dear readers,
What makes a book or a series so wonderful is when it cannot be
defined to one genre alone. Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series is a
great example. It can be defined as a historical, romance, mystery,
science fiction and fantasy. Now there is a new writer Kristen
Callihan with her Darkest London series that has me drumming my fingers
waiting for the next book. Darkest London can be defined in the genres
of paranormal, fantasy, romance, erotic, mystery and historical. (I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
EMBER
(Novella: Book 0.5)
Written by Kristen Callihan
genre: historical, romance, paranormal, mystery, suspense
4 STARS
This novella is the back story of Archer and Miranda and how they came
to meet. It is a bit like Pirates of the Caribbean meets Sherlock
Holmes. Set in Victorian England Miranda learns she has the power to
create fire with her mind, and this makes her question her normalcy and
worth. Archer, a Baron, is on a search for a cure in Egypt so that he
can have Miranda....And, I will stop there as I don't want to give
anything away.
I
am really liking Callihan's writing - it is quick and exciting. Plenty
of action - passion and violence. I cannot wait to read Firelight and
see the continuing story of Miranda and Archer and how they finally
meet...and their passion ignite!
Written by Kristen Callihan
genre: historical, romance, paranormal, mystery, suspense
4 STARS
Miranda
Ellis's mother died leaving her in the hands of her greedy father,
Hector who taught her how to pinch items to make their living. Since
she was blamed for the fire that burned down his warehouse Miranda feels
obligated when Hector makes her steal for their income. After a failed
relationship she is soon promised to the Lord Benjamin Archer the
mysterious masked man.
Miranda
is intrigued by the Archer and wants to know more about him and what is
behind the mask. Archer loves her and wants to share himself but is
afraid she will run away if she sees who he really is and what he looks
like. After their wedding a group of older men connected with Archer
are being murdered by a masked man which all but Miranda believe is
Archer. Can discovering what is under Archer's mask unmask the
murderer?
I
love Beauty and the Beast and have heard some poor retellings of the
story but was pleasantly surprised how much I liked this novel. The
Victorian setting with swashbuckling action mixed with paranormal
romance made for an original and exciting novel. It feels like Sherlock
Holmes dark London mixed with HG Wells science/fantasy and The Three
Musketeers's action. I love the passion and romance of Archer and
Miranda. I am ready for book two, please.
NEXT UP: MOONGLOW (Book 2)
This novel continues with Daisy Ellis - one of the three Ellis daughters.
