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Marla Mason #3
Dead Reign
Death has come calling, and one woman
has what he wants most of all...
As chief sorcerer of Felport, Marla Mason thought she’d faced every kind of evil the magical world had to offer. But she’s never faced a killer like this. He’s dark, glib, handsome as the devil—and exactly who he says he is. Death— in the flesh . He’s arrived in Felport with a posse composed of a half-insane necromancer and the reanimated corpse of John Wilkes Booth, and he isn’t leaving until he gets what he came for. Only Marla is crazy enough to tell Death to go back to Hell.
With the Founders’ Ball just around the bend, drawing together the brightest, meanest, and most dangerous of Felport’s magical elite, the last thing Marla needs is all-out war with the King of the Underworld, but that’s exactly what she’s got. As the battle lines are drawn, she can count on her hedonistic, body-hopping partner Rondeau…but how many of her old allies will stand by her side when facing the ultimate adversary? To save her city, Marla will have to find a way to cheat Death… literally.
has what he wants most of all...
As chief sorcerer of Felport, Marla Mason thought she’d faced every kind of evil the magical world had to offer. But she’s never faced a killer like this. He’s dark, glib, handsome as the devil—and exactly who he says he is. Death— in the flesh . He’s arrived in Felport with a posse composed of a half-insane necromancer and the reanimated corpse of John Wilkes Booth, and he isn’t leaving until he gets what he came for. Only Marla is crazy enough to tell Death to go back to Hell.
With the Founders’ Ball just around the bend, drawing together the brightest, meanest, and most dangerous of Felport’s magical elite, the last thing Marla needs is all-out war with the King of the Underworld, but that’s exactly what she’s got. As the battle lines are drawn, she can count on her hedonistic, body-hopping partner Rondeau…but how many of her old allies will stand by her side when facing the ultimate adversary? To save her city, Marla will have to find a way to cheat Death… literally.
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
About the author
T.A. Pratt
24 books125 followersT.A. Pratt is the pseudonym of Tim Pratt, under which he penned the Marla Mason books.
I've crowdfunded seven projects (four through Kickstarter) successfully in the past few years, and I don't foresee any problems with this one, either. I write novels for a living, and this is a book I'm excited to do. It's always possible there will be bumps and delays on the production process, or an unforeseen illness or other disaster, but if so, I'll keep everyone posted, and we'll get there in the end.
I've crowdfunded seven projects (four through Kickstarter) successfully in the past few years, and I don't foresee any problems with this one, either. I write novels for a living, and this is a book I'm excited to do. It's always possible there will be bumps and delays on the production process, or an unforeseen illness or other disaster, but if so, I'll keep everyone posted, and we'll get there in the end.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
December 16, 2019
7,5/10
Un poco más de lo mismo que los anteriores. Trama entretenida, buen personaje protagonista y algunos secundarios muy tops, Rondeau es puro amor, y la aparición del asesino de Lincoln es un poco WTF, pero al final no funciona mal.
El desenlace de la historia ofrece un sinfín de posibilidades, así que por supuesto continuaré con la saga, a ver donde nos conduce Pratt.
Recomendable esta saga para la gente que le gusté la fantasía urbana adulta, con bastante acción y una trama trepidante que no da opciones al respiro.
Un poco más de lo mismo que los anteriores. Trama entretenida, buen personaje protagonista y algunos secundarios muy tops, Rondeau es puro amor, y la aparición del asesino de Lincoln es un poco WTF, pero al final no funciona mal.
El desenlace de la historia ofrece un sinfín de posibilidades, así que por supuesto continuaré con la saga, a ver donde nos conduce Pratt.
Recomendable esta saga para la gente que le gusté la fantasía urbana adulta, con bastante acción y una trama trepidante que no da opciones al respiro.
August 4, 2020
I really liked this installment. Marla has to content with The Walking Death...crazy story. Really like these characters, looking forward to the next one!
April 4, 2017
GUYZ! GUESS WHO HAS A FAVORITE NEW SERIES?! :'D
Poor, poor Marla. LMAO! It just keeps getting worse and worse for her. You really have to give it to her, though. She truly thinks outside the box. 'Oh, Death thinks he can just take over MY city?! Fuck that! I'm taking over Hell!'
Poor, poor Marla. LMAO! It just keeps getting worse and worse for her. You really have to give it to her, though. She truly thinks outside the box. 'Oh, Death thinks he can just take over MY city?! Fuck that! I'm taking over Hell!'
September 17, 2016
Marla Mason is a badass, anyone who creatively thinks her way though the problems she faces and wins is amazing. Ultimate favorite urban fantasy lead female. When death comes to town looking for his toy and banishes Marla from her town. She says well screw that guy and goes to take over Deaths kingdom to get back at him. That's the kind of big thinking that I love.
So urban fantasy books have a couple of problems that I've run into. There are a couple of lead character tropes that I don't like. One the lead character is crazy go nuts strong, but dumb and blindly stumbles on to the plot. Or the lead character is super smart and clever but to add to the mystery the author will keep us in the dark on key plot points to be reveled later. Leaving me, as the reader, to be like wait where was I? This especially bugs me in a first person point of view book. But this book does a thing that makes sense. Marla Mason is not dumb and doesn't just luck into the plot. Marla is just so god damn busy there are always like five or more problems for her to fix and sometimes, something will blind side her no matter how hard she tries to keep on top of things. It reminds me of the quote from Star Trek: The Next Generation "Sometimes, you can make no mistakes, do everything right, and still lose." It makes her triumphs over it that much more satisfying, a great addition to this series and defiantly keeps me on board for the long haul.
