Imperium

Author: Nicholas Olivo
Series: Caulborn
Publisher: Nicholas Olivo
Publication Date: June 30, 2011
How Received: For Review
Rate: 5
Summary: Vincent Corinthos leads a triple life. As a secret agent, he handles paranormal threats; as a god, he protects his followers from evil forces; as a stock clerk, he keeps the back room of an antique store tidy.
When one of his fellow agents goes missing, Vincent begins with the usual suspects. His investigation takes him to vampire lairs, golem laboratories, and the realm of the fae. Along the way he squares off against genetically modified gremlins, virus-spawned zombies and a horseman of the Apocalypse.
But it's only when he infiltrates a private medical lab that he realizes just how big of a threat he's facing, and even being a god might not be enough of an edge...

My thoughts:
I LOVED Imperium!!!!! The story starts with the God of the Urisk's, Vincent Corinthos, blessing his people with health and prosperity, and then returning to his home in Boston, only to find out that one of his fellow secret agents has gone missing. Soon after this first disappearance, a string of supernatural creatures start to go missing, and it's up to Vincent to find out who's doing this - and why. I adored Olivo's seemingly effortless writing style, and from page one I was hooked. There are so many amazing characters, including Megan, Vincent's new co-worker, who's honest strength, perseverance in hard times, and loyal, fierce resolve made her one of the most amazing and entertaining characters in the whole book ; Petra, Vincent's girlfriend, who's love, caring, uber strength (literally!), faith, and undying sense of righteousness was simply astounding, and at times even brought me to tears; and of course all of the Urisk's, who show an endless supply of faith in their God for the entire novel, and whom without Vincent wouldn't have any of his abilities. I of course have to mention Gears the gremlin, who is the funniest, smartest, cutest, and bravest little gremlin I've ever read about. Vincent himself is an absolutely amazing hero. It was truly astounding, seeing how high of a standard he holds himself up to, how he is always striving to be smarter, better, as both a human being and a God. With a delectable, mysterious plot, breathtaking writing, astounding characters, and awesome ending, Olivo has created an amazing novel ; I highly recommend picking up Imperium today.
5/5
~Moujnir