Cat's Claw: A Calliope Reaper-Jones Novel

After reading `Death's Daughter' I was hungry to read more about Calliope and her continuing journey. Just like the heroines in the Greek myths, she tries to fight her fate and fails every time. The first book was funny in a sarcastic way (just how I like it) but it was also strangely touching. `Cat's Claw' is an amazing follow up! This novel was fast-paced and even funnier than the first book. Callie seems to be growing, but in a very slow and believable way. She is shallow so I would expect personal growth to be at a snail's pace. This book was even better than the first one! Good job, Miss Benson!

This book was definitely worth the wait. It's an amazing sequel to the first part of the series, Death's Daughter, and leaves you wanting more. I can't wait for the next book.

And verymuch worth the wait too, it's a lovely book, even better than the first book in this trilogy (Death's Daughter)

Calliope Reaper-Jones is just trying to live a normal life in New York City, but that's not so easy when you're Death's daughter. When the guardian, hellhound Cerberus calls in on a favor, Calli must hunt down a missing soul and return him to the gates of hell. But her quest isn't as simple as it seems. Meanwhile, Calli discovers that a former flame, thought dead, is actually alive. But she'll have to do some bartering to save his soul. Benson has created a fun, unique, and witty world that plays upon many afterlife mythologies. Calli is a strong, independent character with a big heart. From her outlook on life - to her outlook on fashion, I enjoy every minute of her adventures. This sequel weaves a complex story of revenge, curses, and conspiracy. Even more fast-paced and gripping than the first, Cat's Claw is an exciting romp through the underworld, purgatory, Las Vegas, and even a glimpse of ancient Egypt. Smart and charming, with plenty of humor, Calliope Reaper-Jones is a fantastic addition to the urban fantasy genre.

For most people, road trips don't ordinarily end up in Hell. But, Calliope Reaper-Jones is no ordinary girl. A few months have passed since the daughter of the Grim Reaper was dragged kicking and screaming back into the supernatural world. A world Callie is desperate to avoid. Rescuing her father and the Board of Directors of Death Inc. from kidnappers came at a price, and the Guardian of the North Gate of Hell, Cerberus, is chomping at his tree bits to collect. The soul of an Egyptian architect has disappeared and Callie is given 24 hours to find him or she will be forced to return the Hellhound, Runt, to Hell. To up the ante, old "Snarly Head" is looking for a replacement as gatekeeper and he's set his yellow eye squarely on one Manhattan beauty. If she ever hopes to return to her normal life, and escape the wrath of her younger sister, Clio, failure to pay this debt is not an option. {"I've got the whole thing figured out," I said reassuringly, the words just flowing out of my mouth without my brain paying the least bit of attention to them.} -Calliope Reaper-Jones This three part series is referred to, by the author, as a hero's journey. Callie, with help from her friends and the Devil's protégé, saved the day in part one, DEATH'S DAUGHTER, but she was still a long way from being a full-fledged heroine. Calliope makes mistakes. (It wouldn't be much of a "journey" if the protagonist always knew exactly what to do in every given situation right off the bat!) She's gullible, impetuous, self-deprecating and hilariously snarky. She's real. And I'm compelled to root for her every sweaty misstep of the way. Next stop in this trilogy.. Purgatory. As the daughter of Death navigates thru various challenges presented in the normal and supernatural worlds, her true self, "the hero inside", is slowly but surely emerging. She is becoming more confident, responsible and even warming up to the benefits of embracing her non-human half. (For those who reviewed DEATH'S DAUGHTER and were bothered by Callie's tearful episodes and use of the word, "like", you will be happy to know CAT'S CLAW is void of meltdowns and "Valley Girl" speak. I didn't have a problem with any of that. If I was yanked from my life, forced to go to Hell, fight monsters, drink poison etc., I'd have a -complete-- breakdown. Callie handled it much better than I would have! Give this follow up a chance. You will be glad you did.) I was hoping for more character development for the rest of the cast and was very pleased to learn, not only more about Calliope's family and friends, but the inner workings of Death Inc. and the whole Afterlife world. Benson has designed an entire complex universe, brimming with unique, likeable characters. Toss in whacky mystical antics, a seductive Minx, Bast -Queen of the Cats and an elusive potential soul mate and the reader is taken on one exhilarating, amusing adventure after another. CAT'S CLAW, like the medicinal plant, proves that "Laughter is the Best