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Unleashed by Kerrigan Byrne

UNLEASHED - eCover-001Unleashed by Kerrigan Byrne

Sensual Berserker Read

Kerrigan Byrne has a great ability to weave romantic tales with Celtic and Norse mythology. Unleashed is a collection of three novellas set in medieval Scotland, comprising Unspoken, Unwilling and Unwanted. The novellas feature alpha berserkers and their different paths to finding their mates. Although they can be read alone, they are interconnected and I certainly enjoyed reading them together. They warmed me up during the cold winter nights, being a very hot read, containing plenty of passion and drama!

In Unspoken Evelyn Woodhouse, who works in a Scottish inn, meets berserker Roderick Maclaughlan on the eve of a great battle between the Stewart and Donald Clans. Evelyn possesses ‘the sight’ and has foreseen Roderick’s death in the coming skirmish. Roderick, whilst defending her from the lecherous advances of Angus Mackay and his men invites her into his room at the inn, where they both succumb to their mutual attraction and spend a night of scorching hot berserker sex! During this marathon Roderick’s berserker, whom Roderick refers to as his ‘beast’ is tamed by Evelyn and, unbeknown to her, claims her as his mate. In the morning Roderick, who is mute due to a curse, leaves for battle. He is intent on resolving his relationship with Evelyn after the fight. Will Evelyn warn him of his impending demise in an attempt to prevent it? She has never been able to avert anyone’s fate before. What happens during the bloodletting determines if they have a future together or not.

In Unwilling Connor Mclaughlan, Roderick’s brother, is tasked by Rory Mackay to kill his own brother, Angus the Younger, for his evil sins. Angus is betrothed to Lindsay Stewart, the Regent’s niece. En route to her betrothed, Lindsay’s entourage is attacked by Connor in his berserker form. Normally nothing can stop a berserker when he is in full battle rage from killing all in his path. However, once Connor’s berserker spies Lindsay he marks her as his mate. Connor is stunned that his berserker has claimed a mate as he does not want one. However, he has no choice but to abduct her and take her back to his ancestral home, for once a berserker has claimed a mate no other will do. Lindsay learns that Connor cannot force her to marry him and that she must accept him first. What follows next is an amusing but passionate tale of how a lovesick berserker tries to woo a fiery independent minded woman, who vows to resist his charms. This leads to some very hot and unusual lovemaking scenes! There is also the small matter of what Angus the Younger will do when he realises that his betrothed has been abducted.

In Unwanted Finn, a berserker from the Northlands has come to the Highlands to prove his loyalty to the temple of Freya, tasked with assassinating Connor and Roderick McLaughlan. Finn comes across a baby abandoned in the snow and rescues it from a wolf attack. He takes the baby to the village of Strathlachlan, and he is directed to Rhona McEwan, a wet nurse, who has lost her own baby. Finn intended to leave the baby and continue on his way. However, he cannot leave and both man and berserker become fascinated with Rhona. After defending her from the local woodcutter who demands her favours as payment for his wood, Finn offers her gold if she will let him do what he wants with her for one night! What follows is an erotic love fest where it becomes clear to Rhona that Finn is no mortal man! Finn’s berserker aches to mark her as his mate, but Finn resists, being uncertain of his future. The following morning, resigned to his fate of certain death against the powerful Mclaughlan brothers, Finn takes Rhona to their abode, Lachlan castle, where Rhona has been offered employment. Here  he encounters the McLaughlans and we find out who will be victorious and whether or not Finn and Rhona will ever be mated and have a HEA.

All three heroes are striking men and even more impressive in their berserker form. Berserkers are blessed by the ancient Norse gods and filled with the power of Freya, the goddess of battle, so that their beast rises at the sight of blood. The author describes their superhuman powers which prove useful in battle, where they annihilate all within their sight. I liked the fact that despite the strength of these supernatural beings it is only a berserker’s fated mate who can tame the beast and the final decision on whether to mate or not rested with the women! All three couples also have very distinct personalities and back stories which makes each of the novellas stand out from one another in terms of the romance and evolving plot. They had all faced adversity in their lives and had strived to overcome it. Also the couples were drawn to each other as if by fate and I therefore found the immediate attraction between them believable. My favourite couple was that of Rhona and Finn in Unwanted, as both their trials in life had been particularly grim. The evolving romance between them was also very sweet as both felt unworthy of the other and were so deserving of love!

