Eye of the Beholder by Shari Shattuck

Eye of the Beholder
Shari Shattuck
Signet – New American Library
September 4, 2007
ISBN# 978-0-451-22199-5

Relocating to a quiet suburb outside of Los Angeles should have brought a feeling of peace to successful business owner Greer Sands. Instead, her psychic senses are working overtime, but not revealing the answers she needs. When her son, Joshua, begins to show signs of his own ability, Greer does all she can to ease him into embracing his gift. The feelings Greer gets are dark in nature, and she’s certain that something evil is lurking in her new neighborhood. Someone isn’t what they seem.

When Joshua’s friend Joy disappears, his new gift grows stronger. As hints of where Joy is surface in visions, Joshua works harder than ever to accept what’s happening to him and discern the meaning of each image he sees. Time is running out for Joy and if Joshua can’t decipher the clues soon it may be too late to save her.

Eye of the Beholder is a riveting suspense. It took a tragic lesson for Greer to learn not to ignore her psychic feelings. Now she’s committed to making it as easy as she can for Joshua before he too learns the hard way. The tension continues to build as each piece of possible evidence is revealed in Ms. Shattuck’s well-crafted suspense. The line-up of potentially guilty characters expands throughout and will keep readers reevaluating the neighbors at every turn in the story. An intense and thoroughly engrossing read.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Riding the Storm by Sydney Croft

Riding the Storm
ACRO series, Book 1
Sydney Croft
Delta – Bantam Dell
August 28, 2007
ISBN# 978-0-385-34080-9

Haley Holmes is a parameteorologist working for ACRO. She’s been sent undercover to evaluate Remy; a man they believe possesses the ability to control the weather. If they’re correct, the goal is to get Remy to sign on with ACRO where he can be trained to better control his talents. Haley’s job is to convince Remy that the people she works for have his best interests at heart, and she’ll use everything she’s learned to gain his trust. What she doesn’t take into account is the instant attraction she has for the powerful man or what that might mean for their future.

Remy Begnaud has just left the Navy SEALs after eight years and returned home to see his father. What he finds is a naked woman in his shower who claims to have rented the place from Remy senior. Trust doesn’t come easy, and Remy’s sure that Haley is up to more than checking out the strange local weather. When she finally comes clean about her mission it could be too little, too late. Caught between two groups who eagerly want the use of his abilities, Remy will have to fight for control and come to terms with Mother Nature if there’s any chance of coming out alive.

Riding the Storm is a sizzling paranormal thrill ride. Haley’s trained and confident in her mission, but when the lustful storm known as T-Remy blows in through the door everything changes. In this erotic paranormal tale, Sydney Croft builds an intriguing and detailed world drenched in the supernatural. Lust satisfies the need, passion fuels the want, but only a love filled heart will bring control. This fascinating group of characters will leave readers with plenty to look forward to in the next installment of the ACRO series.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Hunting the Demon by Jaci Burton

Hunting the Demon
Demon Hunters, Book 2
Jaci Burton
A Dell Book – Bantam Dell
August 28, 2007
ISBN# 978-0-440-24336-6

Shay Pearson is a demon hunter with her sights set on Nic Diavolo, a man suspected of being a demon. Working alongside fellow hunters, like Nic’s brother Derek, they’ve spent the last month tracking Nic’s movements around Sydney. When the time comes, it’s Shay’s job to lure him in. Something she’s not really comfortable with, because Nic isn’t like the others and she’s sure he’s still on the side of good.

Dominic Diavolo is living life to its fullest, but the nightmares he has are growing more intense each day. Working for his father in the diamond business has kept him away from home and beyond the dark influence awaiting him. It seems that Nic has little idea of the role that the Lords of the Sons of Darkness have in store for him. When he discovers the dark lurking within, it’s Shay and the hunters whose strength he’ll need to anchor him in the light.

