Josh Reviews: The Bitter Seed of Magic by Suzanne McLeod

The Bitter Seed of Magic by Suzanne McLeod
Published by ACE
Published on: February 17th 2011
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 416
Format: Paperback

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On the surface, Genny's life seems ripple-free right now. Finn, her sexy boss and -- well, Genny's not sure what else she wants him to be -- has stopped pushing for a decision on their relationship. The seductive vampire Malik al-Khan has vanished back into the shadows. But unless Genny can find a way to break the fertility curse afflicting London's fae, she knows this is just the lull before the magical storm.

The Bitter Seed of Magic relates a dizzying and disastrous couple of days (I lost track how many) in a faerie and vampire-ridden London.    The main draw here is in the variety of creatures.

A great big book of fae geneology has been opened and out pops satyrs, druids, merfolk, trolls, bird folk, and orange baboon colored spirits.    And many of them speak a mean slang, which really comes to life.    Truly, a lot of the dialogue pops.

The plot, at times, draws into confusing territory.    It is understandable what with incorporating this plethora of magical beings.    Everybody has an agenda and as they are talking to Genevieve she is nearly always thinking, “there’s something that bothers me about this information.”    In time, everything becomes clear, crystal clear but like the colored crystal clear kind, like, even though, it can be seen through it is flush with color.

And while we’re on the subject of flushes, the vamp and satyr in Genevieve’s life, time and again, get too close for comfort.    I lean towards the foreboding Malik al-Khan, if only because he can embrace the fanged side of Genevieve’s blood.    Did I mention she is a curious mix of vamp and faerie?    But Finn, the satry, what with his goat horns and sex magic, remains a strong contender.

Also the description of spells, how they are marked with specific colors and shapes, nicely complements the range of creatures.    Since Genevieve can absorb this magic but not cast any spells, it is a nice change of pace.    We get to see all the craftsmanship that the witches and wizards practice without all the hard work involved.    Instead it can just be zapped into Genevieve’s palm.

If you are looking for a challenging read, high on imagination (reminds me of the super cute wee little goblin about midway through the book, a little jimmied on methodone; he’s in a high-chair; oooo, so cute), you should get in on this ongoing and well-unfolding caper.

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