Winterblaze

December 17, 2012
Callihan’s pulse-pounding third Darkest London historical paranormal (after Firelight and Moonglow) spotlights Poppy Ellis Lane, sister to previous heroines Daisy and Miranda and the head of the Society for the Suppression of Supernaturals, an organization “whose sole focus was to keep the world from learning the truth: that the monsters in their fairytales were real.” After a vicious werewolf attack, Poppy’s detective husband, Winston Lane, learns that for the 10 years of their marriage his wife has been hiding her supernatural gifts, and the two become estranged. That doesn’t stop Poppy from doing her best to protect him from the demon intent on stealing his soul and that of their unborn child. Callihan masterfully toggles between Winston and Poppy’s meeting in Victoria Station in 1873 and their present day in 1883, building an intricate world and solid romantic tension. An epilogue will whet reader appetites for future installments. Agent: Kristin Nelson, Nelson Literary Agency.

Moira Quirk's mastery of the Darkest London series continues with this third installment. When Poppy Lane's husband, Winston, is attacked by a werewolf and he learns his wife is a member of the secret Society for the Suppression of Supernaturals, their marriage is nearly destroyed. However, with a fearsome dark power threatening, there's no choice but for Poppy and Win to unite--and hope their love will be strong enough to save them. Moira Quirk's expertise with this imaginative paranormal series is evident as she brings each scene to vibrant life and provides a distinct voice for each character. She skillfully conveys the tension between Win and Poppy, making each of their encounters moving and exciting. This is an immersive story to be savored. B.E.K. (c) AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine

February 15, 2013

When his ship docks in Calais, Winston Lane is bowled over to see his estranged wife, Poppy, coming aboard in all her frosty glory and telling him that he is in danger from a demon. Anger flares as they try to sort things out, and when Win realizes that he is bound to fulfill a contract with the demon, things go from bad to worse. VERDICT Dark, dangerous, and totally enthralling, this latest addition to Callihan's "Darkest London" series treats fans to a heart-tugging, satisfying romance, fills in a few series blanks with well-handled flashbacks, and nicely sets the stage for the stories that are sure to come. Those new to the series will want to read the earlier books--Firelight and Moonglow--first, in order to keep characters (Poppy's two sisters and their spouses) and events straight. Callihan lives in the Washington, DC, area.

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