Lure of the Wicked by author Karina Cooper is the second novel in her Dark Mission series. While this book was not as punchy as book one, Blood of the Wicked, I really enjoyed the character development in her futuristic series of butt-kicking witches.
Plot:
Naomi West was plucked from one prison and placed undercover in another: the gilded cage that is Timeless, New Seattle's premier spa and resort, where owner Phineas Clarke—the most seductive man Naomi has ever met—may be hiding a killer. She's an agent of the Holy Order, trained to hunt the guilty and render justice. But while she's tracking down a rogue agent on a killing spree, Phin is determined to uncover her most damning—and dangerous—secrets. Whatever the cost.
I'm going to strongly recommend that if you have yet to read this series make sure to grab the first book before moving on to this one. So much happens in book one that in order for you to really get who Naomi is you will need to see where it all starts. The series continues to grow and develop in Lure of the Wicked with the latest book adding a new layer to the feast Karina is creating with her words. Naomi is a witch-hunter tuff chick with a big emotional hole in her heart because she was abandoned and left to fend for herself as a young girl. I really did feel for her character. I would have liked to see a little more of a change in her by the end of the story, because she seems to keep herself locked away from the people around her. Emotionally unavailable much? Still I like her, one ballsy lady who wont take any crap from those around her.
Phineas character was a little harder for me to get into, he didn't really seem like a good match for Naomi. She's more street thug while he is definitely high brow silver spoon fancy pants. He does have his moments of tuff guy but those were a bit too few and far between. Fashion and high end cars are what Phineas is all about while Naomi's is out kicking witch butt and shooting at crap. By the end I did feel that it kinda works between them but not who I would have seen her with. I did like that you don't get a "happily ever after" ending because that would have NEVER worked with these two. What you get is a sorta, and that's already spilling too much about this story. ;) The best part about these two is the sex! Good undead lordy I had to fan myself several times throughout the book; if nothing else they should just not talk and hump all day long. lol
Overall the book was well-written packed with action in vivid detail, the growing of things to come is what has me most excited. I'm still holding out for a Jonas book to make its way down the pipes, and to get a little more info on where the heck Silas went during all those years he left the mission in Seattle. I have high expectations from this author because she is THAT good, so if my rating seems harsh please don't hex me with a spell. lol Lots more to come in this series and I for one can't wait!