Charming: Pax Arcana, Book 1

I read. Alot. We're talking one to two full books a day. I've gone at Kindle Unlimited like a Scrooge trying to pinch pennies. I check 'specials' every day to see if I can find anything, anything at all that's a decent read. I'm even part of bookbub. I consistently 'buy' the books they have on special there, usually for 1.99 or so. I ALWAYS get the 'free' ones, as that little gem has led to some very interesting, amusing, and entertaining stories. I saw Charming on my Recommended list, repeatedly. Over and over. The first couple times, I ignored it. Usually a flashy cover, means it's going to be boring, dry, slow, or rely on sex to hold the reader's interest. Then I ran out of options and finally picked it. I didn't even get to the story's plot break down. I saw the sticker price and had toxic shock. Seriously. Ten bucks, for an ebook. Not even a physical PAPERBACK, but an EBOOK. It was like walking onto a used car lot and finding out they wanted the price of a new Benz for a twenty year old grand am. I immediately clicked out of it, and carried on. Read several other awesome books, and great series. Then came the day that Charming came up again, in the countdown deals for Kindle. At 3.99, it was much much more reasonable, and I bought it. It's sat in my kindle library, waiting months for me to get around to reading it. I finally have, and I have to say, I loved it. Charming reminds me of Dresden, without the constantly getting his 'arse' kicked before laying the smack down. The snark factor is high. The lack of sex that dominates most urban paranormal, is what REALLY makes this book shine in my opinion. Sex is fine in a story, but relying on it to prop up a story isn't the same as it being organic to the story. Charming shows off the author's ability to hold the reader without such base distractions and hooks. The moment I finished, I looked to see about reading Daring, and immediately fell into toxic shock again. Another series, by a great author, it looks like I won't be able to finish, simply because the publisher is locked in the 90s. Dear, Mr. James. Please inform your publishers that expecting fans to read your work, while paying more for an ebook than a simple paperback, is obscene. And not a way to draw them in. If the price ever get's reasonable. I'll certainly get the next book in line. If you have the money in this hellish economy to not count pennies, then by all means, this is certainly a series you'll love. I know I loved this first, and wish to heck the second was reasonable in price.

First: This book is funny. The author has a good sense of humor and it translates well in the novel. Second: The core concept of the main character is interesting. Snow White, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty all married a prince named Charming. No it wasn't a title and it wasn't the same guy. Charming is the family name for a line of heroes. Fast forward more than a few centuries and you get John Charming, resident badass. Third: The story is good, with several twists that surprise you and leave you wondering how you didn't see that coming. Fourth and Final: The author's turn of phrase is a doubledged sword. There are lines that are epic and funny. and there are lines where the effort is made, but flops under its own weight. So sometimes you giggle for five minutes, and sometimes you have to parse out a sentence to figure out what the author was trying to say. Overall, well worth the read.

I absolutely LOVED this book. You should know that I never write reviews, because I have to tap them out on my phone, and I also loathed writing book reports as a kid. (This could be because I never particularly cared for the books they made me write reports about.) Unlike some male authors I've read, this one can actually write a romantic relationship that I care about, and even find believable. I.e., they ACTUALLY have chemistry, and great dialogue between them. It's not, "I dunno...this random hot chick decided she likes me, now she lives in my house, AND she brought her best friend along, who's a lesbian, but somehow, she's into me, too. Guess I have a harem. Dur durdur." I actually found myself wondering, "Is this a male author? Maybe Elliott can be a woman's name..." This is not to say that this is a romance novel, so relax, those who are not fond of romance novels. Okay, it kind of is? Think of this as an action novel with a love interest. Once you meet Sig, you'd think it's a crime to NOT fall in love with her. I like the world Elliott builds here. It has a real explanation for the existence of an unknown supernatural population, and the characters have depth that makes one care about their fates, as well as root for their deaths, depending on who we're talking about. This explanation, The Pax Arcana, helps define some of the motivations and prejudices of the characters, as well as their complex relationship with whom they're supposed to actually be defending, and why. It's almost like they're park rangers who have a vested interest in keeping both the bear and the human population alive- for the most part. I also laughed out loud at the wit and humor, namely John Charming's observations and internal monologue. However, Sig is also quite funny, and she scores some dry zingers that demonstrate just how well-suited they are for each other. E.g., the scene at the diner when the waitress is bringing Sig and John mountains of food. Anyway, I highly recommend this book, and though I have yet to read the next ones, I am eager to start. Like, right now. You people are holding me back from that, and I slightly resent it.

