I normally find the latter to be the big difference between sci-fi/fantasy in books and on tv. The setting, for one thing, and the use of a team for another. Grimspace is one of those rare books that does offer something different. I remember Tatiana's review of Unholy Ghosts and how she said that there's no point reading the synopsis of urban fantasy books anymore because they are practically all the same. Urban fantasy is a genre that constantly produces more and more of the same thing, some people will come back to it time after time because of this reason - but I prefer something a little unique, and unique is hard to come by. And the author's choice to mix typical urban fantasy with science fiction works really well. She's thirty-three for a start, a fair bit older than your typical heroine, and I like the idea that women don't have to be fresh out of high school to kick ass and be awesome. but at the same time Jax is different as well. Sirantha Jax has all the typical elements I look for in a good heroine - she's strong, snarky, ass-kicking, she's not immune to the local hottie but she can keep her head and focus on the more important things when it matters. It reminded me a touch of Firefly, and even more so of Torchwood.

I would liken the love/hate relationships - filled with sarcasm and humour - between the crew to that of other group relationships in sci-fi. Apparently, some people found it difficult to connect with the characters, but I had no such problem. So yeah, now we've got that out of the way, I can't see any reasons not to like Grimspace. I've always said that I'm a honest reviewer, so to continue being truthful it has to be said that this review is late due to me being stranded in London overnight, after spending the day getting ever so slightly drunk and then going to see The Avengers in 3D.

Grimspace by Ann Aguirre