Blurred by Tara Fuller – a Review

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Review:

I was excited to write this review because the sooner it was posted, the faster word would spread about this terrific world created by Tara Fuller.    In Fuller’s first book of her Kissed by Death series, Inbetween, we learn from the title of the introductory novel, is a “holding pen” and a primary setting for our supernatural characters:

“You might think of it as a sort of purgatory.  A type of limbo for souls who don’t quite belong in Heaven or Hell yet.”   

Blurred (the sequel) begins at a pivotal fire scene at the conclusion of Inbetween involving Cash and Anaya, the best friends of the original couple.  Cheesy?  After layers of the story are revealed, you will let out a resounding NO in response.   

Anaya is a soul reaper.  A spirit herself (as a result of good intentions), she is charged with freeing souls from the recently departed destined for heaven.  When Cash’s life is about to end, instead of performing her customary act of reaping, Anaya receives a contradictory order from Balthazar, the keeper of the afterlife:

“Not this one, Anaya.  This one is special.  No matter what, you will ensure that he stays in his flesh.”

As a result of the interference, Cash is suddenly exposed to the spirit world and it’s far from beautiful.  Black, nefarious shadows stalk and surround Cash with a deadly purpose.  Unbeknownst to Cash, these “shadow demons” recognize a kindred spirit.

“You’re balancing on this tightrope between life and death, a side effect of putting you back in your body at the fire.  These shadows are attracted to the scent of death and the emotions that accompany it.  The closer you get to death, the more appealing you seem.”      

Against her will (and more interesting wishes she TRIES to ignore), Anaya realizes her compliance in Balthazar’s plan is slowly killing Cash.

“I realized that I was giving something back to this boy, but it didn’t feel like it.  It felt like I was taking everything away.”

And in the exploration of those feelings (we did see Anaya surreptitiously sneak longing glances at Cash in the first book), Anaya can no longer deny a deep attraction.  Talk about spectacular revelations! 

This was a lovely story about surrendering to love, but I must admit it didn’t grab me as much as Finn and Emma from Inbetween.  While a bit of a scandal makes up their story, there was an undeniable draw to each other that made rule-breaking acceptable…and I’m a mom!  😀  Cash and Anaya have a rather special connection, even more profound than the original couple’s, but it developed rather slowly and with a bit of an “ick” factor FOR ME:  Anaya’s a 1,000 year old spirit and Cash is a 17 year old boy.  I am leaving out the particulars of what makes their relationship unique because I am not a spoiler, but because they’re rather significant, maybe it’s just MY own quirk?  I did mention the revelation was spectacular, right?  You decide. 

A tug of war back story keeps Cash’s life on the proverbial fence; where his desire to live or die begins to blur.  He’s living in an expired body and his options are running out:  Side with Balthazar (and Anaya) or join the underworld…embracing his role as a shadow walker? 

I really don’t want this to be over!  Ms. Fuller impressed me with Inbetween and Blurred, but there’s just so much more to discover.  Not only do I believe Balthazar’s story is begging to be told, but Easton, a secondary character, fellow reaper, and total badass, is quietly stealing hearts in the background.  Ms. Fuller’s voice was a breath of fresh air in a climate of stale YA.  I loved how she was able to weave in Finn and Emma without having them take over the story.    Ms. Fuller writes about enduring love stories…love stories that last several lifetimes…*winks*  I recommend this to everyone, but do start at the beginning…to get the full effect. 😉

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher