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The Grendel Affair (2013)

by Lisa Shearin(Favorite Author)

3.36 of 5 Votes: 5

ISBN

0425266915 (ISBN13: 9780425266915)

languge

English

genre

Paranormal Fantasy

publisher

Ace

series

SPI Files

review 1: Makenna Fraser is a newbie at SPI New York and the only seer in the U.S. Although she is human, she has the ability to see through all veils and illusions, allowing her to know a being's true, hidden nature. With an unknown group of vicious monsters straight out of literature ready to slaughter the Time Square party-goers at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve, Mak and the entire SPI team are on a race against time to save Manhattan, and the entire world, from the start of a deadly war between humans and paranormals.The Grendel Affair is an entertaining, humorous story, and the start to a promising new urban fantasy series. I discovered the SPI series while reading a prequel novella in the Night Shift Anthology. I liken the premise to the Men In Black movies, except w... moreith supernatural beings instead of aliens. Supernatural Protection & Investigations (SPI) operates with the purpose of protecting both supers and humans from the preternatural beings who mean to do harm. In addition, they help keep the presence of supernatural beings hidden from the general human public. Now they face a deadly adversary who wants to expose the presence of supernaturals and feels that humans should be put back in their place as cattle fodder for the more powerful beings. I enjoyed the premise of the story, which held my attention with its high-octane plot. The author does a fabulous job of developing the world while keeping the story moving forward. Ms. Shearin weaves complexity and multiple layers into the storyline without creating confusion.The story is told via first person POV of Mak, who injects sarcasm and humor into every scene. I like that she's realistic and knows her limitations as a "mere human." Yet, she has an underlying strength of character that caused this reader to cheer for her when she goes head-first into the most dangerous of situations. She's not perfect, and watching her make mistakes allows the reader a chance to relate to and develop a connection with Mak.My biggest complaint about the story is the amount of repetition throughout the tale. I am going to chalk it up to freshman story syndrome, hoping that now that the author has firmly established this new world, she won't find the need to repeat its characteristics as often. In addition, Mak spends entirely too much time reflecting on situations, especially while in the midst of danger. I found that she probably could have been out of danger by the time she completed her snarky inner-monologue assessments of the circumstances around her.Meanwhile, I delighted in the voice of narrator Johanna Parker. Her thick southern accent successfully portrays North Carolina native Makenna Fraser. The drawl feels like an old friend. I wasn't as enamored with her performance of Mak's partner, Ian. While it didn't bother me, it didn't scream "sexy alpha male" to me. However, I enjoyed pretty much all of the supporting characters and found her narration enjoyable.Overall, I found The Grendel Affair to be an entertaining, action-filled story, holding promise of more to come.My Rating: B+Narration: B+
review 2: With a degree in journalism, Makenna Fraser ends up working for a tabloid. But her ability to see through veils brings her to the attention of Supernatural Protection & Investigations, the folks who protect humans from things that go bump in the night. Makenna is a seer who can recognize any supernatural being through any veil they attempt. It is a very rare talent and makes her a valued employee. But, her boss is a dragon, literally, so when grendels show up in NYC, just in time for New Year's Eve, she is the only person who can take them out, but Makenna is the only one who can see them. An enjoyable romp of urban fantasy, but Makenna is no Raine Benares. less

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