Book Review: Industrial Magic by Kelley Armstrong

Industrial Magic is Kelley Armstrong's fourth book in the 'Women of the Other World' series. This was a particularly lengthy read at 528 pages with a massive plot line and a seemingly unending dilemma with a fresh range of characters constantly thrown into the mix. In short, I've been enjoying this series, though at times the dialogue between characters borders on corny and a little too formal. There's also a lot of over explanation at times describing landscape, people's reactions, or the immediate situation. This tends to slow the story down, but the author does do description well, so I cannot exactly describe it as tedious.

The book follows on with Paige Winterbourne's story, a witch recently ousted from her own coven for protecting the life of her ward - Savannah Nast. She is also dating Lucas Cortez, a sorcerer and son of a CEO Cabal leader - an absolute no no for any witch. Complicated though their relationship may appear to outsiders, they find themselves perfectly matched, complimenting each other's strengths and weaknesses, and both filled with a passion to help other Supernaturals in need.

The story begins with the appearance of Lucas's father - Benicio Cortez, head of the Miami Cabal, estranged from his son for many years, yet clearly always on a mission to re-tie the ties that bind them. Benicio comes seeking the help of both Paige and Lucas, hoping to heal old wounds and seek resolution for why Cabal employee children are being targeted for murder.
Lured by curiosity at first, Paige convinces Lucas to help his father, hoping that they may be able to provide a different perspective on these murders and help catch the killer before more children fall victim. But they soon discover that they are embroiled in the middle of a bitter dispute. The killer has a motive and a purpose - to seek revenge on all the Cabals and to find the key to eternal life.

Along the way we meet many interesting characters - half demons with superiority complexes, a necromancer with a flair for dramatics, and vampires on a mission to defend their sullied names. We also have the re-introduction of Clay, Elena, and Jeremy from earlier books in the series - werewolves and friends of Paige who are ready and willing to help put this murderer to bed.
With so many characters in the book it does keep it interesting, especially the underlying issues and clear past history between the characters. What it also does it break up the monotony of the chase. Paige and Lucas often find themselves wandering around in circles, the introduction of new characters and their expertise seems to be what keeps the story moving forward.

Overall, I enjoyed the book, though I'm not entirely sure that I'd like to keep reading about Lucas and Paige. I find them both a little insipid and uninspiring - nothing particularly dangerous or mysterious about either of them which I tend to enjoy in my main characters. However, I will give this book four out of five stars because it constantly left me guessing. Just when I thought they were on the right track, the author would throw a spanner in the works and the plot would thicken.