Pax Arcana #1 Charming

Presenting Pax Arcana #1 Charming by Elliot James.

Here is the summary of the book:

John Charming isn't your average Prince...

He comes from a line of Charmings — an illustrious family of dragon slayers, witch-finders and killers dating back to before the fall of Rome. Trained by a modern day version of the Knights Templar, monster hunters who have updated their methods from chainmail and crossbows to kevlar and shotguns, he was one of the best. That is — until he became the abomination the Knights were sworn to hunt.

That was a lifetime ago. Now, he tends bar under an assumed name in rural Virginia and leads a peaceful, quiet life. One that shouldn't change just because a vampire and a blonde walked into his bar... Right?

I chose this book for just 3 reasons. First, the cover - come on whats not to like about this and its inviting enough. Second, the synopsis seemed competent enough. Third, and most important because of the blurb by Kevin Hearne who is also an urban fantasy author (an amazing one), of the Iron Druid Chronicles that I loved loved loved......

Sadly, it felt short on all accounts. Its an info-dump. Although I can understand the author wants to give out as much information as possible to familiarize us readers with his story but he takes the idea to even greater levels..... Come on he is even stringing in info during action scenes..... Focus on the story would you.....

There were a few good points in this though. The cover again. The history and the purpose of the Charming family as monster hunters. And the first paragraph, literally that is the only paragraph I actually liked. As far as the characters go John Charming was an okay character but not protagonist material at all.... And exactly why name a girl after a weapon ('SIG') I would never know..... But I liked the character of Parth, in a sort of creepy scientist way, he reminded me of Mayuri Kurotsuchi, the 12th divison captain and the second head of the shinigami research institute in the popular anime 'Bleach'.

Again I don't know how I finished it but I would say it dragged a lot and the crux of the plot is way more simpler and overdone than you realize...... I'd say this is an Ok attempt from Elliot James.

"An Okayish attempt"

Genre :      Urabn fantasy, Paranormal, Mythology

Publisher: Orbit

Release Date: 24th September, 2013

My Copy: publisher and netgalley

Rate:              2/5 (It was Ok)

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