5 stars for The Grendel Affair (SPI Files book 1) by Lisa Shearin.
This book has been on my to-be-read list since its publication date but I have not got down to reading it until recently. While I recognise that the author’s penmanship is pretty good from her first urban fantasy series, her Raine Benares chronicles are by no means light reading as they require certain amount of concentration and efforts due to introduction of a tad too many characters to my liking. Relying on this prior experience, I am not excited enough to actively seek The Grendel Affair for my reading pleasure and hence it is never top on my to-be-read list. That is, until one fine Sunday when I visit the Central Library and there the book is, perching on one of the display bookstands and staring me right in my face.
As is my usual habit, I flip through the first few pages to read praises for the book and the author’s acknowledgement. What stops me, or rather propels me into action of hoarding the book for borrowing is seeing high praises from one of my favourite authors. Taken verbatim from Ilona Andrews “...The Grendel Affair is urban fantasy at its best" and "...From now on Lisa Shearin is on my auto-buy list!". These coming from a highly credible author, though short and simple, undoubtedly packs a heavy punch.
The Grendel Affair is a delightful and enchanting read from the very first page. Sans the too-many characters that have a tendency to confuse, the plot is uncomplicated, but intense and suspenseful. The world the author has created is vibrant with rich and deep human and otherworldly magical history. I especially love the heroine’s first person narration which sparkles with layers of implied humour. Needless to say, her dialogues with our hero and other side characters are so witty that they make me smile to myself and re-read more than once.
As I read along, I am really glad that I have watched this American motion capture computer-animated fantasy film, Beowulf in 2007 when it was screened in theatres. There are unquestionably a number of instances in The Grendel Affair whereby references have been made to Beowulf and having seen the film before allows me to better understand and appreciate the SPI Files story. That said, the feeling of nostalgia comes in waves as soundtrack of two of the theme songs keep floating to my mind as I enjoy my book. As if in tandem with The Grendel Affair, these two songs “A Hero Comes Home” and “Gently as She Goes” feature violent and foreshadowing tones intertwined with the gentler anthem-like tendencies.
The above mesmerising folksongs (in my mind’s eye) combined with an intriguing folklore and well-rounded likeable characters, result in a splendid read where the perils are high but incentives to overcome the risks even higher. Looking back, I totally agree with the aforementioned favourite author’s proclamation, because now, Lisa Shearin is placed high up on my auto-must-read list.
Publisher: Ace; Reprint edition
Publication date: 31 Dec 2013
*** Favourite quote 1 ***
Dragons didn’t fool around when it came to protecting things that they acquired—be it gold, gems, or a monster’s body parts.
*** Favourite quote 2 ***
I tried to sit and relax, but the latter wasn't happening, so the former was impossible.
~ The Grendel Affair
Lisa Shearin
@}--->>--->>-----
Vampires, ghouls, and CIA agents? Just another day at the office. We’re Supernatural Protection & Investigations, known as SPI. Things that go bump in the night, the monsters you thought didn’t exist? We battle them and keep you safe. But some supernatural baddies are just too big to contain, even for us.When I moved to New York to become a world famous journalist, I never imagined that snagging a job at a seedy tabloid would change my career path from trashy reporter to undercover agent. I’m Makenna Fraser, a Seer for SPI. I can see through any disguise, shield, or spell that a paranormal pest can come up with. I track down creatures and my partner, Ian Byrne, takes them down.
Our cases are generally pretty routine, but a sickle-wielding serial killer has been prowling the city’s subway tunnels. And the murderer’s not human. The fiend in question, a descendant of Grendel—yes, that Grendel—shares his ancestor’s hatred of parties, revelry, and drunkards. And with New Year’s Eve in Times Square only two days away, we need to bag him quickly. Because if we don’t find him—and the organization behind him—by midnight, our secret’s out and everyone’s time is up.
*Blurb from author's website*
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