by Kristi Charish
Series: The Adventures of Owl #4
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Rating:
In this fourth Owl novel, Kristi Charish (The Voodoo Killings) melds sparkling fantasy with the grit of urban underbelly—with a detour through the world’s most spectacular cities. This is perfect for fans of Kim Harrison, Jim Butcher, Jennifer Estep, Jenn Bennett, and fantasy lovers everywhere.
Through no fault of her own, Alix has found herself essential to the fate of the world as we know it. She didn’t mean for this to happen—she was quite happy being merely the notorious antiquities thief, and ex-archeologist, known as Owl.
However, years ago, Owl reluctantly entered the secret world of the supernatural. Her goals: complete one job, escape one bounty on her head, continue her thieving in peace.
Fast forward to today. Now, she has become a key player in a brutal paranormal civil war that is rapidly getting out of hand. The leader of one of these factions—a lethal opponent called the Electric Samurai—grows more powerful by the second. To stop him, Owl sets out to find the long-lost, legendary group known as the Tiger Thieves.
But will it be too little too late? One thing Owl misses about “normal” archaeology: there are few emergencies with thousand-year-old relics.
Owl and the Tiger Thieves by Kristi Charish is the fourth book in the Adventures of Owl featuring an antiquities thief and her Mau cat. In this installment, Owl and her friends are in a race to stop the Electric Samurai while saving her incubus boyfriend and the world. Monsters, twists and a little history made Owl and the Tiger Thieves a non-stop action page-turner.
When our story opens, Owl is imprisoned in a haunted pirate prison. Since her boyfriend became trapped in the armor known as the Electric Samurai, she has been on a quest to hunt down the legendary group known as the Tiger Thieves. This group might have the power to save Ryann and stop the Samurai. Gathering ancient relics with clues to their whereabouts brings plenty of action and pushes our protagonist. Everything is going according to plans, well sort of, until Artemis, Rynn’s cousin shows up to save her.
As the Electric Samurai becomes more powerful, Owl’s hunt for the Tiger Thieves intensifies, and readers are in for an action-packed ride. Owl ends up having Artemis tag along as they jump the globe bringing us such delightful encounters as a rather unpleasant visit with Leonardo da Vinci, yes that DaVinci, a pissed off Gorgon and more. We get updates on principal characters as the author fleshed them out and delivered insight. I enjoyed getting some of Artemis’s backstory. Dare I say I am starting to like him? *Gasps* I don’t trust him, but yes there is a chink in my armor.
While the rest of the motley crew only had a few scenes together, communications kept us appraised and added suspenseful twists. We encountered some creeptastic supernatural creatures and experienced some terrifying moments thanks to the suits manipulation of the supernatural. I will say, Owl has a knack for pissing them off. Captain was a bit of a star and scenes had me giggling. He is such a cool cat. Our dragon and snake added demands, but as usual, Owl avoids them.
We see a lot of growth in Owl and most of it was painful. I hated seeing the optimism snuffed from her, but our girl is not a fighter and her “save the world” attitude needed to be balanced with reality. Now that I am listening to the Dresden Files, I think fans of Harry will love our girl Owl.
While I thought the final battle was a little anticlimactic the outcome and an epilogue had my jaw dropping. I am curious to see where this will lead. It was unexpected and certainly has me excited for the next book.
Fans of urban fantasy, snarky heroines, quests and supernatural upheaval will want to dive into the Adventures of Owl.
Monsters, twists, and a little history made Owl and the Tiger Thieves by Kristi Charish, a non-stop action page-turner. #NewRelease #Urban #mustread Share on X
Bookworm Brandee
This is a series I keep meaning to pick up but… I love to see character growth but it makes me sad that Owl’s is all done painfully. I think it’s interesting she’s not a fighter. Makes me all the more curious about her. Someday, Kimba, someday I’ll pick up this series. 🙂
Kimberly
She is very good at slipping in and out undetected and piecing together clues to find ancient artifacts.
Jennifer
Four books in and you’re still enjoying. That’s a good sign. I have book 1 on audio. I need to get to it already.
Kimberly
Yeah, the audios didn’t come out until later and once I start with a format I hate to switch since I have established the characters voices.
Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
I remember when the first Owl book came out and I really wanted to read it. How is this series on the 4th book?? It’s really time to start reading!
Kimberly
The same thing happens to me, Kathrine. I blink and book 4 is releasing.
Greg
I’m glad this series is humming along. I’ve only read the first book but I enjoyed it, and it seems different than a lot of the urban fantasy out there. Not that I’m an expert ha ha but from what I’ve read. and ooh a gorgon in this one? fun!
Kimberly
One was a little rough, but some of the things that bothered me like the cat carrier were corrected in book two. Her Voodoo series is really good too Greg.
