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Bloodline Trilogy #2
Poison
Five years ago, Keelyn Blake's stepfather took her family hostage, raving about Lucent, a being who forced him to commit unspeakable acts. Some of the family made it out alive; the rest did not. Even Lee Watson, the best of SWAT, failed to overcome the man's delusions and end the standoff peacefully.
Now, Lucent is back-- and he's no hallucination. He has kidnapped Keelyn's niece, and although Keelyn is estranged from her half-sister, Raven, she feels compelled to save what little family she has left. But Raven is nowhere to be found, and when others involved in that fateful day start dying under mysterious circumstances, Keelyn wonders if she and Lee-- and their budding relationship-- will surive.
Poison follows Proof in the Bloodline trilogy with another rollercoaster plot that makes it an irresistible adventure for all suspense fiction fans.
Now, Lucent is back-- and he's no hallucination. He has kidnapped Keelyn's niece, and although Keelyn is estranged from her half-sister, Raven, she feels compelled to save what little family she has left. But Raven is nowhere to be found, and when others involved in that fateful day start dying under mysterious circumstances, Keelyn wonders if she and Lee-- and their budding relationship-- will surive.
Poison follows Proof in the Bloodline trilogy with another rollercoaster plot that makes it an irresistible adventure for all suspense fiction fans.
312 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
12 people are currently reading
627 people want to read
About the author
Jordyn Redwood
22 books448 followersJordyn Redwood is a pediatric triage nurse by night, suspense author by day. Her love of all things medical led to the creation of Redwood's Medical Edge-- a blog devoted to helping contemporary and historical novelists write medically accurate fiction.
Jordyn is known for her edgy medical thrillers. Proof, Poison and Peril earned several critical reviews and Proof and Poison were each nominated for several awards.
Fractured Memory was contracted through Love Inspired's Blurb to Book contest. Taken Hostage and Fugitive Spy are her follow-up Love Inspired Suspense novels. Christmas Baby Resuce release December, 2022 and Eliminating the Witness releases June, 2023.
In her spare time, Jordyn enjoys hiking, quilting and cross-stitching-- and reading, of course!
Jordyn is known for her edgy medical thrillers. Proof, Poison and Peril earned several critical reviews and Proof and Poison were each nominated for several awards.
Fractured Memory was contracted through Love Inspired's Blurb to Book contest. Taken Hostage and Fugitive Spy are her follow-up Love Inspired Suspense novels. Christmas Baby Resuce release December, 2022 and Eliminating the Witness releases June, 2023.
In her spare time, Jordyn enjoys hiking, quilting and cross-stitching-- and reading, of course!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
March 28, 2013
Years ago, Keelyn Blake lost half her family and nearly her own life to her delusional stepfather's rampage. She's moved forward from the trauma admirably well, becoming a nonverbal communication consultant and developing an unlikely relationship with Lee Watson--unlikely because he's the S.W.A.T. leader who might have saved her whole family, if he'd breached the house sooner. It's a past that both links and divides them, a past they try not to discuss. But people associated with that lethal day are ending up dead or mysteriously ill. Keelyn's estranged sister Raven is somehow tangled in this sinister web. If they can't confront the past, Keelyn and Lee might not have a future.
I recommend reading Ms. Redwood's first book before tackling this one. As far as plot goes, it can be read on its own, but the secondary characters here are the protagonists of Proof, and it appears that Nathan's character arc will span all three books. Plus, if you're meeting all of this large cast for the first time, keeping track of everybody will be a challenge.
There's a lot going on in this book. Almost too much at times. The plot could be a fast-paced, multi-parted CSI episode, except it's more intricate than most TV shows. Attention has to be paid to every detail, because everything shows up again eventually.
As for the writing style, it's quite clinical for fiction. This makes sense, given the author's day job as a nurse. I enjoy her stories enough not to let this bother me much, and this book seems to read better than her first. Hopefully, the more fiction Ms. Redwood writes, the more natural her author voice (both dialogue and narration) will become and the more deeply she'll delve into character point of view.
