Deadly Assessments

Deadly Assessments (2018) Drew Hayes

I thought this might have been the last book in the series, but apparently he’s writing another.

That’s cool on multiple accounts. 1) I’m enjoying this series and wouldn’t mind another book and 2) this book ended cleanly and I’ve have been content if there wasn’t another book (AKA, no cliffhangers).

Fred has changed a lot since he became a vampire. And recent events have changed him even more, namely he has become head of his own house and has started working for the Agency.

Unfortunately, the house of Turva is really unhappy about Fred’s choices, and has complained to the Blood Council, who have sent a vampire to judge Fred’s fitness.

“Did the vampire give you a name?”

“She called herself Deborah,” I said.

“So she can’t be too old, at least. That seems like a fairly modern name.”

“It’s not. There were Deborahs in the Bible, Fredrick.”

There are multiple great things about this book. First, we’ve seen Fred go and change over the series. He’s still easily scared, and avoids confrontation if at all possible, but he also values his friends and his clan more than his own safety.

But this is also a problem.

“That, in my view, is your fundamental problem,” Deborah continued. “You are kinder than you have the strength to be.”

I like that Deborah helps Fred address those issues, and come to terms with learning how to use strength.

Plus there are just fun things.

Back before humans figured out it was toxic to them, they found ways to weave asbestos into all sort of things, clothing included. It’s rudimentary protection, but we kept working on it even after they shied away. I don’t think I own a single ensemble that doesn’t have asbestos as a component.

THAT is genius. Of course vampires were wear asbestos clothing!

But we also get to see the other characters in the series growing and changing as well, and that’s also lovely!

“We called for a ride while on our way here,” Lillian told me. “Thought that after a night like this, nobody would want to sprint all the way home.”

“Lillian, remind me of this at the next performance evaluation. You are clearly in need of a raise.”

It’s a fun series, and I’m glad there is going to be another book, but I am also glad that the books end cleanly so that if there wasn’t another book, I wouldn’t be angry.

Publisher: REUTS Publications
Rating: 8.5/10

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