Damask Circle, Book 1
Synopsis: VISIONS OF TERROR
Sixteen teenagers taken from their homes. Eleven bodies recovered, each completely drained of blood. Some believe vampires are responsible. Jon Barnett knows that what’s happening is far worse. Sent by a group of paranormal investigators known as the Damask Circle, Jon quickly becomes enmeshed in a web of black magic and realizes he needs help. But fate gives him only one choice.
Madeline Smith has retreated to an isolated farmhouse, afraid of the abilities she cannot control—abilities that have killed. But when a “ghost” brings a warning of danger and her nephew goes missing, Maddie not only has to leave her haven, she has to place her trust in a man who is neither ghost nor human. As the noose of sorcery tightens, the search for the teenagers becomes a race against time. But the greatest danger to Maddie and Jon could be the intense feelings they refuse to acknowledge but cannot ignore.
Review: And now a new series by Keri Arthur. With the re release of the books, it gave me the opportunity to get to discover another novel by this great author. However, I did not expect so many references and the same world as the Nikki & Michael series. I who longed to know more about the circle, I think this series may succeed in answering to some questions I might have.
The story also is based on the same principle as the ones with Nikki & Michael: A young woman with powers but no real control over them and living with humans; and a man, a hunter, part of the circle who investigates some paranormal events. But despite of that, their story is far from being comparable to another book and I took great pleasure in discovering it. Maddie is a young woman who flees her past and lives secluded from the world to avoid hurting anyone. She never believed in ghosts and when one day a man appears in front of her and asks her for help, she wonders if she does not get mad. Yet because of the arguments of this spectrum and with his prediction about the abduction of his nephew, Maddie has no choice but to believe that something is happening. And when Evan, the son of her sister, disappears under mysterious circumstances, she understands that she must act and save Jon from death. Ah what about Jon? This is a man who takes his job to heart, and his ability to change into an owl is really useful for his missions. He has long since abandoned any idea of making friends and yet when he meets Maddie, something appears between them. And despite their obvious attraction, our two heroes resist knowing that nothing good can really come out.
I admit that I enjoyed the way the relationship between Maddie and Jon took place throughout the story. They really do not fall madly in love with each other directly, but it will take some time for them to understand what they want and what it means to each of them. Yet it is much more complicated on the Jon’s side as he nevertheless remains determined to keep this woman out of his life for not involving her in his work. Maddie is an extraordinary person. Although she fears of her powers and what they could do, she does not hesitate to act when her loved ones are in danger. And then as she ran away her whole life, she is determined to do something this time. Indeed, she does no hesitate to face Jon in his decisions and to act as she wants to. It was pretty funny to see Jon who was accustomed to be obeyed, getting rebuffed by the young woman in all circumstances.
But back to the plot and the missing children … Our two heroes discover soon enough the culprits, but it will be harder to act. But I’ll let you discover it by yourself. I’m just curious to read the rest of the series now and to learn more about the circle.
blodeuedd
Hard to act, I wonder who did it then
Melanie (YA Midnight Reads)
I like the sound of this gradual romance! Hard to find, these days.
Great review, luv! <33
Melliane
I agree, it’s something nice to have and to follow!
Charlotte @ Thoughts and Pens
Wow! A slow building romance? That’s really fantastic especially that most authors nowadays are always rushing the romance portion. And I think, I am going to love Maddie. I am all for heroines who are defiant, feisty but compassionate at the same time.
Good to know that with Jon’s controlling attitude, he is finally getting his comeuppance.
Lovely review, Mel!
Melliane
yes I really love when it’s like that!
aurian
Nice review Melliane, I must read this soon.
Melliane
I can’t wait to see what you’ll think about it!
Melissa (Books and Things)
I enjoyed this one as well. Yes, I think you can see that it is her earlier work so the characters don’t have that same flair as the newer work does. I’m also curious about that circle. 🙂
Braine Talk Supe
I haven’t read any of her books. I have Nikki & Michael and I heard this is a spin off of that so maybe thats why there’s similarities. I will most def binge on the series.
Melliane
yes it’s what I said, a spin off series. it’s nice.
Melissa (My World...in words and pages)
Hmm, I’ve not read the other series yet. This sounds good and this author is one on my radar to try. 🙂 Thank you.