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San Amaro Investigations #5
The Heart's Blood Arrow
An old nemesis is out for blood…
Parker Ferro’s life would be easier if his enemies stayed gone. When the man responsible for the death of Parker’s mother breaks out of prison, Parker finds himself in the crosshairs of the Bureau of Paranormal Threats when he tracks the criminal down.
With succubae going missing, an old god on the loose, and his boyfriend’s mother in town, the last thing Parker has time for is human politics. But with a marriage proposal that he can’t quite figure out and mysteries that keep landing him in hot water with the feds, Parker must keep one step ahead or end up in handcuffs himself.
Parker Ferro’s life would be easier if his enemies stayed gone. When the man responsible for the death of Parker’s mother breaks out of prison, Parker finds himself in the crosshairs of the Bureau of Paranormal Threats when he tracks the criminal down.
With succubae going missing, an old god on the loose, and his boyfriend’s mother in town, the last thing Parker has time for is human politics. But with a marriage proposal that he can’t quite figure out and mysteries that keep landing him in hot water with the feds, Parker must keep one step ahead or end up in handcuffs himself.
495 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 7, 2022
157 people are currently reading
265 people want to read
About the author
Kai Butler
25 books557 followersKai has been reading and writing romance novels since she was a teenager. She lives in California with her two children and her very supportive husband.
She writes M/M romance with an emphasis on HEAs and all the feels. Her current series are San Amaro Investigations and the Imperial Space Regency Novels. She likes dashing heroes and couples with banter.
She writes M/M romance with an emphasis on HEAs and all the feels. Her current series are San Amaro Investigations and the Imperial Space Regency Novels. She likes dashing heroes and couples with banter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
May 14, 2024
Excellent!
There was one nagging flaw early in the book that annoyed me, but once that was sorted out I think the book really took off. The last 30% was as super awesome as all the other books in this series! 4.5 stars rounded up to 5!
There was one nagging flaw early in the book that annoyed me, but once that was sorted out I think the book really took off. The last 30% was as super awesome as all the other books in this series! 4.5 stars rounded up to 5!
April 16, 2024
This was easily the best book of the series. This was action packed, filled with humour, full of love, and most importantly, Parker and Nick went on adventures together and talked about those adventures and we were shown their love more than in the previous books where we were mostly just told.
February 8, 2023
Alright. I really failed. Should have written this review while this was still fresh in my mind.
I just really love this series, and it keeps getting better and better. This one most certainly didn't let me down; made all the better by Greg Tremblay's narration! As always, he does a fantastic job.
I love the world, the creativity, the characters and their relationships, how we get more background here as well. This was a really great installment.
It was great to finally get some shit figured out with Nick's mom. We get an understanding on where she's coming from and why she does the things she does. I actually appreciate how it was done and not just tossed aside after either.
Things were a bit darker here and all the better for it! I really liked how the house changed and the deceptions that went on during the party. The cloth creatures are rather creepy as well.
Anyway, like I said, wish I'd reviewed this sooner to have more to say instead of just rambling. Have no quotes either since this was an audiobook but... Loved it and can't wait for the next!
I just really love this series, and it keeps getting better and better. This one most certainly didn't let me down; made all the better by Greg Tremblay's narration! As always, he does a fantastic job.
I love the world, the creativity, the characters and their relationships, how we get more background here as well. This was a really great installment.
It was great to finally get some shit figured out with Nick's mom. We get an understanding on where she's coming from and why she does the things she does. I actually appreciate how it was done and not just tossed aside after either.
Things were a bit darker here and all the better for it! I really liked how the house changed and the deceptions that went on during the party. The cloth creatures are rather creepy as well.
Anyway, like I said, wish I'd reviewed this sooner to have more to say instead of just rambling. Have no quotes either since this was an audiobook but... Loved it and can't wait for the next!
October 17, 2023
Ugh. I can't focus on this book because real life gets in the way. I did, however, still enjoyed this installment despite personal hiccups.
Parker and Nick's love is put to a test as all the challenges this time around poked on their commitment to each other. Now that we have new powerful players in the game, the stakes went higher for every decision Parker makes. The involvement of the old gods and how their dynamic affects the Far Realm was very vague on this book. Parker didn't even attend court and the fae have been unusually quiet with all the ruckus the old gods made. Although, there was a tiny hint with how the Summer court is doing during their travelling within the World Tree. I guess, we'll know about that soon.
