Review: Grave Injustice, by Allen Goodner

Michael Remington is a half-angel with a certain set of skills, skills that make him a nightmare to the forces of Hell. When angels need a mission done on earth, they call in Heaven's Hitman.

The story

The story of [easyazon_link identifier="B099Z4M56Z" locale="US" tag="upstreamreviews-20"]Grave Justice[/easyazon_link] is well set up and quite effortlessly executed, if you'll pardon the expression. Michael Remington appears to be a private investigator, but when minions of the forces of darkness need to be put down, he's called in to finish the job.

But now, zombies are rising all over Dallas. Whole cemeteries of the dead are on the move. People die and immediately come back with a desire to kill. The Hosts of Heaven have tagged Remington to put down the threat.

[easyazon_link identifier="B099Z4M56Z" locale="US" tag="upstreamreviews-20"]Grave Justice[/easyazon_link] was an odd one. To start with, I was given a copy to review, and this is book two. Funny enough, at times, it almost felt like book one. Many of the characters had been previously established, but they were very well set up here. It's clear that Goodner wants people to be able to pick up this book without an issue. Unfortunately, there are some parts that suffer from not reading [easyazon_link identifier="B099WMTK56" locale="US" tag="upstreamreviews-20"]book one. So be certain to do that[/easyazon_link].

There is a good use of police tactics scattered throughout, even though they can do little to stem the forces of Hell.

The characters

Like Harry Dresden, Michael Remington is a supernatural PI, and that's where the similarities stop. He's still recovering from the death of his wife. He has an interesting relationship with the Texas Rangers. It's a refreshing change that we have a hero who can play well with others. And while Remington is as serious as a member of the clan MacCloud, every time he mouths off at the Host of Heaven, it can get amusing-- especially when his Mission: Impossible briefing is as clear as mud.

Goodner also has a new take on the supernatural: TELL PEOPLE. Because they more people knew about the forces of Hell on the loose, the more people would go to church and combat it.

Goodner also has an interesting array of characters throughout. The secretary that was used by a succubus, and still has some leftover problems. There's the assistant who's a Shaman of some sort. Remington's girlfriends is ten times older than he is, but works as an EMT.

The world

Allen Goodner at least tries to write Urban Fantasy with metaphysics that make sense. He clearly puts in an effort. Limiting the narration to Remington's perspective means that anything Goodner wants to leave vague, he can just say that Remington doesn't know; occasionally, this leave Remington to fill in the blanks by himself, and he has a cynical perspective that probably stems from being over 130 years old.

But unlike some books that have all the direction of a demagnetized compass, it is very clear that Remington is battling the forces of Hell.

Goodner also pulls off a lot of things that you won't see in your average zombie film.

One thing Goodner does is to have demons be escapee souls from Hell. While theologically irksome, it does distinguish threat levels, making "demons" different from "Fallen Angels," which are a different class of Hell on Earth.

The politics

Heaven and Hell are relatively apolitical. Though guns are considered a good thing. After all, it's Texas. Goodner makes it clear that there is good and evil here. And while Remington does try for the redemption of souls, it's also clear that he will put down evil if it is without remorse.

Also, politicians are stupid, but that is a universal constant.

Content warning

Zombies and attached gore abound. You've been warned.

Who is it for?

Fans of Harry Dresden, Highlander, or just noir PIs will have fun with this.

Why read it?

This is Harry Dresden with a more serious tone, but better theology. While not completely devoid of humor, this honestly feels like Harry Dresden meets Highlander.

[easyazon_link identifier="B099WMTK56" locale="US" tag="upstreamreviews-20"]I definitely recommend book one.[/easyazon_link]  But once 're done with that, certain try [easyazon_link identifier="B099Z4M56Z" locale="US" tag="upstreamreviews-20"]Grave Justice.[/easyazon_link]