Step into the sizzling, supernatural kitchens of the Sin du Jour Affair series, where culinary chaos meets urban fantasy in a delectable blend of humor, horror, and haute cuisine! Penned by Matt Wallace, this seven-book saga follows the misadventures of Sin du Jour, a New York catering company serving demons, goblins, and otherworldly VIPs with voracious appetites. It’s a wild ride that’s as thrilling as a last-minute dinner rush and as unforgettable as a perfectly plated dish.
With its unique premise and vibrant cast—think tough-as-nails chefs Lena and Darren navigating magical mayhem—this series delivers a fresh take on urban fantasy. Whether you’re a fan of dark comedy or crave stories that blend the mundane with the fantastical, Sin du Jour Affair is a feast for the imagination.
How Sin du Jour Affair Began
Matt Wallace, a former professional wrestler turned screenwriter and novelist, cooked up Sin du Jour Affair as a love letter to the chaotic world of culinary arts and the boundless possibilities of urban fantasy. Published by Tor.com starting in 2015, the series began with Envy of Angels, inspired by Wallace’s knack for blending gritty realism with gonzo supernatural flair. His vision was to craft serialized novellas that read like high-stakes episodes of a culinary heist show, each packed with action, snark, and a dash of moral complexity.
The Heart of Sin du Jour Affair
The series kicks off with Envy of Angels, where newbie chefs Lena and Darren join Sin du Jour only to discover they’re catering a demonic banquet with angel meat on the menu. Lustlocked follows, diving into a goblin royal wedding gone haywire when lustful lizards crash the party. Pride’s Spell takes the team to Hollywood, facing false gods and holiday-themed hit squads, while Taste of Wrath, the adrenaline-fueled finale, ties up the series with epic betrayals and alliances.
Each novella explores one of the seven deadly sins, weaving themes of loyalty, identity, and the ethics of serving monstrous clients. Set in a gritty, magical New York, the series blends dark humor with horror—think Gordon Ramsay meets Hellboy. Wallace’s prose is fast-paced and irreverent, balancing culinary creativity (goblins munch on jewels!) with character-driven drama, making every book a standalone yet interconnected adventure.
The cast, from ex-Special Forces leader Ritter to the unkillable Moon, grounds the absurdity with relatable struggles, like workplace rivalries or personal redemption. This mix of high-stakes catering and supernatural shenanigans creates a world that’s both wildly inventive and deeply human.
Why Sin du Jour Affair Resonates
Sin du Jour Affair has carved a niche in urban fantasy for its bold originality and genre-bending storytelling. Fans and critics, including Chuck Wendig, praise its “raucous, riotous” energy, likening it to a culinary Thunderdome. Its blend of humor, heart, and horror appeals to readers craving something beyond typical vampire or wizard tales, offering a fresh lens on the genre through its culinary lens.
The series’ legacy lies in its ability to make the bizarre feel personal, turning a catering gig into a battle for survival and self-discovery. Its cult following continues to grow, fueled by Wallace’s knack for crafting stories that are as addictive as a box of extra-toasty Cheez-Its.
- Publication Years: 2015–2018
- Number of Books: 7
- Publisher: Tor.com
- Genre: Urban Fantasy, Dark Comedy
Ready to savor a story that’s equal parts delicious and deranged? Grab Envy of Angels and dive into the Sin du Jour Affair’s wild, magical world!