Lazerwarz

Rating:
Summary: There be gods here!
Review: Mark Shepherd offers what appears to be the conclusion of his urban-fantasy trilogy (read "Elvendude" and "Spiritride" first) and ties up his loose ends with a bang--or several. Set in Mercedes Lackey's SERRAted Edge Universe, the book has, as usual, several subplots skilfully woven together and even a wild left turn or two. In Tulsa, OK, FBI agent Samantha McDaris--who is actually an elf in disguise, and the sister of Avalon's King Aedhan--is investigating the disappearances of over 200 young players from a nationwide chain of indoor wargaming arenas called Lazerwarz, of which a new facility is slated to open momentarily. When she arrives, she discovers that part of Stonehenge--yes, *that* Stonehenge--has inexplicably (to most people--Sammi immediately realizes that a magical Gate has been used, but whose and why?) has appeared in the facility's parking lot. Meanwhile, a teenage fast-food worker named Dobie discovers in the arena a warrior personality he'd never suspected--and gets picked up and seduced by what turns out to be The Morrigan, an ancient Irish goddess. But she's not the only Celtic survivor from The Upperworld still hanging on, as Lugh, the god of light, contacts Sammi and her brother with the news that his demimortal son, Cuchulain, has been reincarnated in modern guise and has no idea of his past. A British druid (probably likewise a reincarnation) and our old friend Mort, the demonic hanger-on from the previous books promoted to major villainy and with his true nature revealed, add further complications. Shepherd somehow manages to keep everything straight and maintain momentum right through an updated techie single combat intended to settle, once and for all, the quarrel between Mort and the Seileighe (Light Elf) court. He also originates a splendid laserized version of paintball and describes it so well that you find yourself wondering when it's going to open near you. This is urban fantasy at its best.

Rating:
Summary: Great ! - More urban elves in the Mercedes Lackey Universe
Review: Urban Elf magic fantasy. Laser tag meets magic and Dream Park. Some evil characters who weren't eliminated in Spirit Ride (also recommended) turn up as the elves of Avalon look for allies against the Unseleighe.