Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between by J.A. Saare
February 7, 2010
Urban Fantasy
Paperback/E-Book, 244 Pages
Eternal Press
Why I read: Author offered it for review, and honestly, I fell for the cover. Plus I couldn’t pass up reading about a vampire named Disco.
Favorite Quote: “I want this shit over and done. Can we strive to obtain that goal? I have a meaningless existence, and I can’t put that kind of action on hold indefinitely.”
Rhiannon Murphy likes to define her life as a bartender. She gets up, goes to work at the Black Panther, a strip club, and goes home. Her life may seem mundane, and that is exactly how she likes it, except for the tiny fact that she can see dead people. She is a necromancer, although she tries to ignore this fact and lead a normal life. A “regular” necromancer can’t see the dead undead,(really dead vampires) but Rhiannon can see dead vampires, and a “living” vampire, Disco notices this fact, and needs her help. Vampires have been disappearing, and no one knows why. Disco starts to stalk Rhiannon at work, and she wants nothing to do with him. She is a smart girl and knows vampires are not the sort you want to mingle with. But Disco is persistent, and let’s face it- mighty sexy.
Disco seeks help in a woman who is very sharp-tongued, blunt, and just a little stubborn. She is buff and can take down someone bigger than her, but the thought of socializing in a crowd of strangers sends her into panic mode. Rhiannon despises seeing dead people, and she questions why she should help “see your undead asses the second time around? Isn’t the first time enough?” Disco tells her she basically has no choice, and she knows better than to argue with a vampire. She figures she will give him what he wants, then she can return to her life. As if dealing with vampires is ever that simple.
After reluctantly agreeing, she learns there are others like her, as in Ethan McDaniel, or Goose as she calls him. With his help, they start investigating the vampire disappearances, and the dark black market of selling vampire blood. Rhiannon gets thrown into vampire politics, and she must decide if she wants to give up her lonely life and have a new family, one that might even include a sexy vampire.
As I said on Twitter right after I finished, Dead, Undead and Somewhere in Between is full of awesome. It is the best feeling to pick up a book from a new (to me) author and have no idea what you are about to read, and then not be able to put it down until you read the last page. Rhiannon is a heroine that made me laugh throughout, at some points I wanted to strangle, but overall was totally impressed with her growth and journey in the book. She lived a tough life in foster care, and really trusts no one. Then two men come into her life – Disco, a mysterious vampire, and even though her brain tells her vampires are evil, her instincts tell her he is one of the good guys. At first he demands her necromancy services, but their relationship becomes so much more as time goes by. Rhiannon doesn’t want to love, or like, or trust, but she grows and learns that some are worth taking a chance for. He confuses her, and says and does things that makes her tongue-tied – quite a feat.
The other man in her life (who is just a friend) is Goose, a fellow necromancer and always the gentleman. It is interesting to read about their dynamic – Rhiannon is much more powerful in her necromancer skills, but Goose has much more knowledge of the craft. They need each other to bounce off of, to make any progress in the mystery. Goose is deeply involved with Disco and his vampire family and I think seeing that relationship helps Rhiannon come to terms with them.
There is a point towards the end where Rhiannon rushes to investigate with no back-up, and I knew at that point trouble was brewing for her. I cringe when heroines (or heroes) who live in these very violent worlds, take matters into their own hands, when they know violence is right around the corner. Why not wait for help or consult with others. While she does get in trouble, I liked how events unfold.
I also have to mention Paine, Disco’s second in command – a tortured soul who when touches someone can see their past and future and sees their death. He carries around a very heavy burden, and JA Saare gives you just enough of him where you must know more.
The ending will make you shake your fist at JA Saare – I love to be tortured waiting for the next book, and oh does she torture us! Dead, Undead and Somewhere in Between is a great urban fantasy, with strong sexual tension and even a smoking hot love scene. I laughed, and was truly captivated throughout the book. This is definitely a book that I savored every page and I am eagerly anticipating the release of the second, The Renfield Syndrome.
Rating: 4.5/5
Recent reviews:
Fiction Vixen – 4/5
Anna’s Book Blog – 4/5
Darkly Reading – 4/5
Goodreads
Oh, this sounds like a great read Mandi!
Excellent review. I've added this one to my list.
Thanks for sharing.
That sounds just wonderful. Disco, huh? I love crazy names.
Great review hun! I have to get this book now!
Great Review, and this sounds awesome! Disco? What a cool name!
Brande
I want want want this book! ive heard such good things about it. How can you not love a guy called Disco lol
great review Mandi =)
Lea – Thanks Lea :) You will definitely like this one.
Susi – Yes Disco – it totally fits him too :)
Brande – LOL…he is a very cool vamp
Sparklybearsy – This book is so good!! I hope you read it :)
What a wonderful way to start a week! As I've already told you on Twitter — I'm so glad you enjoyed the story. Rhiannon was (and is) a blast to write.
I'm working as fast as I can on TRS!
Thanks for reading and reviewing Dead. ;-)
Jaime
I first read a reveiw from KV on this book and said I think I might read it. And now I saw yours and said DEFINITELY!!! Your word is the ultimate for me. It has been added to my TBR spreadsheet. Yes I'm a geek, what-eva!!! What ios the name of the series tho? Please advise!!! Thansk!
Nikki – LOL..I LOVE spreadsheets!! You would be amazed at how many I have..LOL.
I don't know if this series has a specific name..I will ask J.A ;)
Ps – I feel pressure now! ;)
It is called – The Rhiannon's Law series
I've seen good things about this book and added it to my TBB list – nice enthusiastic review!
With a review like this you do know how to fill up my new found empty shelf space Mandi!! It has to wait until next month but March is already 22 days old rofl. I really like the sound of Paine too, really my kind of hero :)
I would have fallen for the cover too.
Oh no torturing us, I can only guess how it ends then
Aw crap (adds another Mandi book to TBR pile). I think I should have a separate bookshelf on GR that say's Smexy's Recs.
Quote did me in.
Totally agree with your entire review. I loved this book and all it's awesomeness. Rhiannon is on my favorite heroines list for sure.
I love to read your reviews when you are so enthusiastic about a book! This sounds like a very good read and I like the cover too! :)
I loved this book too! It's definitely full of awesome! Paine was interesting secondary character.. I wonder if we'll see more of him in the next book?
Sigh, this is really one book I want, but it's only available in e-book :( Hopefully, it'll come out in print eventually!!
Very good review, Mandi!
Mandi, great review for an excellent book! I'm with FV…Rhiannon's on my favorite heroines list too. :)
Oh, and nath, Dead's available in ebook AND print. I need to pick up my hard copy for my keeper shelf from Amazon ASAP. :)
Wonderful review. I can't wait to get this book. Your review made me even more antsy.
HURRY UP mailperson!
Great review honey! Just wanted to pop over to shout out hey to ya!
Patti – When I like a book, I like a book :)
Leontine – empty shelf space?? What is this?? ;)
Blodeuedd – JA Saare actually created the cover..really cool!
Smokin – LOL…YOU just added one to my shelf yesterday, missy!!
FV – Def a great heroine…she does sarcastic great :)
ERR – Thanks!
Heather – Oh, we better! Can you believe what she did at the end??
Nath – It is available in print!! :)
Cari – Can't wait to get more of her!
Tori – LOL..I love the mail person;)
Cecile – thanks! How are you?!?
Thanks Mandi for the series name!!
I have this one and can't wait to get into it. This is an amazing review, and makes me want to go grab it right now. I will get to it as I have one more book to read before it. Thank you for the amazing review!
Hmm..I fell for Rhiannon's sarcastic voice..the action does pick up once you get into it more.