Tag Archives: Tim O’Rourke

by

Dead Seth (Kiera Hudson Series Two, #4) by Tim O’Rourke

Again, Tim O’Rourke has left the reader completely shocked. I do not usually begin my review with the end of the book, however, it is the end which unravels some serious revelations, after many twists and turns. I love how these novels surprise the reader. They are unpredicatble and yet still believable and in line with the whole series. Hence, the five stars that it truly deserves.

The writing is excellent, as in ‘Dead Seth (Keira Hudson Series Two, Book 4)’ we are subjected to the history and background behind Jack Seth, the Lycanthrope, the cursed killer wolf. This novel is written from mostly Jack Seth’s point of view as he narrates to Keira his story of how he became cursed and detailing the life that he led growing up. As in most of the Keira Hudson novels there are many twists and turns, especially on the emotional scale. This book is no exception.

We realise the many corners that Jack Seth’s life turned, how he was mentally tormented and how unstable his whole family life was. It would be wrong of me to reveal anything more without spoiling the story as this is a must-read. There are moments when the reader hates what he is doing and other moments when we feel compassion and understanding for him. Once the reader is engrossed in the thick of the story it is easy to empathise with Jack and I must admit that, apart from the paranormal/fantasy side, there are elements that feel very real. The mental torment, lies, betrayal, and the instability are all elements that real people, real children have lived through and are living through.

Keira’s point of view is also told in ‘Dead Seth’, as she is desperately wanting to escape in order to save her father and Potter. However, as Jack is telling her his story she does feel for him. At the same time she is gradually turning to stone which proves difficult for her to even talk to him at times. During the whole read I kept asking myself; will she escape, will she rescue her father, Potter, or both or will she turn into a statue?

Throughout the first half of the book I did feel the need to know exactly what Potter was doing and how Murphy and Kayla were. This is no different to when reading the novella, ‘Dead Night – Potter’s Secrets (Keira Hudson Series 2, Book 1.5)’, and ‘Dead Angels (Keira Hudson Series Two, Book 2)’ where we are told Potter’s story and in the latter, Isidor’s. As these books focus on the one character mostly I did terribly miss the others and was desperate to know what they were going through and what they were thinking.

However, in hindsight, I think that this is a fantastic way of writing as it allows the reader to get up close and personal with each character, good and bad, and become fully aware of them and understand their point of view. It also makes it the more exciting when we are reunited with the other characters in the following books as we have waited with eager anticipation and cannot wait to sink our minds into the next adventure.

All of the Keira Hudson books are interwoven and provide a great backbone for all of the others. I would strongly recommend that any reader of this book, along with ‘Dead Statues (Keira Hudson Series Two, Book 3)’, should read the earlier books and novellas of series one and series two. This would really assist the reader in understanding the whole picture: where these characters have come from, their adventures together and also their connection between each story and the other characters.

I simply cannot wait for the next instalment, ‘Dead Water’. However, I am glad that I am finally up-to-date with the series.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

by

Dead Statues (Kiera Hudson Series Two #3) by Tim O’Rourke

Dead Statues (Kiera Hudson Series Two, #3)This novel has left me feeling utterley shocked and impatient to find out exactly what is going to happen next. Keira Hudson is definitely back and the main focus of this book, along with Potter. The story is told from both points of view and is completely filled with mystery, emotion, action, adventure, fear and dread.

At the beginning of the book is an Author’s Note. This is a short account of what ‘Dead Statues’ has in store for the reader, i.e. the areas and characters it will be focusing on. It also explains the connections between the previous novellas, ‘The Wolf House’ and ‘Dead Night – Potter’s Secrets, and this novel. I, personally, would take notice if you haven’t already read the previous novellas as they do provide great background information and knowledge of certain characters that will help the reader understand the emotions behind this novel.

Keira and her friends have just escaped a huge attack from the Skin-walkers, however it did not end well. They are all contemplating what had just happened and are trying to rest before they figure out what to do next. Before much can be said we find that they are in the thick of it again with the Skin-walkers. When events begin to calm, Keira is made aware of secrets that Potter has kept from her. Keira is hurt, angry and confused. How could Potter do this to her? She thought that he loved her.