Speaking of the author's day job, this book offers lots of excellent medical detail for readers like me (who own a Merck manual and a Red Cross first-aid-for-laypeople manual for no reason other than it's fascinating stuff). Keelyn's work in nonverbal communication is also intriguing.
As for the characters (a.k.a. Why I Read). I liked Lilly and Nathan from the first book, but I felt that the plot drove them, rather than vice versa. Keelyn and Lee, however, seem to drive their plot. There were a few secrets/decisions with downright murky motivation (at least one moment left me thinking, Wait a minute, THAT'S why? What about ...?). On the whole, though, I liked reading about these two, especially Lee. His character is quite different from Nathan (and the conflict between them is good stuff). It's great to see an author who isn't cutting all her male heroes from the same cloth. For example, Keelyn's asking Lilly if Nathan has ever kept secrets or deceived her, and Lilly's response that (unlike Lee) Nathan is too honest for his own good. Realistic, revealing conversation. Loved it. And I want to know about Lee's spider phobia backstory, dang it. I waited the whole book to find out, and ... no reveal. I hope it's part of the third book.
Actually, there's a lot I want to see in the third book. Raven's arc isn't finished. I still don't know who played whom between the villains. I still don't know who the arsonist is. (Trying to word these things vaguely to preclude spoilers.) And so far, all four of the series protagonists have issues left to work through. Um, quite a few issues.
Which brings me to another thing I like about this series: the unflinching issues. In the first book, we deal with rape and unplanned pregnancy and the nature of truth vs. evidence. In this book, between the main plot's murders, the secondary plot's murders, the backstory murders, and the question of the ethics of hypnosis--we get a quadruple dose of evil.
Forgiveness (of others and oneself) and redemption are ongoing themes in this series, as they are in a lot of Christian fiction, but they're not dealt with here in a quick-fix sort of way. In fact, some of these characters have been with us for two books and still haven't arrived at the ability to forgive or accept redemption. And this isn't but-I-hurt-a-girl-really-badly-in-high-school forgiveness. This is but-I-made-a-tactical-error-and-now-people-are-dead forgiveness. Deep, raw, gritty stuff. It's going to take God's grace for these characters to get the healing they need, and I'm trusting that the final book will pull this off in a way that is realistic and honest.
Ms. Redwood's work demonstrates how Christian fiction can (and should) shine most brightly. I kind of love it.
I recommend reading Ms. Redwood's first book before tackling this one. As far as plot goes, it can be read on its own, but the secondary characters here are the protagonists of Proof, and it appears that Nathan's character arc will span all three books. Plus, if you're meeting all of this large cast for the first time, keeping track of everybody will be a challenge.
There's a lot going on in this book. Almost too much at times. The plot could be a fast-paced, multi-parted CSI episode, except it's more intricate than most TV shows. Attention has to be paid to every detail, because everything shows up again eventually.
As for the writing style, it's quite clinical for fiction. This makes sense, given the author's day job as a nurse. I enjoy her stories enough not to let this bother me much, and this book seems to read better than her first. Hopefully, the more fiction Ms. Redwood writes, the more natural her author voice (both dialogue and narration) will become and the more deeply she'll delve into character point of view.
Speaking of the author's day job, this book offers lots of excellent medical detail for readers like me (who own a Merck manual and a Red Cross first-aid-for-laypeople manual for no reason other than it's fascinating stuff). Keelyn's work in nonverbal communication is also intriguing.