Nothing really suprised me about the characters, the "monsters", and the world. I picked this rather expensive ebook up because it had a review blurb comparing John Charming to Harry Dresden (let's hope without all the mysogony), and Dean Winchester. Uh. No. John is a decent guy and he has decent dialogue. But he always looks good, unlike Harry. Rarely seems to get hurt, unlike Harry. And isn't nearly as bitter and flawed as Harry. Harry can't regenerate, look good when he is sick, run faster than the speed of sound or control his idiocy mosttimes. John can run fast, hear like a dog, smell like a wolf, go without sleep, regenerate almoat any wound in time, and knows a lot about most things. He is hip. He drinks good coffee. Harry drinks coke. Maybe if remembers. And runs around half crazy because he can't sleep and the women don't fall in love at first sight with him. As far as Dean, I have been a Supernatural fan since..I have no idea. But I have seen every episode at least 4 times and consider myself a bit of an expert on the Winchester boys. Dean is flawed. Dean gets hurt. Both emotionally and physically. Like Harry, no supersonic speed smells or hearing. No healing fast (maybe sometimes an angel might save him from a dumb deal that lands him in hell...cos..well. Dean and Sam have a codependency with each other and that works for me. Sam and Dean fight the 4 horsemen and Lucifer and stop the apocalypse. Um. (Spolier) John has a team similar to him in the super powers dept and struggle to take out an 18 yr old newly made vampire. (End spoiler) John is no Dean Winchester. That's ok. Just don't tell me is. That sets an expectation and makes me mad about the money. So with that said, I was intrigued enough to finish but heavens no, I would not pay 10$ for a mediocre book. I can re-read Summer Knight or watch Supernatural. I did like Sig. Sig and Molly. If there were more Sig and Molly as front runners. I mean really, why can't we have a Valkrie and an Episcopalian lesbian priest as our MCs for once? That's a book I would pay 10$ for.

Thank you to the Corvisiero Agency and the publisher Hachette Book Group, for responding to my requests and making this book available for review. The premise promised a story that would delight and transport, and I will say that I was very pleased with the book and story. John Charming started out as a man after my own heart: not only does he believe sparkly vampires are stuff seen only in YA fantasy, but he is addicted to coffee, has a family name that connotes Disney princes and rather overbearing heroes, and yet his dry humor manages to keep him grounded. Mixing fantasy elements, including the addition of rarely or never seen characters in the written world (Valkyries and Naga) as well as adding in some (I am told by those who know better) elements from RPG. I will say that it was a rare treat to have these new additions and learn about their powers, skills and background. Unfortunately many of these additions that intermingled elements needed explanation, and led to several passages of information dump that slowed the momentum and progress. What does emerge, however, is a well-developed and beautifully created world in this Urban Fantasy: one unlike any that I have seen or experienced before. Then there is a romance, budding and developing, but although I didn’t find myself desperate to see them together, with all of the set-up and establishment of this first book, I was able to treat it as more of a thing to come, and allow the character of Charming to do his thing, and deal with the most pressing elements of the story at the moment. Elliott James has managed to hold my interest through fight scenes and action packed moments, kept me reading forward as I saw him twist religious beliefs, weaponry from multiple cultures and a disarmingly witty repartee to disarm and overcome enemy challenges. As a start to a new series, this is an amazingly well-crafted book that is sure to please readers who count fantasy among a favored genre, and can even bring those of us who enjoy fantasy but don’t need it as a daily option a new series to read. I’m curious and excited to see where this story will lead, in fact I purchased a copy for my own library. I received an eGalley copy of the title from the publisher for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

