Review: BLOOD TALLY by Brian McClellan

Publisher: Self-Published
Release Date: February 11th, 2020
Page Count: 164
Series: VALKYRIE COLLECTIONS, Book 2
Rating: 4/5 Stars – Really Liked It

Warning: Possible light spoilers ahead for earlier books in the series.  If you haven’t started yet, here’s the review for UNCANNY COLLATERAL!

Alek Fitz has one rule when it comes to his job as a supernatural collections agent: he doesn’t track runaways.  So when his boss not only insists that Alek track down a vampire’s missing thrall, but that he double-cross a client and deal information to a second person, he knows something is seriously wrong. Determined to uncover the real prize at the heart of the matter, Alek agrees to take the case. What he finds isn’t simply a a person trying to get out of their contract – the thrall stole a secret that could upend the balance of power across the whole supernatural world.

BLOOD TALLY is another fun, action-packed installment in the VALKYRIE COLLECTIONS universe.  I love it when a series builds upon the cast of characters the protagonist interacts with so that you have a nice stable of “guest stars” you can call upon when the chips are down.  You’ll see the return of previous allies and foes alike, including Nick the Necromancer.  This time around, Alek is also joined by Olivia, a witch without a coven who can hold her own, and Eddie, a magical cat who steals the spotlight whenever he’s around.  I very much look forward to seeing how these two continue to intertwine in Alek’s life as the series continues.

As for the plot, if you were a fan of the supernatural corporate shenanigans of UNCANNY COLLATERAL, they’re back in full swing.  This time around, the focus is on vampires and the contracts they make to take thralls and amass power, and what Alek discovers about his client’s agenda is as amusing as it is terrifying in its simplicity. You’ll also see some forward progress on who is hunting Maggie, the djinn trapped in the ring Alek wears, and Alek’s continuing hunt for his parents.  As this series was envisioned as a trilogy (with room for more), I’m hopeful the eventual book three will finally get us the answers we need!

All in all, if you are looking for a quick, fun, urban fantasy series to jump on, you simply can’t go wrong with VALKYRIE COLLECTIONS.   I look forward to reading even more of Alek’s adventures in the future!