Joel Leslie Saves the day

This whole universe is endearing and both protagonists are likeable. A skilled editor could whip this story into shape and it’s certainly enjoyable, but not particularly epic.

If you’re familiar with the “show don’t tell” concept, you’ll see it illustrated here. Two sentences dedicated to answering a cell phone, for example.
Characters seem to respond in ways that are exaggerated or not particularly “adult”. Especially iv you’re a hundreds of year old hell hound. But that’s me, I don’t actually know any so I could be wrong. Author’s privilege and all that. Additionally the first several chapters were pedantic in the world building. I kept hoping they’d get on with the first meet already.

Also, the SIX hounds are not easily discernible in character. This is no fault of Mr. Leslie who does admirably with accents and vocal ranges. It’s that there aren’t any discernible personalities that the reader can latch on to. If the author intends to flesh out the series so each man has his day, the first book would have been a great place to get us attached. As it is, I’m not invested. Choose one, and if Mr. Leslie narrates, I’m in. For one more anyways.

Finally, the pacing is slow and the chemistry of the first meet is missing. I did engage a few times which had me hanging in, but I’ll see if the series redeems itself in the next t before recommending to a friend.

Overall? It’s cute. World has promise. The basics of language and tone are there(and I can’t tell you how often I can’t say that.) But without the life Mr. Leslie breathes into these characters, I’m not sure I could recommend.

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