I got this book December 2015. I read it and introduced it to my son. We both enjoyed it. I also have the 1st few books in audio. I prefer to listen to books so that I can still get stuff done. In between all my favorite authors I've been re-listening to my older books. And rediscovered why I enjoy this series so much It's kind of wordy And dry In some areas But overall it's an amazing start to a series. If you haven't read the book I have become a firm advocate Of having both the book and the audio. Who wants to be in the middle of reading a book and Have to stop To get something done , That's when I revert to my audio. There is nothing worse in my opinion than being in the middle of something and having to set a book down. This book works really well for that, John can get long winded. Not that what he's saying isn't important, I just like to get to the meat of the story. Anyway, this is a slow burn for romance but quick for action. I will emphasize that John word vomits through the whole book. So I suggest Audible where you can speed him up some. Not that what he's saying isn't worth hearing. But after several hours of this you just want to staple.his lips shut. I will also say that this wasn't my reaction 10 years ago. This is a good story with great world building. Highly recommended.

Charming was not the book I thought it was when I picked it up. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't this book. I think I expect something light, possibly humorous, and fairy-tale oriented based on the title and blurb. What I got was something much darker, more nuanced, and better. First of all, the title and the blurb are a tiny bit misleading. The fact that John Charming is a Charming really doesn't make much difference at all in this book. It gives you a convenient idea to start with, just to tell you it's not really correct. As we quickly learn, there was nothing about being a Charming that set him apart from thousands (or at least hundreds, it's not totally clear) of other Knights. It doesn't really detract from the story, either, though, so it's a wash. When John Charming sees a beautiful, tall Nordic woman of indeterminate supernatural type walk into the bar where he works under an assumed name, he knows life is going to get interesting. When a vampire comes in not long afterward, he knows that "interesting" is a bad word. Charming, on the run from the Knights who raised and trained him, is drawn back into the fray of defending unsuspecting humanity from things that go bump in the night. It's a pretty standard premise, but James handles it with flair, attention to detail, and a unique bit of world building. The romance angle is interesting in that it is between a man planning to leave town, and a woman in a long-term committed relationship. The chemistry/attraction/love triangle is handled really well. I thought it was especially good at striking a balance between taking up the characters' attention (which it does) and overriding the main plot (which would suck). Highly recommended for fans of urban fantasy and its sister genre, paranormal romance.

I hate reviews where the plot is compromised. Suffice to say, if you are partial to vampires, werewolves and Valkyries in an Urban setting, then this will work for you absolutely. However, if you want more depth, this appeals even better, since there is a lot of detailed lore included. The genius is how that is weaved into the plot without breaking up the momentum. The writing style is modern contemporary with virtually no obvious spelling or grammatical issues, beyond what artistic license allows. My favorite part in this series though, is how social issues are addressed and the witty commentary behind these musings. Often very dry and other times hilarious. So if you like your urban fantasy with a side of psychoanalysis, a heavy dollop of mayhem wrapped up with humor, then you have an exceptional read. This is my second time through and I've discovered so much more than initially- and I expect to reread many times. Yes, this series is that good, though - if I were to have one criticism-it would be that the writing style is too easy to read, that one is lulled into thinking there is little depth. Oh how wrong you would be to think that. Indeed, the best prose has this very ability to express complex thoughts, in simple terms. A rare occurrence in my experience. So, no it is not a criticism really, just a caution not to underestimate what this series can be to the right reader. For those who like their reviews to tell them about the plot- tough. Read the free preview- there are usually at least one or more chapters available and that is the case here. I hope my review makes you want to read the preview and prepares you for it. If that's the case my work is done and please mark it as useful to you.

book was in condition advertised. good series

The book is most engrossing, the main character believable and the story plot very well written. I loved it.

