Review – Part-time Gods (DFZ, Book 2) by Rachel Aaron (4/5 Stars)
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Length: 337 pages
Publisher: Aaron/Bach
Release Date: June 9, 2019
ASIN: B07SXVMPKP
Stand Alone or Series: 2nd book in the DFZ series
Source: Borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Rating: 4/5 stars
“Life in the magical mess of the Detroit Free Zone is never easy. When you’re laboring under the curse of a certain prideful, overbearing dragon, it can be down right impossible.
My name is Opal Yong-ae, and I’m a Cleaner. At least, I used to be. Thanks to the supernatural bad luck that turns everything I do against me, these days I’m more of a walking disaster. Getting rid of this curse is the only way to get my life back. Unfortunately, dragon magic is every bit as sneaky and deadly the monsters behind it, and just as hard to beat.
But I’ve never been one to take her doom at face value. Cornered doesn’t mean defeated, and in an awakened city that rules herself, dragons are no longer the biggest powers around.”
Series Info/Source: This is the second book in the DFZ series. I borrowed this through Kindle Unlimited. This series is a spin-off series from the Heartstrikers series and takes place ~20 years after that series.
Story (4/5): This was a very fun read that I enjoyed a lot. Opal and Nik are continuing their partnership as Cleaners. Opal’s curse constantly hobbles their ability to make money and Opal is desperate to make money now that her father is calling in her debt early. The story moves quickly and I enjoyed watching Opal “clean” out strange areas. It’s a fun romp that is very entertaining.
Characters (4/5): I like Opal as a character, although she does come off as pig-headed and immature at times. Nik is an awesome character and is such a constant source of support for Opal. We learn a lot more about both Opal’s and Nick’s backgrounds. I enjoyed meeting some of Opal’s family as well. A huge highlight for me was all the cameos by our favorite characters from the Heartstrikers series. I also really enjoyed Opal’s interactions with the physical form of the DFZ god.
Setting (4/5): I love the DFZ setting, it’s one of my favorite parts of these books. The DFZ is such a unique city and I love that she is a person/god/city all in one.
Writing Style (4/5): These are well written and easy to read. No complaints about the writing style. These are just fun, quick, urban fantasy style reads.
My Summary (4/5): Overall this was a fun addition to the DFZ series and a wonderfully entertaining escapist read. I would recommend reading the Heartstrikers series before this one to get more background, but this can work as a stand alone series as well. I look forward to reading “Night Shift Dragons”. Those who enjoy urban fantasy type stories set in a unique futuristic world full of magic will enjoy this story.
