TOUCH THE DARK

Author: Karen Chance ISBN: 0451460936 6/2006 PARANORMAL Publisher: PENGUIN PUTNAM/ROC

Cassandra Palmer can see the future and communicate with spirits-talents that make her attractive to the dead and the undead. The ghosts of the dead aren't usually dangerous; they just like to talk...a lot. The undead are another matter. Like any sensible girl, Cassie tries to avoid vampires. But when the bloodsucking Mafioso she escaped three years ago finds Cassie again with vengeance on his mind, she's forced to turn to the vampire Senate for protection. The undead senators won't help her for nothing, and Cassie finds herself working with one of their most powerful members, a dangerously seductive master vampire-and the price he demands may be more than Cassie is willing to pay...

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

TOUCH THE DARK is a fast paced, action packed, wildly imaginative book. It's a highly entertaining and masterfully written story that truly surprised me when I thought I couldn't be surprised any more. Just when I thought things were settling down, something else crazy would happen and I would struggle to catch my breath.

I love it when an author takes an idea, like vampires, and changes all the rules, thoughts, and perceptions about them. Chance does more than that. She creates an entirely new present day world that amazes, enchants, and delights me. It's terribly cool and seductive without being phony.

Did I mention the heroine? She is tough, but still vulnerable and sees dead people—literally. Add in a super hottie vamp and a lot of crazed paranormal, clairvoyant, magical stuff and get ready for an adrenaline rush while you read it. However, I know I need to read it again because, 1) I undoubtedly missed something, and 2) there are so many creatures/terms/rules/laws that I can't quite wrap my brain around them yet!

Now for the downside. Yep, I love the book but I have to be honest. The ending was completely unexpected, and left me feeling disappointed and unsatisfied. So much so, that I had to peruse the author's website to make sure a sequel would be forthcoming. However, I won't tell you why I feel that way because this one should NOT be missed regardless of the ending. Let's just say I want a copy of the next book in this series before anyone else!

Shannon Johnson