So urban fantasy books have a couple of problems that I've run into. There are a couple of lead character tropes that I don't like. One the lead character is crazy go nuts strong, but dumb and blindly stumbles on to the plot. Or the lead character is super smart and clever but to add to the mystery the author will keep us in the dark on key plot points to be reveled later. Leaving me, as the reader, to be like wait where was I? This especially bugs me in a first person point of view book. But this book does a thing that makes sense. Marla Mason is not dumb and doesn't just luck into the plot. Marla is just so god damn busy there are always like five or more problems for her to fix and sometimes, something will blind side her no matter how hard she tries to keep on top of things. It reminds me of the quote from Star Trek: The Next Generation "Sometimes, you can make no mistakes, do everything right, and still lose." It makes her triumphs over it that much more satisfying, a great addition to this series and defiantly keeps me on board for the long haul.
February 6, 2017
Death takes over Felport and banishes Marla Mason, the chief sorcerer. She can't get back into her city, she can't even communicate with anyone still in there, and even if she could, Death has powers beyond mortal comprehension.
So she storms the Underworld. God I love her.
So she storms the Underworld. God I love her.
February 18, 2024
This entry was a lot of fun. Various characters end up giving proof to the adage "be careful what you wish for." Lots of good comeuppances, some fun action, and several old cameos in a literal walk through the past. The new characters were fun too--especially Pellham--and we get to see B again!
June 24, 2024
T.A. Pratt's Marla Mason series has been my only experience with urban fantasy, and I really must give more time to this easily-immersed genre. I was working in Washington, DC's Chinatown when I read the first book of the series, "Blood Engines." My mind's eye effortlessly saw beyond boarded-up storefronts and rusty alleyway doors to imagine mystical subcultures thriving all around. Unlike medieval fantasy there's no need to transport yourself to another time and place to immerse yourself in the tale.
I'm now retired and living in Palm Springs, California. Despite the vast difference in locale, my imagination finds equal ease inserting sorcery into these new surrounds. Here, vast hedgerows conceal exclusive communities where the craft could find endless refuge. Gated compounds offer only the tallest palm trees as street-level clues to the mysteries inside.
“Dead Reign” begins in the city of Felport, a rustbelt burgh not entirely unlike my hometown of Pittsburgh. Felport’s economic misfortunes have been turned around by Marla’s deft rule as the city’s chief sorceress. Here we meet the Chamberlain, the grande dame of Felport society, whose consult Marla requires in performance of her duty as host of the Founder’s Ball, a party held every five years in honor of Felport’s founding fathers. Now ghosts, the founders will of course be in attendance, expecting a fantastic party.
As in previous installments, Marla's sidekick, Rondeau, is at her side. A spirit parasite who possesses the bodies of others, he’s actually a really nice guy. His sense of guilt over the need to eject souls from their bodies keeps him very spartan in this practice, and he has inhabited the same body for many years. In this installment, Marla and Rondeau are forcibly separated, with Rondeau remaining in Felport while Marla, initially, travels to San Francisco.
The Founder’s Ball and Marla’s separation from Rondeau serve as supporting tension for what happens next—Marla’s transport (by locomotive) to hell. Like Rondeau, Marla has her own guilty conscience to wrestle with, and it is in hell where she confronts those whom she has killed over the years. Needless to say that since Marla’s foes inhabit the lower realms of the underworld, they are not the best of souls.
The ensuing conflicts build to a crescendo when Marla battles Death himself, Pratt wonderfully intertwining the many subplots with new twists that quite literally bring the whole thing home. Avoiding spoilers as best I can, Marla’s reign over Felport is as secure as Pratt’s reign over the genre. "Dead Reign” is easily the best of the first three books in the series and has me greatly anticipating the next installment, "Spell Games."
I'm now retired and living in Palm Springs, California. Despite the vast difference in locale, my imagination finds equal ease inserting sorcery into these new surrounds. Here, vast hedgerows conceal exclusive communities where the craft could find endless refuge. Gated compounds offer only the tallest palm trees as street-level clues to the mysteries inside.
“Dead Reign” begins in the city of Felport, a rustbelt burgh not entirely unlike my hometown of Pittsburgh. Felport’s economic misfortunes have been turned around by Marla’s deft rule as the city’s chief sorceress. Here we meet the Chamberlain, the grande dame of Felport society, whose consult Marla requires in performance of her duty as host of the Founder’s Ball, a party held every five years in honor of Felport’s founding fathers. Now ghosts, the founders will of course be in attendance, expecting a fantastic party.
As in previous installments, Marla's sidekick, Rondeau, is at her side. A spirit parasite who possesses the bodies of others, he’s actually a really nice guy. His sense of guilt over the need to eject souls from their bodies keeps him very spartan in this practice, and he has inhabited the same body for many years. In this installment, Marla and Rondeau are forcibly separated, with Rondeau remaining in Felport while Marla, initially, travels to San Francisco.
The Founder’s Ball and Marla’s separation from Rondeau serve as supporting tension for what happens next—Marla’s transport (by locomotive) to hell. Like Rondeau, Marla has her own guilty conscience to wrestle with, and it is in hell where she confronts those whom she has killed over the years. Needless to say that since Marla’s foes inhabit the lower realms of the underworld, they are not the best of souls.
The ensuing conflicts build to a crescendo when Marla battles Death himself, Pratt wonderfully intertwining the many subplots with new twists that quite literally bring the whole thing home. Avoiding spoilers as best I can, Marla’s reign over Felport is as secure as Pratt’s reign over the genre. "Dead Reign” is easily the best of the first three books in the series and has me greatly anticipating the next installment, "Spell Games."
December 1, 2015
Una continuación más que digna a las aventuras de Marla Mason. De nuevo ambientada en Felport, la protagonista se enfrenta a una nueva amenaza. Rondeau, la mano derecha de Marla tiene mucha más presencia en esta novela que en la segunda y se agradece. El contraste entre ambos y su humor compartido los hace muy creíbles y a los diálogos absolutamente brillantes.
