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Las Vegas is getting rampaged by ubernaturals, and only one team has the guts to step in.

Ian Dex is the captain of the Las Vegas Paranormal Police Department (PPD), the crew responsible for kicking the crap out of any supernatural stupid enough to mess with the Strip. He's a cop, a millionaire, an amalgamite, and a horndog.

Sin City is always running amok with disturbances and glitter, but sometimes those two items merge and the nightlife gets out of hand. Kind of like mixing Hell and...well, more Hell.

When an ubermage appears on the Strip, strutting around in his Chippendales-style outfit and sending out other ubernaturals to kick up dust and unleash destruction, it's up to Ian Dex and his team to do what they do best: bust heads and shred souls.

Casinos are clamoring for help, cops are fighting tooth and nail just to survive, and tourists think it's all part of the Vegas experience.

The weather forecast for tonight on the Strip is dark. Very damn dark...and bloody.

206 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 7, 2017

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About the author

John P. Logsdon

121 books309 followers
John P. Logsdon is a former game designer, producer, and software engineer who shamelessly digs into the deep recesses of his mind to bring forth oddball characters and hilarious plots. He writes primarily in fantasy, urban fantasy, and science fiction, but he's also dabbled in cozy mystery from time to time. To see John's vast library of laughs, visit www.johnplogsdon.com.

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5 stars
367 (34%)
4 stars
365 (34%)
3 stars
244 (22%)
2 stars
62 (5%)
1 star
26 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
Profile Image for ᴥ Irena ᴥ.
1,652 reviews222 followers
August 18, 2020
If this is the first time reading urban fantasy, I think I might like it more. However, I've seen most of these things before and they were done, well, way better.
I love the premise, though. It's nothing new, as I said, but I like the idea of a paranormal police squad.
The Merging reads like a TV episode. There are certain things left for later, so I may check out the next book too.
As for the characters, they might have been written by an adolescent. Everyone is hot, even the main villain. When you are introduced to a new character, the most important thing about them is how hot they are.

If you need something to breeze through, this might be it.
12 reviews
October 30, 2017
Great read!!!!!

I had just finished reading a book and was looking to find a new one or even a series, which I really like. You get to go on various adventures with someone you know and like. You become a part of their life so you just can't help being there with them. As with any new friend(ship), the more time spent with them the more you get to know about them and their life and other people they know,and so on and so forth. This book g
rabbed me from the first page and kept my attention thru the last page, and that's hard to do. I stayed up all night reading it. Thank god there's something second on to it, so I get to read on, but I sure hope the author can write quickly because when I finish this next one I'll be wanting more of these books so I can continue to be a part of the PPD officers lives.
Profile Image for Noah Sturdevant.
Author 18 books65 followers
September 7, 2017
A surprisingly fresh take on urban fantasy
John Logsdon (and his silent, probably Tyler Durden-ish partner Christopher Young) have really done something here. I’ve read almost all of their stuff and enjoyed it, but this is different enough to warrant a pseudonym. I’m not going to say this is more mature or any of the things people say when authors try new things, but I will say that going from mostly comedic novel to this was took guts, and I think it paid off. There are a lot of new ideas here that pull it out of the rut that most urban fantasy books have fallen into, and by taking the tropes as suggestions, instead of gospel, they have expanded the genre in ways other authors might soon be emulating.
Profile Image for Scott.
1,324 reviews8 followers
November 20, 2017
A new twist on an increasingly simliar story.
Unlike other stories of Urban Fantasy the heroes are all too Human and believable with a great sense of humour thrown in especially with the main characters.
As a previous reader and fan of John Logsdon i was a little wary of this his first foray into the UF world but found to my great delight a great fresh outlook.
No spoilers but i love this book and im already eagerly awaiting the 2nd book.
264 reviews1 follower
June 14, 2019
Interesting and fun

Good read. Fast pace, bunch of neat characters and a lot of action. Good world building and a good start on cast introduction. Enjoyed, looking for the next one.
Profile Image for Ryan.
11 reviews
July 5, 2019
Great start to a series

