Touch the Dark (Cassandra Palmer, Book 1) by Karen Chance Summary and Reviews
|
List Price: Our Price: $3.77 You Save: $4.22 (53%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of Touch the Dark (Cassandra Palmer, Book 1)
Book Review: Loved it - can't wait for the sequel
Summary: 5 Stars
What a great debut novel.
The plot revolves around a series of interlinked supernatural power struggles with Cassie, a runnaway clairvoyant, at the centre of it all - and it slowly becomes clear that a rather large destiny is about to come her way. Although there is lots of backstory, it's pretty apparent that there's a lot more going on underneath it all (as I'm sure will become clear in later books in this series.)
I tend to flit around the edges of this genre, not having read anything by some of the big players like Laurell H, but I thought that this book was enjoyable and accessible, while still being quite dark and densely packed with detail.
I liked the humour and humanity of the book and the fleet of different characters, magical creatures and supernatural beings. The dialogue was snappy and readable and had fun with a few stereotypes, like when Mircea commands Cassie to come to him.
Characterisation is a real strength of the author. Cassie is a great heroine - I didn't think she was passive at all, just very aware of the strengths of those around her and slowly coming to realise what her new powers meant.
The vampires were fabulously written. Suitably enticing, but with real ambiguity in their intentions. I liked the idea that many of them were famous historical characters.
Mircea was gorgeous, but managed moments of apparent vulnerability which only added to the attraction. When he finally lost his temper, you were left in no doubt of why he held a senate seat.
One of my favourite characters was Pritkin the barking mad, demon-hunting war mage. He has an awful lot of unattractive features, but there was just something about his single-minded determination.
I loved all the backstory and complications. It reminded me a bit of Simon R Green's Deathstalker and Nightside novels - those books also have a phenomenal number of beautifully realised characters, lots of intricate backstory and some mind-bending time travel. I rather suspect that like Green, Karen Chance will be picking up tiny strands hinted at in this book and weaving them into later installments.
Book Review: Great story, great writing style, great characters
Summary: 4 Stars
This book came as a very good surprise. It's the story of Cassandra, a talented Clairvoyant raised by a Mobster/Vampire, that eventually is involved with more Vampires, Spirits, Mages and more.
From the very first page you are immersed in the deeply involving story, the gripping writing style and by depth and originality of the characters, and such quality is maintained throughout the book.
Even if the story revolves around a few locations (four, to be exact), each is rendered memorable by the revelations and events that illuminate both the reader without interrupting the flow of events.
The novel is very eventful, action packed, and eventually there is a satisfactory explanation behind every small action and event. There are even some sex "scenes", which are integral to the story, but never become too explicit or foul.
All in all an excellent book, I just wished that Tony (Cassandra's nemesis) would die a horrible death, but for that I guess we will have to wait the sequel (due to come out in April 2007).
Book Review: Enjoyable, pacey
Summary: 5 Stars
A marvel of a find! I really enjoyed reading this book therefore will recommend to others. No slack, pacey read, story well-told. However the sequel, Claimed By Shadow, did not retain the good story-telling quality.Book Review: Meh
Summary: 1 Stars
Let me start by saying that I'm not massively picky when it comes to vampire romances, so when I say this one was bad, I'm not exaggerating.
It's predictable, which isn't a crime. Most of these books, the heroes, villains and surprise twists are pretty clear from page 1. It's clich?, which again, is not in itself a crime.
The problem is, it's boring. The romance is slightly unnerving (father figure to love interest does not rock my boat), but also quite dull. There's not much in the way of suspense. The main character isn't awful, but she's not particularly interesting or appealing either.
The biggest problem is that there's nothing really to recommend this book. It's not well-written enough to be special. It doesn't have anything particularly interesting about the characters, the world set-up, the plot. It's nothing new, and it's nothing new done in a not very special way.
Book Review: Really fun, original read
Summary: 5 Stars
I loved this book! I've read many fantasy/vampire tales, but none that were this original and just plain fun. The mystery was a real surprise, something unexpectedly substantial in what I initially thought would be a fairly basic plotline. The characters were fun and very unusual-I am embarrassed to say that I did not figure out the identity of one major character until the very end. And the sex scene was hysterical-anyone who can draw out foreplay over three chapters and actually make it work has my vote! I look forward to seeing much more from this author.