Kerrigan Byrne’s vivid writing style immediately drew me in to the world she painted. All the characters came alive for me and the love scenes were hot and playful at times and boy did those men have stamina! I particularly liked her descriptions of them in berserker form, not only in their battle rage but also when faced with their fated mates. I would definitely like to see more authors feature berserkers in their novels.

If you are looking for in depth historical narrative to accompany your paranormal romance, you may wish to look elsewhere. However, if you are looking for an original and entertaining sensual read for adults, containing reference to myth and magic then you will enjoy this trilogy. I shall definitely be reading the author’s next book, Released, an excerpt from which is given at the end of Unleashed and features a Banshee. As the trilogy Unleashed is sensual in content I recommend it for readers aged 18 and above.

Author’s website http://www.kerriganbyrne.com/

Cover art by kind permission of artist Kelli Ann Morgan http://www.inspirecreativeservices.com/default.htm

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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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Lethal Rider (Lords of Deliverance #3), by Larissa Ione

Lethal Rider (Lords of Deliverance, #3)

Seduction,Vengeance and Redemption 

Lethal Rider, book 3 of Larissa Ione’s Lords of Deliverance series has it all, a rip roaring plot, a tortured alpha hero to die for, a strong heroine and  fantastic secondary characters. It also has some smoking hot sex scenes! This author makes me laugh out loud at the dialogue and antics of the characters in one paragraph and in the next has me on the verge of tears as I fear for their lives.

This series centres on the Four Horsemen, Ares, (War) Reseph. (Pestilence), Limos (Famine) and Thanatos (Death), cursed to usher in the Apocalypse. The Daemonica, the demon bible, contains prophecies, which if fulfilled, will ensure that they fight for on the side of evil. The first two books in the series, Eternal Rider and Immortal Rider, dealt in turn with the trials of Ares and  his sister Limos and their  attempts to prevent their ‘Seals’ from breaking and propelling them into this evil path. Reseph (Pestilence) has had his ‘Seal’ broken already and has inflicted plagues on the world and has also released demons from Sheoul, the demon realm.

Lethal Rider continues the storyline at the end of the previous novel Immortal Rider, where demon-slayer Regan Matthews seduced a drugged Thanatos, stealing his virginity and becoming pregnant as planned. Thanatos had erroneously believed that his ‘Seal’ was his virginity, guarding it throughout his immortality. Fearing his vengeance Regan is holed up at the HQ of the Aegis (the society of human warriors set up to protect the world against evil), to await the birth of the child who, according to a prophecy, is fated to save the world. Thanatos wakes from his eight and a half months medical induced paralysis, which his siblings have put him under to contain his rage. Furious, he seeks Regan out intent on killing her for her betrayal. It is then that he discovers that she is pregnant with his child and he kidnaps her and takes her back to his castle, intent on retribution.

Regan is terrified, believing that her life will be forfeit once the baby is born. She also harbours a great deal of guilt about how the child was conceived. Over time Thanatos and Regan develop an uneasy truce and they begin to bond. However, other forces are at play and his brother Pestilence plots against him, with aid from an unlikely source. Moreover, the cohesion of the Aegis is threatened by fundamentalists who are against the recent rapprochement with some members of the supernatural world. All of this impacts on Regan, Thanatos and their allies and threatens their lives and that of their unborn child. I am in awe of how the author weaves together these complex plot lines towards a satisfying conclusion that also sets the scene for the subsequent book in the series Rogue Rider.

Thanatos is an alpha hero with a big heart. Furious at Regan’s deception, he is also very much ‘in lust’ with her. He desires a family, but has never dared hope for one due to his curse and the anger that he seeks to control. Stunned he is going to be a father, he wants to keep the child. Regan did what she had to do to save the world, but does not see herself as the maternal type and does not feel worthy of love. She has her own special powers and supernatural background that makes her less than human in her eyes. It is very sweet how Thanatos and Regan come to understand each others’ vulnerabilities and how out of distrust comes, understanding, respect, trust and eventually love. The sex scenes are liberally peppered throughout the plot, but do not overpower it. I have read few books where the author effectively portrays sex involving a heavily pregnant heroine, but Larissa Ione does so in effortless style in some scorching lovemaking scenes.

The main secondary characters include Thanatos’ siblings, Ares, Limos and of course Pestilence, who is now an evil adversary. Other characters include those from Larissa Ione’s Demonica series, notably the Seminus Demon brothers Eidolon, Shade and Wraith (who are each an incubus/sex demon with special abilities) and Kynan, the human who works for the Aegis. The Watchers, Reaver and Harvester, the angel and fallen angel, also play a pivotal role. The remaining cast of include a whole host of demons, vampires and other supernatural beings and scenes take place on earth, in the demon underworld and even in heaven.