This is a good start to an interesting series. It has a good leading character who has a bit of snark. Which is always appreciated. If you like action with magic mixed with humor. You will enjoy this series.
Profile Image for Wayne Turmel.
Author 15 books79 followers
July 25, 2019
Put your brain on hold and relax

Wasn't sure what to expect, but this book has witty lines, an original world, and nonstop action. It ain't art, but it's fun. Will read more in the series
Profile Image for Frank Bertino.
1,638 reviews14 followers
July 30, 2019
Horndog Power

Ian is the Chief of the Vegas Paranormal Police Department. He and his crew run into uber strength paranormal villains. Will the enhanced officers be able to take down the ubers? I like the action, snarky humor, and subdued lust. I look forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Laura Witte.
259 reviews4 followers
March 8, 2019
Short

This was a short read that gave the basics of the team, along with a situation that arose. I’ll be curious to see how the sequels play out.
Profile Image for Lee Willie.
135 reviews
July 7, 2019
Great fun

This book was a lot of fun, I can’t wait to start the next one in the series. Highly recommended.
498 reviews1 follower
July 7, 2020
Okay, but I wanted more of a plot.
163 reviews1 follower
June 9, 2023
Not a bad start to a series! Paranormal police antics in Las Vegas because of course. Ian Dex, intrepid chief of said police department leads a fun, snarky & delightfully diverse group of crime fighters as they tackle rouge vampires, werewolves & demons.
Ian’s hyper senses make him prone to … hyper libido which he exudes with cheeky self-awareness. The crew dynamic flows easily & the story moves at a good clip.
I personally prefer a touch more anti-hero darkness vibe with my urban fantasy but I’m glad I discovered this one of the darkness gets too heavy!
Profile Image for Bonnie Dale Keck.
4,681 reviews54 followers
February 25, 2019
Kindle Unlimited {all of his seem to be, except for any prequels those are probably permafree on his website, and you can also get for full {length} 'sampler' free from his website, a 3 pack, some with free audio, to give you a good look, and have listed all the books/sets/collections below, usually don't, it's getting almost longer than the book{s} BUT if you want the insanity to continue, there's the list. {Terry} Pratchett meets {Douglas} Adams meets Monty Python meets Red Dwarf meets Star Trek meets Doctor Who meets Twilight Zone/Outer Limits/Night Gallery.... Realized that there are 2 of 'them', writers, so guess 2 peas in an...alien pod.... Their 'issues' have 'issues', and sincerely suggest that they both seem professional help...after a couple or more...sets/series.

A set of naughty ubernaturals, a demon-powered mage, and wealthy amalgamite playboy who is far more than he seems. Ian Dex is a genetically engineered man who has abilities from all classes in the spectrum. He's also the chief of the Las Vegas Paranormal Police Department (PPD). His job is to monitor all supernaturals and their involvement in the world of normals. It's been a mostly boring gig, until now.A new breed of supernaturals has turned up and they're a lot tougher to deal with than your run-of-the-mill vampires and werewolves. These are larger, tougher, and stronger...and they laugh at wood and silver bullets. But fighting these ubernaturals only gets worse when the mage who created them arrives on the scene. He is bent on world domination, inflicting as much pain as possible, and walking around with his shirt open because he looks like a Chippendale's model. And to make things even more fun, he's using demons to give him an inexhaustible supply of power.Join Ian and his crew as they fight werewolves, vampires, fae, demons, a succubus, and a mage while trying to stop Vegas from getting flipped on its head!

The Merging (Ian Dex Supernatural Thriller Book 1)

The Rebellion Hyperbole {A Trek Gibbons Adventure Book 1}

Starliner (The Intergalactic Investigation Bureau Book 1)

The Unexpected Fugitive (The Lassiter Files Book 1)

The Relic (The Galactic Thieves Book 1)

Liberating the Package is the prequel to the madness that follows, listed below in order, may only be available through his site, but would be freebie.
Mission 1: The SSMC Reluctant - Mission 2: Angry Robots - Mission 3: The SSMC Voyeur - Mission 4: Earthlings - Mission 5: Synthetic DNA -
Platoon F: Pentalogy (Platoon F eBook Bundle 1)
Warped Conduit (Platoon F Book 6) - Kidnap on Fantasy Planet (Platoon F Book 7) - Platoon F: Veli Unveiled (Platoon F Book 8) - Platoon F: The Search for Veli (Platoon F Book 9)
Platoon F: Quadology: Missions 6, 7, 8, and 9 (Platoon F eBook Bundle 2)
Platoon F: Big Ass Bundle: Missions 1 - 9 (Platoon F eBook Bundle 3)
Warning: subject matter not suitable for the young, small pets, and anyone without a warped sense of humor.

