Suzanne McLeod - Reviews
Author of the Spellcrackers.com Urban Fantasy Series
The Bitter Seed of Magic ~ #3 ~ coming soon
Praise for The Sweet Scent of Blood
I really loved The Sweet Scent of Blood. The interactions among the magical cast are beautifully handled, and Genny's narrative voice is perfect. I appreciated the fact that the vampirism and the magic had a solid logic to it: everything made sense and fitted together and felt right. All in all, a great read, and a great world which I'm looking forward to revisiting.'
[McLeod’s] created a believable world, one in which the undead and gifted exist right alongside normal everyday people. The Sweet Scent of Blood is an incredibly complex rollercoaster ride of suspense and horror. I simply cannot wait for the next installment.
‘The Sweet Scent of Blood is one of my favorite reads . . . The fast pace of the plot and the fascinating cast of characters will give you a happy little vacation between two covers.’
The Sweet Scent of Blood is a great addition to the urban fantasy/paranormal market, and I’m happy to see such a fresh take on the genre that’s written so well. I loved the characters and the detailed world building . . . and I’m very interested in continuing to adventure with Genny and the Spellcrackers series.
Suzanne McLeod has put the bite back in vampire. Her characters are rich, complex, and flawed. The descriptions so real and gritty, the reader is standing next to Genny in the dirty, rank alley preparing to dispatch one of the filthy undead into non-existence.
'This is a world where supernaturals - particularly fae and vampires - mingle freely with humans... Things get nicely atmospheric with touches of humor in the middle of massive misdirection, threats, and bloodletting, with a sexy overlay of corsets, a satyr colleague, bondage, and even a little girl-on-girl action...a fun read, with a piquant English flavour that helps make this first novel a standout.'
This is a well-written book with a complex plot. Gen is a strong heroine with enough flaws to be real. A self-contained novel, there are things that can easily be expanded on and explored in the upcoming novel The Cold Kiss of Death, which I look forward to reading.
Ms. McLeod does a fabulous job of detailing the setting and the supernatural characters that populate each scene. The Sweet Scent of Blood is intriguing and intense at times, with fast-paced action and dark discoveries around every turn.
The style of writing and the main character caught me. Genny is, for me, a female Harry Dresden ... Of course the deal was sealed when all the creatures started to appear. Not only were there witches, Fae and vampires but trolls, brownies and much more present in this magical world ... a British based book [that] really grabbed me.'
I loved this book! It was so awesome! I loved the mythology used for all the different paranormals . . . But what I loved most was reading an urban fantasy that takes place in my home town. It is fantastic to have this exciting plot, and actually being able to picture the places where things are happening because I've been there! I can't recommend this book enough; I can't wait to get my hands on the second novel . . . Read this book now!
'McLeod has created a riveting urban fantasy with The Sweet Scent of Blood, the first installment in her SpellCrackers.com series. Vivid descriptions, terrific characters and a complex and intriguing plot make this one of the best urban fantasies I've read in a while. McLeod is a welcome new voice to the urban fantasy genre, and I can't wait to read The Cold Kiss of Death.'
'I was immediately struck by the sense of a whole occult society and cultural background which the author has created in wonderful, totally plausible and fully-functioning detail … I found the book great fun, very witty and sassy (like the main character), fast-paced, with great dialogue, and with a large cast of well-written characters … This is the best new author/book I have read in years; long may she continue.'
‘There are so many things I love about this book. [The characters] are all so vivid and real . . . The writing style [is] just fantastic, not letting down those characters or the intricate plot . . . It’s one of those rare books where I think you can appreciate it even more with each subsequent reading.’
There's plenty of action in The Sweet Scent Of Blood, and a satisfying slice of mystery to puzzle out . . . the main characters do pop out vividly, so it's hard not to like them. There's also a juicy sub-plot about Genny's secret history. Many of the events seem to be setting things up for the rest of the series, and on the strength of this book the next episodes promise to be a fine red vintage. In all, this this magic-and-fangs romp makes for a quick, captivating read.
'A darkly comic-spookshow... this is funny, frothy and expertly set up.'
