New Hopeland City may be the birthplace of Tech Shifter gear, but it isn’t the only place that likes to blend technology with folklore. Now, a new nightmare is stalking the streets…
When PI Cassie Tam is attacked on the way home one night, she expects the police to get involved. What she doesn’t expect is to be forced into acting as bait to lure out a lunatic in a tech-suit that’s literally out for blood. But past actions have consequences, and doing so may be the only way she can get a clean slate from the city’s law makers.
If only that didn’t mean having to face down a wannabe vampire.
This is my third Cassie Tam book, and the author’s imagination continues to amaze me.
Although each novel introduces new futuristic technology, the descriptions are detailed and so well done that it’s easy to visualize. The drawings near the end of the book help explain the tech even more. This time around Cassie faces a “light vampire” – which explains the title. I love me some vamps, but these aren’t the traditional vampires seen in most novels and and movies – no spoilers here. Cassie is wrangled into working with the police department on the case and, although not crazy about the idea, she makes the best of it and and dives in head first – which is a trait I admire. That and her snark – I always appreciate witty snark.
Bert, her gargoyle familiar, has to be one of my favorite characters. He’s protective and kind of moody, but you gotta love him. Cassie and Lori also have some nice scenes together in their new-ish relationship, but I wouldn’t have minded more. Some new characters are also introduced, and I hope to see more of them in future books.
While there are action-filled scenes, the pacing waned a bit for me in the middle. I guessed who the villain was early on, but it took longer for it to click with Cassie and friends than expected. Still, I’m a fan of this thrilling sci-fi series, and it didn’t interfere with my enjoyment of the novel.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Books and Such 
I also enjoy futuristic technology, Teri. An interesting review. I have started listening to Subject A36.
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Thanks, Robbie! You’d probably enjoy this series – I have the last book I’m hoping to get to soon.
Thanks so much for listening to A36! Honestly, I was surprised it’s narrated by a female. I only listened to a snippet – I don’t like hearing my characters’ voices on audiobooks.
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I am enjoying the story to date. The narration is a bit slow for me but I sped it up a bit to 1.2 and now its perfect. It’s a very scary concept.
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You had me at futuristic tech and then cinched it with the mention of gargoyles. Sounds like a read I would enjoy 😊 Great review!
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Bert is awesome! If you enjoy futuristic tech, this series is for you, Tessa.
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A gargoyle familiar sounds really cool—and different!
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Right? And Bert is one of my favorite characters.
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Sounds pretty creative to me.
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I think this is a series you could get into, Craig.
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I agree Teri the author is fantastic.
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How was Bert?
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Bert was wonderful! Maybe he could get his own book?
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Yep, the gargoyle hooked me in, as well 🙂
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Not that I’ve met that many gargoyles, but Bert was easy to like.
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Sounds like a great series. Kind of like a techno version of the Steven Brust “Vlad Taltos” series – which if you haven’t read yet, Teri, go – no, run – to the store and get your hands on Book of the Jhereg.
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Haven’t read this, but you know I’ll be looking it up. Thanks for the rec, Jess!
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Yay 🤗
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