Some people call me an assassin, personally, I prefer the term bounty hunter.
In a world where magic is hidden from the general population, I'm hired to keep our secrets safe and take care of rogues by whatever means necessary.
When I accidentally targeted the wrong person, the Alliance offered me a deal -- go to jail or work for them. Their first official request was to locate a vampire I thought I killed years ago. By the time I found him, he was going to wish he had stayed dead.
Supernatural Slayer is an action-packed urban fantasy romp through Barcelona with an assorted cast of witches, vampires, and shifters. It may also feature a snarky troll or two.
"No human beings were harmed in the writing of this book -- only supernaturals."
I was first introduced to Aisha Bone in The Solstice Shenanigans anthology. I was immediately intrigued by an urban fantasy story set in Spain and was then drawn in further by Aisha’s humor and the very matter-of-fact way she dealt with her bounties. Moving onto a full-length novel did not disappoint as all of the things I liked in the short story was expanded on. The tidbits we were given about Aisha’s upbringing was explained more in some ways and deepened the mystery in others. (I hope we learn more as the books continue). I also enjoyed the additional characters introduced like Aisha’s roommate, Noor, who’s entertaining and seems like a great friend. There’s also a romance that I don’t feel overshadows or is underdeveloped in relation to the plot. Some things did make me raise my eyebrows mentally a bit at some of the things Aisha accepted on instinct, or her retrospective comments about how she felt after a particularly interesting reveal. But the budding relationship does seem healthier than a lot of stuff we see in fantasy/UF,so I’m happy. I enjoyed the wide array of supernatural creatures that are featured in this story. And how the ruling group is not one I see often enough in fantasy. Or rather, not intermingling with other groups as they do here. One of the reveals/plot twists I partially guessed right before it happened, but it didn’t lessen the shock. I’m eager to move onto the next one, to see what’s next. And how the fight/duel plays out.
This series has been recommended to me for a while and I'm so glad I finally started it. Its so much fun!! There's also romance and that wasn't mentioned in the blurb but its something I enjoy with action packed books. Enjoy!
I dined happily on this book with the fun and witty leading ladies leading the flavour. The supernatural world delivered is rich and full of hidden potential.
3.5 stars. A good solid urban fantasy about a half-witch bounty hunter/assassin named Aisha. I liked the main character (and the love interest Rafael). They both have secrets and I'm intrigued. I picked this one up because it is set in Barcelona, a city I've never been to, and while I didn't really know any of the landmarks it was nice to read something different. The gargoyles were a nice touch. This UF has a good mix of supernatural races: vampires, shifters, witches, angels, demons, gargoyles, and they don't want humans to find out about them. The writing gets a little stilted at times but I still enjoyed it. Overall I enjoyed the story and am looking forward to the next installment.
I absolutely loved it. Supernatural beings, humans and danger around every corner. Enough snark to fill a bathtub. The characters are quirky and unusual and a pleasure to get to know. Can't wait for the sequel.
This series is new to me but I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to book 2. It's a well written story with a strong female lead, always a winner for me.
Honestly I had higher hopes for this book, mostly because the blurb sounded interesting. I was kind of disappointed by how underwhelming Aisha is?? Like she’s a top assassin, but she literally gets caught so easily, it seems like everyone around her knows her secrets and they’re all one step ahead of her as well. Also for someone who’s in her 30s I felt that she didn’t really act it. Also the showdown with the main villain was kind of anticlimactic… she just found him because she remembers something about him and that’s it. The only interesting part was this back and forth between her and Diego, so if there’s more of that in the next books maybe I’ll read.
It’s not a bad book but I think I just felt let down and had too high of hopes. Kind of struggled to finish but in the end, I was able to do so.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This wasn't a terrible book but it didn't engage me at all. I got to chapter 34 before deciding it wasn't worth my time investment.
The MC is fairly unlikable and not a believable character. She's supposed to be an assassin, the best of the best, but somehow makes a series of, frankly, stupid mistakes and gets arrested the agrees to work with the Alliance.
She's oddly flaky and aloof, not the hard ass you expect. She's a minority with secrets, okay I can get into that, but so little is made of this and it barely affects her.
The action is minimal and far too easy, she never has to work for it. Everything goes so smoothly, it's too far fetched even for a fantasy novel.
I'm also not really a fan of Noor, the BFF. She almost feels like an afterthought, half a character if that.
All sorts of characters are introduced in the first half of this book, but none of them are all that interesting, nor do we learn much, if anything, about them. Except that, they're 90% males and all "hot".
This feels like it could go the way of a reverse harem, but it's so poorly done, I'm not interested.
Almost nothing actually happens up to chapter 34, that's 70% of the way through the book and far too long without any real plot to speak of.
I can see the potential, but it just needs more. More character development, more plot, more speed.
I will say, the grammar was excellent compared to so many other e-books, but that just isn't enough if the story isn't engaging.
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
Accidentally deleted from 'all' shelves when I meant to remove from just one! -- Thankfully I had the original shelf open in another window, and it was just one page that I was able to grab a screenshot of, so I can re-add all 17 books. I don't store reviews, so I have clue what else I added beyond the star rating, sorry! :(
I'll try to recall to add my thoughts, again, when I do a re-read.
