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City of Crows #8
Storm Master
Peace never lasts long in Calvin Kinsey’s world. And Havoc’s next target is Paris.
It’s been two months since the skirmish with the Children of Enoch in Moscow led to a number of startling revelations. Since then, Cal Kinsey has been honing his magic skills and practically bouncing off the walls for news about the missing Cooper Lee.
When the house elders of the Vampire Federation decide to hold a conference in France, Cal jumps at the opportunity to get his feet on the ground in the sprawling city of Paris. But soon after he arrives, the conflict with the Children heats up once more, and Cal finds himself struggling to protect the city’s civilians from the mounting threats:
A dangerous elemental creature seeks to settle a grudge against the Children, and they’ll destroy anything that gets in their way. The Black Knights are conspiring to further the Children’s plans, and they don’t care who they have to kill in the process. And the Children themselves are working on a dastardly scheme that, if successful, could spell disaster for the entire world.
Driven by his intense desire to find Cooper Lee, Cal prepares to fight his most difficult battle yet. And while he now has many powerful allies on his side, nothing may be strong enough to stop the tide of destruction that the Children of Enoch seek to unleash.
Storm Master is the eighth book in the action-packed City of Crows urban fantasy series.
It’s been two months since the skirmish with the Children of Enoch in Moscow led to a number of startling revelations. Since then, Cal Kinsey has been honing his magic skills and practically bouncing off the walls for news about the missing Cooper Lee.
When the house elders of the Vampire Federation decide to hold a conference in France, Cal jumps at the opportunity to get his feet on the ground in the sprawling city of Paris. But soon after he arrives, the conflict with the Children heats up once more, and Cal finds himself struggling to protect the city’s civilians from the mounting threats:
A dangerous elemental creature seeks to settle a grudge against the Children, and they’ll destroy anything that gets in their way. The Black Knights are conspiring to further the Children’s plans, and they don’t care who they have to kill in the process. And the Children themselves are working on a dastardly scheme that, if successful, could spell disaster for the entire world.
Driven by his intense desire to find Cooper Lee, Cal prepares to fight his most difficult battle yet. And while he now has many powerful allies on his side, nothing may be strong enough to stop the tide of destruction that the Children of Enoch seek to unleash.
Storm Master is the eighth book in the action-packed City of Crows urban fantasy series.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 7, 2020
23 people are currently reading
30 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 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 6, 2020
4 Stars
Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book from the author. This has not influenced my review.*
Oh gosh, I’m eight books in, I’m starting to run out of things to say about this series that I haven’t already said many times. But the fact that I’m still reading it, that it’s still keeping my attention after so many books, says something all on its own, I think.
This is a great urban fantasy series! It has tons of action, a solid plot for each individual book with interesting larger threads connecting them, lots of supernaturals, and characters you can’t help but love. Cal is such a compassionate person who wants to help others, but he never loses his quippy sense of humor.
I don’t want to say too much about the plot since many things have happened and been revealed over the series, and I don’t want to spoil them for anyone who hasn’t started, but this one continued the loose threads of the last book and culminated in a pretty epic battle scene, leaving a few threads to continue on with in the next book.
I do, however, feel like the series has become very straightforward and action-focused. There’s nothing wrong with that, but I personally would love a little more getting to know the characters, more relationship growth between characters, more side plots or things kind of happening in the background that aren’t life-or-death. I’m not saying the characters and relationships don’t have depth, just that I feel like there used to be a little more focus on these kinds of things and on the personal stakes and emotion, and it made me feel more connected to the story. This could be a purposeful and/or temporary thing caused by Cal’s situation though, since his whole life was upended. I think that’s why the big battle scene was my favorite in this book—I could feel more emotion and personal stakes for Cal.
But I am still enjoying the series! I still love the characters, the fast pace and action definitely keep my attention, and there are still some possible interesting plots and relationships to come in future books. This book even ended with a tease at something that I’m looking forward to seeing and learning more about.
