We are back with Al MacBharrais and Buck Foi, his whisky-loving hobgoblin. Al has just finished telling Buck about his curse and the implications when he receives a phone call from a sigil agents’ apprentice. Everyone knows to text him, but each apprentice has the other sigil agents’ phone numbers in the event of an emergency, and indeed, this is an emergency. XX has gone missing in Australia. So Al and Buck travel to Dandenong Ranges in Victoria to solve the mystery. The tale that unfolds had all the elements I love from this author, along with some twists that both amused and delighted me.

As with any urban fantasy, it is important to start at the beginning. If you haven’t read Ink & Sigil, I recommend you begin there.

Nadia, joins them. Can you say road trip! Wait until you check out their wheels!

Ink & Blood delivered, and I perhaps enjoyed it more than the first, as the world of sigils and magic has been established. It felt like coming home when we arrived in Edinburgh. Hearne brought humor, danger and surprises.

Druid Atticus O’Sullivan and his dogs, Oberon and Starbuck, join them, but I will leave you to discover why.

Gladys Who.. I have so many questions and gads I need the next installment now, even if this mystery wrapped up. Hearne answered questions, expanded our knowledge of the sigil agents world and their magic. I love the elements of this and the different skills each agent has. Unlike Druids, the sigil agents create magic using the language of sigils. When they write them, it evokes magic. Overall series thread arcs were strengthened while Hearne teased us leaving me with a thirst for more.

While the mystery, battles and world building are superb and kept me listening, it is the well developed, unique and complex characters that make this series, the Druid world and heck all of Hearne’s writing, so addictive. He allows the reader/listener to connect and care for each of them. The interaction and banter between this motley crew of adventures and keepers is something you cannot get enough of.

Herne weaves in current events, pop culture and thoughtful lessons, reminding us that this story takes place in our world.

I bought the novel (and the audiobook), but my first encounter has to be with Luke Daniels narrating the voices. He adds an element to these stories and characters. His unique character voices and the way he enhances the emotions of the story bring it all to life. Hearne and Daniels are the perfect pairing.

Now, I am waiting for my book to arrive so that I can read along as I listen for a second time. This series is a keeper. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer