City of Souls (Signs of the Zodiac Series #4)

If You Like Your UF dark, this is IT

City of Souls, the latest in the Signs of the Zodiac series, is the best in the series to date. I can't wait for the next installment because "J'Olivia" has pretty much hit rock bottom here and I'm wondering what she's going to do to climb back out. The concept of Midheaven is intriguing and I loved that we got more of a glimpse into it in this book. I know there are lots of folks out there wanting a Hunter/J'Olivia HEA at the end of the series but this is UF (and dark UF, at that)so there's no guarantee of that. And, quite frankly, I'm okay with it. This book shows that even super heroes, no matter how 'super' they are, they're still human with very real human flaws in their make-up. Vicki's writing has improved with each book and the plot twists have me guessing at what else could possibly happen before Jo snaps.Throughout the series I've come to love to hate some of the characters (Reagan and Warren) and at the same time hold out hope that others will do the right thing (Hunter and Jo; even Warren). The ending was gut-wrenching and although I felt a sense of betrayal in one of the characters, I hated that I was at the end because I wanted this character to be able to redeem themselves. I don't want to have to wait till next year to read what happens next. You can be sure that come release day, I'll be there with bells on (and money in hand) to snatch up book 5! You rock, Vick!

Miki

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Best Installment Yet!

I highly recommend you read this series in order (The Scent of Shadows The First Sign of the Zodiac, The Taste of Night The Second Sign of the Zodiac and The Touch of Twilight, The Third Sign of the Zodiac and also Vicki's short story in the anthology Unbound) before tackling this book. One thing I can say for this book....it was in no way predictable. This installment had so many twists, turns and surprises I couldn't put it down. If you are a Sign of the Zodiac fan, this is a must read! Joanna has most level-headedness and maturity in this book, than the past books combined. Joanna Archer is a survivor; chaos reigns in Jo's life and she thrives off of it. However, this chaos is at the expense of everyone who depends on her. The changelings are still broken. Without having a changeling to record the Agents in the manuals and the lack of belief and imagination to refuel their existence is, causing The Agents of Light to weaken significantly. Although the doppelganger, Skamar, is no longer trying to rip out Jo's heart and eat it, Skamar is still ineffectual at defeating the Tulpa. The more power the Tulpa and Skamar both expend by battling each other is shifting the environment off balance. The energy they expend must be reabsorbed into the universe or reused but it's just hanging out waiting to be claimed. To find the solutions to her many problems, Jo crosses over to a neither here nor there reality, an alternate world called Mid-Heaven. The Agents of Light are unraveling and the stakes are high for Jo. The price for the journey to find the answers she seeks may cost be Jo's her soul. The concept of this whole series just blows me a way. The clever world building of Mid-heaven was ingenious. If you are looking for a break from the usual vampires, weres, witches, fae, demons (although I love my fae and demons) then give this series a try. This series is creative, original, action-packed, exciting and innovative. I highly recommend this book and series to dark urban fantasy readers and I can't wait for the next book in this series Cheat the Grave due out 6/8/2010.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Excellent urban fantasy novel.

I really enjoy the Sign of the Zodiac series, in general, but occasionally find them somewhat challenging, as far as remembering what happened in the last novel. However, the characters are memorable, and the world created in these novels is amazing in its creativity.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Vicki Pettersson does not disappoint!

In this 4th novel in her series, The Fourth Sign of the Zodiac, we find Joanna Archer at a bachelorette party for a friend and from there it soars and does not stop. This is a fantasy novel and it is different from most fantasy that I've read. Joanna is a superhero, with a concealed identity. She wears a mask while fighting The Shadows, so her enemies cannot recognize her public face. The story even involves magical comic books that are intertwined with the story and completes the fanboy/fangirl image. This book is unlike any other I know of. Since I am not a reader of comic books, I find the mythology interesting and refreshing and the story familiar, but different. I highly recommend the series.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

I've read all three and couldn't put any of them down!

Vicki Pettersson is a talented writer who captures the topic of the Zodiak in a new and interesting way. My favorite thing about her books is that the characters are captivating, even the evil ones. I would recommend that you read this book early in the morning so you can actually catch some sleep. I literally stayed up until five in the morning so I could finish the book.

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

OMG!!!

In the fourth book of the Sign the Zodiac series Joanna must face that she has many things to save: a changeling, her troops power, Vegas, and maybe a relationship. In order to achieve this she has to travel to another world, but will there be enough of her left to save everthing else?

By far the best book in the series. We get to see a different side of Joanna in this installment, one that I have been waiting to see. This book has everthing: love, betrayal, laughter, pain, vengeance and heartbreak.
Well done Vicki Pettersson!

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Great urban fantasy

In Las Vegas, Agent of the Light Joanna "Kairos" Archer is a unique warrior battling the forces of evil Shadow as part of her essence is the dark shadow. Currently she is masquerading as her socialite sister Olivia with a need to rescue BFF Vanessa taken and tortured because the enemy want Joanna as they know she as the Kairos is the Chosen One to balance the light and the dark -------------------

She learns of a young girl suffering from an unknown horrific illness that somehow the dark side of Joanna caused. As the Kairos she knows what this means; if the child dies the light dies too. Joanna must enter the dark to save the light by saving the child; if she fails Sin City turns neon brighter but soul wise eternally dark even for those who enter from the outside.-----------------

The forth Zodiac urban fantasy (see TOUCH OF TWILIGHT, THE TASTE OF NIGHT, and SCENT OF SHADOWS0 is a terrific entry that focuses on how tenuous the balance between light and shadow is as an innocent little girl becomes the center of the war. Joanna is at her best as her mission is very personal this time. Sub-genre fans of the Petterson universe will relish this dark entry as Sin City may no longer be a CITY OF SOULS if the heroine fails on her quest.---------------

Harriet Klausner

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Grabs you and doesn't let go! Wonderful!

CITY OF SOULS is the fourth book in a creative new addition to the Dark Urban Fantasy genre that slapped me upside the head and told me to wake up and take notice.
Each book in this series evolves with amazing new twists and surprises that leave readers desperately wanting more at the end.

In this addition, Agent of Light, Joanna Archer must figure out how to fix the ailing child Changeling to correct the imbalance threatening to tear her world apart.
Naturally, there are bad guys to fight and mysteries to solve and mystical worlds to visit in the meantime.
Vicki Pettersson expertly weaves this all together to create a fabulously addictive novel, tearing reader's emotions to the very brink so that they're thinking about these characters long after they've put the book down.
Here's the thing: you won't want to put the book down!

If you found the ending painful and wanted MORE, read the incredible anthology, UNBOUND. It answers alot of questions!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Amazing

This is my favourite book in the series so far. It's an incredibly emotional, action packed roller coster ride. Everything Vicki Pettersson writes is unique, different and wholly unpredictable. I can't wait to see what the CHEAT THE GRAVE (the next book) has in store for us!
N.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

City of Souls

The best one so far! Read them in order!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

This book is amazing

I absolutely love this book series. Since I'm a Saggitarius too, I am a true follower. I am looking forward to the next book.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

City of Souls by Vicki Peterson

Original and fast paced. Great for anyone who likes the supernatural.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Razor-Sharp Wit & Lightening Speed Action

Overflowing with razor-sharp wit and lightening speed action, "City of Souls: The Fourth Sign of the Zodiac" takes readers on a journey into the thinly veiled world of the modern day Superhero. Focusing on those beings that quietly stalk the cities to protect us, Pettersson continues to highlight the life of new inductee, Joanna Archer. Joanna and those like her have mastered the ability to hide in plain sight, each living dual lives in order to protect their true identities and superhuman talents as they rise to meet the challenges of constant battle.

With a clear passion for creating intricate imagery, Pettersson infuses her creation with frequent, unexpected twists, which will appeal to more than the typical fan of paranormal fantasy. Readers will find themselves eager for the next installment, looking forward to the unique and remarkable world that only Pettersson can offer.

Reviewed by Suspense Magazine
www.suspensemagazine.com

Liked book 3

Good follow up to book 1 and 2. Tied up some loose ends.

Major Cliffhanger!!

Vicki Petterson continues to entrap you with her characters. In this fourth book of the series, she really pushes the limits on how much tragedy can befall a life before something snaps. You continue to sympathize with the heroine, and find yourself questioning the "goodness" of our agents of light. Don't be surprised if you find yourself thinking about crossing over to the dark side of the force.

For followers of the series, watch out for what I found to be some small inconsistencies.

BRILLIANT

CITY OF SOULS is the kind of book that grabs a hold of your emotions and refuses to let go. Vicki Pettersson's hero, Joanna Archer,(a superhero) is one tough chick who takes all that's thrown at her and throws it right back in a way that we all wish we could. With twists and turns and gut-wrenching emotional scenes, this is Pettersson's BEST BOOK YET. She puts Jo through hell (a place called Midheaven, actually) and back, and at the climax, Jo is faced with making a sacrifice that will show just how human a superhero can be and will shock you to your own core.

If you like dark fantasy with violence sex and gore, and haven't started this series yet, then you need to start it NOW. The writing is fantastic and Pettersson will surprise you at every turn, keep you up WAY past your bedtime, and leave you hungry for more.

This book is the best one yet in an already great series!

A good addition to the story line

This book was a descent addition to the series. There were quite a few things that I did not enjoy about it but with the ending and knowing that a fifth book will be released I am curious to see how it turns out.

0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

I hadn't really thought much of the title (I was just waiting for the 4th book :P), but in retrospect, it is rather fitting if you make the distinction as to what city is being referred to.

I would say this book was not as good as the previous ones. Don't worry-it contained your favorite, or not so favorite, characters (with a HUGE twist) but it appeared to be lacking to me. We know the 4th sign of the Zodiac and of course Joanna figures it out; but once I finished the book, I felt cheated somehow. I was totally unimpressed with the ending and now I have no idea where the book is going. I get the feeling Joanna feels the same.

0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

City of Souls

To be honest, I was disappointed in this book. In the other Zodiac Novels there was always a sense of freshness. Her ideas were new and almost completely her own. I felt as though this book was something that she rushed through and like she has no idea how to get from A Touch of Twilight to whatever book comes after a City of Souls. I truly like the beginning of the book, but the ending was a complete letdown. I hope that her next novel can pick up where A Touch of Twilight left off and that City of Souls is not the last of the Zodiac novels.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Arggg.... Story of a Super Zero!

This series is extremely frustrating!

I have read all four of the books so far and it just get worse and worse. Here we have a potentially great super heroine only to be disappointed over and over again.

When we first start off with this character she is a tough, no-crap taken, butt-kicking, human. As the books progress she becomes a super heroine. You would think that would only make her tougher.....Not quite!

As the books move one she does nothing but mess up over and over again, LOOSE power, whine, and try to do anything she can to fit into the Zodiac troop. I found myself several times hollering at the book for her to get her act together and grow some manly danglers. I expected at this point in the series we would have a super heroine that is a shadow of her former human self.

I don't think I can take this series anymore.

0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.