Dark Mind (Dark Mind, #1) by Matthew Goldstein
Synopsis: Cole has the power to prevent tragedy. To use it, he must listen to the mysterious voices in his head. All he wants is to enjoy his time with Amy, but the voices make it impossible. The consequences of this ability are getting more personal. Now it seems that someone is watching. If he isn’t crazy, then what’s happening? And will he find a way to protect those he cares about most?
Review: Dark Mind is a well-done debut effort by Matthew Goldstein. Though only a high school student, Cole’s left with a huge responsibility that most adults couldn’t manage. He can prevent tragedy, but it’s a constant game of chess to determine if the decision is the right one. If he can prevent a tragedy, it comes at a price elsewhere, namely to those he loves. This give and take leaves him conflicted and leaves the reader wondering what he will choose, and the outcome is not predictable.
All in all I enjoyed the novel. It looks to be the start of a new series, so I would like for future novels to elaborate further on the paranormal aspects of the story. Some sections felt a little too contemporary. The cover is really cool. I like that the style is a departure from your usual photoshopped covers with models or flashy text that comprise most of the covers this genre. I’m definitely looking forward to a sequel.
Cruxim by Karin Cox
Review: Cruxim was an enjoyable read. Though the story is on the shorter side, I felt that the it was refreshing and offered an interesting new world. The concept was a bit of a twist on what’s usually served up in the vampire and angel genre. I think those who enjoy the Angelology series by Danielle Trussoni would also enjoy this. The writing styles are similar, though each offer unique takes on mythology and the character traits are different.
I thought it was pretty cool that while vampires prey on humans, Cruxim preys on vampires. These “angels” have a very savage streak, but they are very honorable and complicated creatures. Sabine as a sidekick worked well for me. She was a standout character with a real presence and real feelings that you could sympathize with, despite being half lion. I’d really like to see a cover of Sabine in the future.
I wouldn’t go into this looking for a satisfying romance. Cruxim is noble but he has a self-loathing quality that makes the romantic prospects a bit frustrating, but I have to give credit to Karin Cox for keeping it unpredictable. The dynamic between Cruxim and Josyln and Cruxim and Sabine are both intriguing in their own ways.
That said, I honestly was not thrilled with how it ended. I’m not a big fan of cliffhangers, but on the plus side it looks like this is setting up for an ongoing series, so there will be more. I am looking forward to Cruxim’s growth the next time around and how his actions and the vampires’ are going to affect the future.
The Hollows: The Undead Pool’s cover is complete! And we get Chapter 1!
Some of you have probably already seen the completed cover. Sorry or the delay. I’ve been a bit under the weather, but I figured I should blog about it anyway. Of course, this cover is a special case because Trent is featured this time. I’m sure we all knew it’d be him, so no big surprises there. Overall, I think the cover is quite nice. While the model’s not bad, he still doesn’t look like how I imagine Trent. I actually think this model would be a better fit as Pritkin from the Cassie Palmer books by Karen Chance. He’s more rugged whereas with Trent I sense more of an air of regality, softer lines, lighter blond hair, etc. You know, like how an elf should look. Though I have my short list he’s almost impossible to place for me, so I’m not surprised that I’m not over the moon about it. I’m pleased with the gesture to put him on the cover though. But to be quite honest, this cover could say “brown paper bag” and pretty much be one and I’d still read this book.
I’m even more pleased with Kim’s gesture of providing the first chapter of the book. I didn’t read it right away, but the curiosity got to me. I need an ARC and SOON! If you’re interested in reading chapter one, you can find it on Kim’s website here:
http://www.kimharrison.net/BookPages/TUP/TUP.html
Just scroll to the bottom. Hope you guys enjoy!
Poll - The Hollows: The Undead Pool Cover Reveal - Slowly but surely
So since yesterday Kim has been revealing the new cover piece by piece. In the back of my mine I suspected there was a chance “you know who” would be on the cover since A Perfect Blood included someone else (though the identity was never confirmed). So it looks like they’ve done it again, but we have a pretty good idea of who it’ll be:
So yeah, it’s very like it’ll be our favorite elf. But now I’m a little scared. What if he’s not hott? How do you guys think he’ll look?
Loading ...
Follow YOUR URBAN FANTASY
ErikaT on 
kittybelle103108 on 
slcurwin on 
