Death Be Blue is a great fantasy books that will appeal to fans of Patricia Briggs and Ilona Andrews. Terra is a no nonsense take charge character and a wonderful example of a strong female lead. Her partnership with wolf shifter Kaleb is fun and entertaining. This first book introduces us to the new world of Portiside and the author describes the world quite vividly. It is easy to imagine yourself there. The mystery keeps the book moving at a good pace and there is even a little romantic story built in. But my favorite part was the relationship and banter between the partners of Terra and Kaleb.

on the other side of a portal (off-Earth). There’s magic, in that lots of paranormals exist in the open and are ranked by species and power. Lastly there’s some romance, for those romance lovers (like myself).

Terra is a weird person in an even weirder world. She’s a human with powers of premonition that are not exactly under her control. She’s the only human to make it through the rigorous training required to become a field agent, chasing down the bad guys. Her partner also happens to be her boss’s brother, which probably gives her a little latitude with her attitude (which is plentiful). Oh, and she’s got a secret (possibly unrequited) love for her boss. All of this tumbles together to make for a very sarcastic and determined main character.

The main story here revolves around a drug Terra and Kaleb (said partner) find brining about a weird transformation in the usual bad guys. There’s signs that the government is trying to cover it up, everyone seems out to get them (more than usual) and Terra is definitely torn about how she should behave about her boss (a possible side issue). There’s action, magic, and mystery all rolled into a neat new world “Portiside.” While we see some resolution, this book is clearly the lead in to many more (hopefully).

I like the characters Terra & Kalab. The story is unusual & interesting, although the world-building really dragged the tempo of the book down plus is confusing at times which is why I’m only giving it three stars. I think the next book will be much better. #DeathbeBlue #netgalley

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book although sharing a first name with the main character was a bit unnerving. I am not accustomed to seeing my name spelled correctly!

The first chapter of the book starts off a bit odd and there are a few snippets in the book that reference the beginning; maybe the author will go more in depth in future books in the series.

This book combines a few of my favorite genres: paranormal, mystery, alternate universes into one book. I am interested in where this series goes.

Terra Vane is a human clairvoyant, her life was one of sadness and abusive before she immigrated to portside. Portside is a portal connected to Earth where members of the supernatural community fled before the flood centuries ago. In the thriving city where the Fey, Shifters, Vampires, and other gifted humans co-exist Terra has found her place in the world.
An Enforcer Field Agent for the Portside City Agency, Terra is the sole human who made the elite squad, working with her shifter partner she helps solve crimes and keep the peace. Tasked by the chief, she are her partner Kaleb must find a cannibalistic serial killer, what they discover could threaten Portside as they know it.
I loved this book so much I immediately bought the second in the series and the third was just released so I gladly bought that too. The plot is fast paced and gripping, the characters are well thought out and the word building in this book allows you to picture the scenes vividly. This book features a kickass heroine with a chip on he soldier and while there is no romance in this book, a glimpse is provided to the possibilities in the next instalments. I will be giving reviews of books two and three and I don’t want to give away too much. Suffice to say this is a must read for me.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. For more reviews please visit my blog:
http://www.wonderfullyweird88.com/

I want more Terra Vane, her partner, and characters. This is a fantasy mystery crime fighting cast who have a lot of promise and room for more. The development of the characters happens at a pace that keeps the reader satisfied without dumping everything in their face. I want to know more about all of them individually and as they grow in the ensemble. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series and more by Katie Epstein.
ARC was reviewed via NETGALLEY.

Death Be Blue is a new urban fantasy from Katie Epstein. Fast paced, world jumping between the normal earth and magical world, Epstein provides a new and completely original take on shifters, fae and humans with extraordinary abilities.

I received this copy of Death Be Blue from Katie Epstein. This is my honest and voluntary review. Death Be Blue was published Sept. 29, 2017.

My Rating: 4 stars
Written by: Katie Epstein
Series: Terra Vane
Sequence in series: #1
Print Length: 292 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0995625255
Publication Date: September 29, 2017
Genre: Urban Fantasy

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Death-Blue-Ter...
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/deat...

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If you're looking for a new urban fantasy with fierce and likable female protagonist, a funny and sexy partner/wolf shifter, and an interesting world of paranormal abilities and dubious politics, look no further! Terra Vane has a dark past that she'd rather forget, but it's made her the strong human she is today - which is no small thing, when she has to compete in a world full of powerful supernaturals.

As an Enforcer Field Agent, Terra and her partner Kaleb are used to unusual and violent cases, but the new one that lands at their feet is unique and dangerous even to them. I enjoyed the blend of paranormal capabilities with traditional detective work, and the cast of characters were fun and rounded out Terra's character nicely.

There was a little too much world-building for me (hence the 3*s not 4), which I know sounds counter-intuitive but bear with me! Kate Epstein seems to have a thing about architecture - every building's facade was described in huge detail, as well as its internal layout (while Mayra is a key character, I did not need to know what was in every nook, crevice and cranny of her shop to get a feel for it), and it was all too focused - I want to come away with a sense of the atmosphere of the world, and describing the setting building-by-building is a slightly tedious way of achieving that.

