I was looking for my next fix of urban fantasy action when I stumbled on The Shadow Revolution, the 1st book in the Crown and Key trilogy. And what a fix it was! It was loaded with action in a setting I love, fabulous characters and cool themes. Even with its sometimes dark tone the personalities and banter between the characters balanced that making for one very fun read. 
 I knew you were more then just a pretty face 
 I swear Simon Archer sprang forth from my book boyfriend day dreams being a handsome rogue and yet ever the gentleman. He's covered in hidden tattoos and boasts all sorts of magic! And let me not forget about his walking stick with fancy hidden sword. But this rogue might have met his match when he teams up with Miss Kate Anstruther to solve the mystery behind local werewolf problems and her sister's abduction. 
 When there's something strange in the neighborhood 
 You need a big manly Scotsman strapped with two huge pistols and a sword to kick its ass. Malcolm McFarlane is just such a man. He's a man of few words and those are almost always insulting. But who doesn't love a good hot head? I know I do. 
 The aristocracy doesn't value brains with beauty 
 Kate Anstruther is as intelligent as she is beautiful and we all know how unattractive most men during the Victorian time period viewed such women as her. Imagine what they would think if they knew just how much of a scholar she is and that her favorite and very accomplished past time is alchemy!? So she is of course single but she seems to prefer it that way. She runs her father's estate (who has been missing for quite some time) and looks after her aggravating sister Imogen. 
 The side kick mentor 
 Nick Barker is long time friend and mentor/teacher to Simon. He is a dabbler in many different magical arts and is a disheveled, drinking, gambling cantankerous man. He has a habit of being against everything that Simon wants to do and yet goes along with all of it anyway. For a mentor he came across to me as much more of a side kick instead. 
 A few tiddly bits 
 - I found Simon to be emotional and often brash, jumping headlong into situations. I do so love a fiery spirited man *wink*. He relies heavily on the brute strength he can access from his magic and gets a bit tipsy from time to time on the use of the aether (magic). He is also the character we get to know the best. 
 - The Shadow Revolution is so action packed that I wish there were a little bit more time to have gotten to know the characters better. Of course the action is excellent! The fight scenes were so will depicted that I could feel every slash, beating and burst of magic. Even with all of the action it still delivered a good feel for each of the main characters and I anticipate that I'll get to know them even better in the next book. 
 - Just the right hint of romance! It can be so hard to find that perfect balance of romance in an urban fantasy novel. Personally I like it when it's there but doesn't become the main plot nor overwhelm it. Here I saw the possible budding of mutual affections that might grow to be a bit of romance in the future and that suited my tastes wonderfully! 
 - *shivers* The monsters gave me the willies. They are so varied and definitely the stuff of nightmares. With as many and as vicious as the baddies are in this novel I wouldn't hesitate to slap a small #horror hashtag on this one along with the #Victorian #steampunk and #urbanfantasy ones. 
 - There are a few interesting supporting characters, that while they aren't given much depth are still great additions. Kate's strong and dedicated manservant Hogarth. Penny, A local engineer/metal goods merchant that both Simon and Malcolm use for her services. A particular little werewolf named Charlotte. 
 Can I have some more? 
 Everything was blended so perfectly in The Shadow Revolution that I even read the sample chapter at the end of the novel....and I never read the sample chapters. So it's pretty obvious that I'm aching for more! *makes with the grabby hands* 
 (Note! All 3 books will be released within a month of each other. Score right!? This trilogy is my binge reading dream. No year long wait between each installment!)