Review: Wonderful story, chilling antagonist!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 08 17, 2013
Book Info: Genre: Paranormal/Urban Fantasy ThrillerReading Level: New AdultRecommended for: Fans of thrillers involving paranormal elementsBook Available: August 20, 2013Trigger Warnings: murder, violence (esp. toward women), warning for those who are afraid of snakes and/or spidersAnimal Abuse: a bear in killed (it was attacking), snakes and spiders are used to assault women and could potentially be harmed in that processMy Thoughts: I will admit to being a fan of this author already, so was very excited when she contacted me to edit this book. I was quite impressed by her abilities, as this manuscript was fairly clean. Oh, there was plenty for me to do, but compared to some I've seen? Impressive. This is the first time I've received a manuscript that contained the term jack-o'-lantern in which it was correctly spelled, so I was quite impressed.Ethan was a chilling character. That sort of cold cruelty freezes my blood. There was a quote I wanted to use here, but it would make a spoiler, so I'll leave it out. But believe me, he was a highly believable, and highly scary, character.I couldn't help but like Cam--his sunny nature and natural charm is very appealing. His brother Josh, while quiet, seems to contain a certain complexity. I would have liked to have learned more about him. I also really liked Chloe's character, her strength and feistiness. As far as Jade's other romantic interest, I of course liked Logan. It's so interesting how all these people consider themselves unique--and each is, of course--but there are so many people that have these different unique characteristics. I like how the author wove all their strengths together in the end to solve the problem.I believe this is scheduled to be the first book in a new series. The second book is to be titled Outsider. I'm not sure what characters will continue. Jade and Logan's story seems to be complete, but there is a lot to be learned still about Josh, so I'm hoping he's up next. I am quite looking forward to wherever she takes this. It was a very enjoyable book.Disclosure: I edited this book for the author. I do not receive any remuneration based on sales. All opinions are my own.Synopsis: Supernatural empathy isn't a gift, it's a curse. Anywhere she goes, Jade's emotions are replaced by those of the people around her.Jade grew up in a suburb of Colorado Springs, protected from other people by her parents. Now she faces college--and the world--with nothing to shield her from unwanted feelings.When Cam, a classmate with a major crush on her unintentionally hijacks her emotions, Jade struggles to keep from being carried away in feelings of attraction. When Ethan, a psychopath with a thirst for fear, fixates on her, the emotional impact could be lethal.Caught in a deadly trap, Jade must untangle the emotions and find a way to use her empathic curse to overcome this killer or be overcome by him.