TOUCH THE DARK

Okay, I've been meaning to read this book for several weeks. I even read the first three chapters... but like always, when I get stuck into a first draft I get so involved that reading takes a backseat. I got stuck into this book during the weekend and finished it this morning.

I have to say, the blurb for this book totally doesn't do the story justice. I mean, it grabs the general gist of it but man does Karen Chance pack this book full of stuff. Sure, there are vampires in it and even a Senate. Then there are also mages, ghosts, time travel, body possessions, satyrs, were-creatures, witches and a whole lot more! It really is a fantastical world with rules of its own that the narrator helps explain along the way. There's a bit of everything in here.

Now, to the main storyline: Cassandra Palmer is a Seer who can also talk and see ghosts. She even has a ghostly companion called Billy Joe. She's been on the run from the vampire who raised her - the mafioso-type Tony - but now he's located her and Cassie finds herself literally thrown into an ordeal that helps her uncover things about herself. It's a great adventure, leading to unpredictable places with unpredictable events unfolding. The cast of characters in this book is extensive and interesting.

I would love to know and see more about Pritkin for example.

Overall, a great read that I recommend to anyone who's into urban fantasy with a dark edge. I'm looking forward to the next one, which according to the author's website is called Claimed By Shadow and will be released in June '07.