Dragons, Diamonds And Discord (Brandywine Investigations #3)

Title: Dragons, Diamonds And Discord (Brandywine Investigations #3)
Author: Angel Martinez
Publisher: Amber Allure
Release Date: March 15, 2015
Genre(s): Paranormal
Page Count: 150
Reviewed by: Kristin
Heat Level: 3 flames out of 5
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
Blurb:

The most valuable pieces of jewelry are vanishing from the god Hermes’ Manhattan stores and the security feeds pick up only clouds of smoke. While the god of thieves, messengers, and commerce doesn’t appreciate someone stealing from him, he’s intrigued by this thief’s ingenuity and skill. When Hermes enlists his family to trap his burglar, he gets the surprise of his immortal life.

Fafnir just wants to be left alone. Doomed over the centuries to a never-ending cycle of violent death and painful rebirth, he had hoped to find an escape in the quiet life of author and illustrator. But there are forces at work he doesn’t understand, and his peace is shattered by the return to old cycles and the sudden interference of a beautiful and incredibly irritating Greek god.

If you aren’t familiar with this series, start with Canines, Crosshairs and Corpses, which introduces the reader to the world of the Olympic gods in modern times. I adore Canines, Crosshairs and Corpses – it’s become one of my feel good re-reads.

Second in the series is No Enemy But Time. A bit darker than Canines, but also enjoyable.

Which leads into Dragons, Diamonds and Discord. I really enjoyed the premise of the book, I LOVED the fact that Fafnir is a children’s book author, who lives in a loft and even as a man, the dragon’s urge to horde lies just under his skin. The idea that someone is messing with Fafnir’s hoarding cycle was a unique plot devise. The way Hermes solves Fafnir’s hoarding cycle was delightful. Okay, I admit, I just love dragons. I’m always rooting for the dragon in the movies.

And I found myself rooting for Fafnir in this book. He’s been isolated for so long he’s forgotten his human side. He’s alone and lonely…and then Hermes pops into his life and nothing is the same.

Where I struggled with the book was Fafnir’s plight and Hermes growing interest in the dragon-man was overwhelmed by the rest of the Olympic horde. It felt like the author was trying to give page time to all the favorites from the previous books and bringing to light future characters. I confess to having more than one moment of “now…who are you again?”

And while I enjoyed the corporate aspect to the resident legion of discord, again, the evil gods contributed to the feeling of being overwhelmed by the shear plethora of characters in this book. Perhaps if there had a been a few less Olympic Gods the evil guys would have shown a bit more? Still, enjoyed the board room round table.

So, I guess the title fits – lots of characters, a fair amount of discord. Hmm, I guess that’s staying true to the Gods of Olympus, eh?

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