Hunting the Demon is the second book in the Demon Hunters series and can easily be read as a stand alone. For Shay and Nic the connection is there from the moment they meet and continues to grow quickly as the story progresses. Wickedly sexy and flowing with action-packed adventure, Ms. Burton pens another scorching read in paranormal romance. Lust, love and a gorgeous man fighting his dark side will keep readers riveted. The introduction of new characters will fuel the interest in the next in this compelling series.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Witch in the House by Jenna McKnight

Witch in the House
Witches of West Bluff, Book 1
Jenna McKnight
Avon Books – Harper Collins
September 25, 2007
ISBN# 978-0-06-084369-4

Jade Delarue prefers that her guests at Mystic Manor make arrangements in advance, but when she gets an unexpected visit from two men looking for rooms she gives in and allows them to stay. Problem is, Jade has cast a spell for love and now she’s afraid that Mason is under its influence. With a bit of help from her friends, Jade is doing everything in her power to reverse what she’s done and send him away. She just hopes she’s doing the right thing.

Mason Kincaid was already having a bad week before he sobered up to icy temperatures. When his business partner, Anthony, drags him off on an undercover assignment Mason finds himself spending much of his time with a camera in his hand and freezing out in the snow. The last thing Mason needs right now is a new relationship, but Jade could be exactly what he wants in a woman. Now he’s wondering if she’ll even speak to him once she learns the truth.

Witch in the House is the first book in the Witches of West Bluff series. It’s been six years since Jade’s husband went missing along with the husbands of her two closest friends. It’s time to move on with life and meeting Mason may be exactly what Jade needs, but secrets have a way of being revealed at the worst possible time, and Mason is going to have a lot of explaining to do. Spells, jilted lovers and romance fill the pages of Ms. McKnight’s magical story. Amazingly witty, this adventure in love and witchcraft will have readers laughing from the first page.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

The Dream Thief by Shana Abé

The Dream Thief
Thief Trilogy, Book 2
Shana Abé
Bantam Books – Random House, Inc.
August 28, 2007
ISBN# 978-0-553-58805-7

The Draumr, a diamond that can enslave the drákon, has sung to Lia since she was a child. Now its call is leading her to the Carpathian Mountains. Along with the talent of shifting into smoke and dragon, some of the drákon have other Gifts and Lia’s is to see the future in dreams. The dreams are telling her that her future is with Zane, but it’s not the kind of happy future she’d like to see. In fact, her dreams tell of the harm that could come from Lia’s association with Zane. She has to get to the diamond before Zane has a chance to, or the future of her race will be a dark one.

When Zane, a talented thief, agrees to travel in search of a diamond wanted by the Langfords, he doesn’t expect the appearance of their daughter by his side. Still, he has a better chance of finding the diamond with Lia to help guide the way. He’s sure she’s hiding something from him, something she knows from her dreams, but there’s no convincing her to share that knowledge. As they grow closer to the Draumr their survival is tested, but there’s nothing short of their deaths that will stop them now. The fate of the drákon’s will soon be in their hands.

The Dream Thief is the second book in the Thief Trilogy. Lia’s family believes she has been given none of the Gifts that being a drákon brings, but she’s about to prove them wrong. Zane and Lia team up to retrieve the Draumr before someone gains the ability to enslave the entire drákon race. This fantasy filled historical will enchant readers and whisk them away on dragon scaled wings. Passion and romance grow steadily as Ms. Abé creates a vividly detailed and captivating tale. A fantastical world that readers will anticipate visiting again soon.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Crashing Paradise: A Novel of the Menagerie by C. Golden & T. Sniegoski

Crashing Paradise: A Novel of the Menagerie
The Menagerie, Book 4
Christopher Golden and Thomas E. Sniegoski
Ace – Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
August 28, 2007
ISBN# 978-0-441-01532-0

The Devourer is coming and Eve, the mother of humanity, has been captured by an evil force intent on entering Eden. Cast out of the garden and tainted by Abaddon, Eve has sought forgiveness for her sins. She’s done her best to eliminate the evil that she herself began, but even that cannot cleanse Eve’s contaminated blood. Abaddon and the army of evil he has gathered plan to use Eve to gain entrance to the forbidden paradise. If they succeed in breaching the Gate, Eve knows that the only hope is the Menagerie, and they’re running out of time.

