About ‘The Van Helsing Resurgence (Clara Grey Adventures book 2)’ by Evelyn Chartres::
Genre: Dark Fantasy; LGBTQ+; Paranormal/Supernatural; Urban
“While the Roaring Twenties are long gone, a heroine’s work is never done.”
Clara Grey was a hunter and part of a secret organisation known only as the Tower. During the Roaring Twenties, she sacrificed herself to destroy a powerful vampire. As a reward, she joined the ranks of Heaven’s army, and for ninety years, Clara yearned to take an active role in the mortal realm.
In an attempt to alter the course of history, scientists trigger an experiment with devastating results. The effects are felt not only on Earth, but in other realms as well.
Clara and an echo from her past are sent to Earth to investigate the case of a corrupted soul. For this transgression, Heaven could go to war, but they choose to send Clara—and Edith. They fall to Earth, focused on their mission.
Both had been isolated from the mortal realm. In their lifetimes, monsters were on the decline, but they quickly discovered how much the modern world has changed. While navigating this alien land, will they adapt to their surroundings to fulfil their mission? Or be swallowed up by the evil that lurks in the shadows?
Before reading on, be sure to remember: while the Roaring Twenties are long gone, a heroine’s work is never done.
I have also reviewed these other titles by Evelyn Chartres:
The Van Helsing Paradox (Clara Grey Adventures book 1)
The Grand
The Portrait
((Contains Spoilers of First Book))
((Contains Spoilers of The Portrait))
I want to say first that all of Evelyn Chartres’ ebooks are offered absolutely free. If this changes in the future, I will update this note.
It’s been a long time since I read the first book so I was glad for the small recaps where needed to remind the reader of key events (these did not feel tedious, repetitive, or like info dumping). I really enjoyed the first book, but this one was even better. After Clara’s death in book one, she ascends to angelhood. It is in this Heavenly home that Gabriel finds her in book two to send her back to Earth on a new mission.
Someone hasn’t been playing by the rules.
If you’ve seen my review of The Portrait (or read it yourself), you’ll be familiar with writer Victoria as she descends the madness of blended reality and winds up part of the supernatural world. When she is given the choice to become immortal, her decision is overridden by the vampire Evelyn. This is what Gabriel’s complaint stems from.
But Clara isn’t the only one returning to Earth. Ex-lover and past friend Edith decides to fall as well, her quest being one of vengeance. There is ample humor as the two navigate a world that is much more modern than when they last set foot on it. I particularly enjoyed the confusion due to differences in slang.
Clara comes upon a surviving friend of Victoria who is desperate to find out what happened to her. Together, they begin to put the pieces together, but not without emotionally taught fight scenes involving Clara, Edith, Evelyn, Victoria, and even the goddess Freya (from book one). There is a great depth to the way all these women interact that ranges from feelings of betrayal and loss, to pain on behalf of a loved one, to lingering (or blossoming) romance. The author has also included some steamy sexual scenes and even these were used to propel the plot and emotion.
There is also the perspective of a trio of Georgians alongside these characters as they struggle to work on an ominous science project. I didn’t feel as invested in what they were up to as I was the other characters, but I do look forward to learning more about their plans in the next two books. Having their chapters did definitely add to that foreboding feeling I love.
With so many characters and shifting point of view, ‘The Van Helsing Resurgence’ is a complex read. That said, I did not personally feel it was difficult and definitely felt it was rewarding. So, just pay attention and enjoy!
Evelyn Chartres can be found on:
Twitter @EvelynChartres
Facebook @theportraitofawoman
Goodreads
Amazon
Author Website
((Review submitted to Amazon and Goodreads))
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~Sahreth ‘Baphy’ Bowden
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baphy1428 
Thank you so much! I’m glad you liked it. 😘
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