A Book Obsession..: Kirsten Reviews: Slashback by Rob Thurman

Kirsten Reviews: Slashback by Rob Thurman

, by Kt Clapsadl

Slashback by Rob Thurman

Cal Leandros #8

I stopped and let them circle me, first because it was intriguing and, second, because, honestly, what could they do? Only knives, but all armed, and that made them even more interesting. Interesting. Fun.

Playtime…

Taking on bloodthirsty supernatural monsters is how Caliban and Niko Leandros make a living. But years ago—before they became a force to be reckoned with—the brothers were almost victims of a very human serial killer.

Almost.

Unfortunately for them, that particular depraved killer was working as apprentice to a creature far more malevolent—the legendary Spring-heeled Jack. He’s just hit town. He hasn’t forgotten what the Leandros brothers did to his murderous protégé. He hasn’t forgotten what they owe him.

And now they are going to pay… and pay… and pay.…

‘Slashback,’ by Rob Thurman is the forthcoming (March 2013) 8th book in the successful Cal Leandros series.

The brothers Niko and Cal are good at fighting things that most people don’t believe in, and most of the time, they come out on top. But this time, they're up against somebody- something being driven by more than supernatural appetites. See, when the brothers barely survived being the targets of a human serial killer, they didn’t know that they would have to face its master.

His name?

The Spring-heeled Jack. Turns out he’s in New York, and likes to skin his victims alive. And not only do supernatural creatures have long memories, but they’re serious about getting what’s owed to them., Especially if they’re being paid in blood.

The book begins with a flashback, and 11 year-old Cal, and 15 year-old Niko dealing with the possibility that there is a serial killer living next door to them. Anybody who’s been following this series will appreciate the glimpse into the brothers’ adolescence, and the way they fend for themselves, as usual. Their mother Sophia is an absent figure that nonetheless looms large. As the story jumps back and forth from twelve years ago to the present day, it switches perspectives, Niko’s in the past, and Cal’s in the present, and the two storylines pace each other very well.

Cal’s struggles with his nature are much different when he was a kid than now, and Niko is still working out how to be the best big brother possible. Both of them try to protect one another, and there are some funny, and touching examples of them doing that, to the other’s annoyance, and their fraternal sarcasm is in full force.

Robin Goodfellow and other characters are featured large in the story, and learn of the changes in Cal, and how that ties into the larger plot is interesting to see unfold. ‘Slashback’ is a strong chapter in this series, and leaves readers with several intriguing possibilities for upcoming stories, while being pleased with the way the story concludes for the moment.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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