[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Dead Man's Deal

Jocelynn Drake The oldest of three kids, Jocelynn grew up and continues to reside in the Cincinnati, Ohio region. She started writing when she was 12, spending all of one summer re-writing the story of Robin Hood in the battered remains of a notebook. While life has brought many changes and surprises, the love of writing and a good story has been a constant. When not writing she can be found buried in a good book, wandering through the woods with her camera cradled protectively against her body, traveling to interesting locations or relaxing with her family.

Dead Man's Deal, book #2 of the ASYLUM TALES series

by Jocelynn Drake

Synopsis:

The dark and dangerous follow-up that continues the adventures of a magical tattoo artist begun in Angel's Ink

In a world where elves, faeries, trolls, werewolves, and vampires swim free in a sea of humanity, sometimes you need an edge. Looking for a little love? Need some luck? Desperate for revenge? Gage can give you what you need. The most talented tattoo artist in town, he knows the right symbol and the right mix of ingredients and ink to achieve your heart's desire. One tattoo is all it takes. But remember, everything has its price. . . .

Gage learned that lesson long ago, in ways he'd rather not remember. But the cruel and powerful wizards in the dreaded Ivory Towers he escaped aren't about to let him forget. Though Gage has managed to stay out of sight, he can't outrun the past forever.

The wizards know Gage is using forbidden magic, and they intend to punish him for his transgressions. Too bad if innocent humans and monsters-entire cities-get in the way. They will quell a nascent magical uprising and Gage will be the sacrifice they need. First, though, they have to find him . . .

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:
*eARC received from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review

Jocelynn Drake delivers another mind blowing read with the 2nd installment of The Asylum Tales, and continues some of the most fantastic world building I have ever encountered!

As the conflict between the Towers and the rest of the world escalates, Gage and his loved ones are once again caught up in the midst of the chaos. Per usual, loyal, selfless, protective, absolutely lovable Gage lays everything on the line to protect those he loves and the lives of the innocent. Jocelynn is so in tune with her leading man and writes so vividly, that as he fights tooth and nail and sacrifices just about anything & everything he can, you can't help but be caught up in the story and cheer him on, feeling as if you were right there with him.

The tone and pacing of the plot were fantastic, and the arc of the story is evolving spectacularly. Amidst the magic and mayhem we get some delicious sneak peeks into what might be, as well as some delightful regressions into what was, all adding up to a fast paced, action packed Urban Fantasy that is also incredibly touching and full of heart.

I am thoroughly obsessed with this unique and gripping series and highly recommend it! While Dead Man's Deal can be read as a stand-alone, I highly suggest reading the 2 prequel novellas and Angel's Ink beforehand. The added history and character development story you will gain will make Dead Man's Deal just that much more enjoyable (and that's saying a lot).

LITERAL ADDICTION gives Dead Man's Deal a well earned 5 Skulls.

Dead Man's Deal