Step into the gritty, magical world of Corine Solomon, where a single touch can unravel an object’s past and plunge you into a realm of demons, witches, and dark secrets! Ann Aguirre’s Corine Solomon series is a pulse-pounding urban fantasy saga that follows a young woman with the gift of psychometry—reading an object’s history through touch. Blending paranormal thrills with real-world stakes, this five-book journey captivates readers with its noir detective vibe and a heroine who’s as tough as she is relatable.
From Mexico’s vibrant streets to cursed small-town Georgia, Corine’s adventures weave a tapestry of romance, danger, and self-discovery. Perfect for fans of gritty urban fantasy, this series delivers a unique spin on the genre with its diverse cast and morally complex world.
How Corine Solomon Began
Ann Aguirre, a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, launched the Corine Solomon series in 2009 with Blue Diablo. Known for her versatility across speculative fiction, Aguirre drew inspiration from her love of noir detective stories and paranormal lore. Her goal? To craft a heroine who wasn’t just powerful but deeply human, grappling with the weight of her supernatural gift. Living in Mexico at the time, Aguirre infused the series with authentic cultural details, grounding its fantastical elements in a vivid, real-world setting.
Aguirre’s background in English literature and her eclectic life experiences—clown, voice actress, stray kitten savior—shaped Corine’s quirky, resilient spirit. The series emerged as a love letter to urban fantasy fans craving something darker, fresher, and less predictable than the genre’s usual fare.
The Heart of Corine Solomon
The series kicks off with Blue Diablo (2009), where Corine, a handler hiding in Mexico City, is pulled back into danger by her ex, Chance, to find a missing loved one. Their search unveils a world of black magic and zombies, setting the tone for Corine’s high-stakes adventures. Hell Fire (2010) takes Corine to her hometown of Kilmer, Georgia, where a dark curse threatens the town, forcing her to confront her mother’s death and her own past.
Shady Lady (2011) amps up the danger as Corine faces the Montoya cartel and demonic debts, while Devil’s Punch (2012) and Agave Kiss (2013) dive deeper into the demon underworld, culminating in a bittersweet finale. Themes of power and responsibility pulse through the series, as Corine wrestles with the cost of her abilities and the moral grayness of her choices. Aguirre’s style—gritty, steamy, and laced with humor—pairs with a diverse cast, including warlocks, empaths, and a loyal Chihuahua sidekick, Butch, to create a world that feels both fantastical and lived-in.
The series’ urban fantasy setting, rooted in Mexico and the U.S., blends supernatural elements like witchcraft and Nephilim with real-world issues like trauma and redemption. This fusion gives Corine’s story a raw, emotional edge that resonates with young adult and adult readers alike.
Why Corine Solomon Resonates
The Corine Solomon series carved a niche in urban fantasy for its bold mix of noir detective grit and paranormal chaos. Fans praise its complex heroine, whose flaws and growth mirror the struggles of young adulthood, from navigating love to owning one’s power. Aguirre’s inclusive storytelling, featuring diverse characters and settings, broadened the genre’s appeal, earning accolades from authors like Patricia Briggs, who called it “gritty, steamy, and altogether wonderful.”
Though the series concluded in 2013, its legacy endures in its devoted fanbase and influence on character-driven urban fantasy. For readers seeking a heroine who fights demons—literal and personal—Corine Solomon remains a standout, proving that even the darkest paths can lead to hope.
- Publication Years: 2009–2013
- Number of Books: 5 novels, 1 novella (Forbidden Fruit)
- Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
- Author: Ann Aguirre
Ready to touch the past and uncover a world of magic? Grab Blue Diablo and dive into Corine Solomon’s thrilling urban fantasy adventure today!