Owl and the Japanese Circus
Ratings3
Average rating3.3
15
Ratings3
Average rating3.3
The first in an exciting series featuring the unforgettable antiquities thief Owl—a modern-day “Indiana Jane” who reluctantly navigates the hidden supernatural world—from the pen of rising urban fantasy star Kristi Charish (The Kincaid Strange series). For fans of Kim Harrison, Jim Butcher, Jennifer Estep, Jenn Bennett, and the like. Ex-archaeology grad student turned international antiquities thief, Alix—better known now as Owl—has one rule. No supernatural jobs. Ever. Until she crosses paths with Mr. Kurosawa, a red dragon who owns and runs the Japanese Circus Casino in Las Vegas. He insists Owl retrieve an artifact stolen three thousand years ago, and makes her an offer she can’t refuse: he’ll get rid of a pack of vampires that want her dead. A dragon is about the only entity on the planet that can deliver on Owl’s vampire problem—and let’s face it, dragons are known to eat the odd thief. Owl retraces the steps of Mr. Kurosawa’s ancient thief from Japan to Bali with the help of her best friend, Nadya, and an attractive mercenary. As it turns out though, finding the scroll is the least of her worries. When she figures out one of Mr. Kurosawa’s trusted advisors is orchestrating a plan to use a weapon powerful enough to wipe out a city, things go to hell in a hand basket fast…and Owl has to pick sides.
Featured Series
4 primary booksThe Adventures of Owl is a 4-book series with 4 primary works first released in 2015 with contributions by Kristi Charish.
Reviews with the most likes.
We should start by getting something out of the way: If you're looking for the story of an anthropomorphic predatory bird that runs away from home to join the circus, you might be a little disappointed. There are no actual owls in this book.
If, on the other hand, you're in the market for a fun, fast-paced supernatural adventure story that's reminiscent equally of Indiana Jones-style adventure stories and Whedonesque banter and self-aware humour, then you're in luck, and Owl and the Japanese Circus is the type of novel you might want to check out.
Owl..., the debut novel from BC author Kristi Charish, is the story of the eponymous Owl, an antiquities thief who tries to live her life by one simple rule: don't get caught up with the supernatural. This is, of course, a perfectly sensible rule, and like many perfectly sensible rules in life, it gets completely ignored as she gets mixed up with vampires, dragons, and other supernatural creatures in a globe-trotting, temple-robbing adventure. Owl is a rough-around-the-edges protagonist with an interesting backstory and a quick wit, and her adventures are cinematic in pace and scope, while still containing enough depth and complexity that the reader isn't left wanting.
This is the first book in a series, and in it Charish establishes an interesting character and status quo for the rest of the series while also telling a story that stands well on its own. Without venturing into spoiler territory, this works somewhat as an origin story for Owl, both in terms of the backstory that's provided for her and the path that she's set on in terms of future adventures that she will no doubt be having. For fans of urban fantasy, pulpy classic adventure heroes, and compelling, sharp-tongued protagonists, Owl and the Japanese Circus is a title that's definitely worth picking up.
(Note: this review originally published on http://northerntomorrows.wordpress.com)
I loved this book! Owl is a thief, or should I say procurer of artifacts. She doesn't want anything to do with supernaturals, but you don't always get what you want. The characters are great. Owl, Nadya, Rynn, and her cat Captain help make a very interesting tale. I love all things paranormal. supernatural, etc. I hate books that are more romance than supernatural. That being said, this book was perfect for me. Heavy on the supernatural, with a little romance thrown in. I definitely recommend this book!
paranormal heists! for all you Laurel k Hamilton lovers who don't go for all the explicit sex (still some romance!) Owl is a much more morally grey protagonist as a thief but she's also addicted to mmorgs which is cute.
