Category Archives: Uncategorized

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Witch (A Sydney Hart novel) by Tim O’Rourke

WitchAlthough classed as a paranormal romance/thriller, ‘Witch’ has something to offer most genres, including horror, adventure, mystery and fantasy. Tim O’Rourke definitely meets his intended audience’s needs as this novel is fun and flirtatious but frightening and fearsome. Not to mention saucy, sensual and sexy. Hence the recommendation of mature readers.

The reader is instantly drawn into the story with Sydney and Michael trying to share a passionate moment. But, should she be doing this? Is she making a mistake? Even at the age of twenty, Sydney is still behaving like a tearaway, however she still comes to learn that she must take responsibility.

Sydney is a very likeable character and, as the book is written from her point of view throughout, the reader can make a strong connection to her. She wants to do the right thing, make her father proud, but isn’t she entitled to a little fun?

It is from this moment that events take place that will change Sydney’s life forever. Sydney begins having nightmares. These nightmares are vivid, frightening and eerie to the reader, as well as to Sydney. There are cringe-worthy moments, for example “…that flap of skin slapping against his emaciated face…” In parts, it made my skin crawl.

The effect that this novel has is brilliant. I went from laughing out loud one minute to being overcome with fear the next. This is one of the consequences from writing great characters as they are so full of life.

Vincent is my favourite character as he is awkward and funny. He appears to be sweet but cheeky and a little strange at times. One of my favourite scenes is when Vincent is dancing. Tim O’Rourke sets the scene up really well with the atmosphere and the music. The reader can feel Vincent really getting into the song and when Sydney had seen him she says, “You looked like you were having a fit!” Although sarcastic of Sydney, I found it very amusing.

The reader is taken on a mystery/adventure as Sydney tries to get to the bottom of these nightmares and why she was called a ‘witch’. Has she been cursed? Is the curse the reason for her nightmares?

In the back of her mind, Sydney is constantly conscious of her father. He is a strong and demanding character, but a little lost and empty too deep down. He is always wanting the best from his daughter but usually feeling disappointed with her. This is a great under current of the main story.

As in Tim O’Rourke’s ‘Keira Hudson’ series I enjoy the mention of modern technology, such as the iPod and, in this novel, the mini iPad. Knowing that the characters are using the technology that many of us have now and naming music artists and songs that the characters are listening to make this journey even more believable. Although some may see this point as being trivial, I believe that sometimes it is these small mentions that do provide a connection, an understanding with the reader which makes it seem that little bit more real.

As always, it has been my intention to write an honest and constructive review. Where is the criticism? Personally, I genuinely cannot fault the story, the characters, the setting nor the style of writing. The story is quick-paced, written direct to the point and each scene’s mood and atmosphere is built up beautifully to help create the events that take place. However, therefore, the reader is left wanting more. Whilst the novel wrapped up really well, missing nothing out, I would have liked it to have been longer. I just wanted to carry on reading! And on that note, I am hoping for more of Sydney Hart!!!

I would like to thank Tim O’Rourke for this copy of ‘Witch’, received in return for an honest and sincere review.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

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Update from Tina

Christmas 2012 and January Snow 112

This week after finishing and posting a review of Christine Pope’s Dragon Rose (Tales of the Latter Kingdoms #2), I have started to read Kerrigan Byrne’s Unleashed, a collection of three novellas set in medieval Scotland. The collection, comprising Unspoken, Unwilling and Unwanted features some very alpha males in the form of beserkers and their different paths to finding their fated mates. Although the novellas can be read alone, they are interconnected and I am enjoying reading them together. So far they have been a very hot read, with plenty of humour and drama! I plan to post a review soon. I would describe them as sensual in content and therefore recommend them for readers aged 18 and above.

There are so many books hovering near the top of my ‘to read’ pile and what I pick up next very much depends on where my mood takes me! Larissa Ione’s Lethal Rider, book 3 of her Lords of Deliverance series featuring the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse is pretty high on the list, as are Erica Stevens’ Renegade and Refugee, books 2 and 3 of her Captive series. I am also itching to get back to Elizabeth Vaughan’s Chronicles of the Warlands in Warsworn, book 2 in the series and plan to read a contemporary or two!

