chew in his quest to be the best.
Slightly off-putting first-person narrative gives mostly Cal's POV, in a quasi stream-of-consciousness supernatural who-dunnit? that's perfect fare for Hallowe'en, or a stormy evening.
Amazingly it's Clara Coulson's first novel, so all credit to her for creating attractive characters and a well-developed storyline that will encourage you to follow Cal's progress and be eager to learn more of his back story and budding powers. Soul Breaker's not a deal-breaker as you'll find out for yourself when you buy this well-written supernatural fantasy adventure. Go for it - Cal's waiting!
A confident young man with more than human powers (although he doesn't really know how to use or understand them), ex-Aurora PD, now DSI investigator, Cal(vin) Kinsey is brave, loyal to a fault - and prone to a spot of hubris, that may be his undoing, in Clara Coulson's Soul Breaker, Book 1 of her A City of Crows series.
An anonymous sorcerer has summoned a huge blue (no, not the blue genie from Aladdin, by any stretch of the imagination!), demon to Earth from the depths of Eververse/Hell itself and it's brought Thor's spare hammer to wreak havoc and death upon the City. As the body count rises, can Cal and 'his' team (he's the rookie of the department), fight back and save thousands more from this embodiment of evil? Who's the sexy witch who seduces all who see her? Who or what are the 'Crows'?
Perhaps more YA than adult fantasy, (no romance here, folks, just the battle between good and evil) with an unlikely hero who may have bitten off more than he can chew in his quest to be the best.
Slightly off-putting first-person narrative gives mostly Cal's POV, in a quasi stream-of-consciousness supernatural who-dunnit? that's perfect fare for Hallowe'en, or a stormy evening.
Amazingly it's Clara Coulson's first novel, so all credit to her for creating attractive characters and a well-developed storyline that will encourage you to follow Cal's progress and be eager to learn more of his back story and budding powers. Soul Breaker's not a deal-breaker as you'll find out for yourself when you buy this well-written supernatural fantasy adventure. Go for it - Cal's waiting!
May 26, 2020
Oh what fun, demons rising from The Ever verse to bring havoc and chaos plenty of bloodshed to us poor mortal humans. This is a great story and introduction to a series, without helpless protagonist finding himself among which is demons etc. and no idea what the heck was going on.. months of training later and he thinks he’s got a sussed, or has he!
May 28, 2021
the way my heart swells and grows 3 sizes every time a main character describes themselves on page as bisexual.
things i learned about myself in the past year or so of reading: i actually flat out adore urban fantasy LMAO shit is like crack to me. i really enjoyed cal and the start to this series, just a super fun ride, def picking up the next one.
things i learned about myself in the past year or so of reading: i actually flat out adore urban fantasy LMAO shit is like crack to me. i really enjoyed cal and the start to this series, just a super fun ride, def picking up the next one.
September 1, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This was a wonderfully written paranormal suspense. I enjoyed the book so much that I devoured it in one sitting. A must read.
August 10, 2018
Good fun read.
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