GRAVE WITCH (Alex Craft #1)
by Kalayna Price
PUBLISHER: Berkley (UK) | Roc (US)
RELEASE DATE: Dec 2011 (UK) | Dec 2010 (US)
FORMAT: Paperback, 325 pages
GENRE: Urban Fantasy
As a private investigator and consultant for the police, Alex Craft has seen a lot of dark magic. But even though she’s on good terms with Death himself – who happens to look fantastic in a pair of jeans – nothing has prepared her for her latest case. Alex is investigating a high profile murder when she’s attacked by the ‘shade’ she’s raising, which should be impossible. To top off her day, someone makes a serious attempt on her life, but Death saves her. Guess he likes having her around…
To solve this case Alex will have to team up with tough homicide detective Falin Andrews. Falin seems to be hiding something – though it’s certainly not his dislike of Alex – but Alex knows she needs his help to navigate the tangled webs of mortal and paranormal politics, and to track down a killer wielding a magic so malevolent, it may cost Alex her life… and her soul.
REVIEWER: Carolyn
GRAVE WITCH is an amazing first book to a series. I loved all the characters, the world-building and writing style. It was my kind of book and I really enjoyed it.
Alex Craft is a witch who uses ‘grave sight’ to speak to the dead and hover between the corporeal world and the world of the dead. She’s headstrong, sassy, interesting and very independent. She doesn’t get on well with her father, who absolutely hates that she uses magic, and a sister who looks like she’s getting into something that’s way over her head and asks Alex for help. Thus creating a fast-paced mystery aspect to the novel that combined brilliantly with Alex’s personal life.
The guys in her life (and potential love interests) are also great… and very hot! The first is Death, delicious and mysterious, who pops in and out of her life unannounced, especially when she’s in trouble, and Falin Andrews, a detective who’s working on a case she’s involved with. What I love about this relationship is its love/hate aspect – my favourite kind 
Death I liked pretty much instantly, but Falin was a slow burner. But after many enjoyable head-butting sessions with Alex, Falin grew on me, and I was very happy when their frustration with each other moved to the bedroom!
The plot is fairly intricate Alex dealing with dark magic and murder, but Price’s writing flows effortlessly. This is the kind of writing style I love. It’s descriptive, full of depth and warmth, easy to visualise and very easy to read.
Although GRAVE WITCH doesn’t end on much of a cliffhanger, there are a few little twists, and certainly leaves you with the need to grab a copy of Grave Dance immediately.
VERDICT:
A fantastic start to a new urban fantasy series – great writing, great characters, great world-building. What more could you possibly want?
RATING: 
KALAYNA PRICE ONLINE
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BOOKS IN SERIES ORDER
1. Grave Witch
2. Grave Dance
3. Grave Memory
BUY THE BOOK
8 Comments
I have this book to read, so I'm really glad to read such a positive review of it!
Really looking forward to getting into the series!
Dani
Pen to Paper
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I read and reviewed this one last month and also found it quite enjoyable. Not the style I usually go for, but a strong start for the series, that's for sure.
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This is a great series! I am so ready for Grave Memory.
Great review.
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Pen to Paper – It really is a great start to the series, definitely read it soon, if you love urban fantasy then I'm sure you'll love this
Rabid Fox – Glad you enjoyed it. UF is my staple and this is definitely one of the good ones – a great start. Can't wait to read Grave Dance and Grave Memory.
Ashley @ The Bibliophile's Corner – It is a great series, glad you enjoyed it too. Yes, I'm looking forward to Grave Memory too, although have to get to Grave Dance first, which is next on my to read list
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Oh I need to buy this. I have book 2 for review. Thanks for the review sounds like something I would like.
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Siobhan – Oh yes, you must get starting on this series. I'm starting book #2 very soon and I'm hoping it will be just as good or better.
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I loved this book when I read it as well! I instantly went out and picked up a copy of the 2nd book. Now I just need to find the time to read it. I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed it as much as I did!!
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Samantha – I want to read Grave Dance as well, but like you it's finding the time, as well as having so many books to read. Hopefully we'll both get to it soon
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