Trick of the Light

Trick of the Light (2009) Rob Thurman

Now, apparently, I need to re-read Rob Thurman.

But as I relatively recently re-read the Cal & Niko series, I decided to go with the Trixa Iktomi series.

Trixa runs a bar in Sin City, but all she really wants is revenge for her brother’s murder.

Leo helps her with the bar and the hunt.

And then there are Zeke and Griffin. Orphans, and failed by the foster care system, they have been with Trixa for about ten years, and in that time they discovered their talents and came to work for Eden House, a group run by angels (not, as they insinuate, with direct input from God) that exists only to take out demons.

These four are searching for the Light of Life, so Trixa can use it for her revenge.

First things first, a lot of people didn’t care for this book, and I’m not quite sure I understand why. Yes, unreliable narrators can be difficult to relate to, but they’re also fun. And it was made quite clear from the start that she’s an unreliable narrator.

Griff and Zeke had wondered back when I’d hired them how Id been able to buy a bar at that age. I could’ve told them I inherited from my father or mother o great-uncle Joe, but I told them the truth.
Lying and cheating.
I wasn’t ashamed. Far from it. I deceived only those who deserved it, and you’d be amazed how many did. Then again, if you were smart and kept your eyes open, you might not be so surprised after all.

If that’s too subtle for you, then unreliable narrators probably aren’t for you anyway.

But second, and more importantly, on the cover it says “A Trickster Novel” which, says to me, “the main character is a Trickster, and almost certainly an unreliable narrator. Have fun!”

With that in mind, I don’t see how the ending could be seen as a deus ex machina. It certainly didn’t for me, because I spent the first read trying to figure out which Trickster she was (I’d immediately crossed Anansi off the list– no way he’d ever be a female).

This book has one of my favorite bits of snark about another book character EVER.

“Please,” I said scornfully, “I’m hardly some leather wearing monster killer with a cadre of hot men and demons waiting on my every sexual whim.” I paused, a glass held in midair. Leo started to speak and I held up a finger on my free hand. “Wait a minute. I’m still contemplating why I’m not that and wondering how to change it.”

I love that passage so very much.

I loved the bits about Trixa’s hair. Never have I felt so much in common with a character as when she talks about her hair.

I closed my eyes as he dried my hair with a smaller towel and combed it out, careful with the tangles, and I had a ton. The price you paid for wildly curly hair. That and humidity is never your friend.

Which explains why she moved to Vegas. :)

But really, it’s a Trickster novel. If you expect the main character to deal with you straight up, you 1) have no understanding of tricksters and 2) are probably entirely too naive for your own good.

There were some parts to this book that bugged me a little. Zeke and Griff feel very much like Cal and Niko. Very much like Cal and Niko. In her defense, she writes specific types of male characters, so it’s to be expected.

Seriously though, I loved this book. I love Trixa, and I love who Leo turns out to be, and I love all the twists and turns the story takes.

But then I do have a fondness for Tricksters.
Rating: 9.5/10

Published by ROC

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