Elliott James

Elliott James writes contemporary fantasy through the Pax Arcana series, which places legendary beings inside contemporary life. Daring is the second full-length John Charming novel, following Charming after the events of Charming and continuing his uneasy relationship with the ancient order that once trained him. Orbit published the book in 2014. Its Wisconsin setting brings John into conflict with werewolf packs while his allies and past obligations complicate the mission. James structures the sequence around the Pax Arcana, a supernatural agreement meant to keep nonhuman communities hidden from ordinary society, and around John’s unusual position between several worlds. Daring therefore advances both an immediate pursuit and the larger rules governing the sequence. The book blends urban fantasy, folklore, action, and dry first-person humour, with John’s knowledge of old traditions repeatedly tested against changing loyalties and modern circumstances.