Nick's family is starting to become more visible, too, with her mother joining the King's attempt of powerplay on Parker. If they are meant to be allies or not is a mystery.
Overall, Parker and Nick's case this time was a lot more difficult to resolve, especially with the desperation that came with fighting a battle with powerful entities you are sure to lose. However, the twist at the very end was clever and so heartwarming. ❤️ That and Parker's confession made up for all the confusing new ideas and plot holes I noticed. My goodness, for a grumpy and serious personality like Nick, he is such a sap! Totally in love with Parker. *sigh If Parker's jealousy made him walk in cloud nine, his confession completely melted Nick. 🤭
Also, their family is growing and I'm so happy to see it. 🥰
Parker and Nick's love is put to a test as all the challenges this time around poked on their commitment to each other. Now that we have new powerful players in the game, the stakes went higher for every decision Parker makes. The involvement of the old gods and how their dynamic affects the Far Realm was very vague on this book. Parker didn't even attend court and the fae have been unusually quiet with all the ruckus the old gods made. Although, there was a tiny hint with how the Summer court is doing during their travelling within the World Tree. I guess, we'll know about that soon.
Nick's family is starting to become more visible, too, with her mother joining the King's attempt of powerplay on Parker. If they are meant to be allies or not is a mystery.
Overall, Parker and Nick's case this time was a lot more difficult to resolve, especially with the desperation that came with fighting a battle with powerful entities you are sure to lose. However, the twist at the very end was clever and so heartwarming. ❤️ That and Parker's confession made up for all the confusing new ideas and plot holes I noticed. My goodness, for a grumpy and serious personality like Nick, he is such a sap! Totally in love with Parker. *sigh If Parker's jealousy made him walk in cloud nine, his confession completely melted Nick. 🤭
Also, their family is growing and I'm so happy to see it. 🥰
December 21, 2022
Audiobook: ***5++++++ 🎧***
Story: ***4.5 👨❤️👨***
God(s) Almighty! In the truest sense of the word... 😉
Story: ***4.5 👨❤️👨***
God(s) Almighty! In the truest sense of the word... 😉
June 7, 2023
Still an enjoyable update to the series, but my least favorite book so far. :/ The plot of this one really felt like it took a significant departure from the Fae themes of most of the previous books, to the point where the Fae were hardly present in this one at all, and I just wasn't wild about the old gods tbh. I'm a little confused as to why Parker had to give up his home to Kind of bummed, because I've been enjoying this series quite a lot, but this shift doesn't really bode well for the conclusion of the series, and now I'm a little nervous that I'm just not going to enjoy the final books as much as the first few...
September 13, 2023
Seems the story enters the final band and in the face of the danger ahead the machinations of the fae courts start to feel like mere skirmish. Parker is still able to keep the peace between them but time is ticking at the summer court and he knows it. However he's suddenly involved in a case of missing succubae and as usual in this series it only sounds easy enough while Nick follows his own SAPD case and has to deal with the new paranormal agency. Of course soon both cases are more entwined than it's good for the city but at first the seemingly easy succubae case gets blown out of proportion and San Amaro for the first time faces the power of old gods and if that wouldn't be enough Parker meets his probably-mother-in-law and that's anything than a smooth ride.
What I really like about this series is that the author cares about character grows and that not only for the MCs but also for the members of their found family. Sugar is a good example. She's no longer the living sex doll whose freedom was only a bargain chip for more or less powerful men. She's also no longer the scared girl who takes each day as it comes, now even Parker is surprised by her power and confidence. He just doesn't recognize that's all because of him and Nick and their unconscious yearning for a family. Now they gained a succubus as their unlikely younger sister, a succubus who's still creating awful sayings, who teases them about their prudishness and joins Nick on his hot-doctor-show marathons while secretly feeding Runt.