As for the characters (a.k.a. Why I Read). I liked Lilly and Nathan from the first book, but I felt that the plot drove them, rather than vice versa. Keelyn and Lee, however, seem to drive their plot. There were a few secrets/decisions with downright murky motivation (at least one moment left me thinking, Wait a minute, THAT'S why? What about ...?). On the whole, though, I liked reading about these two, especially Lee. His character is quite different from Nathan (and the conflict between them is good stuff). It's great to see an author who isn't cutting all her male heroes from the same cloth. For example, Keelyn's asking Lilly if Nathan has ever kept secrets or deceived her, and Lilly's response that (unlike Lee) Nathan is too honest for his own good. Realistic, revealing conversation. Loved it. And I want to know about Lee's spider phobia backstory, dang it. I waited the whole book to find out, and ... no reveal. I hope it's part of the third book.
Actually, there's a lot I want to see in the third book. Raven's arc isn't finished. I still don't know who played whom between the villains. I still don't know who the arsonist is. (Trying to word these things vaguely to preclude spoilers.) And so far, all four of the series protagonists have issues left to work through. Um, quite a few issues.
Which brings me to another thing I like about this series: the unflinching issues. In the first book, we deal with rape and unplanned pregnancy and the nature of truth vs. evidence. In this book, between the main plot's murders, the secondary plot's murders, the backstory murders, and the question of the ethics of hypnosis--we get a quadruple dose of evil.
Forgiveness (of others and oneself) and redemption are ongoing themes in this series, as they are in a lot of Christian fiction, but they're not dealt with here in a quick-fix sort of way. In fact, some of these characters have been with us for two books and still haven't arrived at the ability to forgive or accept redemption. And this isn't but-I-hurt-a-girl-really-badly-in-high-school forgiveness. This is but-I-made-a-tactical-error-and-now-people-are-dead forgiveness. Deep, raw, gritty stuff. It's going to take God's grace for these characters to get the healing they need, and I'm trusting that the final book will pull this off in a way that is realistic and honest.
Ms. Redwood's work demonstrates how Christian fiction can (and should) shine most brightly. I kind of love it.
April 25, 2017
4.8 Stars
The only grievance I have is a unsaved person is married to a saved person. That's why I docked .2 stars
Otherwise, I loved it! I literally had no idea what direction this book was going. The romance was clean. The Christian message was firm. The mystery and plot was riveting! I reccomend this to 16+ because of the manner of how some people died and the pure cruelty of the villians.
The only grievance I have is a unsaved person is married to a saved person. That's why I docked .2 stars
Otherwise, I loved it! I literally had no idea what direction this book was going. The romance was clean. The Christian message was firm. The mystery and plot was riveting! I reccomend this to 16+ because of the manner of how some people died and the pure cruelty of the villians.
February 1, 2013
Intense and gripping. From the first swallow, Poison’s potent brew of medical, police, and psychological thrills won’t leave your system. The only antidote is to finish the book—which you’ll do in record time.
November 16, 2013
"Poison" is the second chilling tale in Jordyn Redwood's medical and crime thriller series, the Bloodline Trilogy that begins five years after tragic domestic violence tore Keelyn Blake's life apart. As the story opens Keelyn is waiting for her fiancée at a local restaurant when she's confronted by Lucent a personification in the flesh of an evil that was once her stepfather's hallucination. Arrogantly he questions her faith and brags about kidnapping her niece. What Keelyn doesn't realize is that with this meeting murder will dog her footsteps and that the search for her half sister and a secret that haunts her fiancée Captain Lee Watson will lead into danger that will not only test her faith but could damage relationships she holds so dear. Woven into this psychological thriller where darkness and evil lurk in murder, deception, betrayal, cruelty and madness there are strong elements of redemption, forgiveness, love, and faith.
Jordyn Redwood focuses not only on a captivating story that combines character development, a moral problem and choices, but builds on the fear and anxiety that escalates as the plot twists and turns exploring the conflicted emotions, and motives of the antagonists. It is a story that sends a strong message about holding fast to faith when life seems to spiral downward into darkness and despair.
