I read loads of urban fantasy, so vampires, enforcers, and the like are often fun. Two things stick out when reading Visceral : It lacks sappy romance (awesome) and it gets a little trippy (like beyond ley lines and such). One must pay attention to transitions in the story. Oh, bonus: Thielen isn't afraid to kill his characters (more awesome). Hmm. How much to divulge? Well, you have a future-state with corporations running everything; mages must attend university - think prison and not Hogwarts. The Vampire Council is behind the scenes and sends Matthias (tragic hero of sorts) to keep an eye on, and work with, Taq (mage), Tamara (enforcer), and Kate (neuro). The corporations and council, along with powerful players, creates a clash of will and desire for destruction. Some live, others die, but the story concludes well. The trippy part - the ethereal scenes are best read a little slower, IMO. Overall - solid pace, interesting characters, good action and conclusion. 4.2 of 5 Stars - ARC provided.
From the Publisher:
When the vampire council sends its enforcer Matthias to investigate a suspicious young nightstalker, he discovers that her attempts to turn a human mage have resulted in a deadly fiend. With time working against him, Matthias seeks help from a talented but reckless young mage and a mysterious neuro with her own agenda. But the more they discover about the fiend, the more they threaten to unearth secrets that the powerful will kill to keep buried. Enter a world transformed by a great economic collapse into a corporatocracy governed by executives, their boards, and appointed councils. A world where man has learned to exploit the ethereal plane to subjugate the laws of nature. Where vampires have emerged to carve a place within civilization. A world ripe for the taking by those with the right resources. Visceral is a dark and gritty delve into a cyberpunk world that does not give you a chance to catch your breath. Filled with action, dark satire, and occasional humor, Visceral is a fast-paced urban fantasy taking place in the near future, present day, and even the old west. With a climax both satisfying and appalling, this urban fantasy jaunt will satisfy your lust for blood.