Overall, this was another great book in this fast-paced, action-packed urban fantasy! I always love getting to spend time with Cal, Cooper, Erica, Lucian, and this whole gang of lovable characters, whichever ones turn up, wherever they are, as they take down baddies together.
Recommended For:
Fans of Books 1-7 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
Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book from the author. This has not influenced my review.*
Oh gosh, I’m eight books in, I’m starting to run out of things to say about this series that I haven’t already said many times. But the fact that I’m still reading it, that it’s still keeping my attention after so many books, says something all on its own, I think.
This is a great urban fantasy series! It has tons of action, a solid plot for each individual book with interesting larger threads connecting them, lots of supernaturals, and characters you can’t help but love. Cal is such a compassionate person who wants to help others, but he never loses his quippy sense of humor.
I don’t want to say too much about the plot since many things have happened and been revealed over the series, and I don’t want to spoil them for anyone who hasn’t started, but this one continued the loose threads of the last book and culminated in a pretty epic battle scene, leaving a few threads to continue on with in the next book.
I do, however, feel like the series has become very straightforward and action-focused. There’s nothing wrong with that, but I personally would love a little more getting to know the characters, more relationship growth between characters, more side plots or things kind of happening in the background that aren’t life-or-death. I’m not saying the characters and relationships don’t have depth, just that I feel like there used to be a little more focus on these kinds of things and on the personal stakes and emotion, and it made me feel more connected to the story. This could be a purposeful and/or temporary thing caused by Cal’s situation though, since his whole life was upended. I think that’s why the big battle scene was my favorite in this book—I could feel more emotion and personal stakes for Cal.
But I am still enjoying the series! I still love the characters, the fast pace and action definitely keep my attention, and there are still some possible interesting plots and relationships to come in future books. This book even ended with a tease at something that I’m looking forward to seeing and learning more about.
Overall, this was another great book in this fast-paced, action-packed urban fantasy! I always love getting to spend time with Cal, Cooper, Erica, Lucian, and this whole gang of lovable characters, whichever ones turn up, wherever they are, as they take down baddies together.
Recommended For:
Fans of Books 1-7 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
May 3, 2020
This is the eighth book in the City of Crows series. Usually, by this time, I’m getting a little anxious that the author is going to screw up a good series by going on too long. Such is not the case with this one. In fact, as I was reading the last of the book, I was anxious to read the next one…until I got to the last page. Then, I was like “Whoa! I have to have it now!” By now you know Cal and his friends are great characters, and I adore each of them. This latest is filled with non-stop action, intrigue, politics, and adventure. This is probably the best one yet, and with that spectacular ending (can we say, I want to meet HIM), I can’t wait to see what’s next for Cal and company. Urban fantasy at its finest! Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
May 4, 2020
I was checking Amazon.com, just in case, and was so pleased to see that it was up and available. Instant Buy It Now and read it in one fell swoop. Stayed up til after one, but couldn't bring myself to stop and wait til morning.
I don't want to ruin anything with spoilers, but it was great. The pacing was well done, the story exciting and heartbreaking and peppered with Cal Kinsey's unending sarcasm. As always, filled with action and fighting, but there were a few slower moments that were still gripping, like the counsel of the vampire federation, and that moment I've been wanting since book 5 --sweet, funny, but so devastatingly cut short. Will I have to wait another whole year for book 9?
I don't want to ruin anything with spoilers, but it was great. The pacing was well done, the story exciting and heartbreaking and peppered with Cal Kinsey's unending sarcasm. As always, filled with action and fighting, but there were a few slower moments that were still gripping, like the counsel of the vampire federation, and that moment I've been wanting since book 5 --sweet, funny, but so devastatingly cut short. Will I have to wait another whole year for book 9?
June 1, 2020
I received an ARC edition of this book from the author.
