The Thirteenth Child by J.L. O’Faolain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an incredible book and one that made me pull out a beaten soapbox I own.

Let’s talk about the book first. Make no mistake, this is an urban fantasy and one written by a good storyteller. The main character’s voice was strong as were the secondary characters. There was action and the world building was tight. I’m going to recommend this book to anyone I think enjoys a good urban fantasy with a dash of spice to it.

Now for the soapbox. This isn’t a romance. This is one of many books slotted into the M/M genre that people expect to be a romance or erotica because the M/M category isn’t set up into different genres as it should be. Everything is packaged as M/M so a majority of readers EXPECT it to follow a certain formula. Boy meets boy. Boys fall in love. Something happens to strain boys’ relationship. Boys overcome obstacle and HEA.

The M/M genre is evolving into a larger arena than that and this book is a result of that evolution.

O’Faolain has written a SOLID and intriguing book based off of a banished sidhe. I want to see more. I was pissed the book ended not because I wanted a HEA but because there was no more to read.

Viva la evolution! And write, O’Faolain! Damn it. I want more of your world and your Cole (I’ve got a Cole too. It was a bit disconcerting but I overcame that quickly). You kicked ass with this novel. I’ve not enjoyed an urban fantasy in a long time. There have been a few exceptions by particular writers and you are now on that list of writers to watch and buy.

Well done.

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