Review: Three Days to Dead by Kelly Meding

Title: Three Days to Dead
Author: Kelly Meding
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: 11/24/09
Summary:

She’s young, deadly, and hunted—with only three days to solve her own murder...

When Evangeline Stone wakes up naked and bruised on a cold slab at the morgue – in a stranger’s body, with no memory of who she is and how she got there – her troubles are only just beginning. Before that night, she and the other two members of her Triad were star bounty hunters — mercilessly cleansing the city of the murderous creatures living in the shadows, from vampires to shape-shifters to trolls. Then something terrible happened that not only cost all three of them their lives, but also convinced the city’s other Hunters that Evy was a traitor... and she can’t even remember what it was.

Now she’s a fugitive, piecing together her memory, trying to deal some serious justice – and discovering that she has only three days to solve her own murder before the reincarnation spell wears off. Because in three days, Evy will die again – but this time, there’s no second chance...

Plot: 5 Stars
There were so many twists and turns, and little details that you forgot about but came back to be a really big deal. All sorts of random details ended up equalling one crazy plot. I never had this story figured out. I also liked how the beginning of every chapter (except for the few flashbacks) had the time remaining at the beginning. It kept the story in perspective and helped make the timeline believable.

Pace: 4 Stars
The pace of this story never lets up, and it's definitely because Evy has a seventy-two hour timetable to figure everything out. There's no time for rest when the clock is ticking, and the mayhem never stops. There were a few moments when I wished Evy or Wyatt would shut up and keep moving, but other than that, this story never let up.

Characters: 5 Stars
I loved the numerous races of Dregs, or paranormal creatures, in this story. It was a fresh take on many, such as goblins and fae, and the first time I've read a book with gremlins and gargoyles. I really enjoyed Evy as a main character, and I also liked how little bits of Chalice (the body she is resurrected in) broke through. Wyatt was also a character I enjoyed. I liked how he put himself on the line for what he believed in. I just wish we could've seen more of his gift.

Cover: 4 Stars
At first glance, the cover doesn't really stand out against others in the genre. But on closer inspection, there is so much detail in the cityscape background. It really helps you picture the feel of the unknown city featured in the story. The only thing I don't love about the cover is the title: the font choice isn't my favorite and the bright red doesn't quite fit for me.

Overall: 4.5 Stars

Disclosure: I received a signed copy from the author after winning a contest at Dark Faerie Tales.