Comedic Arthurian Bundle: The Adventures of Queen Arthur
The Ring of Veiling - Knights in the Past - Knights in the Future
The 4 book set Comedic Fantasy Bundle #1: 4 Hilarious Adventures (Tales from the land of Ononokin) now out has the first 4 books, #1 Quest of Undoing #2 The Full Moon Event #3 Bob the Zombie #4 Gappy's Gadgets -- NOT included are #5 The Kidnapped Prince #6 Saving Major Wiggles and The Fate Quest (Tales From the Land of Ononokin .5) PREQUEL
Comedic SciFi & Fantasy Bundle -- Tales From the Land of Ononokin A Quest of Undoing, The Full Moon Event, Bob the Zombie - Queen Arthur Adventures The Ring of Veiling - Intergalactic Investigation Bureau Starliner - Platoon F The SSMC Reluctant, Angry Robots {this may or may not be version 1, version 2 was better/different}, The SSMC Voyeur, Earthlings, Synthetic DNA
Comedic Fantasy Bundle - Tales From the Land of Ononokin A Quest of Undoing - The Full Moon Event - Bob the Zombie - Queen Arthur Adventures The Ring of Veiling

Nanoagents: The Alien Files Bundle
Induction (Nanoagents: The Alien Files Book 1 - Lightcycle (Nanoagents: The Alien Files Book 2 - Moon Base (Nanoagents: The Alien Files Book 3 - Mars Rover (Nanoagents: The Alien Files Book 4 - Mission 5: (Nanoagents:The Return of Xabigan 5

Cozy Mystery Bundle #1 (South Lane Detective Agency #1-5)
Diamond in the Ruff (South Lane Detective Agency Book 1) - Framed & Fortune (South Lane Detective Agency Book 2) - A Sound Swing (South Lane Detective Agency Book 3) - A Horse Tail (South Lane Detective Agency Book 4) - Out of Left Field (South Lane Detective Agency Book 5)
Profile Image for Soobee.
34 reviews
November 15, 2017
What can I say about this book other than it is brilliant. . . From the first page I was hooked. Here we have a rich, super self confident supe who is laid back, funny and a horndog. These characteristics of a main male character can at times put some readers off because they automatically thing, oh god he's some arrogant, egotistical a** that needs a swift bat to the head. . . Not with this book's MMC, Ian. The authors have created a perfectly balanced personality for the leading main man and it doesn't hurt that he really cares for the people he works with and treats them as equals, not like he's above them.

At first I found Ian's laid back and casual (especially in his relationships with his staff) personality a little shocking for a chief, because I wasn't so used to seeing a chief be that way. . .Usually they're harda**es who rule by the book. But not Ian, he is willing to try whatever means necessary in order to get the job done. Every character has their own little quirks that are fun to watch unfold and see how they work with others. The most surprising thing for me was how much I loved the directors. I wouldn't think that it would have been possible as I rarely find high authority figures that are secondary non-love interest characters overbearing and a pain in the a**, but this book, no, they were fun to read about and that is thanks to the amazing character development of the co-authors. They have created a set of characters that are enjoying to read about and most importantly ones that are relatable. I could actually see my friends in each of the characters (even the baddies. . . whaaaaat?!) which made them easier to love and get to know.

