I received this book for free from my own shelves in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Source: my own shelves
"The Redemption of Boaz Pritchard"
by
Hailey Edwards
urban fantasy in a Kindle edition that was published by Black Dog Books LLC on March 7, 2021 and has 185 pages.
Explore it on Goodreads or Amazon
Other books by this author which I have reviewed include How to Save an Undead Life, How to Claim an Undead Soul, How to Break an Undead Heart
A short story, 2.5 in The Beginner’s Guide to Necromancy urban fantasy series set in an alternate world usually revolves around Grier Woolworth in Savannah, Georgia. The focus in “The Redemption of Boaz Pritchard” is on Adelaide Whitaker and Boaz. But not in Savannah.
My Take
Edwards roused my curiosity with Cassandra’s appearance, and her friendship with Addie is so full of snark and sexual overtones. I’m not sure if I’m appalled or laughing. Sometimes it’s both.
Hmm, the action starts with the libidinous Ron Turner. It seems baby vampires really can’t keep it in their pants.
It is interesting to learn Adelaide’s history and how her family made such use of her. I can understand it, but geez. Her predicament certainly makes it a useful campaign for Boaz. And Addie has heard that Boaz’s experience means she can just lie there. Yes, Edwards uses first person protagonist point-of-view from Addie’s perspective — and I wish I’d read this in proper order in the series. No, it isn’t necessary. It’s just my obsessiveness with chronological order. Oy.
Now we get a firsthand look at this next sacrifice she’s making for her family. A family that is at the upper end of Low Society. One that will cease to exist. Mingled with loss is Addie’s thoughts on Boaz and her increasing feelings.
I can understand Addie’s assessment of her situation and Boaz’s. It’s incredibly sad and another loss for Addie.
What we learn of Boaz’s feelings is interesting, but pragmatic. Not what I would have expected of him. For one thing, he’s thinking seriously about his past behavior. About the karma catching up with him, assessing his situation and Addie’s as well as his relationship with Grier.
Cassandra’s past is the clue to her behavior today. I do love that she has embraced her self and has joy in her life. Addie’s thoughts on Cass’ (and vampires in general) need and cluelessness to express friendship are definite food for thought. And I wonder how it expresses itself on vampires in general. As for Cass’ joys . . . crack me up. She loves everything vampire in the entertainment aspect of life, even with the betrayals in her past.
Edwards continues to reinforce the commercial focus of Society with its emphasis on moneymaking through making vampires. A cold, heartless group that doesn’t value anyone, and rarely family.
“The Redemption of Boaz Pritchard” is primarily of Adelaide’s thoughts but includes a good bit of action as she and Cass pursue their fugitive. Sometimes with Boaz’s help.
Thankfully, Cass’ humor balances out the sadness of Addie’s life while Addie tries to balance her not being a good person (in her own eyes) and not being caught.
Honey has a funny insight about this matriarchal Society with that quip about women doing all the serving. Hmph, “manners like a human”.
And it turns out that Addie isn’t the only one sacrificing herself.
The Story
The Whitakers are sinking fast and Boaz Pritchard could be the family’s lifeline — provided Adelaide Whitaker is willing to give up so much.
It should feel like a beginning, but why does it feel like the end?
The Characters
Adelaide “Addie” Whitaker is now Matron Whitaker as the eldest surviving daughter since her mother died three months ago. Dad is an alcoholic drowning his sorrow and leaving his daughter to struggle on alone. Hadley is the younger sister who died.
Cassandra “Cass” Desmond, a bounty hunter, is the vampy vampire who is Addie’s partner. Javier is the master of Cass’ clan. “Mina Harker” is one of Cass’ aliases. Sydney Delacorte had been Cass’ first master. Serena had been Cass’ girlfriend back when she had still been human.
Low Society, Boaz Pritchard, Grier Woolworth’s neighbor and love, is an Elite sentinel for the Society who is based in Savannah. And he’s desperate to save his sister, Amelie. Wilhelmina is Boaz’s motorcycle. Mom is Matron Pritchard. Dad is oblivious.
The Society for Post-Life Management is . . .
. . . a group of magic-users split into High and Low Society, which employs sentinels as their enforcement. Other sentinels include Abernathy, Parker, Jessica “Honey” Honeywell, and Mark Chambers. Cleaners are like the forensic crew in that they clean up a crime scene — before the humans show up. The Undead Coalition of vampires is part of this Society.
Vampire members of Clan Willis include Angelo Willis who paid for Ron Turner to be turned. Jaden had been one of Ron’s lovers. Demaryius Willis is the clan master. Ari is his mate. Gertie is one half of a vampire couple. Jack and Arlo, a healer, are more members.
Jean Patel, of Clan Patel, is not a vampire Boaz wants to deal with.
Twyla Thorn is a human child adopted by a vampire couple. It’s a popular and pragmatic practice, fulfilling several goals. Belle Francis is another human adoptee and a friend of Twyla’s.
Gustav, a warg, is a licensed bounty broker. Hecate is the goddess worshipped by the Society. Frank is a human Cass had bitten during sex. Mary Sue is the Oracle, an expensive information broker. Ms Nunez is a teacher at the local high school. Odette Lecomte is a famous seer.
The Cover and Title
The cover doesn’t really make sense. Oh, the blackness of the background of this narrow street lined by buildings on each side reflects the darkness of the story, but how it relates to the story? I don’t know. In the foreground is a golden blade of a wood-handled dagger topped by a silver skull, silver dog tags hanging from the hilt. The embossed gold title is where the dagger’s point is buried in the street. Below that is an info blurb and then the author’s name below that; both are in white.
The title is an exploration of Adelaide’s and Boaz’s thoughts on their upcoming alliance, “The Redemption of Boaz Pritchard”.