Of course that applies also to Parker and Nick. It's as Iz is saying: Parker started as a barely functional adult, a reckless kickass with the huge insecureness of an orphan broken by the system and his time of bondage to the summer queen. He still has his guilt issues but channels them into protectiveness but he's more easy on friendships (although not his trust on most of his people stops where his secret fae identity is starting) but Nick also gained a lot and changed. Their relationship is obviously going to stand the test of time and the temptation which is thrown their way in this book is no danger at all, even while it's fun to see Parker being jealous but more fun are his test trials how to propose to Nick which he runs with Runt, his not-a-cat.
What I really like about this series is that the author cares about character grows and that not only for the MCs but also for the members of their found family. Sugar is a good example. She's no longer the living sex doll whose freedom was only a bargain chip for more or less powerful men. She's also no longer the scared girl who takes each day as it comes, now even Parker is surprised by her power and confidence. He just doesn't recognize that's all because of him and Nick and their unconscious yearning for a family. Now they gained a succubus as their unlikely younger sister, a succubus who's still creating awful sayings, who teases them about their prudishness and joins Nick on his hot-doctor-show marathons while secretly feeding Runt.
Of course that applies also to Parker and Nick. It's as Iz is saying: Parker started as a barely functional adult, a reckless kickass with the huge insecureness of an orphan broken by the system and his time of bondage to the summer queen. He still has his guilt issues but channels them into protectiveness but he's more easy on friendships (although not his trust on most of his people stops where his secret fae identity is starting) but Nick also gained a lot and changed. Their relationship is obviously going to stand the test of time and the temptation which is thrown their way in this book is no danger at all, even while it's fun to see Parker being jealous but more fun are his test trials how to propose to Nick which he runs with Runt, his not-a-cat.
November 3, 2022
The Heart’s Blood Arrow is the fifth book in the San Amaro Investigations series. It takes off right after A Shattered Silver Crown ends. The world building is phenomenal and intricate. This story hooked me and did not let me go! There’s a lot going on, it’s easy to differentiate. The pacing just flows and keeps you engaged. Parker is in trouble again. Parker is being investigated and he believes it Robert King. The whole gang is back along with a few others to figure out who is trying to destroy The World Tree. At the same time succubae are going missing and Sugar asks Parker to find them. A bit of mythology within the story. I have a passionate dislike for Nick’s parents! Overall, a phenomenal read that sucked me right in. Well written with fantastic pacing. Highly recommend.
November 21, 2022
Another incredible installment in this fabulous, and addictive, series!
I absolutely adored "The Heart's Blood Arrow". I didn't think it was possible, but this fifth book is even more action-packed and heart-stopping and explosive than the previous ones. It's also slightly less gut-wrenching than the previous two books, since Parker's slowly letting go of his guilt, his grief is under control and for once, he's managing his insecurities about being worthy of love and affection quite well.
We've seen so many sides of him: the barely functioning adult, the manipulative fae, the reckless, quasi-suicidal kickass, the insecure and broken orphan, the grief-stricken son, the protective lover and brother... This fifth book allows us to glimpse another side of Parker: the chaos gremlin.
This book is decidedly more light-hearted, and Kai Butler blesses the reader with Parker's many, hilarious attempts to ask Nick to marry him, his hilariously chaotic jealous streak (ft. his one attempt at running to show the world how well-matched he and Nick are) and his highly entertaining, and disastrous, interactions with the King family.
I loved him so much here, and I absolutely adored how much his relationship with Nick has grown and gotten stronger.
I also managed to fall in love a tiny bit more with the absolutely compelling cast of side characters: Sugar needs to protected at ALL COSTS; Laurel is such a badass; Zahide and Avila can step on me any time; Tate is the ultimate Daddy Material™; and the whole wolf pack vs the feral brownies debacle had me CACKLING.
Plot-wise, I have to admit I, surprisingly, kind of missed the fae courts machinations in this one: I found the old gods and their appearance really fascinating, but I'm hoping we'll get some answers about what the hell is happening in the Summer Court and in general, I really want to see Parker's role as Windrose expanded.
I'm beyond curious to see what will happen next: I can't believe I've managed to devour these books in so little time, and I'm desperate to time-jump myself ahead in the future so I can devour the last (I'm already preemptively crying because the end is so near 😭 ) two books in this series.
