What do you do when you’re half-vampire, half-mage, the mixed-blood child of a union that should never have happened? If you’re Sabina Kane, you ally yourself with the only person to ever care whether you live or die, your tyrannical grandmother, who happens to be one of the most powerful and influential vampires alive. And you go into the only profession open to someone of your dubious heritage and unique talents: assassin. As the enforcer for the vampire Dominae, Sabina’s faithfully followed orders, killing anyone who might pose a threat to the status quo, be they friend or foe, and it’s given her a reputation as a bloodthirsty killer perpetually on the verge of going rogue. And it’s that reputation which will serve her well for her next mission. She’s to publicly break with her bosses, and join up with the renegade Clovis Trakiya, who dares to preach an idea of unity between vampire, mage, and fey, three races which have never gotten along.

So now Sabina’s out in the cold, looking to get in good with Clovis, whose scheme seems too good to be true. She has a demon trapped in cat form (long story) unwillingly helping her out, a perky nymph as her new roommate, and a mysterious mage trailing her, and the growing suspicion that someone’s pulling strings behind the scenes. But who can she trust when her own family is willing to use her and throw her away? And what of the rumors that she has family on the mage side she’s never met? Her conflict of loyalties couldn’t come at a worse time; caught up in the mission and getting ever-closer to the truth, she can’t afford distractions. . . .

Right from the start, it’s clear that Red-Headed Stepchild is an energetic, action-packed story, one where intrigue lurks around every corner and no one can be fully trusted. Moments of unexpected humor help to lighten the mood now and again, adding a wry touch to the proceedings. (Giguhl the demon is a scene-stealer, whether he’s exploring the joys of late-night infomercials or trapped in cat form.) There’s something appealing about Sabina, a mixture of ruthlessness and vulnerability that both helps and hinders her as she gets thoroughly wrapped up in the schemes and manipulations of those around her. All in all, this is a thoroughly enjoyable debut from newcomer Jaye Wells, and I have no doubt we’ll continue to see good things from her.