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------ How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author) 4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author). 3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series) or 3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them! - 2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.) 1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
I struggled with the details a little bit. If she was such an experienced assassin, covert and #3 most wanted, how did things unfold this way?
Some spoilers ahead
One of the two things I struggled with was explained, why she was beat up so badly, why she let Ethan beat her up. However the whole thing about somehow everyone knowing who she was, about the alliance being on her tale was much harder to sync with this other image of her that was a sneaky assassin.
Shades of Kate Daniels with the mysterious past and rigorous training peeking through but not blatantly so.
This book, mostly felt like it was world building and creating the setting for the next book. I liked it well enough to immediately go look up the next book because I am hoping the plot is slightly more thought through.
I am going to add a star for diverse characters abd my overall rating really reflects how glued I was to the book despite the glaring issues my brain decided to ignore.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Not very memorable. Finished this a while back and had to skim through to remember what it was.
Some holes, some needless miscommunication to build drama, some very convenient coincidences and solutions to resolve the conflict (just “knowing” where the villain will be at the end, because he likes black and white silen films? Ugh. If you know him that well, shouldn’t have taken the entire book, or should have used that personal knowledge in some way beforehand.).
Also: ends with her having dinner with Rafael but distracted the whole time by thinking of the dragon shifter. Epilogue, ie the next page, she spent the night with Rafael after that dinner? What?
*Source* Kindle Unlimited *Genre* Urban Fantasy *Rating* 3.5
*Thoughts*
Supernatural Shadow, by author Fatima Fayez, is the first installment in the authors Aisha Bone series. Aisha Bone first appeared in The Solstice Shenanigans anthology. This story takes place entirely in Barcelona. It is a place that has a mixture of witches, vampires, gargoyle's, dragons, nymphs, dwarves, werewolves, demons, and angel's. Aisha Bone is a 1/2 witch bounty hunter who is also one of the top bounty hunters in the city. On one hand she brings back bounty's dead or alive, on the other, she takes harder jobs that make her more money.
It just doesn’t make sense? She’s a big bad paranoid assassin that takes precautions to not get caught, but everyone knows who she is. She’s supposed to be the best assassin in the country but she kills a guy knowing there’s an agent 5 feet away, who knows her, And instead of trying to get away she just lets herself get arrested.
And also, she doesn’t get even a little bit upset that the guy slept with her so that he could get info and arrest her? It just doesn’t make any sense.
This was a really fun introduction for me to this universe and characters. Loved the main character and the adventures she got into. The magic, the different races, the overall interesting world they live in, all of it mixed together makes for a really fun read. I really enjoyed this book and hope there are additional books that come out in this series to follow along...I especially look forward to the enforcer challenge, I hope that gets good coverage in a future book. I definitely recommend this book.
This book really surprised me! I don’t often read this sub genre anymore but I might have to rethink that if I can find more hidden gems like this.
The reason it was 4 stars not 5 is that the ending felt a little quick and I would have liked a bit more development with the romance but then maybe I’m just a big fan of slow burns.
Can’t wait to carry on with this series and explore what else this author has written.
Much to my surprise I found this book to be a very fun read. Normally I prefer space opera syfy, but the characters & dialogue were very engaging. I especially enjoyed that it was a story that had drama and consequences, but not the “all life in the galaxy will end” type of ridiculous overreach that many new authors fall for.
Highly recommended for those who enjoy the modern world fantasy of hidden creatures and magic among us.
Yay!! Action, adventure, snark, witches, werefolk, vampires, gargoyles and more in a supernatural community trying to stay hidden from humans--well, with some notable exceptions. Half witch, full-time assassin and part-time bounty hunter (or maybe the reverse--might depend on the day), Aisha Bone is a force to be reckoned with. Or she might be crazy. Just ask the local Alpha. A seriously fun romp into a nicely detailed world with intriguing hints as to back story and what is yet to come.
I like series which builds a world believably unbelievable. The world inhabited by Aisha is such a world. Her and her friends, enemies and acquaintances are ones I will follow for as long as I can. Already preordered the second book.
This was a new author for me. I am very glad I took a chance and picked up this book. Danger, a dash of romance and supernaturals galore. Fun read, decent pace, interesting main character. I can't wait to read the next one!
Do yourself a favour read this fabulous book. Aisha has heart is sassy and has sexy moves. I’ve just bought book 2 in the series and that should say it all!
I love strong women characters and fantasy stories and this didn’t disappoint. I appreciated that she has a dark side and of course the men supernaturals were very enjoyable. I will read the next book in the series.
Engaging main character, good supporting cast. liked the plot and eager to read next book to see it play out. Kinda like Stephanie Plum character but fantasy.
The main character Aisha was interesting and enjoyed following her adventures as she faces the challenges of her various career paths.I look forward to reading more from this author
This is a fascinating beginning to this new series. The plot is fun and the characters as good as it gets. I am looking forward to seeing where the series goes.
I liked this book. The main characters were different, but likeable and the plot is easily followed. I can easily recommend this story to anyone who enjoys reading about shifters.