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A review by beaconatnight
Even Though I Knew the End by C.L. Polk
3.0
Helen Brandt is a private detective in Chicago in the 1940s. She was hired to solve a series of murders committed by the same killer, the mysterious White City Vampire. If you've seen any of the traditional film noir movies released in the same area the story is set in, you'll vividly imagine the mist-shrouded greyscale as Helen investigates the bloody crime scene.
But she's not just any regular detective. We quickly gather that she was hired for her insights in the supernatural. The lore is a rich portmanteau involving stellar constellations, a secret Brotherhood, and her ability to cast spells. We learn that she was cast out of the order and that she lost a lot, which is somehow related to the falling out with her brother.
Lost souls, angels, and demons fit seamlessly as additional details as the dark tale of urban fantasy unfolds. Quickly we realize that Helen is given a once-in-a-lifetime chance, one that might cost her life if she fucks up (no pressure). And of course in the end it's all for love. No seriously, this is all established in the first couple of chapters. The novella doesn't waste any time to introduce the reader to what is at stake.
For me Even Though I Knew the End was all about the romance. I discovered the book in a video that presented Romantasy recommendations (check out Jessica's channel if you enjoy more cozy and laid-back book discussions). I cannot say I had any points of contact with the genre so far, but the short-form neonoir detective story seemed like a great way to ease in.
Admittedly, for the most part the romance presents only the backdrop to the main investigation plot. As Helen moves through the shady milieus of her city, she gathers the clues from which the whole picture gradually emerges. It's interesting enough, but I didn't feel fully invested. I think it's because I've read A Master of Djinn only last week, so that all the reveals felt too similar to what for me was easily the more exciting world building.
To be honest, I was often kind of confused as to what was going on. I'm not sure if it's because of a minor language barrier, since I've read the book in English and had to look up some words to actively figure out what was going on. It certainly didn't help with the immersion. I'm sure I would like it much more on a second read, or when reading a follow-up in case this is continued as a series (it should be).
Moreover, the character of the brother, Ted, to me felt severely underused and underdeveloped. He has little personality and it was kind of confusing how easy their big conflict is resolved in the end. I also felt that some things just fall into place, without much agency on Helen's part. At times she just luckily ends up where she has to be, right? Which is not to deny that the things that do happen at their stopovers aren't exciting to read. The pacing is very on-point, with page-turning action conjuring up the needed color whenever things begin to feel rather too black & white.
But above I've said it's mainly the romance that made it all worth-while. More specifically, it's the ending that was just so sweet to read. Perhaps it's the way Helen narrates her admiration for Edith that made their relationship so heart-warming.
The whole novella reads kind of like a 90s TV show, and I'm sure if you like Buffy or The X Files you'll absolutely love Even Though I Knew the End. It might not be perfect, but it sure is perfect comfort food.
Rating: 3/5
But she's not just any regular detective. We quickly gather that she was hired for her insights in the supernatural. The lore is a rich portmanteau involving stellar constellations, a secret Brotherhood, and her ability to cast spells. We learn that she was cast out of the order and that she lost a lot, which is somehow related to the falling out with her brother.
Lost souls, angels, and demons fit seamlessly as additional details as the dark tale of urban fantasy unfolds. Quickly we realize that Helen is given a once-in-a-lifetime chance, one that might cost her life if she fucks up (no pressure). And of course in the end it's all for love. No seriously, this is all established in the first couple of chapters. The novella doesn't waste any time to introduce the reader to what is at stake.
For me Even Though I Knew the End was all about the romance. I discovered the book in a video that presented Romantasy recommendations (check out Jessica's channel if you enjoy more cozy and laid-back book discussions). I cannot say I had any points of contact with the genre so far, but the short-form neonoir detective story seemed like a great way to ease in.
Admittedly, for the most part the romance presents only the backdrop to the main investigation plot. As Helen moves through the shady milieus of her city, she gathers the clues from which the whole picture gradually emerges. It's interesting enough, but I didn't feel fully invested. I think it's because I've read A Master of Djinn only last week, so that all the reveals felt too similar to what for me was easily the more exciting world building.
To be honest, I was often kind of confused as to what was going on. I'm not sure if it's because of a minor language barrier, since I've read the book in English and had to look up some words to actively figure out what was going on. It certainly didn't help with the immersion. I'm sure I would like it much more on a second read, or when reading a follow-up in case this is continued as a series (it should be).
Moreover, the character of the brother, Ted, to me felt severely underused and underdeveloped. He has little personality and it was kind of confusing how easy their big conflict is resolved in the end. I also felt that some things just fall into place, without much agency on Helen's part. At times she just luckily ends up where she has to be, right? Which is not to deny that the things that do happen at their stopovers aren't exciting to read. The pacing is very on-point, with page-turning action conjuring up the needed color whenever things begin to feel rather too black & white.
But above I've said it's mainly the romance that made it all worth-while. More specifically, it's the ending that was just so sweet to read. Perhaps it's the way Helen narrates her admiration for Edith that made their relationship so heart-warming.
The whole novella reads kind of like a 90s TV show, and I'm sure if you like Buffy or The X Files you'll absolutely love Even Though I Knew the End. It might not be perfect, but it sure is perfect comfort food.
Rating: 3/5