Hunter is Jacks, Regan is killed, Jasmine and Li are saved. Olivia loses her powers while in Midheaven, some are lost in a card game, one is stolen, and each time in a part of her soul is lost. Warren has been lying. Now that Joanna is human again, what's going to happen with her and the series? ( )

I keep reading this series, even though I have problems with Pettersson's basic logic in creating this world. The series is about Joanna Archer, who takes over her sister Olivia's identity when Olivia is killed. (Joanna has to hide her true ID because she is a good super-human, and the bad super-humans would be able to kill her if they knew.) So when she fights the bad guys, she wears a mask. Her voice isn't different, and yet nobody knows she's "Olivia." Despite their heightened senses. This may work in comic books, but it's really hard to swallow in a book, let alone a series. And in this book? Another good super-human, her lover(!), somehow manages to stand in front of her, maskless, and have a complete conversation with her--and she thinks he's someone else. Give me a break! I could go on about the problems with the conception of this series' world, but I won't. And somehow I bet I'll read the next one because the stories are interesting despite all the logic problems. ( )

I am happy to report that this is the first book in this series where I did not come across any GLBT failure. I think Pettersson just decided to go all out with her erasure. As a straight person, I am not in a position to say that the complete erasure was a relief, because it also represents a form of failure that is reoccurring in this genre. Once again, the book takes places in Las Vegas, and there are no people of colour. As a woman of colour, I can say that after watching her treatment of the GLBT community, that I am kind of happy to be erased.

If I had to say that this particular book had any message at all, it would be that absolutism is dangerous. Throughout the series, Joanna/Olivia's nemesis is her biological father tulpa. His mission is to either destroy her before she can bring about his destruction, or to force her into becoming his ally. When we examine this from a womanist perspective, it is clear that in this case that the tulpa constructs her as a possession to be claimed or punished/destroyed for a failure to submit. When we consider that historically daughters have always been understood to be the possession of their fathers until they were lawfully wed, the tulpa's quest to claim to Joanna/Olivia fits into the framework of women as objects.

On the other side of the equation we have the warriors of the light led by Warren. From the beginning of the story, Warren has been either outright deceitful or manipulative. He justifies this by saying that as a leader, he does not have to explain his actions, and that he has the best intentions for his crew. Unfortunately, Warren's best intentions mean sacrificing anyone in his bid to destroy the Tulpa. He said at the end of the third book that the only reason he didn't erase Ben's memory, is because he didn't want Joanna/Olivia distracted, and in this book, he manipulates the end of the budding relationship between Hunter and Joanna/Olivia, because he feels that this would distract her from her true purpose. When Joanna attempts to make it clear that she is a person, he tells her that she is a weapon. Warren also sent her to Midheaven knowing that it would weaken her, but because it was part of his goal to strip her down and remake her in his image, he had no problem with the loss. Warren does not actively seek Joanna/Olivia's death, but he is hardly much different in his approach to her than the tulpa. Once again Joanna/Olivia is an object to be manipulated at will.

Read more
( )

I have read this before, but apparently forgot to add it to library thing! Still didn't like the mid heaven stuff, so didn't really enjoy the novel. BUT it makes a lot more sense moving on immediately from the prior novels. So that was good at least. ( )

Overflowing with razor-sharp wit and lightening speed action, “City of Souls: The Fourth Sign of the Zodiac” takes readers on a journey into the thinly veiled world of the modern day Superhero. Focusing on those beings that quietly stalk the cities to protect us, Pettersson continues to highlight the life of new inductee, Joanna Archer. Joanna and those like her have mastered the ability to hide in plain sight, each living dual lives in order to protect their true identities and superhuman talents as they rise to meet the challenges of constant battle.

With a clear passion for creating intricate imagery, Pettersson infuses her creation with frequent, unexpected twists, which will appeal to more than the typical fan of paranormal fantasy. Readers will find themselves eager for the next installment, looking forward to the unique and remarkable world that only Pettersson can offer.

Reviewed by Shannon Raab with Suspense Magazine
www.suspensemagazine.com ( )