I absolutely adored "The Heart's Blood Arrow". I didn't think it was possible, but this fifth book is even more action-packed and heart-stopping and explosive than the previous ones. It's also slightly less gut-wrenching than the previous two books, since Parker's slowly letting go of his guilt, his grief is under control and for once, he's managing his insecurities about being worthy of love and affection quite well.
We've seen so many sides of him: the barely functioning adult, the manipulative fae, the reckless, quasi-suicidal kickass, the insecure and broken orphan, the grief-stricken son, the protective lover and brother... This fifth book allows us to glimpse another side of Parker: the chaos gremlin.
This book is decidedly more light-hearted, and Kai Butler blesses the reader with Parker's many, hilarious attempts to ask Nick to marry him, his hilariously chaotic jealous streak (ft. his one attempt at running to show the world how well-matched he and Nick are) and his highly entertaining, and disastrous, interactions with the King family.
I loved him so much here, and I absolutely adored how much his relationship with Nick has grown and gotten stronger.
I also managed to fall in love a tiny bit more with the absolutely compelling cast of side characters: Sugar needs to protected at ALL COSTS; Laurel is such a badass; Zahide and Avila can step on me any time; Tate is the ultimate Daddy Material™; and the whole wolf pack vs the feral brownies debacle had me CACKLING.
Plot-wise, I have to admit I, surprisingly, kind of missed the fae courts machinations in this one: I found the old gods and their appearance really fascinating, but I'm hoping we'll get some answers about what the hell is happening in the Summer Court and in general, I really want to see Parker's role as Windrose expanded.
I'm beyond curious to see what will happen next: I can't believe I've managed to devour these books in so little time, and I'm desperate to time-jump myself ahead in the future so I can devour the last (I'm already preemptively crying because the end is so near 😭 ) two books in this series.
June 14, 2024
I have so much fun with this series, honestly. I love the characters and the plot is so damn convoluting I think I lost sight of it but never mind, there's so much happening I couldn't keep up if I wanted to anyway.
My only real complaint is... it's very fast-paced. And I like my books fast-paced, don't get me wrong. But this pace? It's like a kid on triple espresso and a few Monster drinks. For five ✨hundred✨ pages. It's the main reason I'm unable to binge the series because every book leaves me a bit exhausted - practically every page is high-stakes, something's happening, no time to cool off, take a break, and appreciate the little moments. So when you wait for something specific (no spoilers) to happen and it finally happens, it's very anti-climatic because every scene feels like a climax anyway and you're pretty desensitized by that point. This book in particular was a bit extreme in that sense 😵💫
Still... I love Parker and all the others (although I need more Malik and Runt, pretty please) and I'm looking forward to reading the next book... just not right now 😅
My only real complaint is... it's very fast-paced. And I like my books fast-paced, don't get me wrong. But this pace? It's like a kid on triple espresso and a few Monster drinks. For five ✨hundred✨ pages. It's the main reason I'm unable to binge the series because every book leaves me a bit exhausted - practically every page is high-stakes, something's happening, no time to cool off, take a break, and appreciate the little moments. So when you wait for something specific (no spoilers) to happen and it finally happens, it's very anti-climatic because every scene feels like a climax anyway and you're pretty desensitized by that point. This book in particular was a bit extreme in that sense 😵💫
Still... I love Parker and all the others (although I need more Malik and Runt, pretty please) and I'm looking forward to reading the next book... just not right now 😅
January 7, 2023
I so love this series and this book is very intense. Especially regarding the relationship between Parker and Nick.
I love them both and love how they fit ... and this book just proves that.
I loved the story about the old gods and thought it a real great new story arc
Can't wait to see how this develops
I love them both and love how they fit ... and this book just proves that.
I loved the story about the old gods and thought it a real great new story arc
Can't wait to see how this develops
March 13, 2023
A Shattered Silver Crown had me craving more books from the San Amaro series. I was really excited to read The Heart's Blood Arrow and boy did this book deliver. From the heart-pounding moments with Parker and Nick, to the tiny family drama involving Nick and his mother and the sweet, funny and spicy moments between the two leads - it hooks one right in and is just such a treat to read it all.
