Sidhe Devil

I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed Doc Sidhe's first book. The second is just as good. It has a pulp action sensability with a modern viewpoint. There has to be more. It takes the whole Doc Savage myth and elevates it to a higher level. When I think how Doc could have an entire history and how many novels this could encompass....the possibilities are limitless!!

The sequel is pretty much as good as the first. It contains a new point of view character, Zeb, who was Harris' mentor on old earth. There is a plot to kidnap Doc, and teams are dispersed on both worlds, in case he is at Harris' wedding. This is where Zeb becomes entangled in the mess, and goes back with them to the Fair World. The story this time, continuing the theme that history is somewhat parallel, but the Fair World is only in the '30s, is one analogous to the 1936 Olympics. Zeb, while not quite Jesse Owens is, however, basically a 21st century ex-military unarmed combat master. A bit of an advantage. He also discovers he has a thing for one of Doc's associates. Harris and Gaby are by this time highly competent members of the Sidhe foundation, and Harris has taken on a leading role, replacing one of the fallen in the first book. Entangled in all this, again, is Doc's family, the 'royalty' of a pommi-like place. Not too good, son a super villain, brother basically a nazi, mother rather duplicitous. So, Olympic competition, a nazi style plot, and a bunch of Beagle boy type gangsters. Another helping of pulp adventure and urban fantasy, and a fine one.

This second installment is every bit as good as the first book. The story is starts off running and never slows down. Allston does an excellent job of conveying the characters emotions, and does it without interrupting the flow of the story. The story is clear and easy to follow despite the various subplots and numerous characters. I highly recommend the two books in this series, and I am keeping my fingers crossed that there is a third, and fourth, and...

Doc Sidhe and his associates are out to discover who is behind Doc's kidnapping and attempted murder. Zeb Watson, a fight manager from the grim world (our world) is introduced to the fair world (a 1930's fantasy world, more or less) by the protagonist from the first book, Harris Greene. The story progresses as Zeb discovers that both worlds have racism and bias, hatred and isolation, love and kindness. The fair world's history following the grim world's (in a loose way) has begun to develop a Nazi movement of their own, backed by the powers of a never-before-seen sun god. Don't worry if you haven't read the first book, because this one stands alone quite well. No, wait. If you missed Doc Sidhe, run out and get it. You're really missing something! Having read Doc Sidhe, (and having been entranced by it) I couldn't wait for Sidhe Devil to hit the stands. The humor is still strong, and the characters are still enjoyable. The story MOVES like you won't believe, and visualization is easy enough through-out. As I said, the story moves very well, the writing style is fluid and the interactions are very real. I can imagine people saying these things to each other, and getting angry, laughing, being touched, etc. But I found myself put upon to enjoy the climactic conflict between Good and Evil as much as I had hoped to. The bad guys in this story are strangely under-developed, and in fact remain unknown for most of the novel. Allston typically shows his antagonist's motives and thoughts in excellent interactions with their henchmen. With this element missing, the impact of the finale seemed diminished. Everything else is in place, though. Intelligence on the parts of all the characters, no "typical" mistakes, and just when you think you can predict the next chapter, you're off in a new direction. All in all, a great book and really enjoyable. Once again, Aaron made me laugh out loud while reading. But just shy of Five stars. This time.