Tag Archives: Hidden

Hidden by Laura Griffin – a Review

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Hidden by Laura Griffin – a Review

 

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Description:
When a woman is found brutally murdered on Austin’s lakeside hike-and-bike trail, investigative reporter Bailey Rhoads turns up on the scene demanding access and answers. She tries to pry information out of the lead detective, Jacob Merritt. But this case is unlike any he’s ever seen, and nothing adds up.

Bailey has a hunch the victim wasn’t who she claimed to be and believes this mugging-turned-murder could have been a targeted hit. When she digs deeper, the trail leads her to a high-tech fortress on the outskirts of Austin where researchers are pushing the boundaries of a cutting-edge technology that could be deadly in the wrong hands.

As a ruthless hit man’s mission becomes clear, Bailey and Jacob must embark on a desperate search to locate the next target before the clock ticks down on this lethal game of hide and seek.

 

 

Review:

Hidden by Laura Griffin is the first book in her new The Texas Murder Files series.  I am a big fan of Griffin, as I have read most of her books, especially her fantastic Tracers series.   The story starts off with a bang, as a young woman is running in the park, her usual morning exercise, when she begins to suspect that someone is following her and runs for her life. 

Jacob Merrit, our hero, is an Austin Texas detective, who is on the scene trying find some information on a dead woman that was stabbed to death.  She has no identification on her, until he finds a phone belonging to the woman, and comes across the name, Dana Smith. Unfortunately, Dana Smith does not exist and in a short time, the FBI steps in to handle the case.  Jacob is determined to work on this alone, as he suspects there is something more than the FBI is telling them.

Bailey Rhoads is an investigative reporter, and quickly jumps in on the murder scene.  But no one will tell her anything, it is all secretive.  When Bailey tries to get information from Detective Merrit, he too refuses to tell a reporter anything.  Bailey refuses to stop, and uses her own contacts to get whatever information she can, and at some point, she offers Jacob some info she finds, if he will share his with her.  The two of them at first don’t trust each other, especially Jacob, who never trusts reporters.   But in a short time, they will both begin to feel the attraction to each other, as a slow build romance begins, though mostly in the background. 

Both Bailey and Jacob find their own evidence that this victim was in the witness protection system, and somehow someone who wants her out of the way discovered her and killed her.  There is a second person from the same case who is also in the witness protection and Bailey is willing to do all she can to find and save that woman.  Jacob starts worrying, as he knows Bailey’s investigations could put her in danger, but she refuses to back down.

I liked Jacob, as he was a strong hero, and a great detective, though in the romance department, it took him awhile to allow himself to have feelings for Bailey.  I loved Bailey, as she was determined to finish her story, even to the point of putting her own life in danger.   Jacob’s partner, Kendra was also a good detective who worked well with him. 

What follows is an exciting, intriguing, suspenseful thriller that kept us on the edge throughout, especially as we raced to the climax.   Griffin gave us a great couple, and secondary characters.  The last half of the book was extremely tense, I could not put the book down.  I do not want to give spoilers, so you need to read this book to discover what happens.

Hidden was an excellent mystery that was very well written by Laura Griffin.  If you enjoy murder mysteries, police procedurals, lots of intense action, suspense, with a touch of romance, you should read this book.  If you have never read Laura Griffin, it’s time to start now, as she is an amazing writer for romance suspense.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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Taken (Deep Ops 1.5) by Rebecca Zanetti-a review

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TAKEN (Deep Ops 1.5 ) by Rebecca Zanetti-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 30 ,2019

Hunter Holt might be the most stubborn ex-soldier ever born, but when he’s called on to help find a lost foster kid, he jumps into action. Even if it means working with the woman who broke his heart five years ago—the woman who still haunts his dreams . . .

Faye Smith has spent five long years trying to get her life back on track. She knows she should’ve turned toward Hunter and not away from him. But they both had too many demons to destroy. Maybe now they’ll get another chance—and save someone else’s life too . . .

But first they’ll have to stop arguing long enough to trust the Deep Ops team. Hunter was a lost boy himself once. In fact, he ran away from the exact same man, their monster of a father. Now he and Faye will have to unite to find the brother he never knew—and maybe each other .