As usual I loved the author’s writing style, which is very distinctive, being full of snarky humour. The story, violent at times, moved swiftly, from one location to another, although did not detract from the growing relationship between the two main characters. Readers of authors such as Kresley Cole and Gena Showalter are advised to check out this author if they have not done so already. I will be reading the next book in the series, Rogue Rider, as soon as it comes out as I need to know what happens next! I would recommend this book to adult readers of paranormal romance (due to the hot sex scenes).

http://www.larissaione.com

www.piatkus.co.uk

 

 

 

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GIVEAWAY!!! Signed, paperback of Tim O’Rourke’s latest novel ‘Witch’

WitchGIVEAWAY!!! As Tim O’Rourke’s new book ‘Witch‘ has just been released we have a signed paperback copy to giveaway! To enter, please add your name below and a lucky winner will be picked at random on Thursday 7th February 2013. Good luck for all entrants. *Please take note that this novel is recommended for mature readers due to content, and therefore we recommend mature readers to enter the competition* Good luck! Caroline @ARR

GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS to JANE BARRON for being our first giveaway winner. We hope she enjoys her signed paperback copy of Tim O’Rourke’s ‘Witch’! Thank you to everybody who entered. Good luck for next time! Caroline @ ARR

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Enchanted Immortals 2: The Vortex by C.J. Pinard

Enchanted Immortals 2: The VortexAs an Immortal, it is Jonathan Murphy’s responsibility to ensure the safety of the sylph and humans; to protect them from other Fae, such as the vampires and shapeshifters. His closest companions (also Immortals), Thomas and Kathryn, are always by his side as they work together to police these dangerous Fae.

‘Enchanted Immortals 2: The Vortex’ focuses on Jonathan Murphy’s character; the man he once was to the Immortal he is now. As a human he was living a humble family life as a carpenter and his story is full of love, romance, wonder, action and heartache. He is a strong man, making plans for his future. However, that future was not to be. Well, at least not the way he thought it would be.

From early on in the novel there are very exciting action scenes which open up the readers’ eyes. These action scenes, and those throughout the novel, are very dark, dramatic, quick-paced, detailed and intense. At the same time they are violent and gorey in parts. We can imagine how dangerous the vampires and shapeshifters are, at the same time as being completely shocked at their very existence. This enables the reader to empathise with Jonathan’s character from the beginnning as he becomes involved with events that are otherwise unbelievable.

Whilst certain shapeshifters are being searched for by Jonathan and his friends, the vampires are planning their next venture. And it was reading this scene that my heart began to race, as one vampire asks about what they are to do next and the reply is, “We’re going back to the Oregon Vortex”. The reader stops in their tracks at this point, knowing that there is a great deal of trouble to come.

There are so many areas of the ‘Enchanted Immortals’ series that I love, one of them being the flashbacks. In this novel, we follow the journey of Jonathan in the present day, we are taken back to the early 1800’s when he is human and in-between we find out more about Kathryn and Thomas’ relationship with him. The reader also has an insight into what happened when Thomas became an Immortal and Thomas’ relationship with Malina, a sylph Queen.

I, personally, find the sylphs adorable. They all seem very beautiful and feminine. They are caring and loving towards the Immortals, humans and each other. However, they still have to be realistic when bearing the vampires and shapeshifters in mind. Therefore, at times when protecting their allies and friends they have no choice but to harm their enemy.

It was the sylph’s that began the existence of the Immortals with a potion they call ‘Enchantment’. This potion allows the Immortals to be very strong and each Immortal to have their own ability. In ‘The Vortex’ the reader discovers the history and origin of this magical potion.

The whole novel has a great storyline, with really likeable characters, action and adventure. ‘Enchanted Immortals 2: The Vortex’ has simply everything that you would want to read in a fantasy/paranormal novel. As mentioned in my review of C.J. Pinard’s debut novel, ‘Enchanted Immortals’, the style of writing is somewhere in-between that of Laurell K. Hamilton (Meredith Gentry series) and J.R. Ward (Fallen Angels), leaning more towards the J.R. Ward style. I am looking forward to reading the next instalment.

Please click on the link to view my review on C.J. Pinards’s ‘Enchanted Immortals’:- https://areadersreviewblog.wordpress.com/2012/11/27/201/

If you would like to contact C.J. Pinard you can reach her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/CJPinardAuthor or you can e-mail her at cjpinardauthor@gmail.com.