The story takes place right after the events of the previous book. We got a continuation of the series' main story arc while also having a new case involving missing succubae to solve. The pacing flowed really well - the slower moments interspersed nicely with the more action packed scenes. The addition to the lore of this world and that tiny bit of mythology woven in there just made it more interesting. We learn more about the old gods, Nick's family and a bit of the past.
Parker and Nick had come a long way since they first started their relationship. It has grown stronger and despite uncertainties and the trials they faced, their love held fast and true.
I can't wait for the next part of this series and I do recommend giving this book and series a try.
5 stars out of 5.
The story takes place right after the events of the previous book. We got a continuation of the series' main story arc while also having a new case involving missing succubae to solve. The pacing flowed really well - the slower moments interspersed nicely with the more action packed scenes. The addition to the lore of this world and that tiny bit of mythology woven in there just made it more interesting. We learn more about the old gods, Nick's family and a bit of the past.
Parker and Nick had come a long way since they first started their relationship. It has grown stronger and despite uncertainties and the trials they faced, their love held fast and true.
I can't wait for the next part of this series and I do recommend giving this book and series a try.
5 stars out of 5.
November 7, 2022
Moves & Countermoves
Holy whoa!! I am still reeling from events and so in love with Parker and Nick, Parker wouldn’t even have to use his fae voice to make me promise them the world.
“Nick leaned in, grabbing the back of my head with the hand not holding the pen, and drew our lips together in a bruising, fierce kiss. If the peck…had been a habitual goodbye kiss—what we usually exchanged over coffee as he left for work and I headed to my office—this was a threat and a promise all at the same time.”
I am feeling everything after this fantastic journey: bedazzled, enchanted, flummoxed, ecstatic, breathless and forever devoted to this world. Other than Parker being so Parker you have to love him even as you shake your head, Nick being Nick in the best of ways, and Laurel and Sugar being awesome (seriously, I love these clever and fierce women so much), I’m at a loss on what I can share (except read this book now) because so much happens that you’ll feel everything too, all while you fall deeper for these people and become more entwined in this phenomenal world. I love how with each layer that is peeled back, some questions are answered even as more are revealed. It’s a brilliant labyrinth of urban fantasy that has me obsessed and craving more.
Holy whoa!! I am still reeling from events and so in love with Parker and Nick, Parker wouldn’t even have to use his fae voice to make me promise them the world.
“Nick leaned in, grabbing the back of my head with the hand not holding the pen, and drew our lips together in a bruising, fierce kiss. If the peck…had been a habitual goodbye kiss—what we usually exchanged over coffee as he left for work and I headed to my office—this was a threat and a promise all at the same time.”
I am feeling everything after this fantastic journey: bedazzled, enchanted, flummoxed, ecstatic, breathless and forever devoted to this world. Other than Parker being so Parker you have to love him even as you shake your head, Nick being Nick in the best of ways, and Laurel and Sugar being awesome (seriously, I love these clever and fierce women so much), I’m at a loss on what I can share (except read this book now) because so much happens that you’ll feel everything too, all while you fall deeper for these people and become more entwined in this phenomenal world. I love how with each layer that is peeled back, some questions are answered even as more are revealed. It’s a brilliant labyrinth of urban fantasy that has me obsessed and craving more.
November 14, 2022
As usual Kai Butler has a way of blowing up my expectations and leaving me with this desperate yearning for the next book(Saffron Wilds). My obsession with this series is never ending and I hope it stays the same❤️.
god's really🤷.....like Parker and Nick now have to fight god's and just be like okay this is life. I'm totally into everything with these two.... they're absolutely brilliantly perfect.The suspense...the twists ...the turns....the reveals.....my mind is blown🤯.
Nick and Parker's love continues to grow and get stronger despite Nick's family being shit. These two are this pairing that automatically take over my heart. The side characters are amazing and exciting.(sugar is obviously my fav 😘).
After that ending...I can't wait for the next book.... 💜
god's really🤷.....like Parker and Nick now have to fight god's and just be like okay this is life. I'm totally into everything with these two.... they're absolutely brilliantly perfect.The suspense...the twists ...the turns....the reveals.....my mind is blown🤯.
Nick and Parker's love continues to grow and get stronger despite Nick's family being shit. These two are this pairing that automatically take over my heart. The side characters are amazing and exciting.(sugar is obviously my fav 😘).