••••••••••

REVIEW:  TAKEN is instalment 1.5 in Rebecca Zanetti’s contemporary, adult DEEP OPS romantic suspense series focusing on a new Homeland Defense Department (HDD) unit known as the Requisition Force headed by FBI profiler and Special Agent Angus Force. This is ex-solider Hunter Holt, and former psychologist Faye Smith’s story line. TAKEN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalment is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order for history and backstory of the secondary characters. For fans and followers of Rebecca Zanetti, there is a slight cross-over with another of the author’s series-see if you can spot the ‘Easter Egg’ 😉 .

Told from several third person points of view including Hunter and Faye TAKEN follows the search for a kidnapper, turned robber turned serial killer, whose willing captive is a sixteen-year old boy unaware of the truth. When Faye gets a call from her former foster mother Miss Angelina that her latest charge is missing, Faye seeks out the only man capable of finding the missing boy but a man whose history with Faye is heartbreaking and dark. Enter ex-soldier turned river-tour guide Hunter Holt, and the man Faye hasn’t stopped loving. What ensues is the rekindling romance between Faye and Hunter, as they join the Requisition Force in the search for a killer whose numbers are increasing on a daily basis.

Faye and Hunter’s history is filled with abuse and addiction. From dysfunctional family dynamics to drugs and abuse, Faye and Hunter would find peace and solace, along with Raider Tanaka, in the arms of their foster mother Miss Angelina. But life, and everything it had to offer tore Faye and Hunter apart, and in the ensuing time neither forgot about their history and their past.

The relationship between Faye and Hunter is one of second chances; a rekindling romance between two people whose earlier lives were filled with neglect and abuse at the hands of people sworn to love and protect. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including Miss Angelina, Jackson Holt and Louise Stockley. We are re-introduced to the Requisition Force leader Angus Force, and team members: former Lieutenant Commander Clarence Wolfe who carries a kitten (aka Kat) in his pocket, and Angus Force’s quirky whiskey guzzling, lipstick eating, high heel wearing German shepherd Roscoe; and Raider Tanaka-Hunter and Faye’s childhood friend, now a member of the Requisition Force Team.

TAKEN is a story of murder, madness and revenge; of suspense and mystery; of second chances and love. The premise is intriguing and exciting; the romance is fated; the characters are energetic, sexy and spirited. TAKEN is a spirited, character driven story that is sure to catch your attention.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one HIDDEN

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Hidden (Deep Ops #1) by Rebecca Zanetti-a review

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HIDDEN (Deep Ops #1) by Rebecca Zanetti-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 25, 2018

Hide. That’s all Pippa can do to escape the terror chasing her. But now that she’s off the grid in a safe house, she finds plenty of interesting things to watch through the window. Like her new neighbor, with his startling green eyes, killer smile, and sexy bad-boy tattoo . . .

Run. Malcolm West is fleeing the hell he unleashed in his last assignment as an undercover cop. A backwoods bungalow sounds like the perfect place to start over. Until he discovers he’s been set up . . .

Fight. Someone’s gone to a lot of trouble to bring them together. No matter how much he resents that, and his own driving needs, Malcolm will have to dig deep and let loose the banished killer inside himself, or Pippa’s fears could come true faster than the flip of a bolt in a lock

•••••••••

REVIEW: HIDDEN is the first instalment in Rebecca Zanetti’s contemporary, adult DEEP OPS romantic suspense series focusing on a new Homeland Defense Department (HDD) unit known as the Requisition Force headed by FBI profiler and Special Agent Angus Force. This is former police detective and undercover operative Malcolm West, and twenty-five year old Pippa Smith’s story line.

Told from several third person perspectives including Malcolm and Pippa HIDDEN focuses on the hunt for man claiming to be the Prophet, Isaac Leon, a former actor turned charismatic cult leader whose is desperate to find the woman who would one day be his wife.

