Review: Edged Blade (Colbana Files #4) – J.C. Daniels

edged bladeIn the year since her life was torn apart, Kit Colbana has slowly rebuilt herself. There’s a promise of hope in the relationship with the alpha of the local shapeshifters and she no longer comes screaming into wakefulness. Life’s not perfect but then again, when was it ever?

When her best friend Justin comes to her for help, there’s little question as to what her answer will be. Witches are disappearing and Justin won’t rest until he has answers. Soon, they learn that it’s not just witches who’ve gone missing, but vampires and shifters, too.

Unlikely alliances are forged as Kit and Justin found themselves drawn into a twisted web of lies and betrayal. As the clock counts down and the culprit behind recent disappearances is revealed, those Kit loves the most become the target of somebody who will kill to protect an ugly secret.

I think this is the best of the series so far. Things are getting tense, with strange disappearances involving all the paranormal species in East Orlando, and naturally Kit, our investigator MC, ends up right in the thick of things.

Right from the beginning, I haven’t been a fan of the male love interest, Damon -he’s a typical alpha male, he-man – sniffing around Kit, questioning what men she’s been around, extremely possessive – but only because its in his shifter nature, etc. *eyeroll* This behaviour doesn’t fly with me. I will admit that he’s gotten better as the series goes on, and is far more chilled now, but I would be remiss if I didn’t point out how problematic this kind of behaviour is.

The only part that redeems it for me is that Kit is no pushover. She stands up to him, makes it clear she has a job to do and won’t let him stop her, and specifically tells him that he cannot speak for her.

“You do not speak for me.” He opened his mouth and I whirled on him, driving my finger into his chest. “Ever.” 

Kit is a ballsy character – she has been hurt many times in her life, and is tough as nails, but still retains her compassion and will go as far as it takes to protect her loved ones or the vulnerable who need help.

The book also deals with Kit’s PTSD, and her recovery from her ordeal at the end of book two. While it’s quite jarring to read as Kit relives her trauma night after night, I admire the realism – i.e. Kit isn’t magically cured after a good month or two or some boyfriend lovin’. It’s something she has to constantly deal with.

I also don’t like the constant pitting of strong females against each other – with Sam and Megan in previous books, and Shannelle in this one – they are always in a power play over Damon – I mean, really ladies? Let’s have strong female characters who don’t feel the need to hiss and snarl over a man. Bechdel test FAILED.

Nevertheless, for all my complaints, I find this series entertaining.

ARC received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Quotes taken from an uncorrected proof and may change prior to publication.

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