For anyone who is looking for a lighter read (and when I say light I mean light in tone not pages) then this is the book for you. You will not be left disappointed.
Profile Image for Tehrene.
36 reviews2 followers
January 5, 2018
This book was amazing! I love finding new series to follow and John P. Logsdon doesn't disappoint. There are plenty of series that include supernatural police forces trying to reign in the supe population so that the humans remain unaware, but this one put a totally new spin on it. Ian is an amalgamite, what is that? I have no fecking idea! It is loosely explained as being born with a bit of most supernatural abilities, that was enhanced genetically. He can't really use any of those powers on command because they take time and set him back some, but they are there, somewhere. I think this is basically a reasoning put in place to explain some of the things that he will be able to do to save his ass, that otherwise wouldn't be able to wash normally. Last thing is, I love Ian's personality and humor. He seems so naive and everything has sexual innuendos attached to it. I also like the support characters and since reading all the other books in the series, I know that their personalities will be fleshed out and carried through the other books.
Profile Image for Maryann Sims.
141 reviews
September 11, 2017
This is sort of your typical Vegas cop story, if typical, includes mage, wizard, werewolves, vampires and an amalgamite, something new to come out. Dex is the leader of this little group of heroes and he knows his people very well, in fact, the only members of his team he has not slept with are the boys, which add a lot of fun to the mix when everyone finds out. But putting that aside, his little group of cops has demom possessed vampires and werewolves and in Dex's own word one super hot possessed Amazon sucube. Throw in the spin with his ex girlfriend, whose job is to keep the world ignorant of the supernatural world, and hot and sexy evil wizard and it is a good story with just the right amount of humor, can't wait for the next book to come out.
Profile Image for Linda.
428 reviews14 followers
September 18, 2017
This was a perfect fun story to just escape the worries and problems of the day. I really liked the world these 2 authors built that included all the supernatural creatures that lived with us in our everyday life.And what better place for all this to happen than in Las Vegas. The Paranormal Police Dept (or PPD) was set up to keep the supernaturals behaving properly and to keep normals from discovering that they exist. I liked all the characters here. And the story was action packed. It didn't give you time to be bored.There were 4 letter words and sexual references used, but not in a way to offend anyone. But it would not be appropriate for under age readers. I do recommend this story to anyone just wanting a quick, fun read.
1,123 reviews6 followers
September 5, 2018
Fast paced fun

Ian Dex is one of a kind, literally, which qualifies him to work as the chief of the Las Vegas PPD. It turns out that some of the crazy stuff that happens in Vegas is real. This book jumps right into the action from the word go and doesn't slow down. The characters suffer a little as a result since there is so much going on that it's tough to get a feel for any of them in depth. The story is told in the first person from Ian's perspective, so you get a lot of his internal observations about people but not so much from the people themselves, which makes the team members feel pretty two dimensional. But the world building is solid and there is a ton of action, so if you aren't hung up on stereotypes then it's a fun read.
Profile Image for Bookworm52732.
520 reviews1 follower
October 21, 2017
Oh yeah! Let's get the expected stuff out of the way. The authors deliver a good story with lots of action and humor. Ian's a bit of a d*ck but his heart's in the right place. You may think it's a little short-ish, but dare I say you're wrong? It's the first of a series so get over it.

The authors accomplish one of my favorite things: they don't bog a story down with unnecessary, overwrought descriptions. They give us a conspiratorial nod, understanding most fantasy readers have an imagination and we're happy to fill in any blanks.

If you enjoy every little thing described to infinity, try this book anyhow. You may be startled by your own imagination...
Profile Image for Mary Brannian.
986 reviews13 followers
September 16, 2018
The Merging: Science Fiction with Urban Myth

What a hoot! A paranormal police department responsible for protecting the "normals" from the supernatural. Wizards, mages, succubus and more. The situations arise fast and furious, and it's up to Ian Dex and his crew to save the world... At least once a night, if not twice.

But when uberbaddies appear, Dex and his team are hard pressed to overcome the growing threat. Even when they prevail, an ominous warning is issued... There WILL be more...

Fast paced and unpredictable, this book kept me reading! I was swept away by the imagery, the plot twists, the characters! Loved it!
52 reviews1 follower
April 23, 2021
Pretty funny book

So yeah, this book is very funny, but if you are wanting sophisticated humor, this book is not for you. There are plenty of double entender's, witty innuendos and just good old sarcasm. There is a lot of flirtation going on in the book, but happily for me, there are no sex scenes or crap like that. The story moves along quickly & the characters are fleshed out enough to move the story without bogging down with tons of back story. If they keep rolling it out slowly over the series, I will absolutely love this series!

