Review: Nocturne Reads: Dark but Good
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 08 23, 2013
SINS AND NEEDLES made a fabulous debut for The Artists Trilogy. I did not think I would be a fan of the rough con artist and tattoo artist theme, but for Karina Halle it worked, and it worked well. SHOOTING SCARS follows Ellie and Camden once again, only their paths are separated and their futures look much bleaker.I was trapped with a man who would either love me or kill me.The story of Ellie's life it seems. In SINS AND NEEDLES, it was Camden with the gun, now Ellie has returned to her long lost love Javier, and she couldn't be less thrilled. SINS AND NEEDLES ended by bringing Ellie full circle. She went from bad girl to self-sacrificing girl over the course of the book. However, in SHOOTING SCARS, Javier brings her back to her former self in many ways. As a reader, it is frustrating when your favorite characters sink back into old habits when they have developed so far previously. Camden also underwent a setback, but his was much smaller in comparison. Camden loves Ellie and sets out after her, to rescue her, but always wonders if he has been betrayed.Aside from Ellie and Camden and their much needed wake up calls, SHOOTING SCARS follows a much darker plot line. At times I was exhausted by the trouble that everyone was getting into. Throughout the entire book, I kept waiting for a sliver of light, a glimpse of a happy ending. Ellie and Camden and even Javier have a few intimate and sweet moments, but none are carefree. It seems as though Halle is going to make us wait for BOLD TRICKS before Ellie and Camden can catch their breath.SHOOTING SCARS is a great read, but wore me out. I enjoyed it greatly, but I found myself frustrated with Ellie and Camden and exasperated by the bleakness of the situation. The plot moved more slowly at first, speeding up toward the end and gaining my interest back. I will definitely be looking for BOLD TRICKS, and if you enjoyed book one, make sure to read SHOOTING SCARS. Despite the minor faults, it is an excellent read.