Having now read the next two books in the series (honestly, this book got me hooked), I can say that the author's writing really develops and we see the characters grow and become more complex as Terra story continues.

This book has a bit of everything - it's urban fantasy, set in some kind of paralel world with some magic, shifters, witches, and a little romance for good measure. I think that this series might have some potential, even though I didn't really fall in love with this book, it did leave a certain curiosity that will surely push me in reading the next book.
Well the book has an interesting plot, that I admit I didn't understand right away. Many things are not well described and are left alone without further descriptions which annoyed me.
<b>The main female character - Terra Vane:</b> She didn't really amuse me much, and sometimes she didn't even make me laugh, but she, like the book, has some potential, I think she's going to get much better. There should be more attention on her personality though. I like a strong heroine with a kick ass personality, a certain charisma, and a strong will of her own capable to stand her ground against everyone else. And Terra Vane has the potential to be all that.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, it was a light read, and even though it didn't make me laugh it sure did make me smile a lot, and I think the world building is pretty cool but needs to be cleared out more. I really hope this series will get even better because I did kind of get attached to the characters and I'm looking forward to reading more about them.

Terra Vane works for a paranormal policing agency with her wolf shifter partner, Kaleb. With psychic abilities with visions,Terra runs across a potent drug Blue, while hunting for a serial killer that gives the taker advanced abilities. While looking for the makers of the drug, they run up against corruption at the highest levels. This was an excellent thriller, with great characters and enough unrequited love to want the next book. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC from Netgalley.

I got a copy of this for a fair and honest review. I have read a little what they call urban fantasy. I did finding myself drawn to the way Terra did things. She offers up a lot of information at once. I like her partner Kaleb. I think that it is that he is a wolf. I have a soft spot for wolves in the paranormal world. The setting made the book easy to read and made the story flow the way it was meant too. I have a few questions still, but I am sure I will most likely some of that in the second book. I can't wait to get my hands on it.

Okay I really loved this book! I can't help but feel excited when I read a book that has multiple species and a complex eco system that is believable. I knew from the beginning that Terra is a girl after my own heart. Yes she's feisty, smart, and might have a bit of a temper but that just makes her even more relatable. Cole is that forbidden fruit that just tastes so good for all the right reasons but you know it's just gonna end badly with some casualties. Kaleb is complex and has a lot more going on than his playboy attitude. I'm holding my cards close for him because I think he is a lot more interesting than Terra and Cole combined. I really like the fact that the case isn't completely solved. It would have made it unrealistic and my expectations of the story would have dropped tremendously. This way feels more like an introduction, a brief description of the workings of the world,and the base players, while the plot thickens and transitions more fully into the storyline. I also enjoyed the layers of the characters motivations but I did feel like their fellow agent left a blank spot with his motivations and how it tied into the story with the other players. Maybe I'm missing it I don't know but that kinda caught my attention. Also Rosie feels a little off for me and I didn't really understand her function and what she brings to the table. With the card reading I just had a feeling she was going to be the one to shock and hurt Terra, but maybe I'm getting to ahead of myself. Overall, I loved the book and I'm excited for the second one. I would recommend to those who like fantasy and urban fantasy.

12.000 years ago on Earth, all livings were in danger because of the predicted Great Flood. So the wise ones of Earth formed an alliance. Each member was of a different race, chosen to represent their species. They called themselves the Hunters of Salvation. This group found the portal for a new place to live until danger pass (Now that place is called Portiside City and our story happen there.). I don't know why supernatural beings didn't go back to earth, but humans went to back earth and now most of the humans living there. Additionally, portal being watched always for not to let anyone passing without permission.
The story began with Terra (our protagonist) and Kaleb (her partner and a wolf shifter) were in a mission (both of them are Enforcer Field Agents) to find the serial killer. Of course turn out to be this wasn't just a serial killer case but more complicated things going on. And our heroes determined to learn what actually going on... And in this world, we have vampires, witches, shifters (wolves, cheetahs, panthers, bears et.al. and, others who can fly like owls or hawks), elves and it goes on like that.

I loved all characters in this story they all have their own story but the bad ones, I don't know much about them so I can't say they are well-developed characters. I like how Terra (our protagonist) handle with Kaleb (her partner and a wolf shifter) and how stubborn with Cole (her boss, Kaleb's big brother and a wolf shifter too). Plus her relationship with her stepfather (Chris), Rossie (her roommate) and Mayra ( her friend and a witch) are lovely.
Our protagonist has an issue to be seen as a weak person because what she has gone through as a child (She was abuse on earth because of her ability). So every turn she tries to prove she is not weak. I don't think she has to do that but this was her charm too. Actually, when we compare her with shifters and other beings she is weak but she appeases it with her other strong characteristics so for me she is a strong cool girl with some issue ^_^.
Generally, I loved how the story goes on and how the case was ended without actually ending ;D. It was hard to let down so it was a fast read for me. I would love to go on reading Terra and her friends' story as soon as I can get the second book (as an ebook).