After that ending...I can't wait for the next book.... 💜
September 2, 2023
3.5 stars
I had fallen behind on the series so this was a first time read for me! I still really enjoy seeing Parker and Nick's relationship develop, but the world building got a little shaky here for me. The expansion to include gods feels like a lot.
But still a fun time!
I had fallen behind on the series so this was a first time read for me! I still really enjoy seeing Parker and Nick's relationship develop, but the world building got a little shaky here for me. The expansion to include gods feels like a lot.
But still a fun time!
October 12, 2024
This might be my favourite of the series yet! I really like the old gods plot, the sidecast really crystallised in a found family and I love that & Parker and Nick are so cute together. I loved to see Parker struggle to ask Nick to marry him that kind of stuff always works on me hhh
April 23, 2023
I hadn't realized how much I'd missed Parker's special brand of snarky.
December 9, 2022
5 amazing stars
This was amazing! I love Parker and Nick. There were many intense moments, and I temporarily feared what was going to happen would be very bad, but was very thankful I was wrong! There is betrayal, but also fierce loyalty and love from all of Parker’s circle. This ends on a happy note except for the looming difficulties on the horizon for the next book. Highly recommend!
This was amazing! I love Parker and Nick. There were many intense moments, and I temporarily feared what was going to happen would be very bad, but was very thankful I was wrong! There is betrayal, but also fierce loyalty and love from all of Parker’s circle. This ends on a happy note except for the looming difficulties on the horizon for the next book. Highly recommend!
November 7, 2023
Although I'm still invested in Parker's overall story arc--his relationship with Nick and with his nonhuman side--I continue to hold out hope that he becomes less stubborn about taking time to think things through rather than lunging forward with the foolhardy belief that everything will work out. Growth is an attractive quality, and he doesn't embrace it as much as I'd thought he would by now, five books in.
That said, I have to say that I did not see how this book was going to resolve. Good one, Kai Butler.
That said, I have to say that I did not see how this book was going to resolve. Good one, Kai Butler.
January 26, 2023
Wearing his Windrose cape ... poor Parker's battles have gone from fighting mad humans and malevolent fae / monsters ... to fending off invading deities! Whatever happened to occasionally adjudicating fae squabbles and the quiet tendering of the World Tree gardens?? As usual - non-stop action / battles propel the plot at a neck-breaking speed. Lots of secondary characters (human as well as witches, werewolves, succubae, dragons, demon cats, death gods etc) from earlier books pop up everywhere. The wonderful Shannon makes a welcome re-appearance and get an unexpected do-over of sorts by book's end. 4.5 stars for a gripping read.
April 23, 2023
This story gets more and more awesome. I'm really happy with the direction it has gone.
December 7, 2022
The writing as always is excellent. The action seems to just go and go and go. I love that Parker is growing and figuring things out. He is so reckless but he gets the job done.
August 12, 2024
The series just keeps getting better and better. I love how Parker is all befuddled about how he is going to propose to Nick. With all the mayhem going on, this seems to be the most perplexing to him. And the mystery of the why the old gods have returned keeps you on edge the entire book.
November 7, 2022
Excellent addition to the series.
It took Parker a while to realize the obvious but when he did it was worth it.
It took Parker a while to realize the obvious but when he did it was worth it.
November 14, 2022
I am giving it three very heartbroken stars. This wavered between a 3 star and a 4 star but ultimately the muddled plot tipped into a 3 star read for me. Let me preface this by saying Parker is one of my favourite characters and paranormal crime is one of my favourite genres. I love their dynamic and some of the side characters. Still, in this instalment the plot was contrived, overwrought and it dragged in certain points. The resolution also felt kind of cheap. I’d rather we spent more time with Nick and Parker just being together, which is where the story shines, rather than in an increasingly complex and almost nonsensical mythology. Regardless, I will be waiting for the next one.
January 15, 2023
Mother's, matter of fact familiarly ties don't always bind. Bonding takes work. Hoping for the best, to walk beside them, to share in their happiness and hold them through sorrowful times. #IAWThoughts
December 16, 2022
This continues to be one of my absolute favorite series.
