Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Review: Shadow Play by Christie Palmer

Shadow Play
Author:Christie Palmer
Release Date: December 12, 2012
Publisher: Jinx Fantasy Fiction
Tracker Book #1
ISBN13:  9780988555709
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
Review Copy Source: Bewitching Book Tours

A small town in the mountains of Marshall, Montana is being plagued by an unknown entity. It’s mutilating and killing the women of the town. At his wits end the Sheriff of Marshall has nowhere to turn but to a friend. A friend, with the abilities to track and kill any prey.
Ryder doesn’t normally do mortal issues. However, he can’t turn his back on a friend. Besides he is the best at what he does. After all he is a Tracker, an ancient race with unparalleled abilities to track down any prey. With one of the three essential elements: Taste, Touch or Smell. Heartless and cold, Ryder knows what needs to be done and performs his duty without feeling.
Kyra, an Air Element and the only female Elemental Enforcer, is sent on a fact finding mission to Marshall, by the Druid Council. She needs to find out exactly what is happening in Montana before the Tribunal goes in and kills everyone.
The last thing she expects to find is a Tracker, and is even more surprised to find out that he is on her side. But can they get past their initial feelings upon meeting and the sexual tension? Or will the evil that is living in the mountain kill them both.
Ryder and Kyra must learn to work together to destroy the shadow and save Kyra from a fate worse than death. When pure evil is involved is love enough?

Kyra was a strong lead character. She kicks butt and doesn't shy away from danger easily. Ryder is a bit of a hard ass and not as easy to like until you get to know him a little better. There is a great deal of push and shove between the two with their stubbornness and the romance doesn't start right away but when it does it was fun to witness. I enjoyed the supporting characters and felt they were adequately developed. Since it is the first in the series there is a bit more character building involved with them. There were a few instances where I felt things were not explained enough or resolved enough but it didn't keep me from enjoying SHADOW PLAY until the end.

The characters were extremely easy to connect with and the story was easy to follow. The author did a good job at conveying background and laying out the world for her readers. Book Two is slated to release in the Spring of 2013 and features 2 different characters. Although I will miss Kyra and Ryder at the front I'm sure I will enjoy the new characters as well. 

I gave it 3.5/5 stars