The personalities of the characters are complex and change as events heat up. Keelyn Blake haunted by a tragic loss is determined, brave and conscientious but struggles to keep a clear perspective and to forgive when challenged by white lies and half truths. Captain Lee Watson, a dedicated and shrewd SWAT officer hides a secret that could not only crush his spirit but destroy the love and faith that strengthens him. Into the fray add the indomitable will of Detective Nathan Long, the committed and calm assurance of Dr. Lilly Reeves, and the sweet innocence of Keelyn's niece, Sophia. In this story the antagonists deal with their inner demons in ways that arouses sympathy, anger and disgust as they play a cat and mouse game with the authorities, and the murders increase.
"Poison" is a riveting page turner from beginning to end. I have read all three novels in the series and have loved them all. I can't wait to see what Jordyn Redwood has next in store for her fans.
Jordyn Redwood focuses not only on a captivating story that combines character development, a moral problem and choices, but builds on the fear and anxiety that escalates as the plot twists and turns exploring the conflicted emotions, and motives of the antagonists. It is a story that sends a strong message about holding fast to faith when life seems to spiral downward into darkness and despair.
The personalities of the characters are complex and change as events heat up. Keelyn Blake haunted by a tragic loss is determined, brave and conscientious but struggles to keep a clear perspective and to forgive when challenged by white lies and half truths. Captain Lee Watson, a dedicated and shrewd SWAT officer hides a secret that could not only crush his spirit but destroy the love and faith that strengthens him. Into the fray add the indomitable will of Detective Nathan Long, the committed and calm assurance of Dr. Lilly Reeves, and the sweet innocence of Keelyn's niece, Sophia. In this story the antagonists deal with their inner demons in ways that arouses sympathy, anger and disgust as they play a cat and mouse game with the authorities, and the murders increase.
"Poison" is a riveting page turner from beginning to end. I have read all three novels in the series and have loved them all. I can't wait to see what Jordyn Redwood has next in store for her fans.
April 8, 2013
I loved Proof, the first in the Bloodline Trilogy by Jordyn Redwood, but I have to admit, Poison surpassed the prequel.
From the very first page, I fell in love with Keelyn. The reader was first introduced to her story in Proof, and there was something about the way Ms. Redwood wrote that scene which left a huge impact with me. Just as the characters in Poison described that the event changed their lives forever, I was pulled right back into the same feelings, the same unanswered questions as they were.
Ms. Redwood is ingenious how she weaves suspense, mystery, and medical intrigue all together with a strong Biblical theme that doesn’t leave the reader feeling preached at but instead encouraged. I love how some of the characters return from Proof while we are introduced to or further understand others. The various plots were intricate; however, Ms. Redwood has the skills to fully explain motives to her readers without leaving us feeling like children being talked down to. No matter what level of knowledge the reader has regarding police work or medical drama, everyone will thoroughly enjoy these books.
As a side note, I would encourage people to read the Acknowledgements. She shared various nonfiction books which were used in the research of the book. I have since requested one of the books from my library and will be searching out the other book to read as well.
I love her style of writing. Her mixture of suspense, mystery with romance, and overall spiritual theme intermix to reach the reader in so many ways. I truly can’t wait to read the third novel in this series as well as anything else Ms. Redwood chooses to write. I became a fan with Proof and Poison cinched the deal!
From the very first page, I fell in love with Keelyn. The reader was first introduced to her story in Proof, and there was something about the way Ms. Redwood wrote that scene which left a huge impact with me. Just as the characters in Poison described that the event changed their lives forever, I was pulled right back into the same feelings, the same unanswered questions as they were.
Ms. Redwood is ingenious how she weaves suspense, mystery, and medical intrigue all together with a strong Biblical theme that doesn’t leave the reader feeling preached at but instead encouraged. I love how some of the characters return from Proof while we are introduced to or further understand others. The various plots were intricate; however, Ms. Redwood has the skills to fully explain motives to her readers without leaving us feeling like children being talked down to. No matter what level of knowledge the reader has regarding police work or medical drama, everyone will thoroughly enjoy these books.
