Osric Turner (Ozzy) is a cunning man, a man who works magic through talismans, charms and spells. He lives in Lost Falls, a place inhabited by humans and Strangers, beings from another world who resemble the characters from folktales, mythology and horror stories.

Cunning Devil

In the words of Ozzy’s mentor, Early, “Cunning folk have a responsibility to their community. Cunning folk have to be wise.” And Ozzy follows Early’s credo until, one day, he receives a call from Brandon Mills. A new arrival to Lost Falls, Mills needs Ozzy’s help to find a silver rattle that belonged to his abducted son. The task, simple and harmless enough at first, opens a door into Ozzy’s past, a dark time before he became a cunning man.

There’s magic, but not the kind that can be summoned on a whim and with the wave of a hand. This magic requires specific ingredients that must be added in a precise order, especially if the spell is a black, genocidal curse. Cunning Devil is also filled with witches, goblins, sorcerers, hobgoblins, redcaps, vampires and their familiars, a roggenwolf and ghouls—all of whom are residents of Lost Falls. And then there’s the Dealer, a timeless being who grants wishes in exchange for body part that he makes his own.

Ozzy is one of the most interesting urban fantasy protagonists I’ve read in a while. His past is steeped in revenge—he gave a part of himself to the Dealer so he could seek it—but since meeting his mentor, Early, he’s only wanted to do good for others. Brandon Mills’ undertaking risks changing all that.

Cunning Devil’s main theme is revenge. This made for a gripping and, thanks to the strong characterisation, enjoyable read. It might just be me, but parts of the middle section did sag a wee bit. The climax was good and led to a satisfying resolution. In the last few pages, however, we learn how recent events have caught the attention of malevolent forces. Things won’t be returning to normal in Lost Falls for a while.

Pay Dirt is the second book in the series, and I’m looking forward to reading it.

Image: Amazon.co.uk, 07-Apr-2020

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Sign up to my newsletter for updates, book release details and more.