Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between
Author: J.A. Saare
Release Date: available now
Publisher: Eternal Press
Rhiannon’s Laws Series Book #1
ISBN: #1770650229
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal
From the author’s website:
One bad corpse can ruin your whole day. No one knows that better than Rhiannon Murphy. She’s left behind the flash and sass of Miami for the no-nonsense groove of New York City, eager for a clean slate and a fresh start. A bartender by trade, a loud mouth by choice, and a necromancer by chance; she’s managed to keep her nifty talent hidden from those around her – until now.
The deliciously good-looking vampire Disco knows her secret, and when he strolls into her bar to solicit help investigating the mysterious disappearances of his kind from the city, she discovers he’s not the kind of person that appreciates the significance of the word no.
But in a world where vampires peddle their blood as the latest and greatest drug of choice, it’s only a matter of time before the next big thing hits the market. Someone or something is killing vampires to steal their hearts, and unlike Rhiannon, this isn’t their first stroll around the undead block.
What I’m talking about:
The story opens with our heroine, Rhiannon, working as a bartender in an exotic dancer bar. She knows the ropes and keeps the place running smoothly. Unfortunately, she is being pursued by not only Disco, but other vampire families because of her ability to see the twice undead (dead vampires) – a very rare gift. The only way to protect herself from the undesirables is to “join” a vampire family… but which one? And after a rough childhood, Rhiannon doesn’t want to be “owned” by anyone ever again.
Rhiannon is a heroine that I can get behind! She is smart, tough, looks out for herself, but doesn’t say no to help and helping others. I was worried that she would hem and haw in her decision making about joining a family, but she is smart and makes a great decision. She weighs pros and cons at each step of the way, knows how to compromise, but stays true to herself. She is a joy to read.
The beginning of the book was a bit tough for me to understand. The first chapter especially was chaotic and thoughts seem to jump all over the place. I wasn’t sure who was who, and I stumbled a bit. While that did emphasize the chaotic rhythms of the club scene, it made it difficult for me to follow at times. However, after the first couple of chapters, the writing smoothed out and storyline became much easier to follow.
As the story progressed, I become completely engrossed and couldn’t put the book down. I enjoyed watching the delicate friendship between Rhiannon and Disco blossom into a passionate love. I was riveted to the book trying to find out who/what was behind the vampire deaths. It is a great story and fun to read.
BUT I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you the one thing that really put a crimp on an otherwise wonderful story… The Ending. Without giving away spoilers, I will tell you that the ending basically sets up a subsequent story and leaves us in a MAJOR cliffhanger. I do not like cliffhanger endings. Plain and simple. And really, I have no problem with the direction Ms. Saare is taking her series. In fact, I actually like the concept. But, for me, this should have been the beginning of book 2 and not the ending to this story.
This is a fun, vibrant story and I recommend it to anyone that enjoys a good vampire, urban fantasy story. Just be prepared for an ending that will twist and leave you hanging.
My Rating:
Liked it a lot – recommend
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I so agree about cliffhanger endings. I hate them too. Having said that, this sounds a great read.
I am in the minority here because I freakin’ loved the ending! I got really excited about what’s going to happen next. Usually I’d be right there with you, but I think Jaime did a great job with the ending, imo.
I have this one on my wish list. 🙂 Glad to see you enjoyed it.
M
Shirley: It is a very good story and worth the read… my recommendation, if you don’t like cliff-hangers, is read all but the last chapter! Or wait until book 2 comes out (Jaime is working on it now – squee!) and read both at once.
Stacy: I get that… I actually like the direction Jaime is taking the series, I just didn’t like it at the end of the book. BUT, it’s still an awesome story and I can’t wait to read more!
Michelle: I hope you enjoy it.
you definitely sold me on the book. it sounds good to me! i’m usually good with cliffhangers as long as there is a book 2. XD or the author doesn’t make it too big of a shocker.
*waves* love to the fellow Red or was it Redd as well?
and luved the review. definitely one for the tbr list!
Much like Stacy, I loved the ending too. Yes it was a cliffhanger(not the biggest fan), but it was so well done and out of left field, I really thought Jaime pulled it off.
I hate cliffhangers but I think I still need to read this one! I’ve heard such good things about this book! 🙂
btw, have an award for you:
http://melissawatercolor.blogspot.com/2010/08/another-award.html
This story sounds really interesting, thanks! I will have to check it out!
Annoying cliffhanger endings, as much as they frustrate me, typically do not hamper my enjoyment…unless it happens over and over in a series…then it becomes annoyingly redundant.
Loving the sound of this series! And I love when the heroines are strong and independent but accept help when needed:) Cliffhangers are frustrating, especially depending on how much time there is between the releases!
Thanks for the warning about the ending. I’d be disappointed otherwise. I like the idea of vampire blood being peddled as a drug.
Urban, paranormal fantasy with strong independant heroines and sexy love interests, I’m a goer for them everytime.
I even write them. Ch 1 of Lethal Inheritance is on my blog.
I forgot to say that the blogs at http://publishersearch.wordpress.com/lethal-inheritance/