Police Detective Malcolm West is on permanent leave since his last assignment went all to hell but it isn’t long before Malcolm’s special abilities as an undercover operative place him on the HDD’s radar for a new Deep Ops Team. Finally able to settle down without fear of being stabbed in the back Malcolm must take a chance when his new neighbour turns out to be his latest mark. Enter former cult member Pippa Smith, and the woman with whom Malcolm will fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship between Malcolm and Pippa, and the potential fall-out when Pippa discovers the truth about Malcolm’s assignment, and her intentions to diffuse a dangerous situation by sacrificing herself against all better judgement.

On the run, along with her best friend Trixie, Pippa Smith, a former member of Isaac’s cult has been hiding in a small cabin in the woods. Having suffered PTSD and anxiety disorders as a result of years under the control of the self-proclaimed Prophet Isaac Leon, Pippa struggles to trust the man who has stolen her heart. Malcolm knows that falling for Pippa is all kinds of wrong but the potential for everything to backfire continues to grow.

The relationship between Pippa and Malcolm is one of immediate attraction between two people who suffer PTSD brought on by events from their pasts. Falling for Malcolm places our heroine in the direct line of fire but Malcolm isn’t willing to let Pippa go in alone. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and sex.

There is a large colorful and eclectic secondary and supporting cast including Pippa’s best friend Trixie. We are introduced to the Requisition Force team leader Angus Force, and members: former Lieutenant Commander Clarence Wolfe who carries a kitten in his pocket, and Angus Force’s quirky whiskey guzzling, lipstick eating German shepherd Roscoe; IT specialist Bridgid Banaghan : FBI psychiatrist Dr. Nari Zhang; Special Agents Tom Rutherford, Raider Tanaka, and Kurt Fields. The requisite evil has many faces including the Prophet Isaac Leon.

HIDDEN is a story of suspense, betrayal, secrets and lies, romance and falling in love. There is a building story line involving Angus Force, and a former serial killer who is no longer in custody but taunting the Requisition Force leader from afar. The premise is intriguing and engaging; the characters are dynamic and strong; the romance is spicy and seductive. HIDDEN is an entertaining inviting and gripping story; a cleverly written introduction to Rebecca Zanetti’s DEEP OPS series. If you are a fan of Cynthia Eden or Elisabeth Naughton’s style of romantic suspense you can’t go wrong.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Hidden by Selena Laurence – a Review

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Hidden by Selena Laurence – a Review

Hidden

Links to order Hidden: Amazon

Description:
Nick Carlisle comes to Hawaii to hide—from what happened during his service in Afghanistan, from relationships, from his future. Lyndsey Anderson came to Hawaii to hide too—from the man who abused her, from the sacrifices she made, from her dark past. But when Nick meets Lyndsey, Hawaii gets a whole lot hotter, and they find they can’t hide their hearts. As Nick fights to come to terms with what he’s done, Lyndsey struggles to forgive herself for the choices she’s made. But when the dangerous past threatens the beautiful present, can they survive to learn how to love? And who will finally reveal what’s hidden?


Review:

Hidden by Selena Laurence impressed me.  A contemporary love story set against the backdrop of Hawaii can come across as unimaginative, but Ms. Laurence avoids that yardstick by layering her story with dark secrets, painful epiphanies, and a faith that will forever connect Nick and Lyndsey.  

Lyndsey Anderson wants to leave her past behind and settle into the life she’s pieced together “one yard sale at a time”.  Compared to three years ago, Lyndsey’s demanding school schedule, crammed in between her busy work schedule as a waitress, feels like luxury.  Just don’t fall for any guys (her mantra); avoid that complication of the heart.  But when gorgeous Nick Carlisle sits at her table, damn her traitorous heart for leaping to his attention.  This attraction may sound cliché, but I swear it’s not of the predictable variety.  We quickly discover that Nick is just as resistant (more like avoids) exclusivity, but his reasoning is a result of post-war trauma.

Trusting each other doesn’t begin to explain the myriad of problems surrounding, preventing this relationship.  When we start to learn their respective stories, your heart aches for this couple and you pray they figure it out before they lose what they’re building.  Nick suffers from a loss of life in Afghanistan that haunts his ability to be happy again.  Lyndsey’s brutal past at the hands of an ex-boyfriend dictates her fierce privacy.  As unique as their backgrounds are, Nick and Lyndsey unconsciously align themselves in misplaced shame.

