Left Hand Magic by Nancy A. Collins

                                   
 

Left Hand Magic is Nancy A. Collins' sequel to Right Hand Magic, both of which are novels about Golgotham, a neighborhood outside of Manhattan.  Funny thing about neighborhoods, one can be a 'native' or an upstart and it varies by region how long it takes to change from being somebody new on the block (months, years, decades) to one of the regulars.  This neighborhood is a little more exclusive than most...exclusive in the sense of not generally including those who are human!  The inhabitants who look human are usually Kymeran, have an extra finger and are able to perform magic whereas the other inhabitants definitely are non-humans (centaurs, leprechauns, mermaids, satyrs, etc.).  Funny how easy it is to depict the rapidity with which anyone can divide into an "us vs. them" mentality and frightening possibility of violence inherent in most conflicts of this nature. 
There are a lot of creative meldings of human and magic in these stories, and in my opinion there has been an improvement between the first and second novels but there are still elements which are underdeveloped.  I am glad that the heroine has started to show some backbone, enjoyed seeing improvement in some of the relationships but think that several things could be expounded upon...e.g. the dragon in the bedroom, Hexe's familiar, etc.  An entertaining series that will undoubtedly continue to grow.  My Night Owl reviews for Left Hand Magic is at this link and Right Hand Magic is at this link.  Enjoy!