Ok, so I am off to buy book 2, so open your wallet & get your reading glasses on, this story is fun!
Profile Image for Natalie Fallon.
89 reviews2 followers
September 7, 2017
This is a fantastically funny new urban fantasy series about Ian Dex and his team in the Las Vegas Paranormal Police Department. The action is there from the start, with Las Vegas being a great backdrop for it all, and the diverse team are all the better for being fun, sarcastic and neither perfect nor pc. There is a great mixture of the familiar and new stuff in The Merging which is addictive and kept me wanting to read more even though I knew I had to get up early for work in the morning?! I see the makings of a great new series and absolutely cannot wait to read more!
Profile Image for PJ Lea.
1,064 reviews
September 13, 2017
Mages, wizards, even a PR department, are involved with policing the supernatural creatures and preventing the normals folk from discovering their existence.
It starts with a bang and pulls you through the story at a breakneck speed. Ian Dex is a lead character with intriguing powers and a background that begs to be explored.
This is a departure from the books I have previously read from these authors and I was thrilled that I enjoyed it so much.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, my opinions are my own*
Profile Image for Cyrene Olson.
1,252 reviews16 followers
March 4, 2019
This urban fantasy kicks in pretty fast - and set in Las Vegas, because - well, why not? There is some fun comedic moments and good action sequences. To be honest though, I didn’t like Dex as much as the authors want the readers to. He’s a little full of himself but if that was toned down a bit, he’d be more likeable. In this series, the team is better together than apart, and the secondary characters are well thought out.

I’m definitely going to continue on with the series to see where the authors lead us next. Reviewed by Cyrene
Profile Image for Lynette Wood.
16 reviews1 follower
September 11, 2017
I don't usually read UF, but as a fan of John P.Logsdon and Christopher P. Young I thought I'd give it a try. It didn't disappoint! Really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading any future books in the series. Ian Dex is the Chief of the Las Vegas Paranormal Police Department and he's got a team of pretty awesome people to keep on top of any paranormals who step out of line. Fast paced, funny, likeable characters and a book that leaves you wanting more.
2 reviews
September 24, 2017
The Merging is a definite “must read” for Logsdon fans - and anyone else looking for something different. The flavor is closer to Platoon F than the Ononokin series, although it’s certainly got the fantasy flare. I was laughing out loud at the humor while turning pages for the next action scene. The pace is fast and fun - it was a perfect read while I was in vacation. I certainly can’t wait for the next in the series.!
Profile Image for Jennifer Layne.
975 reviews5 followers
June 29, 2018
Book review of The Merging: An Ian DeX Supernatural Novel, #1 (Las Vegas Paranormal Police Department)

This was the first John P. Logsdon book I have read & oh my it was a wild, laugh out loud ride!

There was plenty of action, sexual innuendos and witty irreverent banter. The world building created a clear picture of Las Vegas even if you have never been. The characters are well written and well developed while still leaving room for them to grow.

Looking forward to the next book .
Profile Image for Carolyn Fielding.
74 reviews2 followers
September 8, 2017
This is the authors' first foray into UF and I really hope it's the first of many. I read the entire book in one sitting and can't wait to find out more about the characters and their abilities. All their usual humour and fun is there but in a new setting and the characterisation is outstanding. More please!
Profile Image for Mark Brown.
8 reviews
September 10, 2017
Werewolves, vampires, wizards and a sex mad boss with special powers and there're just the good guys. Magic fights, fist fights and some very big guns make for a fast paced and action packed story of good against evil. All of that with a comedy element thrown in and you have a good little read. Liked it a lot.
31 reviews1 follower
September 29, 2017
More?

Great first read. looking forward to the next installment of the series. Definitely a new spin on the supernatural world. No mushy romance, Just a lot of fun and action. Don't get me wrong romance is alright but just not all the nauseating dialogue that usually goes with it.



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