Quote:
Originally Posted by DMcCunney
Depending on how dark you want it, I recommend Laura Anne Gilman's _Retrievers_ series.
They take place in present day New York, but magic works and magical creatures live side by side with humans. Protagonist Wren Valere is a Talent - someone capable of sensing and manipulating a magical force called Current. This is a mixed blessing - among other things, Current tends to follow the same paths as electricity, and electronic gadgets misbehave badly in Wren's presence. Current is also addictive, and Talents face the risk of becoming Whizzers - people who have gotten lost in the Current flow and gone insane.
Wren is a Retriever. Her particular skill is locating and getting back objects people have lost, usually by stealing them back from the people who stole them in the first place. Her business partner and manager, Sergei, is a Null - someone who can't sense Current. Her best friend, PB, is a demon who makes his living as a messenger and looks like a 4' tall polar bear. Sergei owns an art gallery, but has a past that will affect Wren, and their relationship is complicated by growing feelings for each other.
For the most part, normal human beings aren't aware there is magic around them, and simply don't notice the magical beings, but interactions do occur and sometimes get ugly.
Wren's problems are compounded by the Cosa Nostradamus, a sort of mage's guild that is trying to extend its authority to all Talents. Wren is a Lonejack - an independent Talent - and wishes to remain so. The Cosa has other ideas.
Harlequin's Luna imprint published them, and ebook versions are available:
http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/t/.../?seriesid=606
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Dennis |
I have these - and they just moved WAY up on my TBR list. Thanks, Dennis.