Because she feels deceived and has found out that her father is alive in this ‘pushed’ world, Keira decides to leave her friends behind in search of her dad. Her friends, in the meantime, have problems of their own. And Potter has a great deal of making up to do. Potter goes in search for Keira, hoping to explain himself to her.

Throughout this novel it is easy to sympathise with Keira as she is the one that was kept in the dark and deceived. However, for those that have read the two novellas, Potter is also easy to sympathise with as the reader will understand the how’s, where’s and why’s. On saying this, I do believe that Potter should have explained all to Keira, for at least then she would know the truth firsthand, without becoming more paranoid and having more questions and doubts.

Throughout this series we have been introduced to the statues. These statues seem to appear from nowhere and when unseen they change positions. Some appear to whisper, but without their lips moving. They are eerie and it is the whole mystery surrounding them that make the reader fear for what or who they are, at the same time as wonder whether this will end up being Keira’s fate.  These statues remind me of the Weeping Willows in the ‘Doctor Who’ series. And, likewise, they make me feel all goose-bumpy as they are strangely ghostly. Who are these statues, where are they from and what connection do they have to Keira and her friends?

The setting for this main novel is largely at a cottage where Keira’s friends are holding out for her, a graveyard near Keira’s fathers’ house and Keira’s fathers’ house. The atmosphere is very moody, very emotional, scary and terrifying. The snow is falling all around, in contrast, creating a more calm background, especially as the last novel was very stormy with thunder and lightning.

The ending of this novel is a complete cliffhanger and it is an absolute must to read the following novel, ‘Dead Seth (Keira Hudson Series Two, Book 4)’. Keira and Potter both seem stuck in at their own dead end and it is impossible to know what will happen next. Will their enemy succeed? Will Keira or Potter be saved? I hope both, but the chances are slim.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

by

Dead Angels (Kiera Hudson Series Two #2) by Tim O’Rourke

Kiera Hudson, Kiera HudsonAfter reading ‘Dead Flesh (Keira Hudson Series Two, Book One)’ and the novella, ‘Dead Night – Potter’s Secrets (Keira Hudson Series Two, Book 1.5)’, the reader is aware that Keira and her friends are existing in a different world, almost a parallel universe. A world that they once knew but has now been ‘pushed’ and life is not quite the way it was before.

The beginning of this novel carries on from ‘Dead Flesh’ as the gang are at Hallowed Manor with the addition of Sam, who, since leaving the chapel at Ravenwood Boarding School and almost being matched with a wolf, is ill and feverish. With Kayla looking after him she hopes he will make a full recovery but this is uncertain. It is not known how far the matching went. Will he die? Will he be human? Or, will he become a skin-walker? He does show some signs of this, however it is not absolutely clear.

Kayla will do anything in her power to try and save Sam. He is in-between stages of turning and he is very ill. So when he asks to be taken to the Fountain of Souls, this is exactly what Kayla wants too. After a discussion the whole gang prepare to leave Hallowed Manor. However, during the beginning of their journey they are followed by skin-walkers. Hopefully, without spoiling too much, there is a great deal of intense action in these first few chapters and the gang are on the run from the skin-walkers and Berserkers. They manage to find an old train station to rest in whilst the reader is given more insight into Isidor’s character.

As the story unfolds the reader discovers that this particular novel, even though written from the points of view of Keira and the points of view of Isidor, has it’s main focus on Isidor. Isidor is a character, until now, that the reader knew little about – especially about his past. This book opens up Isidor’s soul as we begin to understand his character and some of his reasons for the way he is. The action of this novel dies down and becomes more emotional, focusing largley on the storyline and using Isidor as narrator to his own past. There are questions that previous novels have left me asking about Isidor, and here the answers are revealed.

We are introduced to a new character, Melody Rose. I absolutely took to her from the first time we hear about her. She is a beautiful, kind human girl. She is treated differently by some of those around her as she has been brought up in a strange manner. But, as she is different it allows her to understand others that are different and, therefore is more accepting and treat them more as an equal. It would be cruel of me to go into any more detail regarding Melody or the storyline without giving any more away. I am, therefore, hoping that if you have not read this novel yet to please do.

