RHYS FORD takes a slight detour from her romance roots and offers readers a trip into a new urban fantasy realm with her newest release, INK AND SHADOWS. As a huge fan of this author's work, I was excited to see her branch out into another genre I frequently enjoy.

Kismet Andreas has always been able to see the things that go bump in the night. His own brother's ghost haunts him daily and it's only when he deadens his senses with drugs and alcohol that he can find some respite. Little does he know, but things are about to get worse when he is unwittingly drawn into a scheme between immortals looking to bring a certain human into full immortality. Mal, better known as Pestilence, rescues Kismet and immediately forms a bond with the troubled, broken young man. But it will take all of the Four Horsemen working together to keep Kismet safe.

The first few chapters of INK AND SHADOWS left me adrift, not quite able to get a hold on what was going on. Kismet sees impossible things, and when he is introduced everything is all a mixed up, confusing mesh of not knowing what's real or what's his imagination and drugs. Then the point of view bounces back and forth between him and several of the Horsemen and the world building starts to become more cohesive. I found myself immediately interested in the dynamics between Death, War, Pestilence and Famine. More interested in fact than in Kismet.

First books in any new series are hard. The world- building has to be crafted and introduced, characters need to be fleshed out enough for readers to form a connection and the plot engineered in a way that makes sense. While I did end up enjoying INK AND SHADOWS, it took me a while to find my footing with the world- building. I do think the characters were well drawn and I look forward to learning more about them in the future. My favorites were Death and War and their push and pull, back and forth relationship. I found their connection the most compelling part of this read and it's what kept me engaged and glued to the page.

While not my favorite Rhys Ford book, I remain intrigued by this world and hope that a return trip happens soon.