As a side note, I would encourage people to read the Acknowledgements. She shared various nonfiction books which were used in the research of the book. I have since requested one of the books from my library and will be searching out the other book to read as well.
I love her style of writing. Her mixture of suspense, mystery with romance, and overall spiritual theme intermix to reach the reader in so many ways. I truly can’t wait to read the third novel in this series as well as anything else Ms. Redwood chooses to write. I became a fan with Proof and Poison cinched the deal!
February 13, 2013
Did you read Jordyn Redwood's first book in the Bloodline Trilogy, Proof? If you did (or not), you might recognize the name Lucent. Lucent was the presumably hallucinatory man who forced John Samuals to kill his family. The only two to survive the massacre are Keelyn and Raven, Samuals' step-daughter and daughter.
Keelyn sits in her favorite eatery, Ruby's Diner, waiting for Lee, her fiance' and a police officer, when a stranger takes the seat at the counter beside her. He claims to be Lucent. Then he informs her he brought a child here, Raven's two-year-old daughter, to give to her and that if Keelyn tried to find him or Raven he will return and kill both her and the child.
The stranger leaves, and Lee arrives just as another woman hurries into the diner to tell him about a car in the parking lot containing two people: the driver is apparently passed out, and a child is crying in the back seat.
The driver turns out to be John Samuals' former psychologist. The crying child is Raven's daughter.
As the story unfolds, deceptions, murders, and mysterious deadly illnesses abound. Keelyn doesn't know who to believe, where her sister might be, or how to keep the baby safe from someone who wants to harm her.
I have to give this four and a half thumbs up. Just don't begin reading it at bedtime. I can tell you from experience you will be suffering from sleep deprivation the following day.
Keelyn sits in her favorite eatery, Ruby's Diner, waiting for Lee, her fiance' and a police officer, when a stranger takes the seat at the counter beside her. He claims to be Lucent. Then he informs her he brought a child here, Raven's two-year-old daughter, to give to her and that if Keelyn tried to find him or Raven he will return and kill both her and the child.
The stranger leaves, and Lee arrives just as another woman hurries into the diner to tell him about a car in the parking lot containing two people: the driver is apparently passed out, and a child is crying in the back seat.
The driver turns out to be John Samuals' former psychologist. The crying child is Raven's daughter.
As the story unfolds, deceptions, murders, and mysterious deadly illnesses abound. Keelyn doesn't know who to believe, where her sister might be, or how to keep the baby safe from someone who wants to harm her.
I have to give this four and a half thumbs up. Just don't begin reading it at bedtime. I can tell you from experience you will be suffering from sleep deprivation the following day.
March 1, 2013
I really can't say it any better than the book description, I don't want to give anything away. What I love about Jordyn Redwood's writing is that it's completely unpredictable. She definitely knows how to write tension and suspense that will keep you up all night turning pages. There is one intense scene in particular in this book that I don't think I'll ever forget. And her villains are always diabolical and completely unpredictable. This book kept me guessing until the very end. I enjoyed the way the characters relationships were interwoven with the over arching mystery and the spiritual aspect that was tied up to their interactions. The ending was so good I didn't even realize until later that there are still a few loose ends to be tied up in the next book. I will be looking forward to it.
May 19, 2013
Lucent has returned, but this time is in flesh and blood, to avenge those unharmed during John Samual's hostage situation seven years ago. Lucent wants Keelyn to care for Raven's (Keelyn's estranged half-sister)toddler since this child has gotten in their way of their relationship. In the meantime, Raven has disappeared and people from law enforcement who were involved in Samual's hostage situation are turning out violently sick or dead.
This is a great fast-paced mystery novel that will keep you turning pages until wee hours of the night. There are twist and turns every few pages and will keep you at the edge of your seat guessing who are the culprit and their motives. I think this book was in great in portrain God's perfect love for us and the hope that comes with Salvation. It is definitely a great read and I would highly recommend it to anyone.