I must admit that this is not my favourite novel of the series for a few reasons. However, bear in mind that I have read all of the books to this series, up to this point, including the novellas. As this book focuses on Isidor and the last novella ‘Dead Night – Potter’s Secrets’ focused on Potter I have missed Keira terribly. Her character has not been featured as much and I would like to hear about her ‘seeing’ ability again in solving mysteries and crimes – a return of her investigative side. Also, Potter did not feature too heavily in this book either. But, as said above, I do understand that the reader needed to be more connected to Isidor and understand his past and character.

I was missing a little action in the middle of Isidor’s story, however this did pick up a little towards the end of the novel again, knowing that the following book ‘Dead Statues (Keira Hudson Series Two, Book Three)’ will begin with more adventure to come. I felt that this novel was a little short and towards the end we are given the chance to read some short stories that the character, Isidor, had written after being influenced by humans and the world above ground. I wasn’t too sure about these, however, after reading some other reviews I should have guessed myself that Tim O’Rourke certainly does not write these stories without having an underlying meaning to them. As the series continues to grow the reader will discover their meaning and connection and I am excited to be on this magical journey. I would love to become Keira just so I could piece it all together myself!

One of the things I love about Tim O’Rourke’s writing is that he always sets each scene well. He never overstates anything, allowing the reader to visualise for themselves, however he does give us enough atmosphere to create our emotions and connect with the characters, storyline and scenery. I have noticed, especially in the more recent books, that the weather plays a huge part in this. It is either night time or dark and cloudy, with stormy weather, i.e. wind, rain, thunder and lightning.

The use of music, usually playing on the iPod, also means a great deal. This also sets the mood of the scene that we are reading. It helps to tell the story of the characters. There is no iPod in this novel, but a radio. There is a song that is referred to more than once, regarding two of the characters in this book and it does help everything connect beautifully. The song is not for me to name, but for the reader to discover. The song choice initially surprised me but it does fit perfectly well.

At the time of writing this review I have begun to read the following novel, ‘Dead Statues (Keira Hudson Series Two, Book Three)’ and although I have only read a few pages I am gripped!

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

by

Dead Night – Potter’s Secrets (Kiera Hudson Series Two #1.5)

Dead Night - Potter's Secrets (Kiera Hudson Series Two, #1.5)I have read at least one review that says that this novella is as good as a full novel and I have to agree. As with the regular Keira Hudson novels, there is a great storyline with plenty of mystery, action and emotion. Not to mention intense characters, be they human, wolf or Vampyrus. In this novella the world has been ‘pushed’ and not as we know it: the wolves are living among the humans and the Vampyrus do not exist!

The main focus for this novella is Potter’s search for his first love, Sophie, as she is the only person from his last world that he thinks may exist in this ‘pushed’ world. He is hoping that if she exists here and he can find her, then maybe she will hold some answers to help him understand how the world was ‘pushed’. His aim, ultimately, is to ‘push’ the world back to how it once was.

When we are introduced to Sophie she has problems of her own. She has been ‘pushed’ with the rest of the world. Sophie is running from the wolves and police, desperate to seek out answers to her own questions. Will she get caught? Will she discover the answers she needs? It becomes clear that Potter’s role is to find out as much about this world from Sophie as he can, at the same time as trying to keep her safe from the wolves. Will this rekindle their original feelings for each other?

Even though we know from ‘Dead Flesh (Keira Hudson Series 2, Book 1)’ that this novella is completely about Potter and the twenty-four hours he went away from Hallowed Manor, I missed Keira. This surprised me as Potter is my favourite character, but without Keira it wasn’t quite the same. That said, we must not forget that she is part of the reason for him tracking down Sophie, so that everybody can go back to the world as it were and maybe their curse from The Elders will be lifted in some way.

