Review of Black Wings, Gray Skies (Black Hat Bureau, #4) by R.L. King
As someone who loves diving headfirst into urban fantasy, I was immediately drawn to Black Wings, Gray Skies, the latest installment in the Black Hat Bureau series by R.L. King. The promise of powerful magic, missing children, and an evolving journey towards becoming a White Witch filled me with excitement. The series has become a cozy reading haunt for me, and I couldn’t wait to see where Rue and her crew would take me next!
In this fourth book, set shortly after the previous installment, Rue, Asa, and their team are investigating a troubling series of disappearances of human children near Charleston, South Carolina. The tension escalates as they uncover the dark forces at play, hinting at the kind of magic that sends shivers down your spine. I appreciated how King not only developed the mystery but also expanded the world by delving into other paranormal organizations. This added depth to the narrative, revealing how the Bureau interacts with local law enforcement and maintains control over the myriad supernatural happenings in small towns.
One of the book’s highlights is its exploration of Rue’s internal conflict as she grapples with her identity and urges. The humor injected into moments of tension—particularly when Rue and Asa riff on the creature’s eccentric weakness—brought a light-heartedness that balanced the darker themes. It’s refreshing to see characters acknowledge the quirks in their world, making it all feel more relatable.
However, I did find myself struggling with the pacing. The first half of the book seemed to drift towards personal issues, focusing heavily on the romance between Rue and Asa. While I adore their chemistry, it felt like the emotional entanglement overshadowed the suspenseful elements of the plot. I understand that character development is essential, but it bordered on repetitive at times. I could sense that the various story arcs—mystery, romance, and the appearance of a mysterious black witch—were vying for attention, creating an impression of a disjointed narrative.
The first-person narration through Rue is a strong point of the story. R.L. King lends Rue a confident, engaging voice that resonates throughout. The unique characterizations shine through the dialogues, whether it’s Clay’s deep, steady tone or Colby’s cartoonish inflections, enriching my connection to the story. I especially appreciated how the emotional beats were captured, making me feel every triumph and turmoil Rue experienced.
In conclusion, I continue to enjoy the Black Hat Bureau series, and Black Wings, Gray Skies is no exception. Despite some pacing issues, I find the overarching plot enticing and can’t help but be drawn to the journey ahead for Rue and her friends. Readers who appreciate a blend of humor, mystery, and supernatural elements wrapped up in a romantic subplot will find this a delightful read. I left the book eager for the next chapter, especially after a twist that promises to change Rue’s dynamics with the director, aka Grandfather.
For fans of urban fantasy looking for intriguing plots mixed with relatable characters, this book is a great addition to your reading list!
Ratings:
- Story: B-
- Narration: B+
Review copy provided by the publisher. Originally posted at That’s What I’m Talking About.
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