The Undying Legion by Clay and Susan Griffith

Finally got a chance to continue this series. Six years later. In January I did a quick reread of The Shadow Revolution to get myself back up to speed and was hooked into the series again by the end of the book. That was a positive sign. 

The alchemy and scribe magic are back. I am thrilled that there is a different approach to the magic in this series. The elements of steampunk are there with genius engineer Penny Carter, but the aether magic has a fresh feel. The typical urban fantasy of werewolves, homunculi, and zombies isn't too grating either, which is a win in my cynical world.

Brooding Scotsman Malcolm MacFarlane finds a hideous murder scene inside a church. It is clearly ritualistic, and he can only think of one person to give him more information. Simon Archer. His favorite playboy magician. But he's not alone now. He is quite attached to Kate Anstruther, which of course means that Imogene is a key part too. Oh, and they have accumulated an adolescent werewolf as well. 

Now it is more of an ensemble cast. So many dominant personalities are vying for the reader's attention. I think it actually detracts from the wonderful story that is happening in the background. A murder mystery of necromantic proportions. Demigods are throwing down in the middle of London, but you might miss it as we deal with the "family" drama.

There was enough twist with the Egyptian goddess and Prime Minister's wife that I will be coming back for the conclusion, though, so I guess the authors did their job pretty well in the end.