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
Totally intrigues about Electric Samurai!! This sounds amazing! =)
Mary
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
Me** totally intrigues me…ughhh sorry, I am so tired…=(
Kimberly
No worries my friend. I am dragging too!
Cyn @ Bookmunchies
Oh this sounds like a great UF! I do love snarky heroines and quests! Glad this was a good read, great review, Kim!
Kimberly
Thanks, Cyn, I love those things too.
Ethan
I know how much you love fantasy, so I’m glad to hear you enjoyed this one too. I feel like a lot of authors fall into the trap of having to write an epic climax, and the stories can suffer from that. Luckily this one is part of a larger series, so hopefully the author can remedy your disappointment in the conclusion.
Kimberly
It is one of the things I like about urban fantasy, there are overall series arcs and current threads giving me the best of both.
Angela Adams
Whenever there’s a dog or a cat involved, I’m hooked. Thanks for the post.
Kimberly
Yes… I am the same way.
Lindsi
This is the second review I’ve seen for this book today! I haven’t read the series, but it does sound like something I might like. I hate that her optimism was crushed, but love that it makes the story more realistic. I know it’s hard for people to maintain an I-can-do-everything attitude.
L @ Do You Dog-ear?
Kimberly
She needed to mature and this helped. I am curious to see the Owl we meet in the next book.
Stefanie
Mahalo plenty for the pajama bottoms love.
Stefanie
I’ve heard about this series some time ago. You’ve made me intrigue about it again. I’ll add it to my used bookstore list.
Kimberly
I am glad. Hope you are able to find a copy 🙂
Heidi
I am glad that Owl is maturing. She is a character that I have struggled with throughout the series, but I am liking her more and more. Hope to start this soon.
Kimberly
I am glad she is growing on you. She can be rash. LOL
blodeuedd
I so want it! And audio is a must, I tried book 2 in print and I missed the narrator
Kimberly
It wasn’t on audio when I first started but I bet this rocks on audio!
Lily B
this series looks like a lot of fun, I want to start it, but after that ending maybe I should wait for the next book to come out heh
Kimberly
Haha, well it did wrap up the case of the Tiger Thieves but what will happen next has me anxious for the next one.
Angela @ Angel's Guilty Pleasures
Wonderful review. I like the covers for this series and it sure does sound interesting and like something I might like. Do you feel it’s best read or listen too?
Kimberly
When I began audio wasn’t available. If I was just started I would totally go audio.
Angela
Thank you!
Sophia Rose
Ha! That’s funny how Artemis is growing on you a little as the series progresses. I’ve liked the sound of this series since your first review. Eventually!
Kimberly
LOL. You need to try her Voodoo series too. The first book is out and the next releases in January.
Mary Kirkland
That sounds pretty darn good.
Kimberly
I could see you having fun with this series Mary 🙂
Melliane
I only read he 2 first books but I need to continue one day!
Kimberly
Yes, you need to catch up 🙂
Debbie Haupt
I’ve seen her reviewed around Kim maybe even by you and it does look like a series I’d love and I just may have some extra time coming up so on the list it goes.
BTW thanks for stopping by Romance University and saying hi!! xoxo
Kimberly
Ali and I love her. so it’s possible.
sherry fundin
Great cover and a haunted pirate prison. Sounds fabulous…and I won’t look them directly in the eye. LOL
Kimberly
Smart thinking!
Ailyn Koay
why wouldn’t you piss off a Gorgon because you can? well, it sounds like an intense thrill ride to save a boyfriend
Kimberly
LOL, yes you can but don’t look them directly in the eye.
Nick
I need to check out this series! It sounds like a blast with some great characters. Glad this was a good read for you, Kim!
Kimberly
Yes, it is a lot of fun and action packed!
Quinn @ Quinn's Book Nook
I’ve never heard of this series, but it sure sounds interesting. I’m not 100% sure it’s my kind of book, but you never know! Although lately all I want is romance!
Kimberly
I am just entering a romantic genre mood myself after being all UF and Paranormal.
kindlemom1
There was a lot of growth in this and even though it was painful at times, it was definitely good growth. I do wonder where the series will go from here with the way it ended not only job wise for her but relationship wise with all her friends and interests.
Kimberly
Yes….and now we wait!
Cindy
I love a snarky heroine! What a beautiful cover and thanks for sharing yuor awesome review.
Kimberly
You are welcome, Cindy. Yes, I like the cover too.
Silvia
Although I keep hearing great things about this series, I still have to start it! *argh* I’ll have to at some point, though, it sounds truly good and right up my alley 😀
Kimberly
*looks at series wishlist* I feel you, Silvia. So little time, so many books!
Nadene
You had me at action packed page turner. I am adding this to my wish list.
Kimberly
This series is a lot of fun Nadene.