Charming

#1 in Pax Arcana series

by Elliott James

Age: Adult
Genre: Urban Fantasy

Format: Ebook, 390 pages
Published On: September 24, 2013
Publisher: Orbit
Source: NetGalley

♥ Read an Excerpt ♥

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First Sentence: There's a reason that we refer to being in love as being enchanted.

Summary

John Charming isn't your average Prince...

He comes from a line of Charmings — an illustrious family of dragon slayers, witch-finders and killers dating back to before the fall of Rome. Trained by a modern day version of the Knights Templar, monster hunters who have updated their methods from chainmail and crossbows to kevlar and shotguns, he was one of the best. That is — until he became the abomination the Knights were sworn to hunt.

That was a lifetime ago. Now, he tends bar under an assumed name in rural Virginia and leads a peaceful, quiet life. One that shouldn't change just because a vampire and a blonde walked into his bar... Right?

~ taken from Goodreads

My Thoughts

When I hear the name Charming I always think about the prince in Disney version of Snow White or recently a character from tv show Once Upon a Time. But Elliott James pleasantly surprised me with his interpretation of the name and family legacy. And John, although not a prince, charmed his way into my heart as soon as he said:

"Popular young adult novels notwithstanding, vampires only sparkle when they burn."

Do not expect this novel to be overwhelmed with puns (after all there is only one Charley Davidson) but with his dry wit and sarcastic comments John Charming makes an excellent narrator. He does not make excuses or make you feel sorry for him. In a straightforward way John talks about his past and his current hunt for vampires. John's story may start with 'Once upon a time', but there is nothing fairy-tale-ish about it.

Although Charming is book with a male narrator and targeted for male urban fantasy fans, that does not mean that female readers will not enjoy it. There's even love story in the background if you can't live without a little bit of romance in your books.

As for me, for some unknown reason Charming didn't manage to pull me in. I enjoyed reading - it it was fun, sometimes intense and always interesting, but that connection that you make with your all-time-favorite reads didn't happen. Still, I am looking forward to the sequel and I hope Elliott James won't make us wait too long...

In The End...

If you are fan of urban fantasy and bored waiting for next The Dresden Files book, check out Charming by Elliott James. It has the same type of humor, a lot of action and paranormal creatures.

Similar Books:

• The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher
• The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne
• Strange Fates by Marlene Perez