The world in ‘Dead Night – Potter’s Secrets’ does not seem to be set in the past or the future but more like a parallel universe. As there are no Vampyrus in this world it is uncertain that Potter and co ever existed. However, if there is anyone from their previous life in this new ‘pushed’ world advice is given that it would be best not to track them down, meet them or engage with them in any way to ensure that circumstances are not changed. This reminded me of the ‘Back to the Future’ movies, that I have been watching recently with my son, where the ‘Doc’ is advising ‘Marty’ to not interfere with his family or friends in the past in order not to meddle with the time space continuum. I had to smile when beginning ‘Dead Angels (Keira Hudson Series 2, Book 2)’ as Michael J. Fox is referred to and he plays ‘Marty McFly’ in the ‘Back to the Future’ movies. However, please remember that this novella is not set in the past or the future as far as we know, just a different version of the world we are used to.

As Potter reminds me of ‘Gene Hunt’ from the ‘Life on Mars’ tv programme, this novella and previous novel ‘Dead Statues’ felt that it was like ‘Gene Hunt’ waking up in a different world rather than the character ‘Sam Tyler’. ‘Gene Hunt’, just like Potter, would be grouchy, aggressive and temperamental on the outside, but on the inside would be confused and in search of answers in a similar way to Potter. These types of characters do not wear their heart on their sleeves, and in many ways this supports their mysteriousness and their dark side, thus making them unpredicatable but so loveable.

Throughout the Keira Hudson novels, the iPod is a regular mention and a favourite of mine. For me, it helps me connect more and adds a little reality to the fiction. In this particular book, there is a scene which uses the song ‘Fix You’ by ‘Coldplay’ which is more than appropriate. It completely sets the mood and atmosphere of the feeling of the character and where their head is at. Perfect.

In between the emotions and action that the reader is taken through this novella did hold a few nice surprises, which help keep the hope alive for Potter, Keira and co to ‘push’ the world back to how they once knew it. However, that is not to say that all is well. After reading, I am left wondering whether Potter will keep his secrets or not. How will they affect Potter and co in future novels?

As with all of Tim O’Rourke’s Keira Hudson books this novella is fast-paced and adventurous. It is written from Sophie’s perception as well as Potter’s. This enables the reader to connect with the characters more by understanding them and knowing more about each one. This style allows the reader to feel like they are a part of the story. It is truly amazing.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

by

Dead Flesh (Kiera Hudson Series Two #1) by Tim O’Rourke

Another truly great read from Tim O’Rourke. ‘Dead Flesh’ is told from Keira’s perspective as well as one of her friends. Keira and her friends initially seem to be in limbo after the rollercoaster of previous events. They need to come to terms with everything that has happened and all that they have been through, at the same time as trying to understand their own personal changes and the changes of the different world that they find themselves in.

Again, we have a different type of species with the ‘skin-walkers’ being introduced. Once I completely understood these beings, they became quite fascinating creatures, but also very scary too. I could elaborate here, but would not want to spoil this novel.

The setting, a small town with its main focus on a local boarding school, takes me back to Enid Blyton with the Famous Five. As here we have a group of young people being adventurous and daring in order to seek out solutions to the mysteries surrounding them. The atmosphere through the most part is spooky and eerie, and with Scooby Doo references too,I couldn’t help but think of those great characters and storylines. However, childhood fun aside, Tim O’Rourke adds his own twist by making this novel much more terrifying, gorey and adult-themed.

That is not to say, however, that this novel is completely without any humour. On the contrary, I laughed out loud a few times when reading this book, with one of the characters rifling through woolly knickers, ideas on who ‘The Wolf Man’ may be and the general bickering between certain characters.

On a more serious note, it is obvious from the beginning that Keira and her friends are concerned for their own well-being and are uncertain of a great deal to begin with. Throughout the book the reader is hoping that the characters will focus on each other and there are compassionate moments in there with some intense scenes which will delight the reader.

One of my favourite aspects of Tim O’Rourke’s writing is that he provides enough description for the characetrs and the setting to be understood and connected with. However, there is always room for the reader to use their own imagination for some details, thus making it their own fantasy.