What are you reading this month or what do you plan to read?

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Dead Wolf (Keira Hudson Series Two Book 5) by Tim O’Rourke

Dead Wolf by Tim O'Rourke‘Dead Wolf (Keira Hudson Series Two, Book 5)’ draws the reader in from the very beginning, especially for those of you who have followed this series, as it picks up from where we left off in ‘Dead Seth (Keira Hudson Series Two, Book 4)’. However, for those readers that are not familiar with the Keira Hudson series yet, the beginning of this novel is well-explained, easy to follow and provides the background knowledge that is needed to follow the story.

As a fan of the series, I would urge those readers that haven’t already done so, to read the entire Keira Hudson series for the stories of each of the characters. This is because they all have their own story to tell in-between the main focus of their adventure and these stories are written from each characters point of view. It is amazing how Tim O’Rourke places himself in the mindset of each of his characters and describes every emotion that they are feeling intensely.

So, ‘Dead Wolf’ is told mostly from Murphy’s point of view. However, it does begin from Keira’s, after she has found out a great deal about Jack Seth’s history and about herself. Keira is still at a crossroads when it comes to choices and the information she has learned will not make her choice any easier to make, if she makes one at all.

Keira and her friends are in a world that has been ‘pushed’ from the one that they knew before, there are statues that appear to be sending them signs and, without making a decision, it is highly possible that Keira herself will turn to stone. The only lead they seem to have at the moment between the world they knew and this new ‘pushed’ version is that of a mystery photographer who has managed somehow to go from one world to the other, leaving photographs for some of them to find.

Meanwhile, Murphy, Kayla and Sam have an ordeal of their own in Chapter 2. This chapter really excited me due to its intensity, passion, action, violence and gore. There are moments where I found myself cringing, but loving every word. I truly feel alive as I visualise every movement as if I am there when reading this series, and this scene was no exception. My heart is racing as I am hoping for a positive outcome. I worry for the characters and long to be of assistance. The reader is completely gripped as the story then moves on.

Shortly after, ‘Dead Wolf’ becomes Murphy’s story, as he narrates his history of family, friends, relationships and his career. Murphy’s story throughout is full of emotion. The reader finds out how Murphy became a police officer, how he feels about the Vampyrus and Lycanthrope, who has touched his heart and, on a lighter note, why he wears his beloved slippers! Although Murphy’s story is emotionally intense as it is full of sorrow, lies, deceipt, betrayal there are also some lighter moments and I found myself laugh out loud on a few occasions.

The emotional rollercoaster that Murphy has been on does not seem that different in one way than that of Jack Seth’s. They have both seen their fair share of deceipt and lies and they have both lost people that are dear to them. They are two sides of the same coin in one way: they have both been through great ordeals, they both care about family, they have both been deceived. However, one is Vampyrus and the other Lycanthrope. They are possible enemies under most circumstances.

Tim O’Rourke always brings something new and fresh to each instalment of the series. ‘Dead Wolf’ introduces the reader to different characters that have played parts in Murphy’s life, such as his mother, Pen, Chloe, Marc, Steve and Annie. We are also made aware of how much Rom, a character from earlier in the series, has supported Murphy and helped him with his career and his ordeal.

It was lovely to read this book as it was snowing out of my window, as was the setting for some scenes in ‘Dead Wolf’. This assisted me even moreso (not that it needed to whatsoever) to relate to the scenery in the story. We are taken on a scenic journey as well as an emotional adventure in regard to the scenery, as always with this series, as we go deep in the caves at The Hollows to the forest and the lake.

The end of this novel is written from Keira’s point of view, which I feel wraps it up really nicely and brings us back to the here and now with Keira and her friends. The reader has travelled a long journey with Murphy, but then returned to the present situation that the characters are in. Will they find the photographer? Will Keira turn to stone? How are Potter and Keira going to be with each other? Will they all return to the world they once knew as their reality/home?

The next instalment is ‘Dead Water (Keira Hudson Series Two, Book 6) which should be out soon! I really cannot wait to see where the characters will go from here, on their next adventure, to try and get their lives back on track.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker