The Bloody Bite of FRESH KILL
A review of FRESH KILL by Lou Wilham
I’ve been a fan of Lou Wilham since I first encountered her Hunters of Ironport series and Fresh Kill, the second installment, has me obsessed, once again. We rejoin Eric, Hunter, and Tony shortly after the bloody rescue from the Ironport vampire nest, and the group surrounding the oldest Venator and his students is wracked with grief–and distrust. Hunter struggles with his complicated grief and feelings for his oldest friend, while Eric blames himself for not only losing Brit, but his broken relationship with Tony. Meanwhile, Tony himself is wrapped up in the tempestuous trauma bond with a man who allegedly was imprisoned by the vamps with him. But as Eric digs deeper into the plot surrounding Ironports vamps, and Tony starts to wonder why wounds on his neck keep appearing, the two venators realize they both may have gotten in way over their heads.
Fresh Kill is as compelling as the first book, and filled with heartache, friendship, and an urban fantasy world to die for. From the banter to the biting retorts, each character in this found family feels wholly themself and authentic. Hunter and Eric’s changing relationship is sweet and balanced with the deep loss of Brit. I'm in love with this world and these characters. Ironport and Moondale feel simultaneously so familiar and original, much like each new character I meet fits so well but is entirely their own.
Recommended for readers of urban fantasy who are hungry for something fresh. 5 out of 5 stars.