***NO SPOILERS***SPOILER FREE***SAFE TO READ***

I read this on a loaner from a friend that I frequently trade books with.  When she gave it to me, she wasn't very clear what it was about, but said she liked it because "the heroine keeps screwing up."  That was all she'd say - and it piqued my interest.  

Being the wannabe author that I am, I of course, immediately went to Vicki's Rewebsite, which has just been re-done, by the way, and is pretty swanky now, if I do say so myself... but I digress.  

I learned that she had the same agent, the same publisher and had toured with Kim Harrison, whom I really like, so I started reading.  

Admittedly, it took me a while to get into the first book.  It wasn't so much that there was anything wrong with it, but I've read quite a bit out of the dark/urban fantasy genre, and I couldn't quite tell where she was going with it.  I was pleasantly surprised.  

As it turns out, her world is one where superheroes and heroines exist, each gifted with strength, speed, the ability to see auras, and other various supernatural powers.  They have a conduit - a weapon custom made for them, that channels their powers, oh, and heightened senses, especially scent - which pertains to the title.  There are agents of both light and shadow, and in each house, there are twelve - one for each sign of the zodiac.  

What I liked most about the world, was that she overlapped it pretty flawlessly with real life - setting it up in her home town of Las Vegas.  I really get a feel for the city (even though I've never been there) and for the world underneath it that Vicki built.  I especially liked the addition of 'manuals' which are actually comic books, about the Zodiac troops, telling their stories weekly, as they happen in real life.  It was a refreshing twist, and introduces some interesting characters as the second book progresses.  It also was a very clever way of filling in back story, and world-building elements.  The first book promises 'non-stop action' and it owned up to it, though I felt after everything that had already happened, the ending was a bit anti-climactic - sort of 'more of the same'.  (Mind you, that's because the whole thing was pretty action-packed.)  

The main character is Joanna Archer, one of two daughters of a self-made casino millionaire.  Admittedly, I had a very hard time connecting with her in the first book.  She seemed aloof and bitter, and for reasons that were only annoyingly hinted at until much later.  What kept me going through the first book was more that I wanted to know what was going to happen to her, what would finally make her crack.  I was somewhat disappointed, because she didn't really have time to crack or break down, which I had been braced for.  It made it harder for me to connect with her - but, to Vicki's credit - the supporting cast of characters was vivid and interesting - enough so to keep me reading in order to learn how things panned out.    

But in the second book, Jo's character really comes through with some stronger introspection.  My friend was right - she does keep screwing up.  She's imperfect, and she knows it - which is always a good thing.  She struggles, and makes perhaps not the best choices, but I was finally 'on her side' by about the halfway point of the second book.  More of her past was revealed, and I could relate to her feelings about the events of the first book.    The premise of the second book was deeper, I thought - more about the battle waging both within and without between Jo's own shadow and light side.  Also, the supporting cast of characters, again - was strong - though it was a different set.  I really enjoyed the introduction of Jo's 'secret identity friends' and their dynamics, as well as the bunch first introduced in the comic book store in book 1.  The villain, as well, was very well played out, very creepy, and the resolution with him was satisfying.

Vicki makes no secret about the fact that romance is not her forte and that the love story is a sub-plot.  I have to say though, I wish it weren't so.  I think she does a great job with it.  And in the dryer middle of the second book, the love story kept me turning the pages.  There are two potential love interests in the book so far, and I personally lean towards the one she keeps denying, but c'est la vie.  It's definitely enough to get me reading the third book to see if she has a change of heart.  

In summary, my favorite things were the unique twist on an old concept 'superheroes', great description of Las Vegas, terrifically sharp wit, and good characterization of everyone but the main character (which does improve).  Also, ***slight spoiler*** I thought it was incredibly ballsy that she changed both her main character's name, and appearance a quarter into the first book - and I commend her for pulling it off.  

Elements that could be improved are the personal connection with the narrator, and a stronger romantic element.  

Overall, it was a good read, and I will be checking out the third book in the series, due out this May.