After the revelations in Russia, you would think Cal could get at least a bit of a break. With the Vampire Federation meeting in France, Cal is hoping to find Cooper Lee's trail and reunite with his boyfriend before the Children of Enoch can strike again. But between Vampire politics and a mounting mysterious threat Cal is going to need every ally he has if he's going to survive. Cal is very much his usual snarky self, though a bit more battle worn. I like Lucian, Foley, and some of the other members of House Tepes. This story felt a bit more of a bridge, bringing lots of factors and players into the story, but ultimately setting up for the next story.
I want the next book NOW!! Just when Cal gets even the slightest bit of positive news there is yet another stumbling block for him to overcome. I'm hoping he'll get at least a few moments of happiness in the story to come.
After the revelations in Russia, you would think Cal could get at least a bit of a break. With the Vampire Federation meeting in France, Cal is hoping to find Cooper Lee's trail and reunite with his boyfriend before the Children of Enoch can strike again. But between Vampire politics and a mounting mysterious threat Cal is going to need every ally he has if he's going to survive. Cal is very much his usual snarky self, though a bit more battle worn. I like Lucian, Foley, and some of the other members of House Tepes. This story felt a bit more of a bridge, bringing lots of factors and players into the story, but ultimately setting up for the next story.
I want the next book NOW!! Just when Cal gets even the slightest bit of positive news there is yet another stumbling block for him to overcome. I'm hoping he'll get at least a few moments of happiness in the story to come.
June 1, 2023
Unless I have strong thoughts or feelings on something, I am not a fan of writing reviews for books that I give 4 stars. So on that note, I'm just going to make a few observations and comments.
1. If you liked the others especially #7, you should like this one. I loved it; rating it 4.5 stars.
2. I absolutely would not start with this one. At a minimum 7 needs to be read, if not all of them in order.
3. The plot continues to move forward along with more reveals. There were a few surprising twists.
4. This is a great series, but I'm worried it will lose momentum due to the sheer # before the arc is wrapped up. Even though I've already bought the next book, I'm considering waiting to make sure more actually come out.
5. Still no romance & still really over the top in some places, but for me it works.
6. I really love the characters including the ones that have been left behind. I wish we'd get an update on them.
1. If you liked the others especially #7, you should like this one. I loved it; rating it 4.5 stars.
2. I absolutely would not start with this one. At a minimum 7 needs to be read, if not all of them in order.
3. The plot continues to move forward along with more reveals. There were a few surprising twists.
4. This is a great series, but I'm worried it will lose momentum due to the sheer # before the arc is wrapped up. Even though I've already bought the next book, I'm considering waiting to make sure more actually come out.
5. Still no romance & still really over the top in some places, but for me it works.
6. I really love the characters including the ones that have been left behind. I wish we'd get an update on them.
June 10, 2020
Cal is back at it, but now he knows who his parents are, What they are, and maybe knows a bit how's to use his powers. Which he's going to need, because of course he's in hot water again.
In Paris to find his beloved Cooper Lee, he's drawn into vampire affairs via house position as advisor to House Tepes. Inn amongst the machinations of the vampires, Cal gets a solid lead to Cooper's abductors, and he's off!
Coulson has written in intriguing character in Cal Kinsey, although there are some distinct similarities with her other male lead, Vince Whelan. That's okay. They're in different universes. Maybe some day they'll cross paths!
Am engaging read. A few typos, not more than 5, so nothing to get upset about.
In Paris to find his beloved Cooper Lee, he's drawn into vampire affairs via house position as advisor to House Tepes. Inn amongst the machinations of the vampires, Cal gets a solid lead to Cooper's abductors, and he's off!
Coulson has written in intriguing character in Cal Kinsey, although there are some distinct similarities with her other male lead, Vince Whelan. That's okay. They're in different universes. Maybe some day they'll cross paths!
Am engaging read. A few typos, not more than 5, so nothing to get upset about.
May 6, 2020
This was epic
I loved that Cal is beginning to come into his own as a nephalim, after all of the cramp that he's been through. Ending up working with a House Tepes really was the best thing that could have happened to him. Sadly, he and Cooper never seem to get a break. I can't imagine how Cooper will be able to come back from this experience completely human - but perhaps that's a good thing since he's with Cal.
