Black Blade Blues is an urban fantasy by J.A. Pitts. I have some major love for UF right now. Firstly, it’s a very interesting genre, allowing monsters and fantastic creatures to live and creep nearer to where we live with every new story.
In this particular book, Sarah Beauhall is a blacksmith/movie prop maker who ends up getting sucked into a world filled with dragons who can hide what they are, and myths and legends start appearing everywhere she turns.
Sarah is a great lead female character and I’ll tell you why: She’s brave. Not always in the “I am woman, hear me roar” way, but in the “I’m scared to death of this, but I’m going to keep shoving on” way. I think the latter is more important in a newly developing character. It certainly endeared her to me a lot faster than normal. Personal opinions on sexuality and such aside, pretty much everyone I’ve asked has agreed that as a character she pretty much kicks major butt. I mean, just look at the cover. THAT is one tough lady.
And the rest of the book isn’t half bad either.
The thing I love about urban fantasy is that it doesn’t take place in some pretend land where everyone can shoot lightning from their eyeballs – it’s here, where we live. There’s always the little extra bit of excitement that it could happen when the story is set in a town you’ve been to, maybe even lived in. Black Blade Blues takes place in the Pacific Northwest, so Portlanders, get ready to go trekking on the path Sarah trod.
You’ll be left wanting more adventure after you finish reading it, so it’s a good thing there’s going to be a sequel or two penned soon.
Buy, Borrow, or Pass?
Borrow. Some of the themes aren’t for everyone, but it’s still a good read with some great characters.
Black Blade Blues by J. A. Pitts
Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Tor Books; 1st edition (April 27, 2010)
ISBN-10: 0765327937
ISBN-13: 978-0765327932
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