“I nodded, thinking that was something we had in common – this aura of damage that seemed to float around our heads like cursed halos.  Maybe it was one of the things that drew me to her; we were both trying so hard to be “normal” when really we were anything but.”

When Nick and Lyndsey finally explore those mounting desires (heartily I might add — Hi-five, Ms. Laurence!) their link is solidified.  That is, until an outside source interferes in the worst way possible.  I didn’t see it coming; I celebrated too early!  L Ms. Laurence disturbs their short-lived peace with chaos and upends their HEA.  The once-strong relationship goes awry, confidence is shaken, and progress halts.  It was painful to read (choking up just remembering), but it allowed Nick and Lyndsey to be proactive about their painful pasts. 

“And maybe the reason you can’t trust me enough is because you can sense that I’m not whole yet.  As much as I love you, I’ve got to get me in order before I can be of use to you or anyone else.”

We are inundated by romance novels and they all deserve a chance (I have found gems over at Amazon!).  What makes this one so special?  Hidden is a cautionary tale about love and facing demons.  It earned my swoon and recommendation for being so well-written and touching on delicate issues that can be of service to all demographics of readers.  I laughed, I screamed, I cried.

“I don’t think we’re going anywhere,” I shot back.

“Would you like us to?”  He stopped and took my elbow so that I had to stop too.

I looked into his incredibly beautiful blue eyes.  “It’s all I’ve ever wanted,” I whispered. 

Awwwww….this book will surprise you!

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Author

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Kendra Elliot : Blog Tour and Giveaway

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Kendra Elliot at The Reading Cafe

Kendra Elliot grew up in the lush Pacific Northwest and still lives there with her husband, three daughters, two cats, and a Pomeranian. She left the dental world after sixteen years to write full time in 2012. Her first two books HIDDEN and CHILLED spent months on Kindle’s top 100 paid best seller list. Two more Bone Secrets novels will be released in 2013. She’s always been fascinated with forensics, refuses to eat anything green, and loves a strong Mai Tai on the beach on Kauai. Before being published, Kendra’s manuscripts finaled in RWA’s Golden Heart Awards, the Daphne Du Maurier, and the Linda Howard Award of Excellence.

Connect with Kendra: Website/ Facebook / Twitter

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HIDDEN: A BONE SECRETS NOVEL – Book 1

Release Date: July 17, 2012

Eleven years ago, the Co-ed Slayer murdered nine female students on the Oregon State University campus. Lacey Campbell barely escaped his attack, but lost her best friend whose remains were never found. As the sole surviving victim, Lacey helped send the sadistic serial killer to prison for life.

Now a forensic odontologist examining teeth and bones for the state Medical Examiner, Lacey is devastated when she arrives at a crime scene and identifies the skeletal remains as her college friend’s.

The remains are discovered on the land of ex-cop Jack Harper. Sparks fly between him and Lacey, even as they realize that the prosecution’s witnesses from a decade ago are now being murdered one by one. All the evidence points to the Co-ed Slayer as the culprit—only, he’s long since dead. So who’s the new killer? And is Lacey next in line to die?

Order Now:  Amazon / Barnes and Noble /

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CHILLED: A BONE SECRETS NOVEL – Book 2

Release Date:  AUGUST 14, 2012

As a forensic nurse on a search and rescue team, Brynn Nealey braves a dangerous blizzard to find the survivors of a plane crash in the Cascade Mountains. Joining her is Alex Kinton, a former US marshal with self-destructive tendencies. Alex lies his way onto Brynn’s team to find the man who killed his brother—and then return the favor. But once the team members reach the plane’s wreckage, they discover everyone aboard has perished…except for the man Alex is hunting. Alex will do whatever it takes to track his target through the vast, snowy wilderness.

As the temperatures drop, however, so do Alex’s defenses. His contact with the sharp, kindhearted Brynn makes his lust for vengeance difficult to reconcile with his growing feelings for a woman who risks her life to help others. What will happen to Alex’s savage instincts when he finally has the opportunity to confront his brother’s killer?

Order Now:  Amazon / Barnes and Noble

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Blog Tour and Hosts

11/20 – Bookworm 2 Bookworm

11/23 – The Reading Cafe

11/24 – All Things Books

11/26 – Book Lovin’ Mamas

11/27- Romancing The Book

 

Kendra is offering a copy of CHILLED to ONE lucky member at The Reading Cafe.

1. You must be a member at The Reading Cafe. If you are not a member, please register using the log-in at the top of the page or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in such as Twitter or Google, please post your email address with your comment as Twitter et al does not allow for email address.

3. Giveaway open to USA and Canada only.

4. Giveaway runs from November 23-November 30, 2012

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HIdden and Accidental Magic by PC Cast

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Hidden and Accidental Magic by PC Cast

 

From GOODREADS: Release Date-September 4, 2012

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the House of Night Series, P.C. Cast, presents two sexy, magical novellas set in Mysteria, Colorado, a supernatural town filled with vampires, witches, werewolves—and enough passion to awaken any creature of the night…

In Candy Cox and the Big Bad (Were)wolf, five-time divorcée Candice Cox is burned-out and lacking in love. But when a friend’s spell presents Candice with the young werewolf lover of her dreams, she starts to rethink her commitment to swearing off men. While the age difference throws her at first, Justin is exactly what Candice needs to kick-start her stalled love life…

In It’s in His Kiss, strict vegetarian Summer Smith has always had a hard time giving up control—especially since her magic is unpredictable at best. But when she meets a dark, gorgeous vampire named Colin, Summer suddenly finds herself wanting to let loose and experience the new appetites awaked by Colin’s kiss…

LINKS TO ORDER:

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository / KOBO

HIDDEN by PC and Kristin Cast

 

FROM Goodreads: RELEASE DATE-October 16, 2012

At last, Zoey has what she wanted: the truth is out. Neferet’s evil has been exposed, and the High Council is no longer on her side — but she’s far from done wreaking havoc in the vampyre world. First, a mysterious fire ravages the stables. Then, Neferet makes a devastating move that will test them all.

With the seeds of distrust sown and Darkness breeding chaos at the House of Night, everyone must band together — but that’s proving to be more difficult than ever before. The twins are barely speaking and the House of Night’s former enemy, Kalona, has now become their warrior, pushing their trust to the limit. To top it off, Zoey is pretty darn sure she might be losing her mind. She saw something when she looked at Aurox through the Seer Stone that she can hardly explain to herself, let alone her friends. Is it possible that Heath has come back in a different form? Is that why Zoey’s so intrigued by Aurox, when it’s so obvious that he’s dangerous? And who would believe her if she told them? Zoey knows that following her instinct about Aurox might be just what they need to defeat evil . . . but if she’s wrong, it could cause the destruction of those closest to her.

With the tension at a breaking point and friendships on the line, can the nerd herd come together to stop the spread of Darkness before it’s too late?

LINKS TO ORDER: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository / KOBO

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HIDDEN (House of Night #10) by PC and Kristin Cast-a review

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HIDDEN (House of Night #10) by PC and Kristin Cast-a review

HIDDEN (House of Night #10) by PC and Kristin Cast

HIDDEN is the tenth full-length novel (October 16, 2012 release) in PC and Kristin Cast’s young adult HOUSE OF NIGHT series focusing on 16 year old Vampyre Zoey Redbird and her gang of misfit vampyres with affinities to the elements. When last we saw Zoey and her friends, Zoey’s mother had been killed by the High Priestess Neferet, Aurox had just killed Weapons Master Dragon Lankford during the reveal ceremony and Kalona swooped in to save his ½ raven ½ human son Raphaim. Oh, and everyone on the High Council now knows that Neferet has aligned herself with everything evil. It took ten books for the Council to pull their heads out of the sand, but finally Neferet’s true nature has been revealed.