I would recommend anyone who loves to read supernatural stories with a strong female, a lot of action and a little romance (If I say more clearly, could say we don't have romance in this book but for a second one I expect to that happen :))

NetGalley provided me an advance copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making this available! :))

How in the world have I not read something by Katie Epstein before?

Death Be Blue was my introduction to her writing. I picked it because, let's be honest ya'll, that's a great cover.

The blub reminded me a lot of one of my favorite series, The Bloodhound Files by D.D. Barant. The main character is an FBI profiler that has been taken from her world into an alternate reality where only 1% percent of the population is human and the rest is vampires, werewolves, and golems. Oh my. After reading the blurb, I was all in. And I'm so glad I did!

The similarity to The Bloodhound Files is superficial. Death Be Blue is it's own creature. I read this in about two days and would have finished a lot sooner if not for having to work (ugh) those two days. This book is so much fun!

In Terra Vane's world of Portiside, she works as an Enforcer Field Agent, bringing wrong-doers to justice with her shifter partner, Kaleb. Think of them as detectives on the police force, if the detectives all had magical or supernatural abilities and the criminals grow fur and teeth at will.


Terra is a complex character. She has a heart-breaking backstory that she struggles to leave behind. Betrayed by those in her past, she's determined to forge a new life for herself in Portiside. She's tough, but vulnerable, and not just because she's a sheep amongst the wolves. (pun intended) Being human is a world where everyone around you sprouts claws and fangs, surely would weigh on anyone. She is determined to make those around her see her as more than just the breakable human though. It's rare that we see such a kick-ass character made imperfect and relatable without being annoying. She's flawed but she knows it, so she shakes herself off and moves on.

The supporting characters are well thought out and charismatic. I loved Kaleb. He made me smile more than once. He's kinda like the best friend that is trying to figure his way out of the friend zone. His relationship with Terra is well grounded but yet, tumultuous because of that. Cole is the strong, silent type, if the silent type also is your boss that always seems to be pissed at you. There's a bit of a love triangle here for Terra. I can't say that I wouldn't be happy with either of her choices. I loved the development of the romance in this book. I absolutely hate when characters immediately fall in love, or in bed, or when the story line comes second to the relationships. This had just the right amount of build up and slow burn. That scene at the end...woof! (pun not intended, ha!)

The world building, in a genre, where it's "all been done before", is surprisingly unique. The story is fast paced and exciting. The writing style is down to earth and easy to read. The dialogue is witty and flows well.

If you haven't picked up Death Be Blue and you love urban fantasy, go now and get it. This will definitely not be my last by Katie Epstein.

I *may* have already downloaded the second in the series, "Death Be Charmed" to devour next.

Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for the opportunity to review.

This book reminded me of a lazy summer afternoon. There was nothing fast about it and there were no real cliff hangers or major events. I didn't mind it though, even thought I did find it kind of boring. I am torn as to whether to go to the next book. I would like to know what happens with Cole

The very first thing I must say is that I was really impressed with this book. I have never read a book by her before, but I will make sure to read more in the future. The characters were engaging, the book had a really interesting plot, and I loved the writing. I was a little surprised about the romance, as I can see her with two of the characters in the book. Maybe it’ll turn out different, but I am not disappointed at the moment; I liked both characters as her love interest. I was a little harder on rating this one because as I did find all the things above great, I did find the explanations of some of the world a little awkward and they frequently drew me out of the story a little. With how well the rest of the book was written, I guess I just expected everything to be that good. However, please don’t take that negative as too much of a negative because I found this an excellent book, and I can’t wait to read more. The next two books have already been published. Highly recommend!

I absolutely loved this book,what a hidden gem.I loved Terra Vane and the world she lived in, I loved the other main characters and I thought having different sections to live in was very clever.I liked the fact that as well as shifters of all descriptions and vampires and witches there were also other creatures created from the very imaginative mind of the author.I also loved all the names she gave to everyone, very entertaining and so clever.I haven't enjoyed reading a book in this genre so much for ages, I think for fans of urban fantasy this is a great writer to discover.I also liked the little hint of Steam Punk in the Victorian section that works perfectly.I haven't been so taken by a writer of this genre since I discovered Kerri Arthur many years ago, and Katie Epstein is on a par with her, and I can't pay her a better compliment than that.The story was exciting and unpredictable and I can't wait to buy the next book in the series to read thanks so much for the ARC of this book.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

There isn't much I enjoy more than a good urban fantasy. The combination of magic and mystery set in a gritty city setting never fails to intrigue me. Unfortunately, it's much more difficult than I would like to find a good UF book with an original concept as well as a compelling MC. Therefore, I was totally stoked to find this gem.

Epstein has created a fast-paced and interesting story with stellar world-building. She has managed to take a washed out genre and give it life, by creating an innovative, complicated magic system as well as featuring a realistic, flawed heroine. Terra is wonderfully written, being both kick-ass and relateable. I love her as a character, and am completely invested in her story.

I definitely see myself buying book two in the near future. I cannot recommend this book enough to other urban or paranormal fantasy fans!

4.5/5