The world is a fairly orderly place, talking mice, gorgons, Chupacabra… these are things of fairy tales, mythology and supermarket tabloids. Not so in Seanan McGuire’s new novel Discount Armageddon, the first book in her new “InCryptid” series.
If you have been following my reviews I’m sure that you have noticed I have a thing for good world building. Nothing can put me off a story quicker than a poorly detailed world. When I picked up Discount Armageddon the teaser on the back cover really caught my interest, however I was a little afraid that this would be your typical two dimensional monster hunter story world. Fortunately Seanan came through with a well thought out and very detailed world.
The story revolves around Verity Price, the daughter of a generations old family of Cryptozoologists. Unlike many in the genre Verity isn’t sure she wants to take up the family mission, she wants to make it big in the world of professional ballroom dance. You heard me right Discount Armageddon could be described as Sanctuary meets Dancing with the Stars. This premise just tickled my fancy.
As the tale progresses, we are treated to glimpses into the lives of the cryptids of New York City. Everything from the gorgon waitress who has to fight to stuff her snakes under a wig when she goes to work, to the colony of intelligent hyper-religious mice that live in Verity’s apartment. Now generally I have a bit of a problem with rodents, however in the case of these little guys, you just have to love the mice!
Shortly after the story begins Dominic De Luca, a young operative from the cryptid hunting organization the Covenant of St. George arrives in town, and crytptids begin to go missing. Rumors soon emerge, that despite their supposed extinction at the hands of the Covenant, there may be a dragon sleeping beneath New York.
As the investigation progresses, and the Argentine Tango Regional looms, things speed up leading to discoveries and twists that will catch you by surprise. I would strongly recommend this book to lovers of urban fantasy.
So please, give Discount Armageddon a look, I’m sure you will enjoy it.
Discount Armageddon by Seanan McGuire
Publisher: DAW; Original edition (March 6, 2012)
Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
ISBN-10: 0756407133
ISBN-13: 978-075640713
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