Review – To Kill a Warlock (Dulcie O’Neil, Book 1) by H. P. Mallory (4/5 stars)
Reading level: Adult
Genre: Urban Fantasy/PNR
Length: 328 KB (ebook)
Publisher: Kindle Digital Services
Release Date: July, 2010
ASIN: B003UNLIOQ
Stand Alone or Series: 1st in the Dulcie O’Neil
Source: Copy from author in exchange for honest review
This is the first book in the Dulcie O’Neil series by H. P. Mallory. I got a copy of this ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed it! While not the most creative paranormal series I’ve ever read; this series was light-hearted, fun and very well written. Think of it as a mash-up of Kim Harrison’s Rachel Morgan series, Charlaine Harris’s Sookie Stackhouse series, and Molly Harper’s Jane Jameson series. You got the fairies and the Netherworld, a murder mystery, and lots of light-hearted snarkiness.
Dulie works as a Regulator for A.N.C. (Association for Netherworld Creatures). She helps keep tabs on Netherworld Creatures, makes sure they are registered with ANC, and solves cases involving them. As the book starts she has been turned into a nasty creature while on a case to catch someone selling illegal potions. Problem is next day the guy she was investigating ends up dead. So, she is kind of a suspect. Then suddenly she is pulled off of the case “to protect her” and at the same time the steaming hot Knight comes into her life demanding her help on the murder case; Knight is futher up the A.N.C food chain than Dulcie’s boss, so Dulcie is forced to help him out. Now Dulcie is drawn into a dangerous case, trying to finish writing her first romance novel, dodging her feelings for her boss (Quillan), dealing with an amorous vampire, negotiating with a pain-loving demon, and side stepping Knight’s attempts to get romantically involved with her. Dulcie’s life is definitely not going to get boring anytime soon.
This was a fun book. Dulcie’s world is never really explained in detail, but you pick up pieces as you read and it is an interesting world. I would love to learn more about the Netherworld in the next book. Dulcie is a likable heroine; with a snarky since of humor, some wicked fairy dust tricks, and a soft spot for hot men. There are a number of yummy guys written into the story. In fact it was almost too many. Dulcie is torn between dealing with Knight, Quillan, and Bram…at some points that seemed like a couple guys too many. Mallory handled the interactions well though and gave enough depth to their personalities that you could see what Dulcie saw in them.
The book is well-written; very natural sounding and easy to read, hard to put down, and the plot moved at a nice clip. There are enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing.
Overall this is a great addition to the more light-hearted side of the paranormal genre. At times Dulcie reminded me a bit of Rachel Morgan; she has a similar job and that same type of innocence that Rachel carries around with her in the beginning of that series. While not mind-blowing; the world is well thought out, the writing is well done, and this was a fun lighthearted read. Definitely a fun way to pass the time. Check it out if you are a fan of lighthearted paranormal romance.
This goes to the following reading challenges:
– Speculative Fiction Reading Challenge Book List
– The 100+ Book Reading Challenge
