Shadowrun 16: Who Hunts the Hunter?

Nyx Smith was the author of the very first Shadowrun novel I ever read (Fade to Black for those scoring at home), and the shaman "Bandit" is one of my favorites characters from SR novels. Smith's novels remind me of the D & D game Dragonlance; how every single adventure placed the entire fate of the universe in the hands of a 3rd level Paladin way out of his league. Fortunately, Smith always does a good job of stacking both sides of the deck, providing high-powered enemies and heroes. This novel follows were-tiger/renowned assassin "Striper" as she tracks down/seeks revenge upon the mega-corp. that made off with her were-tiger--cub. Needless to say, she inflicts much pain/torment to her opposition, but not before they also get in a few good shots. "Bandit" becomes wrapped up in the entire mess along the way, and we're given some insight into his origins. It's kinda like a literary version of a Jerry Bruckheimer film, but still good.

This was one of the Shadowrun books I got for Christmas last year (along with Psychotrope), and I must say that this isn't exactly among the best. It's good, but I still don't like it too much. I gave it four stars because it's exciting, but something about it just rubbed me the wrong way.

I couldn't wait to read Smith's next book. Then this was released. I walked to school and saved all my bus money until I could buy it. Just kidding. This book instantly became a favorite of mine within the Shadowrun series. It contained a union of two of my favorite characters: Striper (from Striper Assassin, of course) and Bandit (that crazy shaman from Fade to Black). This was a hallmark moment for me. Anyway... This story deeply involves Striper (who happens to be a shape-shifter). Striper's only child is kidnapped. Have you ever seen a pissed-off weretiger? Trust me, you don't want to. Bandit is only interested the furthering of his magical talents (like most magicians). But can he survive a confrontation with the fore-mentioned pissed-off weretiger? Well I guess you'll just have to read it and find out. Trust me, it's worth it.