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Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Reviews by Tim: Paranormal v Normal part 2 with bonus give-away

Review writen by: Tim
Part 1 0f this review series can be found here

I read this next title suspecting that based on the “Magic” in the title we would be solidly in the paranormal genre. That said, the reality was a bit different. Here’s one that wants to bridge the gap between fantasy and paranormal. It at least co-exists in the normal world, not really so much hidden from view, but in rather plain view. It begins as a paranormal and by the end of the tale it has crossed all the dividing lines and is mixing genres. Still there is enough paranormal stuff in the story to fit the bill.

More than three hundred years after the most terrifying witch hunts the world has ever known, it's happening again.

Young witch, Stella, has to put her faith in strangers just to stay alive but she might not be any safer in their midst than from the danger she is running from.

There is more than one dark secret in her new family: Étoile’s sister is spoken of in fear and sadness; Marc is supposed to be a powerful witch but is missing his magic; where does the owner of their safe house vanish to every day and why does Evan have the eyes of someone not quite human? There is only one secret that someone will do anything to keep quiet, but whose secret is it and will Stella have to pay the price for silence?

My Review

I enjoyed reading this first in a series. I have to admit though that as I read, it was easy believing that there were edit errors but after reading awhile, it occurred to me that the author is British and "those people" not only drive on the wrong side of the road, but spell stuff incorrectly and have really strange slang! This title is a bit slow in the beginning, but that is frequently the case with the first in a series in order to get everything set in place. There is action, don't get me wrong. It's got witches, wizards, daemons and vampires, but it is definitely no cross between Twilight and Harry Potter. In that regard, it's unique and interesting. I particularly like the central character, another strong female lead. I'll have to read the next in the series to really get a feel for Ms. Chafer's work.

My Rating:

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So, how about we take a look at something … normal? Boring you say? Not! Normal can cover a huge range of possibilities. Sweet little romances can be normal. Crazy and politicians in the same sentence can be normal. What do you think about crime and police? Television? That’s all perfectly normal, right and it doesn’t have to be boring. It can have tension, suspense, action, romance, danger. All those things can be normal. Okay, then pay attention, there may be a quiz later.


A New York real estate tycoon plunges to his death on a Manhattan sidewalk. A trophy wife with a past survives a narrow escape from a brazen attack. Mobsters and moguls with no shortage of reasons to kill trot out their alibis. And then, in the suffocating grip of a record heat wave, comes another shocking murder and a sharp turn in a tense journey into the dirty little secrets of the wealthy. Secrets that prove to be fatal. Secrets that lay hidden in the dark until one NYPD detective shines a light.

Mystery sensation Richard Castle, blockbuster author of the wildly best-selling Derrick Storm novels, introduces his newest character, NYPD Homicide Detective Nikki Heat. Tough, sexy, professional, Nikki Heat carries a passion for justice as she leads one of New York City's top homicide squads. She's hit with an unexpected challenge when the commissioner assigns superstar magazine journalist Jameson Rook to ride along with her to research an article on New York's Finest. PulitzerPrize-winning Rook is as much a handful as he is handsome. His wise-cracking and meddling aren't her only problems. As she works to unravel the secrets of the murdered real estate tycoon, she must also confront the spark between them. The one called heat.

My Review

The best thing I could say to give a potential reader an idea of the entertainment value of this and its related title is that I HOPE that these two are only the beginning. Using characters based on the popular television series, Castle, this "fictional" writer has given us another opportunity to enjoy the gentle competition and banter that has made the television program so popular. The characters are clever, witty, and on occasion even sappy. The crimes are from the daily news papers or broadcasts. The interaction and balance of gritty detective work and imaginary exploration of possibilities are all valid as normal. I have only one more thing to say. Whomever is behind these books, keep 'em comin'!

My Rating:

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Nikki Heat and Jameson Rook are together again in Richard Castle's thrilling follow-up to his "New York Times" bestseller, "Heat Wave." When New York's most vicious gossip columnist, Cassidy Towne, is found dead, Heat uncovers a gallery of high profile suspects, all with compelling motives for killing the most feared muckraker in Manhattan. Heat's murder investigation is complicated by her surprise reunion with superstar magazine journalist Jameson Rook. In the wake of their recent breakup, Nikki would rather not deal with their raw emotional baggage. But the handsome, wise-cracking Pulitzer Prize-winning writer's personal involvement in the case forces her to team up with Rook anyway. The residue of their unresolved romantic conflict and crackling sexual tension fills the air as Heat and Rook embark on a search for a killer among celebrities and mobsters, singers and hookers, pro athletes and shamed politicians. This new, explosive case brings on the heat in the glittery world of secrets, cover-ups, and scandals.

My Review

Obviously if you've seen Castle, the television series, you are at least aware of this and one other title to date by the fictional author and the title character. There are no disappointments to be had in either of these first two efforts. The writing is clever, contemporary and a pleasure to read. So don't hesitate to get an extra "dose" of one of the best pairings in contemporary entertainment, a savvy writer (you gotta love him, especially if one is a writer) and a really hot homicide detective. They’re paired up and the reader, like the television viewer, keeps hoping for more pairing as the series goes along. Find a quiet place and get a cold drink. I’d bet you’ll finish the book before the beverage! Yep, either one is that good.

My Rating:

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Because we love reading we have teamed up with GoodbooksToday.com to bring you a give away  of a $10 amazon gift card AND an audio book, so you can maybe try one of the books I have reviewed in this series, Paranormal v Normal.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


small blueThank you for visiting and reading my review, good luck in the give away and I hope to see you again soon!small blue


This give-away is run by  GoodbooksToday.com  and they are responsible for delivery of any and all prizes

9 comments:

  1. I would buy a 3 in one volume set by Cate Tiernan containing The Calling, Changeling, and Strife with the giftcard

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  2. Hi there! If I win, I would love to have one of Erica Spindler's novels :D I'm Ara, by the way. Always lovin' your giveaways :D And thanks to GoodbooksToday.com for hosting :D

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  3. I think I'd wait and use it to buy Maggie Stiefvatar's Raven Boys :)

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  4. I would buy one of my long wishlist! :) but probably a Kenyon, Adrian or Voinov.

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  5. I'd buy one of the books on my long wish list

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  6. HA!! It's funny reading their words, but love hearing them talk... Another great review and giveaway! Thanks for sharing with us.

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  7. Sounds like I need to add to my reading list. Loved your commentary on the brit author, Camilla Chafer.
    Peace and good.

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