This is a great fast-paced mystery novel that will keep you turning pages until wee hours of the night. There are twist and turns every few pages and will keep you at the edge of your seat guessing who are the culprit and their motives. I think this book was in great in portrain God's perfect love for us and the hope that comes with Salvation. It is definitely a great read and I would highly recommend it to anyone.
April 9, 2013
Wholeheartedly, I believe Jordyn Redwood is the up and coming suspense writer. This is the second of the Bloodline Trilogy that I read, and I had to let the rest of my world slide while I devoured the book. I also had to read closely. The plot weaves and nothing is superfluous.
In Poison, we meet Keelyn Blake--half her family had been murdered by her step-father at the urging of a hallucination named Lucent. Now, five years later, Lucent appears in the flesh, and those associated with the botched rescue of Keelyn's family begin to die.
Her sister is kidnapped, and Keelyn works to save her. Throughout, nothing is as it appears.
Redwood is superb.
In Poison, we meet Keelyn Blake--half her family had been murdered by her step-father at the urging of a hallucination named Lucent. Now, five years later, Lucent appears in the flesh, and those associated with the botched rescue of Keelyn's family begin to die.
Her sister is kidnapped, and Keelyn works to save her. Throughout, nothing is as it appears.
Redwood is superb.
May 5, 2013
With a title such as "Poison" you just know that this book will jolt you by taking you somewhere into a world where there is a deadly poisonous substance or person that is encountered. You crack the book anticipating, not knowing what will grip you. Book #2 of the Bloodline Triology follows tight on the heels of "Proof," Book #1 in the series. in "Proof" we were taken on a roller coaster ride into the lives of characters as they were seeking proof for their case. "Poison" is no less of a ride and certainly takes you into a venomous world of danger. A world of spiritual darkness. Mental instability. Danger fraught at every turn. "Poison" is a psychological thriller sure to keep you on edge.
Jordyn Redwood has wrapped her story around characters with psychotic behaviors. Characters include some who are from the book "Proof" and were staged in the shadow of a tragedy that was a subplot of 'Proof." The story opens with our heroine waiting for her fiancée to arrive. A man sits beside her and tells her he is Lucent. But Lucent is suppose to be the delusion of a sick man and not a real person; yet Lucent, a real person, is sitting beside her and knows things this stranger shouldn't.
Keelyn's half sister, Rachel, one of the survivors of the tragedy in "Proof," is missing and the story is tightly woven around her. Rachel is a troubled young lady but one who is a seeker. But does she find God? Does she reject God? Keelyn's fiancée, Lee, is a SWAT team member and certainly a handy person to have around with all the danger they face.
"Her screams caused Keelyn's body to shake with desperate anxiety."
The author's personal experience as a pediatric nurse in the ER is evidenced as she records scenes involving Raven's child, Sophia, whose life is in immense danger. The professional care for this child - medical, social services, and personal - (and others for whom she has cared in the ER) is evident as Ms. Redwood writes. It is rather humorous to read the scenes and actions as Keelyn takes on the care of Sophia knowing absolutely nothing about child care. In a story as deep and dark as "Poison," it is nice to see a bit of levity.
Having now reviewed both "Proof" and "Poison," I can hardly wait for Jordyn Redwood to launch Book #3 - "Peril."
GIVEAWAY: A giveaway copy has been provided by the author, Jordyn Redwood, for one of Chat With Vera's readers. Begins April 29 & ENDS May 13 # 12:01 a.m. EDT. Open USA mainland only.
Author info: Jordyn Redwood is a pediatric ER nurse by day, suspense novelist by night. She hosts Redwood’s Medical Edge, a blog devoted to helping contemporary and historical authors write medically accurate fiction. Her first two novels, Proof and Poison, garnered starred reviews from Library Journal and have been endorsed by the likes of Dr. Richard Mabry, Lynette Eason, and Mike Dellosso to name a few. You can connect with Jordyn via her website at www.jordynredwood.net.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of "Poison" from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review. Giveaway copy provided by the author. Opinions expressed are solely my own.
