Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Titanshade by Dan Stout Series: Carter Archives #1
Published by Ace on March 12, 2019
Genres: Science Fiction Fantasy
Pages: 400
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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Carter's a homicide cop in Titanshade, an oil boomtown where 8-tracks are state of the art, disco rules the radio, and all the best sorcerers wear designer labels. It's also a metropolis teetering on the edge of disaster. As its oil reserves run dry, the city's future hangs on a possible investment from the reclusive amphibians known as Squibs.
But now negotiations have been derailed by the horrific murder of a Squib diplomat. The pressure's never been higher to make a quick arrest, even as Carter's investigation leads him into conflict with the city's elite. Undermined by corrupt coworkers and falsified evidence, and with a suspect list that includes power-hungry politicians, oil magnates, and mad scientists, Carter must find the killer before the investigation turns into a witch-hunt and those closest to him pay the ultimate price on the filthy streets of Titanshade.
Titanshade is science fiction fantasy with a lot of mystery and thriller woven through the story. Our main guy is Eric Carter, a homicide detective, a human. He’s a basically good guy but he has the “annoy everyone until the bad guys try to kill you” method of investigation mastered. There were even good guys who wanted to kill him.
The world-building and character development took a lot of thought for me. The town is set in the far north, on the ice plains. The world is dependent on oil which is becoming a depleted resource. There are humans, sorcerers, Mollenkampi, Squib and some yet to be introduced species. The species characteristics were not thoroughly defined.
The politics of the police department was odd. Whichever detective was on scene first got the case. They all seemed to go to every scene. While suspicious facts are uncovered, proof is in short supply and yet horrific things are happening. The style seems a bit more wild west on the frontier than law and order in the city.
I liked the relationship forged between Carter and his new partner, Jax. They even had a little snark going. Carter grew on me because he is so obviously honest and just goes right at the problem. He gets beat up an awful lot. But he does get to the truth.
There is much yet to learn and it looks like this is first in a new Carter Archives series. I couldn’t find that on Goodreads or the author’s site, but it is in an interview he did at Genre Minx Book Reviews. It also says the sequel will include more on the wider world which should help me. I want more of that definition, and I like the science type aspects of the world. Also, I want more Carter and Jax.
She already knew. I paused, uncertain how to proceed. My major conversational gambit involves annoying people into revealing more than they intended. It was a skill set that left me sorely unprepared for talks like this.
“I tried to get a hold of you, but you never responded.”
“I was a little busy with people trying to kill me.”
About Dan Stout
Dan Stout lives in Columbus, Ohio, where he writes about half-truths and double-crosses. His fiction draws on travels throughout Europe, Asia, and the Pacific Rim as well as an employment history spanning everything from subpoena server to assistant well driller.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2019 Releases
I’m so excited to get my hands on this one! Great review. I can always find some great books visiting your blog 🙂
Thanks! I try to only read the good stuff. It’s a question of liking some of the same genres and maybe the same sense of humors. This is a solid start to this series.
I like the wild west feel you described. Sounds like fun and I think Id enjoy this. And that cover is wild.
I think you would. I wanted a bit more of the big picture world-building but the interview I read indicates there will be some of that in the next book.
Oh yes I remember seeing this one on NG and wondering how it would be
It’s got a very scifi feel to it and I like that. There’s no romance at all if that matters to you.
I was intrigued by the UF side but anxious about the Sci-fi one
It reminds me a little of those old-style hard-boiled detective stories. I think I might like it especially when paired with the sci-fi elements. Neat find, Anne!
Yes it is like that but with odd species. They aren’t aliens but that’s what it felt like.
You’ve got me curious, and it sounds almost like small-town police departments where the whole force shows up. I will be interested to see what you think of the next book.
I’m curious about the next one also. This one is such an odd or unique premise. I like different and I liked the scifi elements.
This definitely sounds engaging and you intrigued me with your review, Anne. I love how you mix up genres. It always keeps it fun! Wonderful review!
Thanks. I know people who prefer only one genre or their blog is focused on a specific genre but I enjoy many things.
Hmm… I may need to get a copy of this one. I’m intrigued.
It’s not like most of the urban fantasy or scifi I read. I like a change of pace. It’s from a major publisher so it’s probably available at your library too.