A fun book. It was a nice blending of genre. I will say it was just barely a 4 star. There were a few spots that the story was a little predictable but it didn't stop me from enjoying it. ( )

Okay, so, I read these as audiobooks.

I..... think I love this narrator. He is who should have subbed in for James Marsters in the Dresden series when he wasn't available. And he brings the same level of resigned determination to his narration that Marsters does, which gives this book a flavor that reminded me very strongly of Dresden.

You might argue this isn't urban fantasy. It is, but with a sci-fi, techy feel to it. Telepath in an anti-telepath's world.

Either way, I devoured this series -- what's available of it. I loved them. And I can't wait for more. I can't believe these are as poorly known as they are. ( )

Book source ~ Purchased at Audible

A recovering drug addict who is also a powerful telepath works for the police department helping to solve crimes. Most times it’s just grinding away at normal harder than usual to break criminals. But sometimes he helps Homicide Detective Isabella Cherabino solve murders. And this time, there’s a serial killer on the loose.

The entire book is first person and our battered and broken hero is never really addressed by name until the end. Anyway, the telepathic crime fighter has a drug problem that he tries really hard to overcome. He’s fallen off the wagon before and had stricter sanctions put upon him, not to mention losing the trust of his co-workers and place of employment, so he knows what’s at stake each time a craving hits. Now there’s a serial killer on the loose and it looks like it’s someone like him. At least, with abilities similar to his which makes things even harder.

Set in a near future where the Tech Wars have already happened and tech is now severely regulated, it’s pretty bleak. Add paranormal abilities to some people who are regulated by an entirely different governing body and there’s strain in an already strained atmosphere. It all makes for a tense and compelling read. Or listen in my case since I have the audiobook. A fascinating look at one possible future. ( )

First person narrative, told in male protagonist's perspective

Trigger warnings: Sexual assault/attempted rape (non-graphic)

Clean had a lot of potential, with its alternative history (there was a Tech War and now technology is hated/feared/illegal) and Ability users. Plus a protagonist who's a recovering drug addict working with a police force who's all-too-eager to kick him to the curve if he doesn't show results.

But I found it didn't live up to that potential. The characters all felt flat, and the police were largely incompetent, even with the most basic things like updating people involved as the case progresses. Everyone has a bone to pick with our protagonist, and he's discriminated against for both his telepathy and his past enough times that it gets almost systemic. ( )

I thought this was an enjoyable book to read. At times the characters frustrated me, or I thought the book moved too fast or too slow at some parts but overall it was an enjoyable mystery type novel. The main character whose name you don't know until the end of the book was an interesting character and I thought he had a lot of dimension. He could be frustrating but I think if that adds to the character than its okay. He could be a bit too pessimistic for my taste at times but for him and his life I could understand it. I didn't love the love interest in this book. I thought she was an interesting character and I liked her personality enough but I don't think she went through much character development. I liked the mystery in this book. I thought it was well thought out and interesting. At times there was a lot going on and I got a little lost but only very rarely. I also like the main characters struggle with his drug addiction. I think the author did a good job telling that side of the story alongside the bigger mystery. This definitely wasn't my most favorite book in the whole world but it was very enjoyable and still a very fun book overall. ( )