Jordyn Redwood has wrapped her story around characters with psychotic behaviors. Characters include some who are from the book "Proof" and were staged in the shadow of a tragedy that was a subplot of 'Proof." The story opens with our heroine waiting for her fiancée to arrive. A man sits beside her and tells her he is Lucent. But Lucent is suppose to be the delusion of a sick man and not a real person; yet Lucent, a real person, is sitting beside her and knows things this stranger shouldn't.
Keelyn's half sister, Rachel, one of the survivors of the tragedy in "Proof," is missing and the story is tightly woven around her. Rachel is a troubled young lady but one who is a seeker. But does she find God? Does she reject God? Keelyn's fiancée, Lee, is a SWAT team member and certainly a handy person to have around with all the danger they face.
"Her screams caused Keelyn's body to shake with desperate anxiety."
The author's personal experience as a pediatric nurse in the ER is evidenced as she records scenes involving Raven's child, Sophia, whose life is in immense danger. The professional care for this child - medical, social services, and personal - (and others for whom she has cared in the ER) is evident as Ms. Redwood writes. It is rather humorous to read the scenes and actions as Keelyn takes on the care of Sophia knowing absolutely nothing about child care. In a story as deep and dark as "Poison," it is nice to see a bit of levity.
Having now reviewed both "Proof" and "Poison," I can hardly wait for Jordyn Redwood to launch Book #3 - "Peril."
GIVEAWAY: A giveaway copy has been provided by the author, Jordyn Redwood, for one of Chat With Vera's readers. Begins April 29 & ENDS May 13 # 12:01 a.m. EDT. Open USA mainland only.
Author info: Jordyn Redwood is a pediatric ER nurse by day, suspense novelist by night. She hosts Redwood’s Medical Edge, a blog devoted to helping contemporary and historical authors write medically accurate fiction. Her first two novels, Proof and Poison, garnered starred reviews from Library Journal and have been endorsed by the likes of Dr. Richard Mabry, Lynette Eason, and Mike Dellosso to name a few. You can connect with Jordyn via her website at www.jordynredwood.net.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of "Poison" from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review. Giveaway copy provided by the author. Opinions expressed are solely my own.
February 11, 2014
NEW SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY REVIEWS
Reviews Of Recently Published Science Fiction And Fantasy Books
Reviewer: Forrest Schultz schultz_forrest@yahoo.com 770-583-3258
Blog Address: http://newsciencefictionandfantasyrev...
February 7, 2014
Jordyn Redwood Debuts With Excellent Medical Suspense Trilogy
A Review of
Jordyn Redwood Bloodline Trilogy published by Kregel in 2012 & 2013, each (paperback) volume priced at $14.99:
1. Proof 307 pp ISBN: 978-0-8254-4238-4
2. Poison 310 pp ISBN: 978-0-8254-4212-4
3. Peril 269 pp ISBN: 978-0-8254-4213-1
Reviewer: Forrest W. Schultz
Let me begin by bestowing my thanks upon Martha Ramirez for informing me of this great treasure. (C. S. Lewis once said that the greatest help a teacher can be is to recommend which books to read.) Jordyn Redwood's trilogy is excellent medical suspense, especially for those who like it blended with criminal suspense, particularly the subspecies of criminal suspense which focuses on the criminal mentality, similar to that of the Criminal Minds television series, which, by the way, celebrated its 200th show this week, so that this is a great time to write this review!!
I am also excited about Jordyn Redwood's books because they deal with interesting medical phenomena, which are useful in refuting the popular notion that science is boring -- I remember in high school most students thought that biology was borology! Well, they would not think so if they read these books, especially about how DNA identification can be thwarted by strange embryological phenomena, and how recipients of heart transplants can sometimes pick up memories had by the donor, which is one the weirdest things I have ever heard of! These biological facts are crucial for the stories in the first and third books of the trilogy as the discussion of interesting stuff about spider venom is for the second one. Redwood is not only a good writer but also a very knowledgeable one, who has had two decades of ER & ICU Nursing experience. She writes what she knows!!
