Hard Spell (Angry Robot) [Paperback]

At the heart of Hard Spell is a fairly obvious premise, and one that has been done almost to death over the last few years. Magic and monsters are real and someone has to protect those who can't protect themselves. Still, there must be some life left in the genre yet, as Justin Gustainis proves with his dark and broody novel that pitches a run of the mill human cop against the forces of darkness.

OK, so "run of the mill" may be a little harsh. Our protagonist, Markowski, may be human, but he packs a punch thanks to his crucifix, stakes, holy water, 9mm Beretta with silver bullets and badge. Out magicked but never out gunned, it would seem.

I really did like Hard Spell. I started reading expecting an OK story, but one that I had read countless times before. There are aspects that are so obvious they should maybe have been left out, but Gustainis manages to make the rest seem fresh, and throws in one or two nice twists - such as the only magical good guy getting incapacitated within a couple of chapters, leaving the human cops even more out of their depths. And maybe that is what gives the book such a charm, us Brits love an underdog, and that is certainly what the human police force are in this story. Constantly out of their depths trying to solve a string of gruesome murders and having to take advice from an ancient vampire who is more than likely the killer, the likeable cast of characters never give up.

Highlights include a nice take on the magical communities "coming out" and some great scenes of Markowski getting his head kicked in. Hard Spell is an easy to read blood-fest with a heart. Lovers of good Urban Fantasy are in for a treat.

Recommended.

When I read an author's work for the first time I tend to go with my gut instincts. If I've not started to enjoy a novel after the first couple of chapters then there is a reasonably good chance that the book in question isn't going to win me over. I'm pleased to say, that I was completely sold on the premise of Hard Spell within nine pages. As soon as I read the paragraph describing goblins high on crystal meth I knew this novel had captured and, more importantly, was going to retain my interest.

In an alternate United States where supernatural beings are the norm, the reader is introduced to Stan Markowski, and the other men and women of the Occult Crimes Unit. Like other cities, Scranton has its fair share of the usual problems. On top of that however, by a fluke of geography Scranton happens to have been built on the spot where a number of ley lines intersect creating a major hub for the supernatural. Just about every type of supernatural being you can think of appears in Hard Spell in one form or another. Everything from demons, vampires, werewolves, witches, wizards, zombies, cultists, ogres, trolls and the aforementioned meth-goblins get a look in.

The novel is told directly from Markowski's perspective and the writing is such that it is easy to get an overall picture of him. Slightly down at heel since a family tragedy, spending all of his time on the job, Markowski is an old school cop. He is by the book and doesn't suffer fools gladly. I found it impossible not to be won over by his gruff but honourable demeanour. Stan is the kind of cop that just won't quit till the job gets done.

Hard Spell contains a lot for any reader to enjoy. The combination of police procedural drama mixed with fantasy and horror elements seems like a natural fit, and blends well together. Anyone who loves TV shows like Hill Street Blues or Homicide: Life on the Streets but always felt they were somewhat lacking in the black magic department, will be in hog heaven. The plot involves a renegade magic user attempting to complete a dangerous ritual that, if completed, will have disastrous consequences. It is up to Stan and his partner, Karl, to track him down. The action continues to pick up momentum as the book rushes toward a climactic end.

In addition to this there is some great banter between Stan and Karl that adds some nice, darkly comic moments. Karl has a James Bond obsession and this is brought up a number of times. There is also a nice touch mentioning a television show about a well to-do southern vampire named Bill that is a documentary rather than a drama in Stan's universe.

Hard Spell has a similar premise to a few other novels that I have read before. (Nekropolis by Tim Waggoner and the Nightside novels by Simon R Green spring to mind). I am sure that if you have read either you will love the Occult Crimes Unit. Hard Spell contains a quality of writing and attention to detail that makes the world of Stan Markowski come to life in vivid detail. It has a fantastically pulply quality and hard-boiled style all of its own.

Those cheeky blighters from Angry Robot have only gone and included a nice little extra at the end of Hard Spell as well. There is a sample chapter of the next Occult Crimes Unit novel, Evil Dark, just big enough to whet this reviewer's appetite. Good to know that Markowski and his cohorts will return again at some point in the future.

If you're looking for an author who does gritty cop thriller blended with film noir accompanied by a good helping of Urban Fantasy then you really can't do better than Justin Gustainis. Whilst many are familiar with his Quincey Morris series (Book 3: Sympathy for the Devil is out on the 8th August from Solaris) this new set will more than satisfy the reader.

You want solid action, not a problem, you want Weres, Vamps, Ghouls, Ghosts or Witches/Wizards, again not a problem and finally if you want a cracking storyline, again not a problem

What Justin does well and always has in my opinion is write solid characters who are not only believable but also suffer to get to the titles end, they grow emotionally and spiritually and above all else they don't get an easy time of it. They have to struggle for each clue as well as each step along the case, it gives it a realistic twist which I absolutely love. Then add to this great prose, a huge story arc and dialogue that oozes sarcasm and it's a title made in heaven. So don't delay get in on the ground level with this new series and see what the new guy can do to your night. Just pray that you aren't in your own OCU, you'll still be there when the sun comes up and as some will tell you, that's not a healthy place to be...