August 4, 2025
Re-read August 2025
November 9, 2022
I was so excited to read this that I had The Heart's Blood Arrow's release date marked in my calendar. What can I say? I am fully obsessed with this series.
I really loved returning to Parker and all of his insanity. One of the things that I love about Butler's writing in San Amaro Investigations is how effortlessly she winds together so many plot lines both within each book and across the series. It's complex and engaging and immaculately done, and The Heart's Blood Arrow did not disappoint in that respect.
I thought this book was interesting to read in part of how little Parker's Windrose politics and activities filtered into the plot. Obviously, , but it's evident that that won't happen until a later book. So much of the previous books have been dedicated to showing how Parker grows into his role as the Windrose: learning to accept and embrace the position, learning how to navigate the politics, learning how to maintain his power and the monarch's respect whilst remaining neutral and calm, learning how to be a "man of peace". In this book, it's almost flipped; here, we get to see how what Parker has learned as the Windrose is beginning to bleed back into his own life. He's more clear headed, he's more and more adamant about what the "right" thing is to do, he's more comfortable making judgements, he's calmer. This is a man that once let his anger control him so completely, plants were afraid of him. He's remained Parker, but at the same time, he's so far from being that person. It's subtle, but this transformation is incredible. I'm stunned.
I think it's also apparent how much Parker has changed that even he hasn't realized. You look back to book one, and he talks about Thistle performing magic that he never could, that is immensely complex and difficult. Book five, he's teaching himself, he's using it almost casually. You also see it in how the other characters treat him. People are edgy around him, a little suspicious. In part because his stories don't quite add up, but his stories didn't quite add up in Book 1, and everyone still thought of him as some dirt-poor, mediocre private eye. Now, people sense that there's a certain power to Parker that he's not letting on about.
At the same time, I really struggled with parts of this book. . I know I read this too quickly, and I'll need to reread, but those things really stood out to me, and felt a little off in the story.
Nevertheless, I really did like The Heart's Blood Arrow and I am anxiously awaiting Saffron Wilds.
I really loved returning to Parker and all of his insanity. One of the things that I love about Butler's writing in San Amaro Investigations is how effortlessly she winds together so many plot lines both within each book and across the series. It's complex and engaging and immaculately done, and The Heart's Blood Arrow did not disappoint in that respect.
I thought this book was interesting to read in part of how little Parker's Windrose politics and activities filtered into the plot. Obviously, , but it's evident that that won't happen until a later book. So much of the previous books have been dedicated to showing how Parker grows into his role as the Windrose: learning to accept and embrace the position, learning how to navigate the politics, learning how to maintain his power and the monarch's respect whilst remaining neutral and calm, learning how to be a "man of peace". In this book, it's almost flipped; here, we get to see how what Parker has learned as the Windrose is beginning to bleed back into his own life. He's more clear headed, he's more and more adamant about what the "right" thing is to do, he's more comfortable making judgements, he's calmer. This is a man that once let his anger control him so completely, plants were afraid of him. He's remained Parker, but at the same time, he's so far from being that person. It's subtle, but this transformation is incredible. I'm stunned.
I think it's also apparent how much Parker has changed that even he hasn't realized. You look back to book one, and he talks about Thistle performing magic that he never could, that is immensely complex and difficult. Book five, he's teaching himself, he's using it almost casually. You also see it in how the other characters treat him. People are edgy around him, a little suspicious. In part because his stories don't quite add up, but his stories didn't quite add up in Book 1, and everyone still thought of him as some dirt-poor, mediocre private eye. Now, people sense that there's a certain power to Parker that he's not letting on about.
At the same time, I really struggled with parts of this book. . I know I read this too quickly, and I'll need to reread, but those things really stood out to me, and felt a little off in the story.
Nevertheless, I really did like The Heart's Blood Arrow and I am anxiously awaiting Saffron Wilds.
March 9, 2023
Sometimes a book stops you in its tracks. I also tell my students that the creative spark, that quality that lifts an artwork above the staid and ordinary, arises from friction, from two opposing elements that rub against each other, in just the right way, generating qualities that, like fireworks, explode on consciousness only to fade away, leaving your audience yearning for it to happen all over again. The Heat’s Blood Arrow, Kai Butler’s gorgeously done fifth book in the San Amaro Investigations series, does both: it stopped me in my tracks and sent fireworks ripping through my emotions.