This series is fiction come to life as you envisage and feel whatever the characters are feeling at the time. For example, with the action scenes, you can feel the gore, the blood, the flesh. So much so that it makes you squeamish. It is absolutely fantastic. You feel that you are Keira, or at least a part of her or with her, as she deals with horrific situations and action scenes.

Of all the books in the Keira Hudson series, there are scenes here that truly belong in the ‘horror’ genre. There are spooky, eerie happenings and later on scary, gorey, pulse-throbbing scenes.This is definitely a novel whereby the reader is perched at the edge of their seat.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

by

Vampire Hollows (Kiera Hudson Series One #5) by Tim O’Rourke

Well, ‘Vampire Hollows (Keira Hudson Book 5, Series One)’ is certainly full of surprises. It has been a rollercoaster ride of good and bad, highs and lows and the impact it has on the readers’ emotions is extraordinary.

Tim O’Rourke’s writing is as descriptive as ever regarding the scenery, so much so that it feels like you are actually there, spectating the events that unfold. I have never experienced a book that captures the soul as the Keira Hudson novels do. It is an experience that makes you feel so alive, like you are a part of the story, like you are a character in the story, assisting Keira on her journey.

Keira has gradually been changing and becoming slightly more like a Vampyrus throughout the series and because of how gradual this has taken place the reader does not disconnect with her in any way. Keira was as human as you and I during the Ragged Cove adventure (with the exception of her being able to see the most obvious and piecing it together very quickly) and it is only when looking back at the first novel that we realise how far she has come. And yet we love her, perhaps even moreso than when we were first introduced. I love the fact that she can control her new features and how she flies. The description on how she flies through the air, with the skin on her face rippling, due to her velocity and the wind blowing at her, is just exhilarating and makes it all the more realistic. Also, her seeing ability is still present as we are taken back and forth into her mind’s eye. Some scenes here are graphic and remind me of the tv programme ‘Silent Witness’.

Wherever Keira seems to end up her prize possessions never leave her: Murphy’s crucifix and her beloved iPod. The use of this iPod and the song choices, as mentioned in earlier reviews, have a very stronghold in connecting with the characters and the scene that they are used in. It does not disappoint!

Potter is by far my favourite character, even above Keira I have to say. He is like, to me, a younger version of the character Gene Hunt from the ‘Life on Mars’ and ‘Ashes to Ashes’ series. Even though he is meant to be young, he is witty, sarcastic, moody, stubborn, etc, with oldskool phrases suchas “easy, tiger” and “sweetcheeks”. He is a man of mystery and darkness, and yet he is very moral and loyal. We are constantly kept on our toes wondering if he is the traitor or not.

There are so many twists and turns that absolutely nothing is obvious. This series truly is an escape that feels so real. There are also many questions for the reader to seek answers to: is Luke still alive; will Potter resuce him; who is Elias Munn; will Keira decide to end all human life or end the Vampyrus’?

The Vampyrus truly are incredible creatures and the description of their wings sounds breathtakingly beautiful. I imagine the movie ‘Michael’ with John Travolta and the more recent ‘Legion’ with Paul Bettany when picturing their wings. They sound heavenly even though some are cruel creatures. Which leads me again to reiterate some of my earlier reviews of this series that the characters are very believable. They all say and do both good and bad, making it near impossible to find out who the possible ‘traitor’ amongst the group is.

Again, there are different types of beings to look out for with Vampyrus, Lycanthrope and half-breeds. The Lycanthrope character, Jack Seth, is a large guy, reminding me of Alcide Herveaux from the ‘True Blood’ tv series but with the moodiness and, for me, a slight disconnection like that of Jacob in the ‘Twilight Saga’.

We are also introduced to new characters, such as Coanda and The Elders. The Elders seem to hold the authority in the Hollows and nothing seems to get passed them. They cannot be fooled.