Arthur Conan Doyle is the sorcerer who leads the Menagerie, a group of supernatural beings willing to put aside their differences for the good of the world. When the reason for Eve’s capture becomes clear, the Menagerie uses everything within their grasp to get to Eden and prevent the evil from taking over the garden. Gaining entrance through the Gate and defending the paradise sends the team right into a deadly battle. As the Menagerie use their skills against the dark forces, they know that failure to preserve Eden and the Tree of Knowledge will signal a dark change for the future of mankind.

Crashing Paradise is the fourth book in The Menagerie series. Eve has spent a lot of time wandering the world alone for her sins and now the one place she thought never to see again needs her protection. Christopher Golden and Thomas E. Sniegoski weave an intriguingly dark and entertaining fantasy wrapped in a smooth flowing plot, action-packed scenes and fabulous detail. This wicked war between good and evil leaves a bloody trail in its wake and beckons readers for a return visit to the world of the Menagerie.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Heart of Stone by C.E. Murphy

Heart of Stone
The Negotiator Trilogy, Book 1
C. E. Murphy
Luna
November 1, 2007
ISBN# 978-0-373-80292-0

Jogging through Central Park after dark isn’t the smartest of plans, but Margrit Knight is an attorney for the Legal Aid office and working long hours leaves little time to unwind with a run. When she’s approached by a man, and later learns he’s wanted for questing in a murder, she shares what little she knows with Tony, her detective boyfriend. When Margrit next sees the stranger he’s asking for her help to clear his name. It’s not long before she finds herself the target of someone powerful enough to ensure her silence. She’s never been one to back down, so Margrit plows ahead in search of justice for her growing list of clients. Her journey into a world that few know exists has just begun.

From one of the Old Races, Alban Korund is a gargoyle. He’s alive by night and solid as stone when dawn arrives. He’s been watching after Margrit’s safety for years, and just when he finds the nerve to speak to her, his world is turned upside down. Framed for murder, he pleads with Margrit for her help. Someone from his past is out to destroy him and innocents are paying the price. Alban’s only hope is discovering the truth before Margrit becomes the next victim.

Heart of Stone is the first book in The Negotiator Trilogy. There are five of the Old Races remaining, and Margrit is on a quest for justice that will plunge her into their world. Well-paced with a compelling storyline, Ms. Murphy fills the pages with a fascinating new reality for her heroine. The action, adventure and delicious touch of passion are sure to captivate readers and have them watching for Margrit’s next quest for justice in this fabulous new trilogy.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

The Devil's Right Hand by Lilith Saintcrow

The Devil’s Right Hand
Dante Valentine, Book 3
Lilith Saintcrow
Orbit – Hachette Book Group
September 1, 2007
ISBN# 978-0-316-02142-5

Being a Necromance and a demon’s hedaira gives Dante Valentine a bit of an edge with increased strength and power, but when she’s dealing with the Devil it’s never enough. Lucifer himself has a job for her to do; he needs a new Right Hand. With Japhrimel by her side, Dante bargains with the Prince of Hell and is sent to destroy four Greater Flight demons. She’s now tied to the Devil, and it seems he has little intention of holding up his end of the agreement by keeping her alive. If they can survive this, then maybe they’ll have a chance.

Tierce Japhrimel is an A’nankhimel, a fallen demon who has tied himself to Dante. He too has bargained with Lucifer, but he still remains a fallen. His sole purpose is Dante’s protection, and he plans to keep her alive with or without her agreement. As Japh assembles a team to aide in the search for the demons, their fight to fulfill their deal begins. When you’re dealing with the Devil each day can feel like an eternity.

The Devil’s Right Hand is the third book in the Dante Valentine series. Having been betrayed by nearly everyone she’s trusted, putting her faith in Japhrimel is not an easy task for Dante. As the oldest son, and previous assassin for Lucifer, Japh has given up everything for the love of Dante and needs for her to believe in him. Together they’re a powerful team, but Dante’s inner battle with doubt puts a strain on their relationship and leaves her open to dangers that she alone won’t live to tell about. With the introduction of fascinating new characters, Ms. Saintcrow moves the series forward with a dangerous new task for Dante. The action is fueled by unpredictable danger at every turn, and the mounting secrets lend a volatile element to this mysterious tale. To really enjoy the full impact of the Dante Valentine series, and the relationship between Dante and Japhrimel, I would strongly suggest reading the two previous books.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews