Review: Releasing the inner monster
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 08 14, 2012
If you think Blood Warrior by H.D. Gordon was great, which I do, you are in for more thrilling reading with Half Black Soul (Book 2 of the Alexa Montgomery Saga).The story picks up right where it left off in Book 1. Alexa has left Two Rivers, heading to Dangeon, the prison where it is rumored her mother is being held. Alexa believed her mother was killed by the Lamia, but has been told that is a lie. Believing her sister Nelly will be safe in the city, she hits the road alone.An incident in a parking lot adds new images to her growing tattoo. This time she had to kill a human. The monster inside her is getting harder and harder to contain. Once unleashed, she fears losing herself as she almost can't get it contained again. Lucky for her, Kayden didn't listen and follows her. His presence is a balm, helping her to calm down and get control of her monster inside.As they prepare to enter Dangeon to rescue her mother, Alexa fears the outcome and seeks the warmth of his sunrise eyes once more. This may be the last time she sees Kayden,her Libra.Then she enters Dangeon.Back at Two Rivers, her sister Nelly has had to do some growing up. She has stumbled upon a conspiracy in the city, war is coming, and sides must be chosen.She makes covert trips to the woods to strengthen her powers, preparing for the struggles ahead. One such trip lands her in serious trouble. It is a full moon and werewolves roam these woods at night. She should not be here.Victoria, a werewolf, hates Alexa and Nelly and has been waiting for an opportunity like this. She catches Nelly's scent and rushes through the woods, intent on tearing her to pieces.Nelly, forced to look out for yourself, takes charge. She isn't helpless anymore. But she needs Alexa to return. She knows about the dirty little secret hidden in the woods and about the blood.H. D. Gordon does not disappoint in this sequel to Blood Warrior. She tells it from multiple points of view and it really worked for me. It didn't interrupt the flow at all and actually made it easier to follow the events.  I felt like I was watching a movie.Her characters mature throughout the story, making them genuine. The plot continues effortlessly and gains momentum, pulling you with it. Secrets are laid bare and you zigzag along, gathering crucial need-to-know-information with each scene.Great writing, with many thrilling fight scenes and descriptive inner conversations by the characters makes for a great sequel. My connection is stronger and my anticipation is revved up.