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Description
Walking between the worlds has always been dangerous – but this time V’s facing the loss of all she holds dear.
Verity Fassbinder thought no boss could be worse than her perfectionist ex-boyfriend – until she grudgingly agreed to work for a psychotic fallen angel. And dealing with a career change not entirely of her own choosing is doing nothing to improve V’s already fractious temper. The angel is a jealous – and violent – employer, so she’s quit working for the Weyrd Council and sent her family away, for their own safety. Instead of indulging in domestic bliss, she’s got to play BFFs with the angel’s little spy, Joyce the kitsune assassin . . . and Joyce comes with her own murderous problems.
The angel has tasked V with finding two lost treasures, which would be hard enough even without a vengeful Dusana Nadasy on her heels. And Inspector McIntyre won’t stop calling: the bodies of Normal women who disappeared decades before are turning up, apparently subjected to Weyrd magics. Angelic demands or not, this isn’t something she can walk away from.
And the angel is getting impatient for results . . .
Summary
I read Restoration, the final urban fantasy in the Verity Fassbinder trilogy by Australian fantasy author Angela Slatter.
Review
Slatter provides a strong female protagonist in Verity, a a compelling character who is independent (almost to a fault), determined, and flawed. The narrative from Verity’s point of view is sharp, amusing with strong. The world-building is strong and well explained in this urban fantasy with an alternate version of Australian city Brisbane. Slatter mixes urban fantasy, mystery, mythology, and crime to provide a strong narrative foundation. Restoration includes the Weyrd community of supernatural beings with magical constraints, and mythic artefacts and fallen angels. A vivid, Australian backdrop of the city Brisbane (or “Brisneyland,” an alternate version of the city) has a strong sense of place. Slatter writes well to build tension in this final conclusion to the trilogy. There are the usual plot twists, danger, crime, betrayal but some readers may find the slow buildup compared to Vigil and Corpselight frustrating and the swift conclusion to be abrupt but all loose ends for characters, subplots are finalised with a sense of closure.
Conclusion
Restoration is perfect read for fans of the Verity Fassbinder series. In a well-written urban dandy that delivers danger, supernatural intrigue, emotional depth and high stakes. Slatter writes a vivid setting and strong female protagonist and descent slathering of humour in a unique Australian-esque urban fantasy. recommended read!
** This is my personal opinion and does not reflect any judging decisions **
Leanbh Pearson 