The Goddess Thanatos (Death) is now in charge of the Tulsa House of Night where Zoey and the vampyres are schooled. With Thanatos in charge, she makes it her responsibility to ensure that the young vampyres follow the path of good, but when Neferet defected to the ‘dark side’ she left a path of destruction and betrayal. Blood sacrifices called forth the beast known as Aurox and while we all know his true identity, the vampyres at the House of Night only know that he was created from Darkness to destroy Zoey and her friends.

To be honest, the storyline does not progress much further than the previous book and only about 2-3 days in total. Neferet continues to feed the ‘dark tendrils’ using her blood and the blood of immortals, but it is her power and control over Aurox that will waiver when his humanity begins to usurp the beast buried beneath the human façade. And it will be the power of the elements that will help Aurox control the beast and with Zoey’s magical seer pendant, Aurox’s true identity will be revealed to everyone at the House of Night but not before Neferet devises one final plan to bring Zoey down.

Within this particular storyline Kalona and Aurox, once puppets ruled by Neferet, will see the error of their ways and the Goddess Nyx will begin to show some compassion for two of her lost children. A newly marked red vampire will be gifted with ‘the sight’ and with the ability to read colors and auras she will become a valuable member at the House of Night much to Aphrodite’s chagrin.

The usual cast of characters return with a young fledgling defecting to the ‘dark side’ but what I noticed is that some of the Cast’s writing has changed and matured (not all) which was a pleasant and welcome surprise. In the past, the negative, immature and derogatory name calling and comments from many of the characters was becoming unbearable and pushed this particular series into the –”not sure if I want to continue pile”! There is still quite a compilation of immature theatrics from a couple of characters including the high and mighty Aphrodite, who can’t seem to stop the swearing and rude behavior. How many times can one character use the term f***tard in one chapter?  But overall, many of the characters appear to have stepped up to the plate (so to speak).

The writing style continues to be stilted. The storyline will flow along and then all of a sudden falter, but we know there are two writers for this particular series. Similar to all of the other storylines, the books stumble whenever the characters enter into what seems to be a forced conversation with one another. Sometimes it is like reading two different books.  And there is plenty of repetition as it pertains to Zoey’s thoughts and comments. IBS anyone?  

I would like to add that if anyone has not read the HON novella Lenobia’s Vow, I would suggest that you check it out. Lenobia’s Vow is a short story revealing the past life and love of the horse mistress Lenobia Whitehall and the story will come full circle within the pages of HIDDEN. If you are a fan of the House of Night series, the novellas are of a much better quality of writing and speak with more maturity and grace.

Overall, I enjoyed HIDDEN much more than many of the previous storylines. Perhaps it is the change in the maturity level of the writing or the fact that many of the characters are no longer struggling with their own identities and have stopped ‘pushing’ themselves into the storyline at every opportunity.

Reviewed by Sandy

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FIRELIGHT Trilogy by Sophie Jordan-a review

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FIRELIGHT Trilogy by Sophie Jordan – a review

With the upcoming release of the third storyline in Sophie Jordan’s Firelight Trilogy-HIDDEN- we would like to showcase each book in the series including a review of her latest.

The YA Firelight series by Sophie Jordan consists of three books that seamlessly run together to tell the story of Jacinda and Tamra, twin Draki.  A Draki is a descendant of dragons that can shift into human form.  This series is fast paced and suspenseful!! 

FIRELIGHT starts off telling us about Jacinda and the special and rare gift that she possesses.  She is one of only a few fire-breathers in existence!  She is valued in her Pride and given many things, but she knows that she will be forever controlled by the Alpha due to her gift and she longs for her freedom.  After she breaks a tenet of Pride law,  her family goes on the run.  Her mother takes her and her twin sister Tamra to the hot desert of Arizona where they can hide among humans.  Let me tell you about Tamra and Jacinda’s relationship!  They are rivals, they bicker, they fight, they compete against each other, but if push comes to shove they have each other’s backs.  They are true twins!!  Trust me on this topic, I am the mother of twin daughters.  Tamra has never been able to manifest and she was an outcast in the Pride.  She loves her new life in Arizona and she fits right into human teenage life!  Jacinda who ruled the Pride feels left out and hates her new life.  Trust me, Jacinda can throw a mean whine party!!  I appreciate how Sophie Jordan made these girls complex.  She created characters who have normal teenage emotions and feelings, but they are draki!!   Jacinda meets a boy at school and recognizes him as an Enkros, a human hunter of the Draki.  Will is the handsome boy who saved her life back at home.  He is a boy she should stay far away from, but they are drawn to each other.  Jacinda meets with Will in secret and once again she breaks a tenet of draki law to save the boy of her dreams……. How is that for a teaser!!  This book is a fast read and ends at a terrific cliffhanger!! 