Even writing this review now I cannot escape the atmosphere of the book. The Hollows are a mix of caves and dark tunnels with some open spaces. The rocks are mostly red, like you would imagine on Mars, however some areas within the tunnels are grey and dark. Some areas are mountainous while other areas are wooded. Then there is the light from the Lighthouse, the lava, the ash and dust and the murky fog in the tunnels. If you would like adventure, action, mystery, love, and excitement this series will completely blow you away.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

by

Wolf House (Potter’s Story) (Kiera Hudson Series One #4.5) by Tim O’Rourke

I was very excited to read this novella to understand Potter’s character more as all of the main feature novels are written from Keira’s point of view. In this novella, we have an insight into Potter’s thoughts. We find out about Potter’s history and his relationships with Luke and Murphy; his feelings on Keira; and also, we learn a little about the Lycanthrope’s character and how murderous they have and can be.

Potter maintains his dark, mysterious, moody self and behaves in an awkward manner to those around him, which I absolutely love in his character. It is rarely that his softer emotions are revealed, making him more exciting and believable. He does not suffer fools gladly, however there are moments when he should work as part of a team without being so stubborn.

Even though this novella is very informative, well written and has a good story I couldn’t help but feel that something was amiss in comparison to the main feature novels. I felt that Potter was missing some passion and rage somewhere. I didn’t quite connect emotionally to the character as I have before. This may be due to how tired I was when reading or perhaps Tim O’Rourke was holding back for the main feature.

Either way, this novella does help us understand Potter as it gives a great background of his character. I would have liked more mention of Keira but I suppose there is nothing more for Potter to think. He is very black and white with his outlook and as he admits himself, he is not a romantic.

The actual story of this novella is set in a dilapidated house in the woods, which gives it a dark, eerie feel and Potter cannot trust anyone. His investigative skills are highlighted and amid the twists and turns there is some action. This novella is still a little treat for fans of Potter and the Keira Hudson series.

I cannot wait to get my head into ‘Vampire Hollows (Keira Hudson Series One, #5)’. Will Potter find Luke? I’m off to find out!

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

by

Vampire Breed (Kiera Hudson Series One #4) by Tim O’Rourke

If you liked, or in my case – LOVED, the first three books of the Keira Hudson series you will not be disappointed with this fourth instalment. With Keira captured and no sign of Potter or Luke the beginning of this novel appears very bleak for all of the characters. ‘Where is everybody?’ was the first question I asked myself, in fear of what may have happened to them.

However, over time we find out how Keira is and how she has been treated and as the book unfolds we are taken on an incredible journey that is both horrific and exciting. This novel, like the previous, is action-packed adventure with more beings to fear with the Lycanthrope, Vampyrus, vampires and half-breeds. This book holds many revelations for Keira and her friends, however it is difficult to be more detailed without spoiling the plot. But take it from me, this is a must-read!!!

Tim O’Rourke certainly knows how to engross his readers with passion, rage, fear, friendship, loyalty and love. The characters are amazingly strong and definitive in their own unique way. Keira is a strong heroine, whilst at the same time retains her feminine qualities. Whilst Potter, on the other hand, is still the masculine, strong-silent type with a great deal of rage and passion within. He keeps all of the characters on their toes as well as the reader and I absolutely love him. He is still dark and mysterious with his own plans of action.

There is still the use of the iPod which, certainly for me, aids in keeping the story current and more believable, especially with the song choices and their purposes/uses within the scene.  The music connects this fictional fantasy with real, everyday life and therefore brings the story alive.

I also love the connections I personally make between these novels and various tv shows and films, although I’d like to make it perfectly clear that this is in no way a copy of any of those. This series is absolutely original and unique but with just tiny similarities. For example, I like the Lot 13, which is Tim O’Rourke’s version of True Blood. There is also a strong survival aspect to this novel and Keira must survive. She has to endure thirst, hunger, being preyed upon from all walks of life with doubt on who she can trust. Mix all this up with gore and action and some specific scenario’s in this book and I am left thinking about ‘The Walking Dead’, ’28 Days Later’, ‘Survivors’ and ‘Last Train’, although remembering that this series is focused on the Vampyrus and vampires. I started questioning at some points of the book, ‘Are the characters left the only beings left alive in the world?’