Suzanne McLeod has created a very interesting paranormal world in the first book in her Spellcrackers.com series. Her Fae aren't always nice, her vampires are creepy . . . I loved the character of Genny right from the start . . . She is tough, but not over the top. She also makes fun of herself and sometimes situations she finds herself in, something I like in a heroine. I could feel myself getting sucked in and the second half of the book really impressed me.
I got a real thrill out of how Suzanne McLeod threaded magical, fairy tale characters into the book. But don't be mislead by the mention of fairy tale characters, into thinking this book is a light read because it isn't. This story has several dark moments, some full of tension, others fear. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
'The novel is well written...the main characters are well-rounded, fallible and believable, and the plot richochets along at an at times breathtaking pace...an impressive first novel'
'A refreshingly original debut novel in what promises to be a series worth following...As the details of the world unfold, it only grows more compelling, and it provides an excellent backdrop to a convoluted mystery plot, riddled with twists...a very promising debut, and one that certainly piques the interest for further reading.'
A SciFi Now must read! SciFi Now Magazine
The Sweet Scent of Blood is a strong start to the Spellcrackers.com series and an impressive debut novel. I can't wait to read more from this author. Afterall, with vampires in Leicester Square, trolls in New Scotland Yard and a surfeit of blood and magic, what’s not to like? Fang-tastic!
This was a brilliant debut that has guaranteed I will be getting the sequel when it comes out. Fast, action packed and sexy this was wonderfully British and a beautifully written Urban paranormal novel that I can highly recommend.
I found this debut novel was surprisingly assured and pleasingly engaging. Good fun on the whole though and nice to read a British style 'Dresden' or perhaps a Rachel Caine. If you like those books and want a similar-yet-different perspective, this might be one for you. And this one, in my opinion, (if you forgive the bad pun) is a cracker!
‘I loved it to pieces. I was particularly taken with the establishing chapter, where our heroine sets up her world just by chatting with a friend over coffee and the morning papers. But all in all, a splendid first novel, and a damned good read. Fast and furious, funny and fae, the first Spellcrackers book is a cracker of a read.’
'From the opening passage Suzanne’s characters jumped off the page and took the reader by the hand through a London that blended myth and legend with the modern world. What also worked very well was the author’s interpretation of the creatures of myth such as Vampires explaining their condition through believable medical terms and presented a tale that will stay with the reader long after the final page is turned. Definitely an author to watch in the Urban Fantasy category as the undead and fay face off in a no holds barred tale.'
'Fun and pacy, the book's strong lead, particularly likeable policetroll, and array of twists and turns help to thoroughly immerse the reader into the superb and full-realised supernatural society.'
Lincolnshire Echo
‘Exceedingly well-written debut ticking all the right boxes, from a gutsy and unique heroine to an engaging storyline with sexy foes and a strong ensemble cast . . . funny and charming, with enough action to keep any book junkie entertained: Suzanne McLeod isn’t just adept, she’s bloody brilliant. Highly recommended.’
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Praise for The Cold Kiss of Death
‘I enjoyed [Sweet Scent] very much, and [I liked] Cold Kiss just as much, maybe more. [It] is a book with a lot of emotional depth, as Genny discovers a lot of truths about her life and the people around her. There’s treachery, body-switching, and life and death encounters in this action-packed novel. A story well-told’
CHARLAINE HARRIS, Internationally bestselling author of the Sookie Stackhouse novels, now filmed as TRUE BLOOD
'An exciting and satisfyingly complex read. The book’s cover promises magic, mayhem and murder and there is no shortage of any of these things. Genny makes a realistically likeable yet suitably kick-ass heroine who keeps fighting to the end. Throw in an imaginatively realised fantasy London . . . and it’s clear that this book is a sure-fire winner for fantasy fans. Fans of America’s Patricia Briggs, Kim Harrison and Charlaine Harris would do well to add Suzanne McLeod to their reading lists. Faeries, vampires, mystery and magic – this book has it all!'
'As [McLeod's] clever, twisty paranormal plot unfolds, you’ll find yourself caught up in a story that’s both deeper and darker than The Sweet Scent of Blood. It’s a seductive and enthralling urban fantasy that at times is surprisingly gritty too. . . with the fast-paced action, you’ll be treated to a dark and frenzied climax. Urban fantasy fans should enjoy this seductive paranormal thriller that crackles with blood, lust and wit.'
