I had originally read this some time last year, but because the ending was more open-ended then I liked my books, I waited until I had hard conclusive proof (aka book in my hands) of the sequel before I decided to review it. Which meant I had to re-read the book (what I have a memory problem).

Truth to tell I only had one real problem with the novel and that was the sometimes repetitive nature of Garrie and her Reckoners (Lucia and Drew, Quinn phoning it in for this job...literally). I'm not certain whether this was a product of their job, dealing with normal folk and trying to calm the populace at times, or the author trying to make sure we understood what they did exactly. There's only so many times I could stand to hear about Garrie 'tasting' all the breezes or Lucia commenting on Drew's sorely out-dated slang usage or heck even the general consensus that they did not trust what Trevarr was selling. For a group of people who didn't trust their client as far as they could throw him, they sure let him lead them around.

Oh I lied the other problem I had was just how far into the book it was before Garrie got any clue as to what was really going on. Trevarr literally waits until they are on death's door to explain to Garrie what exactly she's up against. And even then he's still Mr. Vague Answer, dishing out as little as possible.

Moving on to what I liked was Garrie herself, she talks a tough talk, but the bottom line was always to first protect her people. I don't doubt that if Trevarr had explained to her the exact nature of what was going on at the Winchester House, or the amount of risk involved, she would have flipped him off and marched away. Even though Garrie is thinking of retiring, or at least there's a lot of vague indication of this and some breezy discussions regarding it, she cares about her team. And herself of course, but when the cards were thrown down it was the thought of her team being killed that made her act.

I would have liked to meet Rhonda Rose. To see her interact with Garrie in a more meaningful way (random memory snippets and twice told stories don't count). I hope that further into the series we get to see her. Lucia was kind of a funny gal; glamor and glitz and shopping adoration. We mostly see the cheerful, take that! attitude, but from what Garrie says it sounded like Lucia was a wreck before the Reckoners.

I wasn't sure what to make of Drew. In comparison to the others his role is more minimal, more passive than Lucia empathic abilities even. However I would want his power, to read the history of a house or area (or even object) as clearly as if he's watching a movie, the most. And it does definitely come in handy in a place like Winchester House, which I have a keen urge to visit now, since yes its a real place.

Quinn on the other hand I felt nothing from. He decided to stay home for this adventure, for personal reasons (which were tied in with a past affair with Garrie, though I'm not sure if he was trying to prove he was over her or trying to prove that she needed him or what) and other than some awkward conversations via the phone not much else could be said of him. He kept pressing Garrie for some sort of conversation, which Garrie was reluctant to have. He was jealous of Trevarr. He was the research guy. That's...the size of it for Quinn.

Trevarr at first bugged me because of his whole stoic silent act. He kept the fact he had secrets so out into the open that I'm surprised they didn't suffocate him. He was just a shade too precise. A little too much vague and not quite superior sounding. I love Sklayne, the not!cat energy bond-mate of Trevarr's. He spoke and thought in fragments, jagged sentences that were all impulse and no censorship. He flitted between ideas and feelings like a hummingbird. I wanted to know more about his geas with Trevarr, more than little hints at how it came to be. More about his kind in general.

The end, when things finally come to a head at the Winchester House, a lot happened real quick. Then we had a lull as Trevarr explained things and then wham bam back into the action ma'am. Some interesting matters to consider, in regards to the exact nature of Trevarr's 'half blood' status and world, no to mention Garrie's...abilities and connection. And Rhonda Rose. She's truly a meddlesome person.
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Really would give 3.5 stars.

Garrie leads a team of paranormal investigators, using each of their special "gifts" to find and bring peace to uneasy spirits. But she is out of her league when she meets Trevarr, who turns out to be from another world, sent to return some escaped beings (who are terrifyingly haunting a haunted house). It is an involved story with enjoyable characters and amusing dialogue, but the politics and different species of Trevarr's world were a little hard to follow (at least for a reader who only has a few minutes at a time to read). I generally like this author so I persevered, but it's not my favorite of her imaginary worlds. I would read sequels if they fall into my hands, but not search them out.

Received ebook for free in exchange for an honest review. ( )

The Reckoners by Deanna Durgin.

The Reckoners is a decent, but not outstanding, urban fantasy. Durgin is a good writer, in terms of prose and dialogue. I liked the team and how they worked together in resoving ghost problems. Trevarr was a bit too perfectly handsome and muscly, but Sklayne, the not-cat is fun. The plot… well, I read a lot, so it didn’t feel terribly original, but overall I enjoyed it.

Received through the LibraryThing Early Reviewer Program in return for an honest review.

This was a fun book to read that makes me want to revisit it and read the other two books in the trilogy. The characters were interesting enough, but I wanted to know more about their pasts and how they became a team. ( )

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I thoroughly enjoyed this story about Trevarr, Garrie and Skylane. And I love that this book takes place at the Winchester Mystery House - which I have visited! ( )