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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Dragon Rose (Tales of the Latter Kingdoms #2) by Christine Pope

Book cover of Dragon Rose

True Love versus Sorcerer’s Curse

As a re–interpretation of the fable Beauty and the Beast, this was a must read for me as it was one of my favourite fairytales as a child! I enjoyed Christine Pope’s, “Welcome to Skullcrusher Mountain” (see my review earlier this month) and Dragon Rose (Tales of the Latter Kingdoms #2) is a compelling read which has you rooting for a seemingly elusive HEA for the cursed Dragon and his Bride!

Dragon Rose is set in Lirinsholme, a town that forms part of “the Latter Kingdoms,” lands which have prospered since the end of the mage wars and the decline of magic. Rhianne, a potter’s daughter, is expected to marry well to secure the financial stability of her family and fund dowries for her younger sisters. In ages past, when sorcerers ruled, Theran Blackmoor’s form was cursed by a mage and he become known as the “Dragon of Black Keep.” The town of Lirinsholme, over which the Dragon presides, is bound to provide him with a Bride when he demands one to avoid the destruction of its property and its citizens. All know that marriage to the Dragon means certain death for the unfortunate Brides as none are ever heard of once they enter the Dragon’s keep.

Rhianne’s actions inadvertently cause a scandal, which threatens her family’s livelihood and reduces her chances of making a good match. The town also learns that the Dragon is demanding a Bride. Rhianne and all unmarried women between the ages of 16 and 20 are summoned to the selection, where Rhianne’s best friend Lilianth, who is affianced to her sweetheart, is selected, by virtue of her name being drawn. Rhianne volunteers in her stead, leaving Lilianth is free to marry her fiancé and ensuring that her own family is compensated generously for their loss.

Rhianne is immediately whisked away to the Dragon’s keep and married to Theran Blackmoor, the Dragon, who has the appearance of a tall, slender man, hidden beneath a cloak and a cowl. Although there is a wedding banquet of sorts, there is no wedding night and Rhianne is given sumptuous chambers, clothes and jewels to wear and is treated kindly by the servants. Theran even indulges her love of painting. Theran initially remains aloof from Rhianne, however, they slowly develop a friendship and Rhianne finds herself falling in love with him. Secrets abound in the castle and Rhianne embarks on a quest to get to the truth of the fate of the Brides and the curse. Rhianne is plagued by vivid dreams, the content of which she becomes obsessed with. She also hears strange voices and grows increasingly melancholic as she becomes terrified of what will be her eventual fate. All seems hopeless but the author manages to secure a HEA with an unexpected twist.

Rhianne is a wholly likeable heroine. Although self-sacrificing and modest, she is also unconventional and has a strong determination to find out the truth. Once she is convinced that the Dragon is not going to eat her, she becomes to regard the castle as home. Her attraction to Theran grows over time and she becomes drawn to him more and more as the tale unfolds, although she feels her love is unrequited as whilst she craves his touch he draws away. Theran remains a mysterious figure throughout the early part of the tale, although his kindness towards Rhianne is shown early on. We also witness him in his Dragon form on a number of occasions, which are terrifying to behold. We see that he grows to admire and care for Rhianne through his speech and  actions, but like Rhianne are left wondering at his reticence to invite further intimacies and to not reveal fully the details of the curse and what it means for his Brides.

The story is told from Rhianne’s POV, which enables us to experience her changing emotions, encompassing feelings of fear, pity, love and increasing desperation first hand as the story progresses. The descriptions the author gives of the castle and the town of Lirinsholme and the rest of the kingdom are vivid. Roses and the rose garden at the castle feature prominently, paying homage to the fairytale we know and love. I particularly liked the way the author’s descriptions of the castle and its environs were used to reflect Rhianne’s increasing melancholy towards the conclusion to the book.

I would recommend this novel to all those who enjoy a sweet romance, especially those who enjoy fantasy romances. I was intrigued by Christine Pope’s references to other parts of the world she has created and will be reading the prior novel, “All Fall Down (Tales of the Latter Kingdoms #1)” and the next instalment,  “Binding Spell,” the release of which is planned in late Spring this year, details of which are given on the author’s website. At the time of writing this post I noticed that the author also has details of some easy to enter book giveaways on her site, so it might be worth checking these out. if you think you may like her work

Copyright 2012 by Christine Pope www.christinepope.com

Published by Dark Valentine Press www.darkvalentinepress.com

Cover art by Nadica Boskovska www.theswanmaiden.deviantart.com

Cover design and ebook formatting by Indie Author Services  www.indieauthorservices.com

Reviewed by Tina Williams

 

 

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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