También en esta novela se presentan algunos personajes nuevos y repiten muchos de los conocidos (en definitiva la novela comienza en Felport, la ciudad en la que Marla es la "gobernante").
Aunque en las dos primeras novelas el desarrollo se me hizo un tanto predecible no puedo decir lo mismo de esta. No la he visto venir casi en ningún momento. Dead Reign tiene unos giros muy interesantes con una conclusión absolutamente sorprendente.
Mi única queja sería el modo en que Pratt ata los cabos justo al final. Todo me parece muy calculado y un poco artificial. Es un defecto típico de las novelas urban fantasy (y posiblemente el motivo por el que en general no soy muy aficionado), definir poco los límites de la magia y la sobrenaturalidad general. Así el autor puede ir sacándose cosas nuevas de la manga en nuevas novelas y, desgraciadamente, tirar de deus ex machina cuando se mete en un berenjenal del que no puede salir por medios normales. Y eso es lo que tenemos aquí. Justo al cuando la novela acaba y para que el final quede preparado para la siguiente novela Pratt nos golpea con el deus ex en toda la cara. Una absoluta pena que ha empañado un pelín me experiencia general del libro.
Sin embargo, y a pesar de esto, sigo pensando que es una novela muy divertida, entretenida y ligera que vale totalmente la pena.
También en esta novela se presentan algunos personajes nuevos y repiten muchos de los conocidos (en definitiva la novela comienza en Felport, la ciudad en la que Marla es la "gobernante").
Aunque en las dos primeras novelas el desarrollo se me hizo un tanto predecible no puedo decir lo mismo de esta. No la he visto venir casi en ningún momento. Dead Reign tiene unos giros muy interesantes con una conclusión absolutamente sorprendente.
Mi única queja sería el modo en que Pratt ata los cabos justo al final. Todo me parece muy calculado y un poco artificial. Es un defecto típico de las novelas urban fantasy (y posiblemente el motivo por el que en general no soy muy aficionado), definir poco los límites de la magia y la sobrenaturalidad general. Así el autor puede ir sacándose cosas nuevas de la manga en nuevas novelas y, desgraciadamente, tirar de deus ex machina cuando se mete en un berenjenal del que no puede salir por medios normales. Y eso es lo que tenemos aquí. Justo al cuando la novela acaba y para que el final quede preparado para la siguiente novela Pratt nos golpea con el deus ex en toda la cara. Una absoluta pena que ha empañado un pelín me experiencia general del libro.
Sin embargo, y a pesar de esto, sigo pensando que es una novela muy divertida, entretenida y ligera que vale totalmente la pena.
January 3, 2013
Have to say this is probably my favorite Marla Mason book so far. (I already finished 4.) Also, with that perspective, have to say this is beginning to look like a 'every other one is really good' set up... because #2 "Poison Sleep" was just... long, and #4 "Spell Games" was also long, and went and ended on a cliff hanger, which I'm still pissed about.
"Dead Reign" though, was a good, solid, ass-kicking book. What I like about Marla is that she has faults- and they do NOT help her- so she's realistic, flawed, and does not always win in the end and live happily ever after. Friends die, shit gets bad, and she screws stuff up. Things are not ok, and you have to deal with your mistakes and consequences of your actions.
I like that she had to face her demons quite a bit (literally) in this book, facing the karmic debt of people she's killed - while fighting her way through the underworld. Also the conclusion was not something you could anticipate or see coming.
Don't like to spoiler things, so I'll leave it at that.
"Dead Reign" though, was a good, solid, ass-kicking book. What I like about Marla is that she has faults- and they do NOT help her- so she's realistic, flawed, and does not always win in the end and live happily ever after. Friends die, shit gets bad, and she screws stuff up. Things are not ok, and you have to deal with your mistakes and consequences of your actions.
I like that she had to face her demons quite a bit (literally) in this book, facing the karmic debt of people she's killed - while fighting her way through the underworld. Also the conclusion was not something you could anticipate or see coming.
Don't like to spoiler things, so I'll leave it at that.
April 18, 2016
This is yet another great addition to a really cool series.
This book starts with Marla and Rondeau having a conversation about zombies while they're spying on a necromancer. So you can bet I was hooked from the start!
Soon Marla and Rondeau are split up by circumstances, but they both know how to get things done, even if they have different ways of doing so. I enjoyed seeing how each of them tried to make the best of the situation they were thrown into.
There are lots of cool and fun events in this book. I love the way Pratt mixes humor with a really suspenseful story.
Although I must say that I'm sure by now that Marla will find a way out of trouble. And some things that happen make me wonder if Marla isn't maybe getting too powerful. On the other hand: if the books keep being as cool as this one, I don't care if Marla is too powerful or not.
And this book does end with a very interesting cliffhanger, so you can be sure I'll read the next book soon.
This book starts with Marla and Rondeau having a conversation about zombies while they're spying on a necromancer. So you can bet I was hooked from the start!
Soon Marla and Rondeau are split up by circumstances, but they both know how to get things done, even if they have different ways of doing so. I enjoyed seeing how each of them tried to make the best of the situation they were thrown into.
There are lots of cool and fun events in this book. I love the way Pratt mixes humor with a really suspenseful story.
Although I must say that I'm sure by now that Marla will find a way out of trouble. And some things that happen make me wonder if Marla isn't maybe getting too powerful. On the other hand: if the books keep being as cool as this one, I don't care if Marla is too powerful or not.
And this book does end with a very interesting cliffhanger, so you can be sure I'll read the next book soon.
May 31, 2019
T.A. Pratt is a bloody bright writer. I've been listening too this series. The details are so specific that you can tell he puts a lot of thought into his writing. Listen to this series for a very entertaining story.
