Catrina Burgess

Sometimes you have a feeling about a new-to-you-author or series. Going into it, you just have this inkling that something magical is about to take place. This one? Initially, I was clueless about what I was getting into, but once I starting reading, there was no question. This is one of those series that may have managed to slip partially under the radar, but fully deserves the WHOLE spotlight.

Darkness breeds darkness, but in this story, we learn there are many shades in-between. Colina's journey away from her Healer roots starts with the abrupt and violent end to her family. Everyone wiped out in the blink of an eye. Can you imagine? No wait, don't. It's too tragic. That tragedy pushes her just far enough to cross the line to the path of a Death Dealer. It sounds ominous, I know, and the dark powers they wield can be frightening especially when compared to the lighter path of healing, but as we learn, it's about the wielder's intent. Good thing Colina's are pure, right? Umm...sure... *-*

Story wise, I was drawn deeper and deeper into the world of the author's creation. There was just enough "history" to give it heft but not so much as to feel like a study in magic. (Nice balance!) The emotions flowing through it all were certainly palpable. It's a roller coaster but a good one at that.

Though the cast of characters was varied, they were all well represented. From the feared banshees to those spirits that were simply finding their way to the other side, those in the magic community with good intentions and those that were best left to the shadows, everyone had a moment in the spotlight worthy of note. My favorite character? Luke! Hands down. Sorry Colina, I know this was predominantly your show and your journey was certainly nothing to shake a stick at, but there was just something about him that really struck me.

Overall, it's quite the ride. Though magic is a big part of things, it wasn't the only part, and it managed to give the story a human side that was easier to relate to. It reminds us CLEARLY that vengeance is not the answer even if it sounds like the best option at the time and to be VERY careful what we wish for. We just might get it and then some...

Recommended read for older Young Adult fans due to some intense situations, and violence.



**review copy received in exchange for my honest review...full post can be seen on my site**… (mehr)

I received an ecopy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review

OMG I SO LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS.

This book is about a healer babe who journeyed to survive and to avenge. She met a death dealer guy who pushes her away at first but later became her only source of guide, survival and love. When things became worse for both of them, Colina has to save her guy's sister while trying to save her own life, they face an unexpected change in life and an unexpected entities that will rock both their world.

The book cover is scary, which I like because it made the book interesting, but the content of this book is scarier than the cover. Every chapter is great. There are things you did not expect to happen and will left you utterly surprised. I was reading this book while having goosebumps. The story is so amazing. It keeps on seducing you into reading. I never got bored. This is amazing! I really love it!

The ending is so heartbreaking. I did not even expect that to ever happen. This book is like a trickster, you think you know what will happen but then it will strike you back and caught you off guard. Are you kidding me?

This is a treasure!!… (mehr)

I really like this series, I think the whole world that Catrina Burgess has built is so original. I can never predict what is going to happen next in these stories. The setting of this book reminds me a lot of the second season of American Horror Story, yet at other times I was reminded of Girl, Interrupted. It set the story up with a lot of potential to go in several different directions. I got prepared for a good horror story, sat in a dark room, all alone, reading by several candles. Let me tell you, at times if the wind blew too loud I jumped out of my skin.

In the beginning I had no idea what was going on, and I absolutely loved that everything wasn't spelled out for you, because Colina had no idea what was going on. I truly felt as if I was in her head. As soon as Wendy was introduced I fell in love with her. She seemed like such a tortured soul and I want to know more about her. I need to know what happened to her, what made her the way she is now, and I would probably love to read a story from Wendy's point of view. I love the introduction of people with the ability to read minds, that is certainly something that I always find myself fascinated with.

I think the reason that I didn't like this book as much as I did the first book in the series was because Luke was hardly in the story. I hope to see more of him in the rest of the series, because I missed him throughout this book. I'm pretty mad at Colina right about now for the way she's acting though. I have such personal feelings towards the characters because they have really come to life for me. I think that says something about a writer. I just want to knock some sense into Colina!… (mehr)

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

A paranormal story unlike any other. If you are looking for an original plot look no further. Awakening is a story filled with the need for revenge and a character who takes an ugly path in order to survive and avenge the deaths of loved ones. Filled with so many unexpected twists and unbearable pain. It is beautifully, yet horrifyingly descriptive. I couldn't put it down! Every single time I thought I was getting to a lull where I might be able to stop reading, the hooks dug in deeper.

Colina goes through some horrific trauma and the author portrays her going through PTSD in a such a raw way. It is a very realistic portrayal of someone going through so much pain at once. Colina undergoes quite the change as tragedy molds her into someone much stronger. I feel like witchcraft is portrayed exactly as it should be in this book, it doesn't come easy.

One thing I can say for sure is that this book is nothing like what I expected. I will be looking forward to more from this author.… (mehr)