Reviewed by PizzyGirl
TITLE: By Fairy Means or Foul
SERIES: Starfig Investigations #1
AUTHOR: Meghan Maslow
NARRATOR: Greg Boudreaux
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 8 hours, 16 minutes
RELEASE DATE: October 12, 2017
BLURB:
The last thing half-dragon, half-fairy private investigator Twig Starfig wants to do is retrieve a stolen enchanted horn from a treacherous fae, but there’s no denying the dazzlingly gorgeous unicorn who asks Twig to do just that. Literally, no denying, because compelling the reluctant detective is all part of a unicorn’s seductive magic.
To add to his woes, Twig is saddled with the unicorn’s cheeky indentured servant, Quinn Broomsparkle. Dragons are supposed to want to eat humans, but Twig’s half-dragon side only wants to gobble up Quinn in a more personal way. Making matters worse, it’s obvious the smokin’ hot but untrustworthy sidekick is hiding something. Something big. And not what’s in his trousers. In the PI business, that means trouble with a capital Q.
Throw in gads of zombies, a creepy ghost pirate ship, a malfunctioning magic carpet, and Twig’s overbearing fairy father’s demands to live up to the illustrious Starfig name. Naturally, an old but abiding enemy chooses this time to resurface, too. Those inconveniences Twig can handle. The realization he’s falling for a human who isn’t free to return his affections and whose life may hang on the success of his latest case?
Not so much.
STORY REVIEW:
I am a sucker for fantasy/paranormal/detective type stories. The Dresden files is one of my all time favorite series and this story tempted me as it seemed to be fashioned in the same manner. So when I had the opportunity to help out another reviewer by taking this one on, I was quite excited and I am so glad to say I LOVED every minute of my listening experience.
This story was awesome and fun and funny and great! The world was fabulous and creative, the creatures were imaginative, the plots was perfectly OTT and engaging, the MCs had heart, and the romance was utterly satisfying.
As book one in a series, I was captivated by the way the world was set-up. I enjoyed learning about the hierarchies, the various creatures, and they way each type of being was characterized and interacted with those around them. The caste system was interesting and I found it easy to imagine all the ways this system could hinder and help our MCs in the future. I do hope this series continues on as I am eager to see more of the scenery and meet more creatures. I am especially desirous of learning more about our demon friend.
I enjoyed the plot and the way it also helped establish this series. It set a baseline for how each book will potentially be structured and was a convenient method for interacting with the various types of beings and maneuvering within the structure of this world. Yes, this was way over the top at some points, but honestly, that is what made this one so much fun! This is a fantasy world and the author established that it was designed to be over the top, so it was very easy for me to adapt quickly. There were some parts that felt “too easy” or “too perfect set-up,” but overall, the plot kept me guessing and wanting to know how things would turn out in the end.
I really loved the mating/familiar aspect of the story. It felt natural to me even if I did see it coming a mile away. These men were in lust immediately but lust only went so far. They started to bond as well and it was watching that bond unfold that captured my heart. I loved seeing these men open up and grow into better versions of themselves. I hated the life Quinn was forced into, but as he discovered his talents and become more powerful, I had so much joy in my heart I wanted to just hug everyone! And to see Twig become whole was powerful and fun and again so joyous. I was enamored of both of these men and loved seeing them find happiness.
Quinn’s secrets were very obvious if you knew what to look for. I personally didn’t think they were necessary to the story but they did make for a bit of angst which I am sure some folks will enjoy. I do have to say that I was very confused over Twig’s poor reaction to Quinn when they bonded and then Quinn’s secrets were revealed. I didn’t feel like I understood why he reacted so strongly and his apology was rather weak. This was the only part of the story I wished was done a little differently or explained a little better.
Finally, well for this review because there is actually a lot more I could say about what I liked about this one, but then this would be a novel in itself. But finally, I want to say that I LOVED Bill the best. He is such a conundrum to me and I really want to learn more about him. I can’t wait for the next story!
NARRATION REVIEW:
I am a huge fan of Greg Boudreaux as a narrator but even I have to admit that sometimes he is overused and often not the right voice for the book. However, I LOVED him as the narrator for this story. He really captured the essence of the characters and his voices were clear and unique. The emotions came through and the overall “fun” aspect of this story was evident in every word. I highly recommend you listen to this book instead of simply reading it.
RATING: 
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