May 11, 2022
Could not guess the ending!
February 28, 2012
http://bastardbooks.blogspot.com/2012...
After a few disappointing urban fantasy reads recently, Dead Reign by T.A. Pratt was a welcomed change. This is the third installment of the Marla Mason series, and it gave me just what I was expecting to get out of it. I'm glad I held back continuing the series after finishing up Poison Sleep a few months back, as reading Dead Reign when I did was just what I needed at the time.
Death has come to Felport, and naturally it's chief sorcerer Marla Mason who has to put a stop to him before he destroys her precious city. The timing is inconvenient as she has to appease the ghosts of the founders by throwing a party in their honor or risk mayhem through her city. By the same token, she's short on allies and people who she can trust, not that trust has ever been something she could count on in her world. Needless to say that Marla finds herself outmatched by a god, but that has never stopped Marla from picking a fight to defend her city.
Marla Mason is quickly becoming one of my favorite characters in fantasy, a no-nonsense kickass heroine with a heart of gold. At least that's how she resides in my mind; love is blind I guess. We see more of that here as Marla takes on an entity that simply is too powerful even for her. But who cares, right? If someone is going to take over Felport it'll be over Marla's dead body, and who better for the job than Death himself.
After each installment the character interaction has been better and better. The author seems to have hit his comfort zone; the dialogue has good rhythm and the characters and the world complement each other perfectly. While in the first Marla Mason novel there were a few head scratchers for me in how some elements might have seemed a bit out of place, everything being introduced just seems to fit naturally right now regardless of how outlandish it may seem. It all starts with how well Marla has come along, and especially the great supporting cast she has been surrounded with, beginning with her "sidekick" Rondeau who has become a fascinating character in his own right.
Dead Reign more than just being a novel about Marla overcoming odds to protect her city, it's also about soul searching for her. As such, I couldn't think of a more fitting title for the novel, the dead in some form or another have left their imprints allover this novel. Marla undertakes a journey where she literally faces the demons of her past, which in ways have been stunting her personal growth. Through the novel we get to know her better than ever before, expressly aspects of her past that we've been in the dark about. Not only that, we also learn about the nature of magical artifacts, in particular that of the dagger of office and Marla's cloak.
My only real complaint is that through Marla's journey we are faced with a few scenes that I didn't care much for, particularly ones that were rehashes of events we've already experienced. Other than that, a ton of fun and full of gratifying events. It has a cliffhanger for an ending, one that I very much liked. I say that, but know that the plot that was laid out in Dead Reign was concluded. It's inconsequential though since you can just pick up the next novel and continue the story without a problem, which I did.
In any case, another entertaining novel from T.A. Pratt which has the Marla Mason series steadily climbing the ranks among my favorite urban fantasies. It's a series that I can easily recommend to any urban fantasy reader, and welcome readers outside the sub-genre to give a try.
After a few disappointing urban fantasy reads recently, Dead Reign by T.A. Pratt was a welcomed change. This is the third installment of the Marla Mason series, and it gave me just what I was expecting to get out of it. I'm glad I held back continuing the series after finishing up Poison Sleep a few months back, as reading Dead Reign when I did was just what I needed at the time.
Death has come to Felport, and naturally it's chief sorcerer Marla Mason who has to put a stop to him before he destroys her precious city. The timing is inconvenient as she has to appease the ghosts of the founders by throwing a party in their honor or risk mayhem through her city. By the same token, she's short on allies and people who she can trust, not that trust has ever been something she could count on in her world. Needless to say that Marla finds herself outmatched by a god, but that has never stopped Marla from picking a fight to defend her city.
Marla Mason is quickly becoming one of my favorite characters in fantasy, a no-nonsense kickass heroine with a heart of gold. At least that's how she resides in my mind; love is blind I guess. We see more of that here as Marla takes on an entity that simply is too powerful even for her. But who cares, right? If someone is going to take over Felport it'll be over Marla's dead body, and who better for the job than Death himself.
After each installment the character interaction has been better and better. The author seems to have hit his comfort zone; the dialogue has good rhythm and the characters and the world complement each other perfectly. While in the first Marla Mason novel there were a few head scratchers for me in how some elements might have seemed a bit out of place, everything being introduced just seems to fit naturally right now regardless of how outlandish it may seem. It all starts with how well Marla has come along, and especially the great supporting cast she has been surrounded with, beginning with her "sidekick" Rondeau who has become a fascinating character in his own right.
Dead Reign more than just being a novel about Marla overcoming odds to protect her city, it's also about soul searching for her. As such, I couldn't think of a more fitting title for the novel, the dead in some form or another have left their imprints allover this novel. Marla undertakes a journey where she literally faces the demons of her past, which in ways have been stunting her personal growth. Through the novel we get to know her better than ever before, expressly aspects of her past that we've been in the dark about. Not only that, we also learn about the nature of magical artifacts, in particular that of the dagger of office and Marla's cloak.
My only real complaint is that through Marla's journey we are faced with a few scenes that I didn't care much for, particularly ones that were rehashes of events we've already experienced. Other than that, a ton of fun and full of gratifying events. It has a cliffhanger for an ending, one that I very much liked. I say that, but know that the plot that was laid out in Dead Reign was concluded. It's inconsequential though since you can just pick up the next novel and continue the story without a problem, which I did.
In any case, another entertaining novel from T.A. Pratt which has the Marla Mason series steadily climbing the ranks among my favorite urban fantasies. It's a series that I can easily recommend to any urban fantasy reader, and welcome readers outside the sub-genre to give a try.
February 29, 2016
One of my continuing goals is to try out new authors. As there will unlikely be a new Dresden Files books this year, I'm exploring, for me, some new urban fantasy authors. For all of the negatives that have been posted about Butcher's writing and the Dresden books, I'll have to say I don't think Pratt's Marla Mason is quite as good a read.
On the plus side Marla is a much more engaging character than Hamilton's Anita Blake. I'm willing to buy Marla's wise ass commentary and attempt at a no nonsense attitude. From a characterization view, Pratt's character would benefit from giving the reader more than just the surface snark and toughness. There are hints about deeper aspects of Marla during her Underworld excursion, which I was happy to read, but not quite enough to insure that I would read more of the character's adventures.
The pluses remain an engaging enough lead character, some small world building, and perhaps the biggest piece of credit that I have to give Pratt is that his solution to Marla's problem is not easy or a Russell T. Davies cop out.
On the minus side the city of Felport should have bee, I believe a real city. Butcher has used Chicago, Blake St. Louis (and I forget the city Kim Harrison uses). I think that a real city would have worked better as its own background character. The story might have been better as a novella or short story, because I think the concept isn't quite long enough for a novel.
The concept is that the incarnation of Death comes to Felport, deposes Marla from her position as chief sorcerer, and banishes Marla from the city. Marla has to find a way to beat the banishment spell and regain her seat of power.
In the interests of full disclosure this is the third book in the series, and with the publisher dropping the contract, Pratt is now essentially self publishing (the new book can be found on amazon). An argument could be made that the character work done here pays off in later books.
So from a character view Marla is much better than Anita Blake, as I couldn't buy into Blake no matter how hard I tried. The city setting would have been better in a real city, even though I admit Simon Green does make London's "second" city, the Nightside work in his short stories.
Towards the top of the TBR pile is an Iron Druid book for me to try out, and I'm considering giving Kim Harrison another try in this genre.
On the plus side Marla is a much more engaging character than Hamilton's Anita Blake. I'm willing to buy Marla's wise ass commentary and attempt at a no nonsense attitude. From a characterization view, Pratt's character would benefit from giving the reader more than just the surface snark and toughness. There are hints about deeper aspects of Marla during her Underworld excursion, which I was happy to read, but not quite enough to insure that I would read more of the character's adventures.
The pluses remain an engaging enough lead character, some small world building, and perhaps the biggest piece of credit that I have to give Pratt is that his solution to Marla's problem is not easy or a Russell T. Davies cop out.
On the minus side the city of Felport should have bee, I believe a real city. Butcher has used Chicago, Blake St. Louis (and I forget the city Kim Harrison uses). I think that a real city would have worked better as its own background character. The story might have been better as a novella or short story, because I think the concept isn't quite long enough for a novel.
The concept is that the incarnation of Death comes to Felport, deposes Marla from her position as chief sorcerer, and banishes Marla from the city. Marla has to find a way to beat the banishment spell and regain her seat of power.
In the interests of full disclosure this is the third book in the series, and with the publisher dropping the contract, Pratt is now essentially self publishing (the new book can be found on amazon). An argument could be made that the character work done here pays off in later books.
So from a character view Marla is much better than Anita Blake, as I couldn't buy into Blake no matter how hard I tried. The city setting would have been better in a real city, even though I admit Simon Green does make London's "second" city, the Nightside work in his short stories.
Towards the top of the TBR pile is an Iron Druid book for me to try out, and I'm considering giving Kim Harrison another try in this genre.
January 13, 2009
This is the third book in the series, featuring Marla Mason, the head of all the hidden magic society in Felport, an imaginary East Coast city in the tradition of Gotham and Metropolis, though I'd say Felport is closer to the former than the latter. Aside from a new urban center, and the magic, Marla's world is pretty close to our own.
Anyway, in this book, Marla takes on Death, mostly because he steps in her territory and won't leave her alone. When having a character, even a powerful one, face a god, it can be pretty difficult. The series is good at making it clear that Marla can't go toe-to-toe with Death*, so she needs to be more clever than that. (Almost typed subtle, except Marla ain't subtle at all.)
* Marla has two powerful artifacts. The first is the knife Death wants back, and was able to surprise him once. The second has some pretty severe drawbacks, so Marla doesn't keep it on-hand.
Anyway, this was an entertaining read, both as to 'how do you beat someone who could kill you with a thought, and is only keeping you alive because he's the godly equivalent of a little boy that pulls the wings off of flies?**' and to see Marla's past. We also get to see some of the characters from the first book, which I didn't expect -- they were based in San Francisco, so weren't regulars in the city.
** I'd complain that Death really should have just killed Marla, except it's made clear that he's a little sadist, and that killing her would jsut make the knife pass to another mortal he'd have to deal with.
My one complaint was that the series used a bait-and-switch at the end. Marla finishes up the plot, and who should appear at her door but the bearer of the next plot. Metaphorically speaking, I mean. I hate when books do this.
Anyway, in this book, Marla takes on Death, mostly because he steps in her territory and won't leave her alone. When having a character, even a powerful one, face a god, it can be pretty difficult. The series is good at making it clear that Marla can't go toe-to-toe with Death*, so she needs to be more clever than that. (Almost typed subtle, except Marla ain't subtle at all.)
* Marla has two powerful artifacts. The first is the knife Death wants back, and was able to surprise him once. The second has some pretty severe drawbacks, so Marla doesn't keep it on-hand.
Anyway, this was an entertaining read, both as to 'how do you beat someone who could kill you with a thought, and is only keeping you alive because he's the godly equivalent of a little boy that pulls the wings off of flies?**' and to see Marla's past. We also get to see some of the characters from the first book, which I didn't expect -- they were based in San Francisco, so weren't regulars in the city.
** I'd complain that Death really should have just killed Marla, except it's made clear that he's a little sadist, and that killing her would jsut make the knife pass to another mortal he'd have to deal with.
My one complaint was that the series used a bait-and-switch at the end. Marla finishes up the plot, and who should appear at her door but the bearer of the next plot. Metaphorically speaking, I mean. I hate when books do this.
May 7, 2009
Dead Reign is a unique addition to the Marla Mason series in that, Marla isn't able to protect her city because she has been exiled. This being the case, Rondeau gets his much needed time to shine. Having Walking Death after you can't be a good thing, and Marla has to go to hell, literally, to defeat him. I thought that Pratt's ideas for Death and hell were very interesting. Hell can't really be a fiery pit of despair can it? Well, not in Marla's world. Marla's trip to hell gives us a much needed look into her past, and helps build her into a much stronger protagonist for us readers. It also leaves the plot wide open for upcoming books in the Marlaverse.
Usually, I have a problem when a bunch of characters are added into a story, but in this case all of the players are necessary and each has their own unique flavor. Pratt manages to construct these new sorcerers, and make them shine with their distinctive personalities. Not leaving one to fall flat. A small issue I had with the book was that there was a lot of build up for an epic battle scene between Marla and Death/Rondeau and Death, but we don't see that. I think this was mainly a platform to show growth in all the main characters. I don't think Dead Reign is as GREAT as Poison Sleep was, but it definitely lives up to my expectations for fantastic Urban Fantasy.
If you plan to pick up this series, definitely start from the beginning with Blood Engines (Marla Mason, Book 1) . Each book could honestly stand alone if you really wanted to start with a different one, but you'll miss the little nuisances between the characters and their city of Felport.
Usually, I have a problem when a bunch of characters are added into a story, but in this case all of the players are necessary and each has their own unique flavor. Pratt manages to construct these new sorcerers, and make them shine with their distinctive personalities. Not leaving one to fall flat. A small issue I had with the book was that there was a lot of build up for an epic battle scene between Marla and Death/Rondeau and Death, but we don't see that. I think this was mainly a platform to show growth in all the main characters. I don't think Dead Reign is as GREAT as Poison Sleep was, but it definitely lives up to my expectations for fantastic Urban Fantasy.
If you plan to pick up this series, definitely start from the beginning with Blood Engines (Marla Mason, Book 1) . Each book could honestly stand alone if you really wanted to start with a different one, but you'll miss the little nuisances between the characters and their city of Felport.
August 22, 2015
I realize this 2008 offering from T. A. Pratt is the third in a longer series, but it's my first introduction to his master sorceress, Marla Mason.
It would have been nice to get to know Marla a little better before the action of this story begins. Instead, after Death kicks her out of Felport, the city she runs, she hardly plays a role in the story until about 80% of the way in.
While her supporters, led by mysterious entity Rondeau,
fight a rear-guard resistance, we are left to wonder what her next
play will be, if any. Finally, she decides to invade Hell to kick some butt. She just happens to know a seer who can get her in. It all sounds a little too easy.
Luckily, I always enjoy it when there's a feckless sidekick, and Dead Reign introduces Pelham, gifted to Marla as a "valet," much against her desires. Pelham is rather naive and wishy-washy (picture Jarvis in "Agent Carter," but a welcome addition anyway, especially when we see Marla rescue him after he's been eaten by a dragon/witch.
Marla's sortie into Hell can't help but be a real thrill ride. You see, hell is an individual thing. In this case, it embodies all of Marla's worst fears and contains her worst, albeit dead, enemies. Pratt throws an incredible panoply of nightmarish monsters and creatures at Marla and Pelham. But the one monster she never would expect is Death himself--or, rather, the
old Death, who refuses to step down. He makes Marla an offer she can't
refuse, and we await the verdict: Who will reign in Hell?
As you might guess, Marla lives to fight another day in the sequel, "Spell Games."
It would have been nice to get to know Marla a little better before the action of this story begins. Instead, after Death kicks her out of Felport, the city she runs, she hardly plays a role in the story until about 80% of the way in.
While her supporters, led by mysterious entity Rondeau,
fight a rear-guard resistance, we are left to wonder what her next
play will be, if any. Finally, she decides to invade Hell to kick some butt. She just happens to know a seer who can get her in. It all sounds a little too easy.
Luckily, I always enjoy it when there's a feckless sidekick, and Dead Reign introduces Pelham, gifted to Marla as a "valet," much against her desires. Pelham is rather naive and wishy-washy (picture Jarvis in "Agent Carter," but a welcome addition anyway, especially when we see Marla rescue him after he's been eaten by a dragon/witch.
Marla's sortie into Hell can't help but be a real thrill ride. You see, hell is an individual thing. In this case, it embodies all of Marla's worst fears and contains her worst, albeit dead, enemies. Pratt throws an incredible panoply of nightmarish monsters and creatures at Marla and Pelham. But the one monster she never would expect is Death himself--or, rather, the
old Death, who refuses to step down. He makes Marla an offer she can't
refuse, and we await the verdict: Who will reign in Hell?
As you might guess, Marla lives to fight another day in the sequel, "Spell Games."
June 17, 2015
This is where things get interesting. Marla Mason defines herself in terms of her city, Felport, and so as part of the climax of the arc, she is denied it. Overall, the book is more about the people left, and the city itself than Marla. She is her own story's b-plot.
But the story flows with grit and anger to make it feel real, and urban, but nominally urban fantasy — although it's in and about a city, don't look for romantic sexytimes here! Marla is in crisis and goes to the Journey of Her Own Past, while the city fights itself under the shadow of Death and a resistance is formed. The formula is made clear, and polished — Marla fights herself to gain a power or understanding which will allow her to fight for Felport, her city and protectorate. Marla is the knight in sour armor, but even more dark (if less angry than previous novels). She takes advantage and manipulates friends and enemies alike to allow her to accomplish her goals, while those around her attempt to harness her power and disruption to further their own goals. The ending is a showdown with the big bad of the book, which equally physical as it is mental or spiritual. By taking advantage of the enemy's underestimation of her determination and newly achieved power, Marla gains a victory and has to deal with the consequences.
