Twisted Pretty Things: A Gay Urban Fantasy (Shadows of London Book 1)

I started this while I was on a reading slump and finished it in one sitting. I loved the magic system, if it can be called that.The magic involves latents, people possessing some kind of psychic powers, and who can sense and use artifacts, which are objects imbued with power from great trauma. The story takes place in London, and revolves around John "Dom" Domeci who is a registered latent working for an agnecy that works with government approval to take artifacts off the streets.Latents are treated as second class citizens and a danger, even when they're registered because they can literally blow up half a country if they get their hands on an artifact that's powerful enough, or dirty, in the parlance of the book.Dom is more than just an ordinary latent, he's also an authenticator, which means he can sense the provenance of an artifact, the circumstance under which it was made, if he tries to focus on it. He's militray trained, but equally a ticking time bomb if he comes into contact with a dirty artifact without warning.The story takes place in London and starts with how an operation goes tits up when an unregistered latent holding an artifact whom Dom is trying to take into custody is killed by a mysterious American. From there on, the plot is full of surprises, with secrets and twists. Suffice it to say, I finished it in one go, and am eager to delve into the second book.

This book is low heat and I’m hoping that ramps up a bit in the next one - but it’s the plot in this one that grabs you. When it says twisted in the title I think it means the plot. I went through so many times of not trusting Alex but in the end I like that he’s kept his secrets.The heat comes from Hollywood and Dom. These 2 are fire together. It’s almost too bad there’s so much going on they don’t get much time together.The pace is fast and the plot is involved. At the end you may still be unsure who to trust and for sure everyone is still keeping secrets. But it makes you eager for the next one.

I wasn't entirely sure I'd like this series 'cause Urban Fantasy wasn't exactly my thing but oh boy I fell right under Dom and Alex's relationship, so twisted, so pretty, this is quite a book! I totally recommend it if you want to try something new with that english bit of spice!

Twisted Pretty Things is the first book in the Shadows of London series written by Ariana Nash. It is a great opener to the new series.John "Dom" Domenici is a former Psy Ops discharged from the military due to circumstances that has caused a great deal of pain and trauma. Now currently working for Kempthorne & Co as a retriever and at times solver of unwanted problems, Dom is slowly rebuilding his life. A series of events involving dirty artifacts, some serious run-ins with trouble is tearing Dom's peaceful life. Complicated feelings for his billionaire boss Alexander Kempthorne and his strong attraction to the American Kage ‘Hollywood’ Mitchell further adds to the conflict that is brewing to be a storm that would change his life forever.Twisted Pretty Things is a fast-paced, urban fantasy story mixed with mystery that is set in London. The world building is great from what has been shown so far and it sets the overall story arc for the entire series quite nicely. I love the lore that the author created with regards to the magical artifacts and to the power and the people that possess them (latents).The characters are quite fascinating. Dom with his tarnished past, deeply troubled, flawed with a heart of gold, Kage with his brash attitude and Alex Kempthorne - enigmatic, sexy, rich and a very complex man haunted by his painful past and deep secrets. The diverse supporting characters were fleshed out enough to give them their own unique personalities as well.Dom reminded me of Gambit from X-Men with his powers, a bit of his personality and a little of the past that we've seen of it. Alexander Kempthorne on the other hand is reminiscent of Bruce Wayne with his wealth and the tragedy involving his parents. Alex also reminds me of Rogue with his powers.Overall, Twisted Pretty Things is an enjoyable read with an intriguing plot that doesn't scrimp on the surprises and action. It delivers a wonderful reading experience with a fascinating world with an equally intriguing and delightful characters.I definitely recommend giving this book a shot. This gets 5 stars out of me. Looking forward to the next part of the series.I received an ARC of this book via GRR and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.

Why oh why am I always the last one to find a cracking story, totally different from the normal urban fantasy. A lot is made of the MM relationships which is a shame, the story line of fantasy is strong and will stand by itself. The MM relationship to me is a diversion from the story but having a MM relationship should be the norm not the exception, in fact any relationship should be the norm even a lonely relationship should be the norm as either case is every day life. Great story just needs the “detail” toning down a bit - it is better the Mills & Boon. p.s. should I buy the whole series in one go or tease myself by buying one at a time?

flotter Einstieg in eine neue Mysterie-Serie, sehr spannend und sympathische Charaktere.