'Ms. McLeod outdoes herself, and takes her fictional world to new levels. The Cold Kiss of Death is a refreshing escape that will keep readers glued to every page. Fast-moving and brimming with action, this is a book that urban fantasy fans shouldn’t miss.'
Starred Review. Darque Reviews
‘Genny is hot, independent and kicks major magical and paranormal butt. The world the author has created is so fitting to the London background . . . Fresh, unique and urban paranormal fantasy at its best . . .This series is fascinating and this author is on my must read list.'
'Great writing, enough sass to make [Genny] believable and above all a tale that makes us all want to visit to see the “hidden” side of this ancient city. Add to the mix great new characters, returning old favourites and the evidence that you don’t get out of this life alive as Suzanne plays for keeps will have the reader guessing as to who will survive and who will fall making her perhaps Britain’s premiere Urban Fantasy Author.'
'The writing is fast, the plot pitched at a perfect (sometimes breathless) pace and before you know it, you are closing the covers and sitting back with a contented sigh at the conclusion. [McLeod] has proved that she’s going to be a strong presence in the urban fantasy genre.
'Wonderfully done. I'm hoping Ms McLeod feels like writing more about Genny and her crew. I'm hoping Ms Mcleod feels like writing anything in the urban fantasy genre. This book just flows, from beginning to end. McLeod . . . has now joined my mental list of auto-buy writers.'
'Genny is the Anita Blake of the Fae world mixed with Rachel Morgan. She is tough, likable and the series as a whole is dark, action packed and full of mystery. I look forward to book three and anything else this author can offer paranormal readers. [McLeod] is an author you need to check out if you are a lover of the genre.’
McLeod continues strong with the second installment in the series, The Cold Kiss of Death, using her talent for character and plot development to weave a complex plot that will enthrall readers . . . it's fabulous! Those who have read the first book will want to devour this in a sitting as I almost did, and for those who haven't read The Sweet Scent of Blood, I recommend reading it first. McLeod has an immeasurable talent for complex plots, and this reader was continually surprised, always the sign of a successful author.
The second instalment of the Spellcrackers.com series has the same level of characterisation and narrative fluency as the first, with McLeod using her talented hand to lift the novel above the burgeoning stack of other books in the same genre. McLeod is an author worth watching.
In the realms of the urban fantasy series currently on the market, the Spellcrackers.com series is refreshing – all of the standard creatures and tropes are there, but McLeod writes them with a real sense of making them her own. The first book of this series showed a great deal of promise, and McLeod has delivered on the second. She has . . . created a fascinating world peopled by real and interesting characters with just enough threads left dangling to leave readers waiting eagerly for the next book. She is definitely a writer to watch in the field of urban fantasy.
The Cold Kiss of Death is a well-written, fast-paced and highly imaginative story set in an alternate and very dangerous version of London.
There are plenty of interesting characters in this world, but I especially like the kelpie, Tavish, and the satyr, Finn. Even if they both have motivations of their own. And the phouka, Grianne will keep you wondering until the very end. These are the faeries that I like to read about -- dark, dangerous, and with hidden intentions.
We have action a-plenty in this novel! Some scenes are kind of disturbing, but it all has you sitting on the edge of your seat, the adrenalin pumping, jaw hanging at how unbelievable it is and how some of the characters act. I just love it all! The ending is just so good, I can’t tell you! If you haven’t started this series, you really need to! It’s just so brilliant, and I can’t for the third in the series, The Bitter Seed of Magic.
The Cold Kiss Of Death will chill you to the bone and steal your breath away. Beautifully involving characters are wrapped in an absorbing and inventive mystery. Mesmerising and suspenseful, its heart racing action will keep you on your toes. A great read.
McLeod's books are punchy and modern, which reminds the reader of Laurell K Hamilton's popular Anita Blake, Vampires Hunter novels. However, there's a very 'English' feel to these stories. The Cold Kiss of Death is a great example of the still growing genre of 'supernatural in the real world' that continues to take up the shelves at book stores around the world.
I enjoyed the characterisations in the story; Genny is a wonderfully layered individual with some real issues that add to the depth of the story, and the support cast, including the love interests, are just a little left of centre, which is a nice change. The London setting was also a pleasant change of pace from the usual American standard, with some local colour popping up throughout the novel. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, and look forward to more in the spellcracker world!
