Sorcerers of the Nightwing

Sorcerers of the Nightwing (The Ravenscliff #1)

by Geoffrey Huntington

3.5 stars

421 pages

Published June 18, 2013 as an ebook by Diversion Books (originally published in 2002)

  

So I got done reading this a few days ago, and it’s been stewing in my brain ever since – invading my dreams (nay, nightmares).  I’m trying to figure out just what I liked so much about this book, since it’s not the type of book I read regularly. It’s all dark and twisty and slightly disturbing. But occasionally, I am in the mood for something like this, especially after reading something super-saccharine, like Debbie Macomber.

This edition is a re-release of  the 1^st edition, published in 2002 – and the cover of that book is deeply disturbing (and the reason I hate clowns). Had I seen that cover first, I probably wouldn’t have picked up the book. The revamped cover is less disturbing but still has a good creepy vibe to it – it will attract more readers, in my opinion. 

Sorcerers of the Nightwing is YA horror/paranormal at it’s best. The gloomy atmosphere, gross (but not gory) corpses/ghosts and town names like Misery Point add to its appeal. 

 

Teens who grew up on Goosebumps and who want a little more “creep factor” in their books will find this novel to their liking. It’s the next step in the horror progression, with Stephen King as reigning king. It is NOT a Juvenile Fiction book, though. It’s targeted towards older teens.

So a solid 3.5 stars – I docked it because pacing was a bit slow at times and the ending was confusing. Plus, a bit more background/development of the characters would have been helpful. But it is #1 in the Ravenscliff series, so more of that is probably in the successive books. Also, I HATE cliffhanger endings.

Thank you NetGalley and Diversion Books for the opportunity to review this book.

Touched

Touched (Sense Thieves #1)

by Corrine Jackson

3 stars

343 pages

Published Nov. 27, 2012 by Kensington Teen

While reading this, I couldn't help but compare it to "Twilight." There are many, many elements that are the same - girl moves to new town and finds gorgeous, wealthy boy who turns out to be an immortal paranormal type. They can't touch without serious concentration. He is dangerous to her kind.

So, yeah - I see "Twilight" in "Touched."

BUT there are big deviations. The first - Remy has paranormal power of her own. She also has a spine and spunk, something Bella had to grow. The novel is grittier and darker than "Twilight."

And Remy comes from an abusive home.

Anyway, there ARE differences. If you can focus on that and overlook all the similarities, "Touched" is a pretty decent book. The writing is pretty good (Jackson can write a really good bad guy), character development is actually quite good, and plot and pacing are well done. Little to no swearing, no sex. There is violence - Remy has an abusive stepfather, and Jackson does not gloss over any of the abuse. So the book also doubles as a bit of a PSA against domestic abuse.

I'll probably read the next in the series.