Jusqu'à maintenant, la seule urban fantasy masculine que j'avais lue était les "dossiers Dresden" de Jim Butcher, et je n'avais pas accroché, je trouvais que ça manquait un peu d'extravagance (je cherche dans l'urban fantasy de la légèreté et de l'imagination). Ici au contraire j'ai tout de suite accroché. Pour le faire simple, "Charming" c'est la même chose que l'urban fantasy qu'on connaît mais avec un homme viril plutôt qu'une femme sexy (une personnalité héroïque forte mais avec de gros problèmes venant du passe, qui se mêle à une bande iconoclaste, hétéroclite et sympathique, pour lutter contre les forces du mal, le tout avec des combats et du second degré, sur fond de fantastique). Ici nous avons John Charming, issu d'une lignée de "Charming", qui à défaut de sauver des princesses en détresse détruit des monstres qui cherchent à rompre le fragile voile protégeant les humains des manifestations fantastiques. À moitié loup-garou, il cherche à garder profil bas. Quand commence le roman, il a endossé le profil d'un barman. Un soir débarque une magnifique blonde très athlétique qui sent bizarre, enfin qui ne sent pas humain. Il croisera au cours de sa route de multiples autres créatures fantastiques: najas increvables, vampires, êtres dotes de capacités très spéciales... L'histoire est simple, facile à lire, avec de l'action et une histoire d'amour sympa et ni culcu* la praline ni cu* tout court. Pour les habitués de l'urban fantasy, on reste dans le schéma habituel, avec juste un bestiaire plus vaste et une perspective clairement plus masculine (et cela fait du bien, plutôt que de lire à chaque page "a girl wants a nice handbag" ou autres futilités du même genre). Je recommande sans problème, je pense que je lirai les 2-3 prochains tomes (qui a priori ne manqueront pas d'être publiés).

Pros: Der Erzählstil ist wirklich genial. Jeder Satz, also wirklich jeder Satz ist entweder clever, sarkastisch oder witzig. Man merkt, das der Autor wirklich viel liebe in dieses Buch gesteckt hat. Cons: Story technisch ist es jedoch nicht der großartige Epos, der es sein könnte. Der Autor denkt hier zu klein. Die Geschichte ist relativ unbedeutend, aber alle Charaktere wirken echt und in ihnen steckt leben. Fazit: Es ist ein Buch, welches richtig, richtig gut unterhält. Wer große Bücher Winnetou, das Lied von Eis und Feuer oder Eragon oder Herr der Ringe geliebt hat, könnte hiervon enttäuscht sein. Den das Worldbuilding und der Plot selbst ist halt eher schwach. Aber ich möchte nochmal betonen, das es wirklich Spaß gemacht hat diesen Band und die beiden folgenden zu Lesen. Und darum habe ich sie noch zweimal gelesen. Jeder Band kann für sich alleine gelesen werden und diese Serie dient wirklich der simplen Unterhaltung. Plot (mit groben Spolern): Mr. Charming ist ein halber Werwolf und ein ehemaliger Monsterjäger. Jetzt wird er von seiner eigenen Organisation gejagt, und so arbeitet er undercover in einer Bar. Dort trifft er die schönste Frau aller Zeiten: Sig! Eine Walküre und die Frau seiner Träume. Leider ist auch sie mit einem Monsterjäger einer anderen Organisation verbandelt. Gemeinsam versucht die Truppe dann ein Vampiernest auszulöschen. Charming ist immer wieder der Versuchung erlegen Sig auszuspannen. Seine wahre Herkunft muss Charming natürlich geheim halten. Doch dann passiert das unerträgliche und die wölfische Wahrheit kommt ans Licht. Und Sigs Lover hat ihn in der Hand. Trotzdem reißen sich alle erstmal zusammen, um die Vampire auszulöschen. Denn sie haben in einer normalen Kleinstadt voller Normalos nichts zu suchen. Am Ende zeigen sie der Welt noch, dass es das Übernatürliche gibt!

This kind of fantasy I don't normally read but I liked the basic premise of this story and the promise of a more grown up, sarcastic protagonist of the various teen vampire stuff. That is exactly what I bought. But to further that the writing was sharp, witty and tight, the characters rounded with back stories and plausible actions and growth. This is more in the too cool Buffy/Angel for adults kind of class rather than a teen angst of Twilight. Clever, readable and great characters - would certainly read a sequal.