Battle Hill Bolero

Starred review from December 12, 2016
It’s all-out war between rebel supernatural forces and New York City’s Council of the Dead in this phenomenal conclusion to bestseller Older’s streetwise Bone Street Rumba fantasy trilogy (following Half-Resurrection Blues and Midnight Taxi Tango). Council agent Carlos Delacruz is once again caught between sides when he and his lover, Sasha Brass—who, like him, is half-dead—are drawn into the rebellion against the corrupt Council. The organization is charged with mediating conflicts among members of the supernatural community, but growing evidence suggests they’re involved in something more ominous. As usual in this alternate New York of overlapping powers and influences, nothing is cut and dried, and allies can turn into foes in the blink of an eye. As the battle lines are drawn, Carlos, Sasha, and their friends face treachery from multiple sides. Victory could turn on the possession of mysterious magical books, but they may have to take the battle to hell itself. Older populates his paranormal Brooklyn with colorful everyday magic in a world dense with ghosts, undead, conjurers and spirit workers, orishas, and other supernatural beings and attuned humans. Fans of gritty urban fantasy and earthy characters will celebrate this satisfying conclusion to a unique series. Agent: Eddie Schneider, JABberwocky.

January 1, 2017

The Council of the Dead has been caught in one too many cover-ups and deceptions, and the fed-up supernaturals plan to take over. Agent Carlos Delacruz's third outing (after Midnight Taxi Tango) places himself on the line between his work and his friends.--KC

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