VANISH picks up exactly where Firelight left off.  The twins are in danger, Will has almost died protecting Jacinda and the handsome son of the Alpha has come to save them and bring them back to the Pride!  When things look their worst, it is wonderful Tamra who saves the day!!  Finally, she is able to manifest and she has a wonderful and priceless gift too.  She is a shader.  She can erase the memories of the human hunters and shade their movement with mist and fog.  Let me tell you, it’s an awkward drive home!!  Cassian (the Alpha’s son), Jacinda, Tamra and their mom return to the Pride.  Tamra has always loved Cassian but he had eyes only for Jacinda!! The Pride used to look at Tamra as useless and she was an outcast, but now she is embraced by the Pride.  Jacinda is viewed as a traitor due to her breaking of the law.  Jacinda is shunned and she feels friendless.  Cassian is now spending a lot of time with Tamra and Jacinda feels jealousy!  What happened to the wonderful human boy?  Well, the wonderful Will shows up at the Pride.  His memory doesn’t seem to be erased, but that’s another secret!  He was sick as a boy and infused with Draki blood to survive.  He now has powers like the Draki and he uses his powers to protect Jacinda.  They meet in secret and they are planning on running away together.  Before this happens, Jacinda and another Draki are caught by  vile human hunters.  Will helps Jacinda escape, but the other girl is headed for experiments and death.  The Alpha is furious, because the other girl is his daughter and he forces Jacinda to do something horrible or her wings will be clipped.  Everything is very messy at the end, their mom is banished, Jacinda is forced into a situation that she doesn’t want and Tamra is heartbroken.  Another great cliffhanger!  Which leads us to Hidden, the conclusion of Firelight!

HIDDEN is the conclusion of this action packed trilogy.  Jacinda knows that she needs to do everything in her power to rescue Miriam, the girl who was captured by Hunters.  She and Tamra escape again!  Is seems to be very easy for teenagers to escape from the Pride!  Will meets them and Cassian comes along for the ride!  Jacinda volunteers to be captured to infiltrate the Enkros center.  The boys try to talk her out of this idea, but she is determined to rescue the other draki!  Her plan succeeds, but at what cost?  She finds herself treated like an animal, cruelly used and she is scared.  She finds out that many draki have been captured over time, many losing their minds.  Her first test has her pitted against a large gray draki.  He has been in bondage for so long, he has forgotten his human side.  Will and Cassian break her and the others out just in time, but the gray draki is released too!  Now, they have a homicidal draki after them!  Well, the gray draki sees Tamra and becomes obsessed with her.  Jacinda doesn’t want him near her sister, but they all need each other to escape the hunters.  They must guard the secret that they are also human at any cost!  We get to see all of the draki use their amazing gifts and it’s a good thing that the gray draki tagged along.  He knows the secret behind their father’s disappearance!  A fellow Pride member betrayed their father and now, Jacinda is out for revenge.  Will doubts her committment to him, because the Pride keeps yanking her back!  There is a mild love triangle in this story, because Jacinda is devoted to Will, but she still has feelings for Cassian.  Once they return to the Pride, we find out who betrayed their father and the Pride will never be the same! Tamra decides to stay in the Pride and help it heal, but it could be because of a certain hunky draki too!  No spoilers here!!  There is a happy ever after for all parties!  To wrap things up, this was a fast paced YA series, for the teenager inside of all of us!  The Pride is like any community, they have their problems, but they work to fix them! This was a fresh take on dragon shapeshifters!  

Copy of HIdden supplied by publisher.

Happy reading!  Jules 

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