Kasey's world is on fire. The attack on New York City almost cost her everything. The 9th Precinct has been decimated. The few surviving members of the Arcane Council are fighting to protect the world of magic. The supernatural has been thrust into the spotlight, and New York City is not a fan. Rogue wizards roam the streets, and criminals from across the country are flocking to help themselves to the spoils of a city in chaos. This mayhem would just be another Monday for Kasey...if it wasn't for the freshly exsanguinated corpse in SoHo.
Sam is a writer of magically-charged fantasy adventures. His passion for action, magic and intrigue spawned his Arcanoverse; a delightfully deluded universe that blends magic, myth, and the modern world in a melting pot that frequently explodes.
When he isn’t hiding away in his writing cave, his favorite hobbies include cooking, indulging sugary cravings, gaming, and trying to make his children laugh. You can find more of his work at www.samuelcstokes.com.
Samuel Stokes – Conjuring a Coroner, Bk 7 – A Taste of Death – Reviewed 2/26/20 – Read 2/24-25/21
New York is still reeling from the attack, but Kasey is out there trying to find out why!
Kasey has physically recovered from the attack on New York and her battle with Shinigami. She has accepted a position with the Arcane Council and resigned from the coroner’s office. Now, I say that she has recovered, but the city is far from recovering, in fact, things are worse than ever. They conquered the Shinigami but now the Night Crew have been expanding their criminal enterprises. The councils trying to recover from the loss of so many, plus the damages that happen during the battle. Worse yet, she has not seen a vision in months. Kasey now is recognized everywhere she goes, and that is not a good thing. It was so much better when she was a total unknown.
SoHo is a remarkably interesting place and has many things going for it, but corpses lying in the street naked is not one of them. Bishop was called out for just that reason. After looking around the crime scene she made a call to Kasey asking her to join her, even though she was no longer working in the coroner’s office. Kasey dragged herself out of bed and joined Bishop at the scene, wondering why she had been called. What she found upon arriving; a man lying half on the curb and the street. Other than the fact that he was naked, the skin was very pale, he had a plaster cast on his wrist, and looked like he had not seen a shower or razor for a few days. Two interesting things were not the usual thing you would find on a dead body. First, was the incision from the shoulder to the navel, and second, was the two large puncture marks at the base of the man’s neck on the right side. The puncture was located directly over the carotid and internal jugular veins. After further examination, she found that the man had been completely drained of blood. Now she understood why Bishop had called her.
And the story begins…
What did I like? I have been along on the ride since the beginning and totally love Kasey, she is one of those characters that just stands out, and you want to help her. Of course, the other characters of Bishop and Vida are great too but do not have the vulnerability that Kasey does. This book is taking Kasey on a different journey from where she has been in the previous books. Working with Sanders, the new Chancellor, as he continues to teach her more magic, additional methods of protecting herself, and those around her while taking down a villain. I like that she is more on her own, and her position with the Arcane Council, especially now that she is not dodging from them. I know that this book is just the tip of the iceberg for Kasey, she may be on her own, but she is just getting her feet wet for the storm that will hit her in future books. Sam has everything mapped out and it sounds so exciting.
What will you like? Samuel Stokes has never been one to be passive on the action, but I think he outdid himself in this book. Kasey is involved up to her neck in the battles, the mystery is still rampant regarding the Night Crew, but look out because Kasey is out to take them down, one way or another. Sam gave us some great new characters to make us hold our breaths, threw in some kidnappings, a little murder, and Hades is out to make deals. Oh, and I almost forgot, add in a few Werewolves, just to make things a little more interesting. Have you got the picture yet? All this is saying that this book is certainly going to keep you up late at night! So, mark your calendar because it hits the shelves on March 1, 2021.
Once again Kasey is called on to save the day. She begins to understand the great power given to her and before story ends uses it to save the city. She is introduced to Seth who is from Mr Stokes other Arcane magic series and find out a bit about their interconnection. She also seems to finely find a touch of romance come and a possible future triangle(?). We will see what Mr Stokes plan there in later tales he spins. Enough about possible spoilers, just want to dangle a few things before those who pick up the book. The story once again has Kasey meeting overwhelming overwhelming odds to her life and her city life. She is fortunately finding protection from many fronts and a lot of help including a slightly eccentric ghost. She is confronted by the challenge of facing the head vampire and his wicked evil power. Impossible odds but she confronts them in classic Kasey style. At least the whole city wasn't destroyed this time. Not so sure about the vampires. That was a bit violent and scary for some but the tale was woven well with a possible lead in toward another confrontation but not a cliffhanger. Hope to see Kasey again. This book would be fine for your teen to read if they aren't squeamish but not a good tale for a younger child who may get nightmares. Some of the scenes could be scary. Over all a nice tight story. Thank you once again for the privilege Samuel to allow me to read your continuous story so I can review them to tell of your tales to others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Here there be blood and gore! It’s been entirely too long since the last Kasey book. I’m soooo glad this one has finally arrived. And Kasey’s out for blood as usual. She has broken all the rules to help her friend and gotten herself in deep doodoo, again. And as usual, Mr. Stokes got very creative in writing this one. We have werewolves, vampires, high end gangs, body parts being sold on the black market-well that’s not entirely true-body parts being “rented” on the black market. If the thugs don’t get their money back well...If you thought you could relax with a good book here you would be very mistaken. Be prepared to sit on the edge of your seat biting your finger nails and bouncing your knees until the end. Here there be blood and gore! Be prepared. Muuhahaa!
I fell into deep addiction with S.C. Stokes’ Conjuring a Coroner with its prelude, A Date With Death (Conjuring a Coroner, Book 0). Perfectly written, wonderfully imaginative, exciting and fun. Well, not it’s several books later with the arrival of A Taste Of Death (Book 7) and somehow the story arc remains fresh and exciting. Rogue wizards roaming the streets of New York City, with criminals from across the country are flocking to help themselves to the spoils of a city in chaos. Hey, I’m from NYC and, well, at least the wizards thing has not been an issue I was aware of growing up! Yes, this mayhem may “just be another Monday for Kasey”, but it’s a wild and crazy (perfectly written) adventure for that’s a total fun blast and easy to highly recommend.
I really enjoyed the first installment of Kasey's story in books 1-6 and it was a fun surprise to find there were going to be more in this series starting with A Taste of Death.
There is a load more interaction with supernatural creatures in this next stage in Kasey's story which gives this world more of a supernatural edge as well as a fun twist as to guessing who the latest murder is in the new mystery.
Some familiar characters from the start of the series make an appearance along with Kasey's usual awesomeness made for a great read.
I would definitely say you need to read the rest of the series first before picking this up as it'll make a lot more sense.
Kasey is back and investigating crimes and murders along with her regular partners even though she is not on part of the Ninth anymore. Murder, mayhem, odd crimes and the usual crazy are mixed together with the paranormal bent that makes this story so much fun to read. Got to enjoy the investigating as I tried to guess how it all fits together. New and old characters join in the fun too. Loved the build us and suspense along with the mystery. Hooked from the beginning and so hard to put down as usual I love this series and this book was just as fun and good as the rest.
OMG.....S.C. Stokes urban fantasy 'A Taste of Death' blew my socks off. I couldn't put the book down and was up until 2:00 in the morning just chowing down on the book. It's smart, fast pace, witty with characters to die for. Kasey still kicks butt and is as snarky as ever and now she's freelancing with the Arcane Council. I love the interaction between Kasey and Hades, you'll just have to read the book, Cal is another great character. Stoke's has done a great job developing all his characters and their interaction with each other, they are rich and deep and very relate-able. He has also developed an urban world full of magic, strange mysteries and criminals that are more then they appear. The Arcane Magic Council tries to keep their society in order and the Ninth Police Precinct tries to keep the criminal locked up, and Kasey Chase, coroner witch, and Detective Bishop from the Ninth Precinct work at bridging that gap between the two worlds. If you like Urban Fantasy, supernatural mystery, nasty criminals with attitude, this action packed twisted plot will keep readers glued to A Taste of Death.
I am glad to read another book featuring Kasey as the main character. Like the other books in this series, this book did not disappoint me. The characters are outstanding written and it is has a lot of action. I was entranced from the first page to the end. I received an ARC from the author and I am happy to voluntary review it.
(FYI, Only 2% of the World's population has green eyes, unless it's written in a fantasy story). Another FANTASTIC "Conjuring a Coroner" book in the series. Starting with a mans naked body on his neck, an incision down his chest, 2 puncture wounds in his neck and devoid of any blood. Vampires you think?
The lack of visions for Kasey does not mean it’s a time of peace. New mysteries mount, new members of team Kasey start to come together as elements behind the macabre activities showing up in NYC get revealed. But what is Sanders involved with and how much more can Kasey cope with.
Unpredictable Adventure! Kasey has her hands full as the magical and normal realms try to figure out how to live together. Power struggles in the magical world make for a wonderful, exciting, crazy adventure in this fast paced story. Looking forward to more adventures with Kasey.
Kasey heads underground to visit Hades, for some information regarding some murders. She is attacked by a vampire. Along the way she makes friends with the local werewolf pack. Then Vita is kidnapped, and the hunt is on. Nobody messes with Kasey's friends. Fast pace action,
What a fun series! Kasey and her friends are knee-deep in the super world and it looks like the water will only get deeper. Can’t wait to see what happens next...maybe some romance if she can catch a break. Enjoying the ride!
Another winner! Kasey has more cases on her plate than she knows what to do with. Could they all be connected? Lots of action in this latest installment of the series. I’m looking forward to reading about her continuing adventures. I received a free copy of this book, with no obligation.
Hold onto your hat this is a good one.A body surgically cut with no blood. An apartment fire followed by burnt spaghetti. Then a cremated car and an undercover clinic. Never a dull moment
I feel Kasey is going backwards as there have been no developments with the character and her hestitation in cirtical situations is becoming a liability. The title of the series is also becoming a misnomer in that any work as a coroner which drew me to the series is now an after thought.
Fantastic, fast-paced and fun! I enjoyed this suspenseful, action-packed sequel. With some new characters and new threats I can’t wait to see where this new story takes the fearless band of beloved crime fighters.
I absolutely love ALL the books with Kasey Chase. It’s always an adrenaline rush with non stop action. Now more a freelancer the action is that much more intense. Such wonderful characters and the storyline is still as diverse and intoxicating as usual.
This series is becoming intriguing, as Kasey grows knowing her powers and surrounding herself with people she can trust to fight the night crew and their goons. This was a good read and I look forward to the next book.