Author: Ann Aguirre
Publishing Date: April 2009
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Rating: B+
Sensuality: Subtle
Book Disclosure: Borrowed from the Library
Blue Diablo is the first book in a new urban fantasy series by Ann Aguirre. Corine Solomon narrates the story from the first person point of view. She is what is known as a handler, someone who can read a story by touching an object. Her gift does not come naturally to her, as she inherited the gift upon her mother's death. Corrine is currently living in Mexico running a little antique shop. Her life is peaceful until an old flame shows up on her doorstep. Chance needs her to help track down his missing mother. Corine wants to refuse Chance since their past relationship didn't end so well, but Corine was close to Chance's mother. The trail to Chance's mother leads them into the dangerous world of black magic and witchcraft.
This was my first Ann Aguirre book and I was pleasantly surprised with Blue Diablo. Corine is a great leading character. She is smart, with a great sense of humor. She is capable of making fun of herself and the situations she gets herself into. She is really more of a normal girl, in that she doesn't want to be out there fighting bad guys. She wants to work in her little antique store, drink good tequila and relax in a nice bath. But when called upon to help a friend in need she will do whatever is necessary to help. I think Corine will appeal to a lot of readers.
The setting plays a large role in Blue Diablo. Corine and Chance are trying to locate his mother and they travel all around the bordering towns of Mexico and Texas. The culture and lifestyle in the area really sets the mood and tone for much of the book. The reader gets a sense of the seedy Mexican underground and how the people hold on to superstitions.
As far as romance goes, Corine still has feelings for Chance. They still have issues they need to work through. Corine also meets Jesse Saldana, a cop who is an empath. He introduces her to other people like her that have unique gifts. Corine and Jesse are attracted to each other, as well. There is a slight love triangle issue, but it is subtle. The romance is not the focus and is more in the background. I am definitely, liking this series. I can't wait to read more and it turns out the next release, Hell Fire is in April.
Here is what others had to say:
Babbling About Books, and more
Book Love Affair
Darque Reviews
Lusty Reader
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11 comments:
I really enjoyed this book! I'm rooting for a Chance-Corine romance, though.
I loved this book so much. The squee just won't go away.
I too am waiting for a Corine -Chance rekindling. At least let them try it....
I bought this when it was first released because of all the buzz it got, but I still haven't read it. I think the 1st person POV is putting me off.
(I have first person anxiety sometimes)
This was a good review. Made me want to bump it up in the TBR pile.
I found this at the UBS. Still haven't picked it up yet, because I haven't really enjoy Ann Aguirre Grimspace. Glad you enjoyed it though... maybe that will bump it up :D
Sarah and Sayuri - Yeah, I am definitely rooting for Chance too. Jesse is always blowing hot or cold with Corine, but Chance is smitten!
Holly - The first person doesn't seem to bother me much, but if ever you feel like you need to mix up your reading, think about this one.
Nath - See, I remember reading the mixed reviews for her Samantha Jax series and decided it probably wasn't for me. But I noticed Blue Diablo was on many bloggers' top ten lists, the summary sounded good and I was pleasantly surprised with it when I read it. I think you would enjoy it. You might want to give it a try.
I really liked this one a lot. I hadn't read her before and this was great.
I just finished Skin Game by her (Ava Gray) and loved it too.
Tracy - I have Skin Game on my wish list. I have heard a lot of positive praise for it.
I've been very curious about this book, it's on my wishlist. I think I have to try it out now. :P
There was just too little romance in it for me. I barely finished it. I'll have to see whether I continue with this series or not. I know that in UF the romance part usually grows slowly... so it was basically my own fault for not liking it :/ I really liked her style, so maybe I'll try her other books...
I love Aguirre's Jax series (although I was a bit disappointed with the last book), and I want to read Skin Game, but for some reason this one didn't appeal to me. Great review, I'll have to check it out.
Ames - Do give it a try and let me know how you like it.
Maija - Yes, I totally see where you are coming from. I mean I think they only kissed in this book. You might want to try Skin Game by Ava Grey (that's her other name) as it is a romance.
Hilcia - I want to read Skin Game too. Now that I know I like her writing style I am going to try her other books.
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