Strongly recommended.
But the story flows with grit and anger to make it feel real, and urban, but nominally urban fantasy — although it's in and about a city, don't look for romantic sexytimes here! Marla is in crisis and goes to the Journey of Her Own Past, while the city fights itself under the shadow of Death and a resistance is formed. The formula is made clear, and polished — Marla fights herself to gain a power or understanding which will allow her to fight for Felport, her city and protectorate. Marla is the knight in sour armor, but even more dark (if less angry than previous novels). She takes advantage and manipulates friends and enemies alike to allow her to accomplish her goals, while those around her attempt to harness her power and disruption to further their own goals. The ending is a showdown with the big bad of the book, which equally physical as it is mental or spiritual. By taking advantage of the enemy's underestimation of her determination and newly achieved power, Marla gains a victory and has to deal with the consequences.
Strongly recommended.
August 30, 2013
I really liked this book. I read it in the midst of general craziness, having to move out half the kitchen so it could be sprayed for bugs, and then retreating to the library so as not to breathe in the fumes, much of it on a backless chair.
I'm generally a fan of urban fantasy, and this is significantly better than average.
I like it because it is about Marla (mostly) and how much she cares for her city. She cares so much that she is willing to I like it because it doesn't provide an easy ending, but is a big, complicated ending that isn't exactly happy, but isn't exactly sad. I particularly like that Marla sees Death, both
I'll be reading the next book, once I get it from the library.
I'm generally a fan of urban fantasy, and this is significantly better than average.
I like it because it is about Marla (mostly) and how much she cares for her city. She cares so much that she is willing to I like it because it doesn't provide an easy ending, but is a big, complicated ending that isn't exactly happy, but isn't exactly sad. I particularly like that Marla sees Death, both
I'll be reading the next book, once I get it from the library.
November 9, 2008
If you have enjoyed Pratt's previous two Marla Mason novels, you should enjoy this one--though perhaps not quite as much.
Sure it's a fun romp as always, though the third novel in the series felt a bit hurried, a bit "tossed off". Perhaps it's merely the fact that after the third time, I'm beginning to notice some of Pratt's tricks, repetitions, and quirks.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed Marla's latest adventure, though I am a tad worried where the series is headed. When the main character has a run-in with Death-incarnate, it makes it hard for Pratt to dial back the series in later adventures. Can the reader stay interested with supernatural street gangs, The Bay Witch, and Rondeau's antics after dealing with Death himself?
Well, I hope so, because THAT'S where I think the series belongs. When a urban fantasy's main character gets too powerful, I tend to lose interest. Give me someone more human. And Marla is definitely human, with all her problems and flaws. Here's hoping Pratt keeps it a bit more low key in the next book.
Sure it's a fun romp as always, though the third novel in the series felt a bit hurried, a bit "tossed off". Perhaps it's merely the fact that after the third time, I'm beginning to notice some of Pratt's tricks, repetitions, and quirks.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed Marla's latest adventure, though I am a tad worried where the series is headed. When the main character has a run-in with Death-incarnate, it makes it hard for Pratt to dial back the series in later adventures. Can the reader stay interested with supernatural street gangs, The Bay Witch, and Rondeau's antics after dealing with Death himself?
Well, I hope so, because THAT'S where I think the series belongs. When a urban fantasy's main character gets too powerful, I tend to lose interest. Give me someone more human. And Marla is definitely human, with all her problems and flaws. Here's hoping Pratt keeps it a bit more low key in the next book.
April 9, 2009
I got the ARC of this book as a part of the book goodie bag at the World Fantasy Convention in Calgary. After looking at the cover I never intended to read it. I mean, there was a hooded woman in a very odd posture and a cloak. It didn't really inspire my imagination. I read the back cover and rolled my eyes at the 'spunky woman meets and battles death' description. Then I don't remember how it happened, but I read a couple pages. And then a couple more. And then a couple more.
Dead Reign is a good book. In fact, it's a very good book. The main character is well-rounded, funny and someone you can really like. She reminds me quite a bit of Mercy Thompson from Patricia Briggs' series. She's not the only awesome character in the novel though -- I thought they were all great, the story was far less predictable than you'd think and the pace was perfect. I really liked this book and I will definitely be picking up more books from this series.
...I still don't like the cover though ;)
Dead Reign is a good book. In fact, it's a very good book. The main character is well-rounded, funny and someone you can really like. She reminds me quite a bit of Mercy Thompson from Patricia Briggs' series. She's not the only awesome character in the novel though -- I thought they were all great, the story was far less predictable than you'd think and the pace was perfect. I really liked this book and I will definitely be picking up more books from this series.
...I still don't like the cover though ;)
October 11, 2012
Liked:
* Marla is a hard character to understand and I get why some people don't like her. She can be ruthless and even her friends sometimes find her difficult to get along with. Still, she is completely unique especially in the overcrowded urban fantasy shelves. Also, her ruthlessness and the distance she keeps from most people starts to be explained in this book. I really enjoyed being able to peer more into her past.
* I never know what's going to happen next! The plot is delightfully unpredictable.
* The world-building is great. There are so many different kinds of sorcerers and parallel realms. It's all good fun.
* There are funny parts too. I had a couple of good chuckles, especially with the goat.
Liked Less:
* This one was a little slow off the line. I was a good 30% in before things really grabbed me (and then it didn't let go).
Overall, another excellent installment in a unique urban fantasy series.
* Marla is a hard character to understand and I get why some people don't like her. She can be ruthless and even her friends sometimes find her difficult to get along with. Still, she is completely unique especially in the overcrowded urban fantasy shelves. Also, her ruthlessness and the distance she keeps from most people starts to be explained in this book. I really enjoyed being able to peer more into her past.
