Deadly Descendant (Nikki Glass #2) by Jenna Black
Urban Fantasy
April 24, 2012
Pocket Books

Reviewed by Tori

Favorite Quote: “Who’d have thought a broody, angry man, a death goddess descendant with a badly damaged soul, could kiss like an erotic dream come true? “

Nikki Glass went from an average everyday private investigator to an immortal descendant of Artemis in a matter of minutes. Now a member of the Liberi, a group of immortal descendants, Nikki is struggling to find a way to fit into a life she never imagined or wanted for herself. When the Olympians come to them for help against a insane god who is using dogs to commit vicious murders throughout the city, Nikki’s gift is the only one who that can lead them to the murderer. As Nikki and her friends struggle for a way to bring this mad man and his dogs “to heel”, they learn that the Olympians indirectly started this war. Conspiracies, deception, and betrayal are combine together for a climatic finale that leaves you reeling.

Deadly Descendant, the second book in Jenna Black’s Nikki Glass series, is an action packed urban fantasy based upon Greek mythology. Fast pacing, well plotted story lines, and engaging characters will hook you into this entertaining world that Ms. Black has written. The supernatural world that Ms. Black has created is simplistic in its construction yet each layer we uncover reveals a twisting mass of lies and half truths that it rest upon. The result is a fascinating and addictive world you can’t wait to further explore.

Heavily character driven, what I really enjoy about this story is the Machiavellian and unapologetic makeup of the cast. There are no clear cut good or bad guys in here. There are just degrees of separation. These are demi gods. Powerful and deadly, each has a story begging to be told. They may not want to kill you, but to protect their secrets, they will. Nikki is having a hard time fitting in with them because of all this. New to her immortality, her tight hold on her humanity separates her from the fold. She lives, eats, and sleeps with them but only to protect her family. She still doesn’t feel any tangible connection with this new family and the events in this book only serves to further alienate her. She is also having to deal with Anderson’s insane wife, Emma. Tortured and held captive by the Olympians for ten years, Nikki was the only one who was able to find and rescue Emma. Now, Emma’s need for revenge and her jealousy towards Nikki has her raining hell on the Liberi household.

As this is an urban fantasy, any romance is lightly touched upon, though we are given some insight to some possible romantic entanglements for the future. Jamaal and Nikki spend quite a lot of time together in here and the tension is nerve racking. Going from enemies to frenemies is a common enough trope but Ms. Black handles it well in allowing the relationship to move at its own pace. We are gifted with a few scenes that show that his feelings for Nikki are evolving romantically, but he has some serious issues to work through first. There are also some clues that point to feelings on Anderson’s part towards Nikki. Though he has a funny way of showing it.

“You’re alive because I care about you,” he continued. “I’m taking this massive risk because I like you to much to hurt you.” The light in his eyes grew a little brighter. “But I need you highly motivated to keep my secret and so my threat will always be there, and I may at times feel it necessary to remind you.”

I have to admit, Anderson is my favorite character in here. Caring one minute and death in motion the next, you’re never sure what side he stands on. You’re only sure, as is Nikki, that you never want to stand against him. Is it bad to hope Nikki ends up with him? *hangs head in shame*

The main conflict keeps you on your toes as you learn the reasons behind the madman’s need for revenge. Nikki’s humanity plays a large part in the decisions she makes in here, which causes some very tense moments for her and the Liberi. The conclusion is a mash up of tense action and heart stopping suspense. The ending leaves us with a new development that has me ready for book three right now.

Overall Rating: B

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