Before the Witches by Karina Cooper
Paranormal Romance
May 17, 2011
E-Book, Novella
Harper Collins
Reviewed by Mandi
Katya has grown up knowing she is different. She can tell if someone is lying or telling the truth. Fleeing from Russia because she is an outcast, she decides to take refuge in America, even if that means selling her body. She is now owned by a dirty man along with several other women – some very young. They are sold as prostitutes and kept in poor conditions. Katya has planned an escape – but before she can carry out her mission, detective Nigel Ferris finds her.
Nigel has been going undercover, pretending to be a dirty cop to bring down this human trafficking ring. When he meets Katya, he not only feels helpless that he can’t rescue her immediately, but he feels a spark of attraction. Before either one of them can manage a rescue or an escape, an earthquake strikes Seattle. Nigel and Katya along with some other girls, flee to safety. Katya has been dreaming of literally the end of the world – fires, floods, earthquakes. And she starts to fear her dreams are coming true.
Before the Witches is a novella which sets up the world for Karina Cooper’s new, Dark Mission series. This novella packs in so much action in such a short book, and is done really well. The world is literally ending. Earthquakes, volcanoes and flooding. But before we get to the total devastation of the planet – let’s talk about the romance! Nigel and Katya get together – quick. Almost a little too quick, especially since Katya has just fled a prostitution ring only to get it on with Nigel pretty much immediately. But it is good they got some quality time together because they soon don’t have time for smex. They find themselves trying to survive and I think Karina Cooper does such an excellent job writing these action scenes. I could see it all unfold in my mind, and what happens is so extreme – I just wasn’t expecting it.
The epilogue goes into a lot of detail and spans a lot of time. I believe outlining and setting up the world for the series. I am greatly intrigued by this world and can’t wait to read the first full length book, Blood of the Wicked out May 31st.
Rating: B+
Recent Reviews:
Parajunkee’s View – 4/5
Leontine’s Book Realm – 4/5
Gooreads
Author’s Website l Series Listing
Whenever I think of this novella, adrenaline spikes, i’ve got Blood Of The Wicked on pre-order. can’t wait to dig in, especially with the witch hunts and full blown romance :)
I’ve heard good things about this one-I can’t wait to read it.
Wow, I didn’t know how I was going to like your review when I saw the cover for this and started reading it but I ended up really becoming intrigued with it…maybe I will have to check it out soon! Thanks for the great review Mandi. :-D
Oh sounds good!! :)
I agree with Deanna, I didn’t think I would like the review after seeing the cover. Not much to it, kind of boring. But WOW! I can’t wait to read this series. Awesome review
Yeah – not sure what is up with the cover. This is one to definitely not judge based upon the cover :)