by Jesus Ibarra

I had the great immense luxury of getting Rob Thurman’s Blackout early to review, meaning I got my fix of Cal and company early. Which was so awesome to say the least. Blackout, the sixth book in the Cal Leandros series, is probably my favorite with my only complaint being that Cal the main character’s powers are reduced. However, this is an awesome book.

The series over all has always been about Cal and his brother Niko, with the early books focusing on Cal dealing with the other side of his family the evil cross-dimensional Auphe. This one is no exception. I have to give props to Rob Thurman for creatively reworking the Auphe back into the series in a very satisfying way. In Blackout, Cal half-human half-monster, has lost all his memories and has to piece together how he ended up on a beach surrounded by butchered creatures that are not human. The book follows Cal as he tries to remember who he was, discovering that maybe he doesn’t want to know who he was or continue to be that person. Along the way we get awesome moments between Niko, Cal and Robin Goodfellow, the pansexual puck who annoys the brothers, but who has become part of the family. As for the epilogue, well let’s just say it’s dark, really dark but fitting for Cal.

This series is a must read, for any fan of urban fantasy. Rob’s writing style and ability to write the most sarcastic material is what definitely draws me to her writing. I swear she captures what it is to be a young male so perfectly I was shocked when I found out she was a woman but make no mistake if you follow her on Twitter, which you should, then you know she has the same sarcastic wit as Cal. Not only does Rob Thurman write a great story here, the freaking comic related references made that will make any nerd squeal are enough alone to check this book. Go buy this book, and while you are at it check out her other series as well. For all things Rob Thurman go to her website and follow her on Twitter @rob_thurman

Oh before I forget, when you read this book make sure you read it with a fork, you’ll understand later, it makes it that much more enjoyable.

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Jesus Ibarra is 18 years old and an ongoing contributor to our Teen Talk section; with a love of all media, he’s always on the lookout for the best finds.