What will the Children of Enoch do next? Will they still be as overconfident and ill prepared to face the magical community next time? Do they even have the means to continue their army building without the architect of that plan?
I loved that Cal is beginning to come into his own as a nephalim, after all of the cramp that he's been through. Ending up working with a House Tepes really was the best thing that could have happened to him. Sadly, he and Cooper never seem to get a break. I can't imagine how Cooper will be able to come back from this experience completely human - but perhaps that's a good thing since he's with Cal.
What will the Children of Enoch do next? Will they still be as overconfident and ill prepared to face the magical community next time? Do they even have the means to continue their army building without the architect of that plan?
January 1, 2022
Good day. I found this book entertaining and frustrating at times. Cals repetative
Self segregation of his handling situations he finds himself in leaves me wanting to either toss the book in the corner and wait until I can deal with his tempertantrum, or praise him for accepting him for standing up for what he caused.
He is an enigma at the best of times.
I have read the series several times, and each time it provides a new and different entertainment level.
This book is a prime example of that.
What's he doing this for, why'd he do that, and not again?
Wonderful series, keep up the great level of intrigue and weird happenings.
Can't wait for the next chapter.
Mike.
Self segregation of his handling situations he finds himself in leaves me wanting to either toss the book in the corner and wait until I can deal with his tempertantrum, or praise him for accepting him for standing up for what he caused.
He is an enigma at the best of times.
I have read the series several times, and each time it provides a new and different entertainment level.
This book is a prime example of that.
What's he doing this for, why'd he do that, and not again?
Wonderful series, keep up the great level of intrigue and weird happenings.
Can't wait for the next chapter.
Mike.
May 4, 2020
Wow, I am trying very hard not to gush, and you'll see if you keep reading if I quite manage it. This book has all the requirements and them some of the things I absolutely love about urban fantasy. Demons, monsters, magic etc,etc.
I could go on but it would break my rule of no spoilers. Suffice it to say it's a damn good book and I cannot wait for book nine. Very highly recommended.
I could go on but it would break my rule of no spoilers. Suffice it to say it's a damn good book and I cannot wait for book nine. Very highly recommended.
November 14, 2020
Last book was a lot of action. Maybe too much action. Not enough dialogue and character interaction.
This was much better. A lot more balanced.
Interesting surprises, and creative approach to creatures, the world, the afterlife, and magic. Nice to see some stuff other than your standard supernatural tropes.
A fun book.
This was much better. A lot more balanced.
Interesting surprises, and creative approach to creatures, the world, the afterlife, and magic. Nice to see some stuff other than your standard supernatural tropes.
A fun book.
June 6, 2020
I don't like leaving reviews.
I enjoyed this book. I find the series captivating.
I look forward to the next installment. I hope it's as good as this.
I enjoyed this book. I find the series captivating.
I look forward to the next installment. I hope it's as good as this.
July 7, 2020
Awesome series! Very entertaining!!!
December 24, 2020
I love the series and eagerly await Night Seeker.
May 27, 2021
Ok series about a cop who works in a supernatural investigation department in Aurora, Michigan.
May 23, 2022
Between the bury your gay trope that’s gone on for over 4 books and the ridiculous copaganda and info dumps, I can safely say this series is not for me.
April 19, 2024
Oh Cal. You are never going to catch a break. Sigh. Just when a resolution to conflict is in sight Cal finds another challenge to overcome. He also keeps uncovering new secrets.
I am still enjoying this series. I only have one unread book left so I really hope the author reappears with another completed book one of these days, because I am sure the series isn't finished yet. The social commentary is usually insightful, and I am particularly interested in how Cal's new connection with the vampires will relate to current political and social issues.
I am still enjoying this series. I only have one unread book left so I really hope the author reappears with another completed book one of these days, because I am sure the series isn't finished yet. The social commentary is usually insightful, and I am particularly interested in how Cal's new connection with the vampires will relate to current political and social issues.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews