A vampire rarely found true peace. Not until the end came, and Keller wondered if far worse awaited on the other side. That, of course, depended on which myth one chose to believe.
It is said that the short story is usually dealing with a few characters and aiming at unity of effect and often concentrates on the creation of mood rather than plot (Merriam Webster). Therefore, the first thing I would point out is that Alabaster Nights has both: atmosphere and a well-constructed plot, whose denouement, along with its attractive characters, will certainly open the readers’ fondness for the next volumes of the series, whether intermediate or principal.
Focused on how Josie and Keller met and the debut of their relationship, Alabaster Nights presents the facts from Keller’s perspective, but it highlights, by using first person for Jodie’s chapters, that the main character of the series will be hers. Which, after reading this novella and depending on the author’s "goodness" (or lack thereof), makes as sure the readers’ impatience to meet Keller again as soon as possible and ignites the desire of his permanent presence.
There are some similarities with some previous series of the genre, but personally I can only think of one (others still waiting for me patiently on their shelves). However, these similarities do not mind, maybe only intrigue at first. Being so obvious I can only consider them intentional, especially as the Alabaster Nights has what it takes to create its own name in Urban Fantasy literature.
Whatever the genre of the book is, one thing I always look for is the richness, beauty and variety of the author’s style. I am pleased to say that Elle J.Rossi uses figures of speech, the beautiful expressions being in a firm balance with the Urban Fantasy characteristics and with the action and danger part of the story.
This first book of the series plays the host role: the main characters are shaped, the wide range of dangers presented and the variety of villains suggested, making you anxious for more.
It remains to be seen whether the author will fulfill the promises she made with Alabaster Nights and will provide us a new qualitative Urban Fantasy series.
Death was a disease with no cure—a tyrant with a one-hundred-percent success rate. Mortals and immortals alike ingested the phantom’s toxic essence with every breath, every sigh, every spoken and unspoken word.
The beast burned beneath his cool skin, like a fire that never weakened, clawing and tearing at the fragile tether that Keller could barely keep intact.
Death roared and prowled, pulling its chain tight, close to snapping. Death disagreed.
Happy Reading!
About the author:
Elle J Rossi grew up in rural Indiana surrounded by great people, a huge family and more animals than she could count. But the sites and sounds of the world beckoned, so she left her small town to escape into a creative world full of music. As a full time singer she was able to lose herself in a thousand different songs in a hundred different places. After meeting the love of her life and settling down, she yearned to find a new and fulfilling creative outlet. Overly fond of the happily ever after, she wondered what it would be like to have her own characters lead her down dark and twisted paths. The very first word on the very first page sealed her fate. She’d found a new love. She’d found her escape. Now along with weaving haunting tales about the journey to love, she’s creating cover art for authors around the world and loving every second of it. For fun, she cranks country music to take her back to her roots, and sings karaoke anytime she gets a chance. Her husband, two children, and a cat that rules the roost keep her company along the way and guarantee she doesn’t get lost in the enchanted forest. She wouldn’t have it any other way.
2 comments:
I love the cover. So beautiful... I want to read this book because I like vampires... and i love that book.
Thank you so much for taking the time to review Alabaster Nights. I'm so glad you enjoyed Keller and Josie. They both hold a very special place in my heart.
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