Some may wonder about the gore that I have mentioned above. Yes, there are horrific moments with human flesh being torn apart, blood flowing, biting and fighting. However, the use of this is not over stated or ridiculous but believable and appropriate for the scene it has been written into. It is all very direct but understandable and quick-paced as you sense how much danger the characters are in. Will they make it though?

In contrast to the above, there are also those scenes when during capture or in hiding and shelter the characters have a chance to engage on a more intimate level and refresh themselves and reveal what course of action they are planning and maybe why. It truly is a captivating read that is highly addictive and very powerful with it’s highs and lows.

I am off to read ‘Wolf House (Keira Hudson Series One, #4.50)’ followed by ‘Vampire Hollows (Keira Hudson Series One #5)’.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

by

Vampire Hunt (Kiera Hudson Series One #3)

I am writing this review after reading ‘Vampire Breed (Keira Hudson, #4)’ as I didn’t get chance in between due to being ill. First things first, I’d like to congratulate Tim O’Rourke on this captivating series. It is a thrilling, exciting adventure that is written to the point but with tremendous depth of storyline, characters, action and gore. Each scene creates a different atmosphere and shows great imagination and throughout the series I have been visualising different scenes to be that similar of those from various tv programmes and films but with their own unique twist and originality.

The characters of this series are very strong and unique and keep to their own personality. They are decisive with their own feelings of rage, passion, loyalty and trust. And together, as a team, they work beautifully even when having their own personal issues to deal with.

The main focus of book 3 is to find Kayla. Where have the Vampyrus taken her? What are they going to do to her? With the leadership of Murphy they set out and have an enormous amount to deal with on their journey. Can Keira trust everybody who is with her? Where does her heart lie? How will the change affect her?

The group have to travel over uneven terrain in all weathers, trusting Murphy and coping as survivors. They need shelter during the day, they need food and they need to find Kayla. The vampires come out at night, the Vampyrus will be on the hunt and we are introduced to the Lycanthrope. Do they all pose a threat?

With the change happening gradually to Keira we are all surprised at different points of this book as Keira is able to deal with situations differently than she could before. But the reader is constantly kept on their toes and nobody knows what is coming around the corner.

The scenes at the monastery are dark, eerie, scary and exhilarating all at the same time. But do they find what they seek? I hope I’ve asked enough questions for you to want to read this series of brilliance. Right, off to write my review on ‘Vampire Breed (Keira Hudson, #4’).

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

by

Vampire Wake (Kiera Hudson Series One #2) by Tim O’Rourke

Vampire Wake is a brilliant book. With Keira back at Havensfield she is trying to come to terms with what happened at The Ragged Cove and get her life back on track. However, this is not as simple as it sounds! To begin with, there are not many people who believe her story and, therefore, her mind is occupied with trying to find any information she can on the whereabouts of her beloved mother and her Vampyrus friends: Luke, Murphy and Potter.

She is then asked to ‘babysit’ Lady Hunt’s sixteen year old daughter, Kayla, which Keira is reluctant to do at first but her thirst for work exceeds this reluctancy. Hence, life has not completely returned to normal for Keira but has provided her with something different to occcupy her time with.

Keira’s character is very alert and she is able to piece a puzzle/mystery together with her ability to ‘see’ details and process them very quickly. And it is this, coupled with her drive, determination and curiosity that makes Keira a really likeable character.

I have to say, after reading the first two novels of this series, that the character Potter is possibly my favourite. I love that his dark, impolite side can swiftly turn into cheekiness and that there is something more about him underneath his harshness. Although it is well hidden for the most part, he does appear to have a soft side.

I do feel that Vampire Wake is largely the set-up for book three, Vampire Hunt. There are more revelations in this second novel but after the build up and some brilliant action scenes the reader is left desperate to begin the third book, knowing that plenty more adventure and action scenes are on the way.

Again, there is a great connection to the readers’ reality as Tim O’Rourke writes with great imagination and knowledge of modern day Britain. For example, with current music being played on Keira’s iPod this aids the reader to connect with the characters of the book. It allows the story to have a hint of realism and therefore, makes it more believable.

I have begun reading Vampire Hunt, book three, and it does not disappoint!

Reviewed by Caroline Barker