Written by Faith Hunter, Blood of the Earth is the first of the Soulwood novels, which it turns out is a offshoot of the Jane Yellowrock book series (which, at this point in time, I have NEVER read and didn’t know about it). This novel follows Nell Ingram, as finally the promised help comes to help her in her situation, only to find out they want her help in finding a group that is wanted by the government and her knowledge of the cult she grew up in.
So, a little more clarification: PsyLED is the group that she is joining. This team is the FBI of the Paranormal variety, dealing with anything more than human, and you can bet that the other agencies don’t like them and try to keep them out of the loop.
I absolutely LOVED this novel. The writing was the level and style that elevated it from a normal urban fantasy to something more in the style of Robin McKinley. Think Sunshine. So, so well written.
The characters are fantastic, from Rick, the leader, and his odd relationship with Paka, to the resident witch T. Lanie. An empath, Tandy, adds a really great scope to the team and what is experienced, and of course they have the token human Jojo. But, I think my favorite character, aside from Nell herself, is Occum, the clear future romance between the nature worker and the werecat is just wonderful. It has the slow, slow progression that I think ends up adding a lot more to a set of characters and story that you can miss with a fast burn.
With action, adventure, murder, magic, and a touch of romance, this novel hit all of the right notes for me. Highly, HIGHLY, recommend this novel.
If you are wanting a steamy romance, keep walking. Otherwise, I think this is a great novel.
