UF Review: Dark Currents: Agent of Hel [Hardcover]

I've finished "Dark Currents" the 1st book in her new series Agent of Hel series by Jacqueline Carey.

Product Description

Jacqueline Carey, New York Times bestselling author of the acclaimed Kushiel’s Legacy novels, presents an all-new world featuring a woman caught between the normal and paranormal worlds, while enforcing order in both. Introducing Daisy Johanssen, reluctant hell-spawn …

The Midwestern resort town of Pemkowet boasts a diverse population: eccentric locals, wealthy summer people, and tourists by the busload; not to mention fairies, sprites, vampires, naiads, ogres and a whole host of eldritch folk, presided over by Hel, a reclusive Norse goddess.

To Daisy Johanssen, fathered by an incubus and raised by a single mother, it’s home. And as Hel’s enforcer and the designated liaison to the Pemkowet Police Department, it’s up to her to ensure relations between the mundane and eldritch communities run smoothly.

But when a young man from a nearby college drowns — and signs point to eldritch involvement — the town’s booming paranormal tourism trade is at stake. Teamed up with her childhood crush, Officer Cody Fairfax, a sexy werewolf on the down-low, Daisy must solve the crime — and keep a tight rein on the darker side of her nature. For if she’s ever tempted to invoke her demonic birthright, it could accidentally unleash nothing less than Armageddon.

About the Author

New York Times bestselling author Jacqueline Carey is the author of the critically acclaimed Kushiel’s Legacy series of historical fantasy novels, The Sundering epic fantasy duology and postmodern fables Santa Olivia and Saints Astray. Jacqueline enjoys doing research on a wide variety of arcane topics, and an affinity for travel has taken her from Finland to China. She currently lives in west Michigan. Although often asked by inquiring fans, she does not, in fact, have any tattoos.

Product Details
Reading level: Ages 18 and up
Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Roc Hardcover (October 2, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0451464788
ISBN-13: 978-0451464781

My Review:

Daisy Johanssen is the daughter of an incubus father and human mother who lives in the town of Pemkowet.  This is home to many diverse population and many different magical species.  She is also Hel's Enforcer and liaison for the Pemkowet Police Department.

When she finds proof that a local boy's death involves eldritch involvement she is paired up with her childhood crush and closet werewolf Officer Cody Fairfax. 


Officer Cody Fairfax is keeps his werewolf nature a secret and he's a ladies man.  He wasn't very thrilled to be working with Daisy at first but as they investigate she starts growing on him and he starts to have feelings for her too. 

During their investigation Daisy meets Stefan Ludovic the new head ghoul (feeds on human emotions) who is very powerful and quite secretive himself.  He admits to Daisy that he wants her for himself and will wait until she is ready for what is between them.

This book was quite dark in nature but had some light moments to ease the tension.  The mystery was quite intriguing and the main theme had to do with sexual abuse which is a very important aspect.

4/5

Thanks Penguin Canada for sending me this book to review, greatly appreciated!