This is the book she’s clearly been aiming for throughout the entire series. She’s added layer on layer of complex world-building with each new book, and this one is no exception. From the West Coast private eye drama in book one, she’s added layers of magic, from communal witchcraft to alchemy to brujx practices, and layers of reality, from the earth spirit that rumbles deep under San Amaro to the five realms of the fae, from brownies swiping glittery bric-a-bac to an interdimensional world tree that spans a thousand realms. In Book 5 she adds an entirely new layer, the realm of the old gods, whose desires and loyalties threaten to tear the world apart.
But what really drives these books isn’t the world-building but a complex and diverse cast, from the main couple, Parker Ferro and Nick King, to their families, born and found, which include a not-a-cat shadow creature from a dark dimension and Sugar, their powerful succubus friend. It also includes Parker’s sister, Laurel, and Shannon, the spirit of their departed mother. There’s Nick’s politically powerful father, Robert, and his even more scary mother, Estelle, who is finally introduced in this book. There’s also the cantankerous but loyal local police captain, Tate, and Nick’s coworkers, Avila and Zahide, both passionate police officers but in neurodiverse ways, and a new cohort of federal agents. Then there’s the kings and queens of the far realm’s five kingdoms and the various players within each of those realms. There’s brownies, werewolves, dragons, and vampires. And at least six old gods introduced in this book.
Despite this huge cast, the story feels intimate and personal, told from the viewpoint of twenty-something Parker Ferro. Butler weaves insanely impossible situations for her protagonists, and seems to have an unending reservoir of imagination for inventing nail-biting solutions that are at once action-packed, emotionally satisfying, and always served with a helping of humor and humanity.
Kai Butler checks all the boxes. It doesn’t matter what the list is, she has it all.
I ended this book in pages and pages of tears, all of them bittersweet and good, all of them torn from that exquisite friction, the opposing forces of creativity, threatening to tear everything apart but always ending by putting it all back together. With this book, Butler has proven her artistic bona fides. Over and above entertaining us, she’s taking us someplace new.
This is the book she’s clearly been aiming for throughout the entire series. She’s added layer on layer of complex world-building with each new book, and this one is no exception. From the West Coast private eye drama in book one, she’s added layers of magic, from communal witchcraft to alchemy to brujx practices, and layers of reality, from the earth spirit that rumbles deep under San Amaro to the five realms of the fae, from brownies swiping glittery bric-a-bac to an interdimensional world tree that spans a thousand realms. In Book 5 she adds an entirely new layer, the realm of the old gods, whose desires and loyalties threaten to tear the world apart.
But what really drives these books isn’t the world-building but a complex and diverse cast, from the main couple, Parker Ferro and Nick King, to their families, born and found, which include a not-a-cat shadow creature from a dark dimension and Sugar, their powerful succubus friend. It also includes Parker’s sister, Laurel, and Shannon, the spirit of their departed mother. There’s Nick’s politically powerful father, Robert, and his even more scary mother, Estelle, who is finally introduced in this book. There’s also the cantankerous but loyal local police captain, Tate, and Nick’s coworkers, Avila and Zahide, both passionate police officers but in neurodiverse ways, and a new cohort of federal agents. Then there’s the kings and queens of the far realm’s five kingdoms and the various players within each of those realms. There’s brownies, werewolves, dragons, and vampires. And at least six old gods introduced in this book.
Despite this huge cast, the story feels intimate and personal, told from the viewpoint of twenty-something Parker Ferro. Butler weaves insanely impossible situations for her protagonists, and seems to have an unending reservoir of imagination for inventing nail-biting solutions that are at once action-packed, emotionally satisfying, and always served with a helping of humor and humanity.
Kai Butler checks all the boxes. It doesn’t matter what the list is, she has it all.
I ended this book in pages and pages of tears, all of them bittersweet and good, all of them torn from that exquisite friction, the opposing forces of creativity, threatening to tear everything apart but always ending by putting it all back together. With this book, Butler has proven her artistic bona fides. Over and above entertaining us, she’s taking us someplace new.
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