Title: Shoot the Messenger
Author: Pippa DaCosta
First published February 22, 2018
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 3.93
Overview
In a star system far from Earth, tek and magic collide in a brutal war between humans and fae. Kesh Lasota is a messenger, hired by criminals to deliver illegal messages through the Halow system.
But when one of her messages leads to a murder, Kesh finds herself running for her life with a marshal hot on her trail. To clear her name, Kesh must find evidence that has been stolen by a warfae – a creature that hasn’t been seen in over a thousand years.
As Kesh faces her past and fights for her future, she becomes the only hope for peace in a war-torn system. With danger at every turn, Kesh knows that she must do whatever it takes to survive.
Because in this star system, nobody shoots the messenger and lives to tell the tale.
Editoral Review
Pippa DaCosta’s “Shoot the Messenger” is a thrilling addition to the urban fantasy genre. DaCosta’s deft hand with character and world-building make for a compelling and immersive read that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.
Set in a dark and gritty version of London, “Shoot the Messenger” follows muse and private investigator, Nate Dresden, on his quest to uncover the culprit behind a series of magical murders. DaCosta deftly weaves together elements of noir, fantasy, and mystery into a fast-paced narrative that never lets up.
At the heart of the story are DaCosta’s well-crafted characters. From Dresden’s sardonic wit to his loyal, but world-weary partner, Althea, the cast is brimming with depth and nuance.
DaCosta skillfully subverts genre tropes to create a cast of characters that feel both fresh and familiar. In addition to its strong character work, “Shoot the Messenger” features a richly imagined world that is equal parts noir and fantasy.
DaCosta’s descriptions of London’s seedy underbelly are vivid and evocative, while her supernatural elements are seamlessly integrated into the narrative. One of the book’s greatest strengths is its pacing.
DaCosta keeps the story moving at a breakneck pace, ramping up the tension with each new twist and turn. The book’s short chapters and cliffhanger endings will make it hard for readers to put down.
That said, “Shoot the Messenger” is not without its flaws. While DaCosta’s character work and world-building are top-notch, the book’s plot can at times feel convoluted and difficult to follow.
Certain revelations and twists may leave readers scratching their heads, wondering how they missed the clues. Overall, “Shoot the Messenger” is a fantastic addition to the urban fantasy canon.
Fans of the genre will find much to love here, from DaCosta’s incisive character work to her vividly imagined world-building. Despite some plot-related stumbling blocks, this is a book that is sure to thrill and delight readers.
Rating: 4/5
