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Dark City (Tales of the Shadow City #2) - Anna Mocikat

Expected publication: 17 September 2020 by Black Rose Writing ISBN1684335809 (ISBN13: 9781684335800)

The world is a mess, something called the Glitch has decimated the human population but there are survivors. The survivors have to eke out an existence between the harshness of the land and a vampire colony with an agenda of their own and the Dark Ones who seek to end the human race. There is also a cyber race that assists the humans. It certainly is not an easy world for anyone to navigate.

We meet all the characters a couple of weeks after a major battle has occurred in which the humans with the assistance of the vampires have secured a major victory over the Dark Ones. Everyone is smarting from their wounds and even victory has had a cost. At the start of the story everyone is regrouping and developing strategies for their next moves.

For the humans, it is about affirming their alliance with the vampires through blood. For the Dark Ones it is about preparing for the ultimate battle. For the two central characters to this story, Eurydice and Colton it is about revealing more of who they are and how they figure in the yet to be released final instalment.

Eurydice, by age an ancient vampire but by appearance is frozen in time and is stunning. She is a woman playing all sides and has been traversing this environment by herself. However, she decides that she needs to start her own vampire clan and looks to bring in Louis, a young man who will die of radiation poisoning. What complicates matters for Eurydice is her relationship with Vincent and the strong connection they have. Colton, who was discovered outside of the zone, has no memory of where he came from but has extraordinary powers. However, Colton is suffering a mystery ailment and is not willing to confront what is happening. This is the launch pad for the story but then you throw in the political gamemanship, the manoeuvring of the major players and you are in for a heady ride as the reader.

What I did not realise that this was the second book in a trilogy and to be honest it did not matter. As you are whisked straight into the action and quickly catch up with what has been and what is coming. You realise it is a trilogy as the ending certainly makes that clear. It did take me some time to come to grips with the large number of characters and the roles they all play. None of the characters are vanilla, they all have their own foibles and strengths. The world is well crafted in taking the known and twisting it to the worse possible scenario. I truly do not want to say too much as I don't want to give away anything for those waiting for the book to arrive so they can learn the plight of their favourite characters.

For those who have read the first book, I am sure they will have no problems continuing their reading investment with the second. For those coming to the story for the first time you will not be disappointed.

This is a fast paced read created in an interesting world and has a intriguing cast of characters.

Net galley provided me with an advanced copy for an honest review.

If you want to know more about Anna Mocikat books check out her webpage