MADreads

Now this is an urban jungle

July 11th, 2008 Jane J. - Central Library

Public defender Margrit “Grit” Knight likes testing herself professionally and personally.  Which is why she’s crazy enough to be jogging late at night in Central Park.  Though she takes a few risks, Grit is no fool.  She knows she has to be quick and wary.  The handsome man who accosts her may be wearing a business suit but there’s something about him that has her spidey senses tingling.  And when she hears the next day of a murder in the park, Grit is convinced she made a lucky escape.

What she doesn’t realize is that the man is something else altogether.  He is Alban Korund, a member of the old races, a gargoyle to be precise.  And he’s been framed for the murder.  Alban has been aware of Margrit because of her nightly run through the park.  His impulsive attempt to talk to her has led to his being targeted by the police and only Margrit can help him.

In Heart of Stone, C. E. Murphy, whose earlier urban fantasy series focuses on native american lore in Minneapolis (Urban Shaman, et al), has succeeded once again at making the fantastical seem entirely possible.  That gargoyles, selkies, vampires and a dragonlord (who has a djinn enforcer) exist makes good sense.  And the developing relationship between Margrit and Alban is one the reader will root for through this and the sequel - House of Cards.

Entry Filed under: Fantasy