* I never know what's going to happen next! The plot is delightfully unpredictable.
* The world-building is great. There are so many different kinds of sorcerers and parallel realms. It's all good fun.
* There are funny parts too. I had a couple of good chuckles, especially with the goat.
Liked Less:
* This one was a little slow off the line. I was a good 30% in before things really grabbed me (and then it didn't let go).
Overall, another excellent installment in a unique urban fantasy series.
May 21, 2012
Marla Mason goes to Hell. It isn't exciting. The author has a talent for describing supernatural events in a bland, workaday mode that fails to bowl me over -- either with the protagonist's reaction or the sheer special-effects awesomeness of it all. I realize I'm picky about this sort of thing: I regularly excoriate Simon Green for putting in special-effects narration that's over-the-top but *bad*. Richard Kadrey fell down at the job too. For what it's worth, Kate Griffin hits it dead-on.
So, there's my prejudices about fantasy writing laid bare, and I think I'm done with Marla Mason now. (So is the publisher, although the author is web-publishing sequels. If you enjoyed the first few, go hunt up the rest, by all means. I see some series arc shaping up -- the second book was about love, the third about death, the teaser for the fourth implies family.)
So, there's my prejudices about fantasy writing laid bare, and I think I'm done with Marla Mason now. (So is the publisher, although the author is web-publishing sequels. If you enjoyed the first few, go hunt up the rest, by all means. I see some series arc shaping up -- the second book was about love, the third about death, the teaser for the fourth implies family.)
January 9, 2009
Marla Mason is not a nice person. She keeps her word, but if you mess with her, you're going down. In this story, Death - he doesn't SPEAK LIKE THIS, but he's apparently the real deal - tries to mess with her. It ends poorly for him, as we would expect.
Marla actually shows signs of character growth, which surprised me. I figured that it'd have to happen sooner or later, what with book 4 coming out in two months, but I didn't expect it now. It's subtle, but she's learning.
I like these books, but not well enough to go out and purchase them. For now, I'm totally content checking them out from the library. That said, if you like supernatural ass-kickery and strong female leads, you will probably like these books quite a bit.
Marla actually shows signs of character growth, which surprised me. I figured that it'd have to happen sooner or later, what with book 4 coming out in two months, but I didn't expect it now. It's subtle, but she's learning.
I like these books, but not well enough to go out and purchase them. For now, I'm totally content checking them out from the library. That said, if you like supernatural ass-kickery and strong female leads, you will probably like these books quite a bit.
June 3, 2013
[addressing Walking Death] "You only exist because of us," the Chamberlain said. " You are defined by us, by our cessation. When the last human dies you will die with her."
"Oh, no, no. I'm the death of all living things, from cockroaches to whales to kudzu to yogurt. Humans are just the most entertaining, because you worry about death so much, and think so hard about the aftermath. There is no afterlife for a field of corn, you know, when it's mown down. But you humans, you just have to go somewhere, and you all come to me." 136
"...Normally, the dead can't change, but being brought back to life provides another little window for learning experiences to slip through." 264
"Oh, no, no. I'm the death of all living things, from cockroaches to whales to kudzu to yogurt. Humans are just the most entertaining, because you worry about death so much, and think so hard about the aftermath. There is no afterlife for a field of corn, you know, when it's mown down. But you humans, you just have to go somewhere, and you all come to me." 136
"...Normally, the dead can't change, but being brought back to life provides another little window for learning experiences to slip through." 264
January 12, 2011
Marla Mason is an amazing and riveting character made better by her decisions in life threatening situations that these books continue to present. I was totally surprised at the way this book turned out, it was much better than the jacket describes! Marla has something that Death wants and will do anything to get back. Marla, as we know, will do anything to save her city. Throw in John Wilkes Booth, a man who thinks he's dead, a lich, and a starstruck servant and you have a very interesting story. I can't recommend this series enough to urban fantasy fans!
March 6, 2011
My husband asked me what I was reading while I was reading this. I fumbled for some sort of explanation and when I realized how ridiculous it sounded, it made me like these books more. They are just plain fun. And easy to read on a treadmill. I mean, really, what's not to love about an ass-kicking female protagonist with magical powers and her silly cohorts? This book has it all. Death (with a capitol D), marriage, violence, sorcery, a groveling manservant... Anyway, this series is my guilty pleasure right now and will continue to be for the near future.
August 21, 2014
I was cheering to myself as I finished reading this in a Starbucks. I love that Marla's fling with a lovetalker didn't work out in the previous book, and then in the immediate sequel she ends up a half-goddess married to Death himself. Go big or go home. I also love that her solution to Death taking over her city was to go to Hell (literally) and take Death's throne from him. Marla is a woman who is ambitious and possessive, and she's fully aware of both qualities. She knows what she's good at and where her failings are, and she makes smart alliances as well as sympathetic ones.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2016
Like this entry in Marla Mason's adventures much better than the last book, where I really, really hated the stuff with... not love interest - the magical mind fucker. (Is Josha supposed to be a male femme fatale? Cause he just seems like a rapist.) Unfortunately there is a revisting of this near the end of this book, but at least it is mercifully short. Other than that, good overall. Like that it wasn't a massive fight at the end. Marla is smart and creative in how she gets shit done.
June 9, 2013
I'm giving this one a four because for HIS books I loved it. I still don't think he is a great writer, I would be pushing it to say good writer, but I liked this one a lot. The idea of Death was cool and I think his books are wonderfully original. I enjoyed seeing more of Randeau (I think, her sidekick guy) and since Ted is dead Pen.... (Butler guy) is a good substitute. I also like that the new "good guys" didn't die like they always seem to do.
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