Magic, Monsters & Mayhem: A Gritty Urban Fantasy with Bite "The Foxglove Pact" Review

The Foxglove Pact by Sen Zhang, published by Spider Lily Books, throws readers headfirst into a gritty, monster-infested world where the line between the magical and mundane blurs in thrilling (and sometimes jarring) ways. This indie urban fantasy blends private eye noir with supernatural intrigue, delivering fast-paced action, fun character banter, and just enough romantic tension to keep sparks flying through the danger.

Thank you to Sen Zhang for the book and my honest review. Be sure to read my full review and get the book!

Welcome to Illium: Where Magic Lives Next Door

If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if the supernatural ran your neighborhood watch—or swapped your kid for a changeling—The Foxglove Pact has the answer. Illium, known as the "City of Lies," is a sprawling urban sprawl hiding monsters in plain sight. The setting feels lived-in and dangerous, a place where the monstrous is mundane and politics are just as deadly as claws and curses.

At the center of it all is Feng Yue “Claire” Giles, a hard-nosed private investigator who’s not easily fazed. She doesn’t mind working with monsters—until a wealthy client claims the Fey have stolen his child. Suddenly, Claire is pulled into a web of magical conspiracies, political tensions, and dark secrets that threaten to unravel Illium’s fragile peace.

What Worked for Me ✨

Let’s start with what I loved: the action is sharp and constant. Once the story starts rolling, it doesn’t let up. The city is teeming with interesting creatures, dangerous deals, and mysterious disappearances. If you're a reader who thrives on fast pacing and non-stop developments, this will absolutely be your jam.

The romantic tension and banter between Claire and Dreyson (a “burn-it-all-down” monster hunter) adds a fun spark that lightens the darker moments. Their dynamic is prickly, sarcastic, and just the right amount of flirty. It’s clear these two operate from very different playbooks, but watching them clash and (maybe) collaborate is one of the book’s biggest pleasures.

And the worldbuilding—once you start to piece it together—is genuinely compelling. Fey courts, shady city officials, changeling swaps, and covert agendas create a sense of looming danger that suits the noir style perfectly.

What Didn’t Quite Click ⚠️

My biggest stumbling block? The beginning.

The story starts very fast. Like, blink-and-you’re-lost fast. While that kind of dive-in approach works for many urban fantasy readers, I personally would’ve appreciated a little more grounding before being thrown into the action. I found myself asking, “Wait, who? What’s happening? Where are we?” more than once in the first few chapters.

That initial disorientation made it harder for me to connect to the world right away. A more gradual introduction to Illium—its rules, creatures, and political structure—might have helped smooth the entry into what’s clearly a richly imagined setting. If you're a reader who likes being gently eased into a new universe, this might be a bit much at first.

That said, I totally get that this is a feature, not a bug, for many in the genre. Urban fantasy often thrives on high-octane openings, and The Foxglove Pact sticks to that tradition.

Final Thoughts

The Foxglove Pact is a gritty, fast-paced urban fantasy that mixes magic, mystery, and political intrigue with a dash of romance. While the opening might feel abrupt to readers who prefer slower build-ups, those who love diving straight into the action will find plenty to enjoy. Sen Zhang has crafted a world full of supernatural complexity and sharp-edged charm.

If you're into books with snappy dialogue, reluctant allies, and magical conspiracies, give this one a shot. Just be ready to hit the ground running.

Rating; ⭐⭐⭐

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About the book:

Publisher: Spider Lily Books

Pub. Date: August 26, 2025

Genre: Adult Fantasy/Action

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Synopsis:

Welcome to Illium, City of Lies, a home to man, monsters, and magic, where the supernatural hides in plain sight. It lives on your block, runs the PTA, and could trigger a war when it swaps your kid for a Fey Changeling.

Private Investigator Feng Yue “Claire” Giles doesn’t mind working with monsters, but kids are another matter. She doesn’t get much of a choice though, her influential client claims the Fey stole his baby and he’s willing to do a lot to retrieve his real child.

When more cases surface, it becomes obvious that this isn’t just a custody spat; it’s a political disaster for the Fey Courts and city officials. For some powerful people, it would be better if these children were never found. Claire disagrees, but she’ll have to convince her “allies” of that, starting with Dreyson, a monster hunter who lives by “behead everything first, burn it all after.”

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About the author;

Sen Zhang is outnumbered by her dogs, outgunned by her cat overlord, and skews outlandish on the best of days. She enjoys reading, cooking, and naps