More interesting developments, more great character progression for Dacie Mae, and more compelling questions in Episode Two. Just really enjoying DaciMore interesting developments, more great character progression for Dacie Mae, and more compelling questions in Episode Two. Just really enjoying Dacie Mae's character, and can't wait to see how this mystery plays out......more
Almost a year ago, Julia Henley ran away from her home and her family, leaving confusion and heartache in her wake. But when a family event compels heAlmost a year ago, Julia Henley ran away from her home and her family, leaving confusion and heartache in her wake. But when a family event compels her back to South Africa, Julia’s forced to face the consequences of her actions and the demons that drove her away.
A prequel to the Trouble series, Forgiven gives a fantastic introduction to the series and provides a deeper backstory and character development for the Henley family as I believe all three sisters — Julia, Sarah and Sophie — will star in their own novels/novellas before the series is finished. Two things I’m continually impressed with in Morgan’s writing is her ability to give all her characters and relationships a wonderful depth and dimension, and in a story with such a short page count (that could also be a standalone story) that’s saying something. The other thing that I’ve appreciated, and continue to appreciate, in her stories is Rachel’s ability to keep the humor flowing even when dealing with heavy issues. She’s got a fantastic skill for keeping that balance without making light of the seriousness of the topic at hand, and Rachel’s wonderful dialogue as well as her handling of the inevitable awkwardness of Julia’s return are both great at breaking up some of the tension.
Also, the romance is super sweet. And refreshingly so for a new adult novella. Sometimes you never quite know what you’re in for with a new adult romance as it really can range the gamut from clean to absolutely eye-popping, but this is a story I’d have no qualms about recommending to young adult readers.
Other things worth a mention:
- Josh…Let me just say, “Yay!”
- The setting… I love that the book is set in South Africa (Yay for a different-from-the-norm locale!), and after having read this AND the first novel in this series, The Trouble With Flying, Rachel’s got me wanting to hop on the first plane to Durban.
Overall, an excellent taste of what’s to come in the Trouble series....more
Tess Carson (current alias, Sarah Spencer) has been on the run from a killer for half her life. Her family marked for death, they move from town to toTess Carson (current alias, Sarah Spencer) has been on the run from a killer for half her life. Her family marked for death, they move from town to town across the United States, ever-vigilant, always prepared to run the moment he finds them again. And he always manages to find them. Thanks to her dad’s supernatural gifts, however, they are always able to stay just one step ahead, evading capture and certain death. It’s a pretty terrifying, transitory way to grow up. While her brother and sister never seem to have any trouble fitting into new environments and making new acquaintances where ever they go, Tessa shies away from developing relationships, not wanting to lie to the people she could potentially care about, the people she’ll be forced to leave. And then she meets Tristan, and everything begins to change.
Tessa proved to be a pretty interesting character, when all was said and done. She’s not a particularly strong character in the first novella — the only member if her family to be entirely without a paranormal power she depends heavily on her family to keep her safe– she’s not extremely self-reliant, she’s a bit of a shrinking violet, is almost always afraid, and often feels inadequate and separate from the rest of her super-charged family. All of which could provide a great potential springboard for some fantastic character development for Tessa in subsequent novellas.
While this little novella definitely has things going for it — the super powers, a mysterious villain, interesting characters — I do have a few issues with it. I know this series is classified as a “romantic thriller” and I love romance, however, I can’t help but wish that his first installment had been a little less romance focused, and that more focus on the thriller part — backstory/world/plot development — had occurred. While we’re given a vague explanation as to why the Carson’s live in this constant state of terror, it doesn’t seem quite enough to explain it. I know it’s all probably coming, and the story is still interesting, but somewhat missing that prevalent sense of urgency and danger that it felt like it was trying to convey. I also didn’t quite understand the overprotective parents’ encouragement of outside relationships when it was clear that those could be extremely dangerous. And the romance, while cute, escalates rather quickly with a chunk happening off-page, which was a little unsatisfying and prevented me from being fully invested in Tessa & Tristan’s relationship. Given the blurbs of the next two novellas, I have a feeling Kensie developed the romance quickly for a specific reason, but it left me feeling a little detached in this first one.
Overall. A good beginning. There’s definitely a lot of potential here....more
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