I also wish to pay tribute to the beautiful cover photos -- these are among the best I have ever seen -- and of the beautiful websites of the author.
About the only criticism I have is that sometimes, especially in the second book, the story becomes too complex, which is one problem a sophisticated thinker like Redwood sometimes has.
I am now in the midst of writing about the flow of interesting things into my life. Jordyn Redwood's trilogy is the most recent of these interesting things!
Information is available on these websites: http://jredwood.blogspot.com/ and http://www.jordynredwood.com/. Her email address is jredwood1@gmail.com.
April 24, 2013
If you love books that contain an element of suspense with the right blend of intrigue and romance, than look no further than the second book in the Bloodline Trilogy by Jordyn Redwood. Poison. Keelyn Blake is back as she attempts to come to terms with the murder of her mother and half of her siblings by the hands of her father who believed he was taking orders from someone he called Lucent.
Only now Lucent isn't a figment of the imagination! He is real and comes to visit Keelyn as she is waiting for her financè, Lee Watson, a member of the FBI's hostage negotiation team. He tells her things that only someone who knows her deeply would know and gives her a prophetic message, he is leaving her 2-year-old niece she's never met to her care as a goodwill gesture. The only catch, she can't come looking for her sister and the mother of the child or she will die along with the child.
Not sure just how Lucent knows this, she leaves the diner with Lee only to find a murder victim behind the wheel of the car and her 2-year-old niece in the back seat. Keelyn is an expert at reading people's body language and uses that talent to help her find the missing pieces of the puzzle to find her sister before it's too late. The only problem is the body language her fiancè is putting off shows he's hiding something from her, and soon the body count begins to climb as those that were a part of that fateful day when her family was murdered all begin to die from an unexplained cause. Will Keelyn be next or will she be able to locate her sister in time before the next person dies?
I received Poison by Jordyn Redwood compliments of Kregel Publications for my honest review and received no monetary compensation for a favorable one. Having read the first book quite some time ago, I found it's not necessary to have read Proof before picking this one up because Jordyn captures so much of what had happened as a recap in the lives of Keelyn and Lee Watson. It is chilling to think that someone would go to the lengths that they do in this book as a method of revenge. This is not the series for everyone as it does contain references to the violence that has brought Keelyn where she is at today in her life. I did find the research into the body language very interesting and loved seeing Keelyn use that in her day to day dealings both in her personal life and in helping others in her volunteer work. I rate this one a 4 out of 5 and definitely loved the fast paced this novel moved at in comparison to her first book.
Only now Lucent isn't a figment of the imagination! He is real and comes to visit Keelyn as she is waiting for her financè, Lee Watson, a member of the FBI's hostage negotiation team. He tells her things that only someone who knows her deeply would know and gives her a prophetic message, he is leaving her 2-year-old niece she's never met to her care as a goodwill gesture. The only catch, she can't come looking for her sister and the mother of the child or she will die along with the child.
Not sure just how Lucent knows this, she leaves the diner with Lee only to find a murder victim behind the wheel of the car and her 2-year-old niece in the back seat. Keelyn is an expert at reading people's body language and uses that talent to help her find the missing pieces of the puzzle to find her sister before it's too late. The only problem is the body language her fiancè is putting off shows he's hiding something from her, and soon the body count begins to climb as those that were a part of that fateful day when her family was murdered all begin to die from an unexplained cause. Will Keelyn be next or will she be able to locate her sister in time before the next person dies?
I received Poison by Jordyn Redwood compliments of Kregel Publications for my honest review and received no monetary compensation for a favorable one. Having read the first book quite some time ago, I found it's not necessary to have read Proof before picking this one up because Jordyn captures so much of what had happened as a recap in the lives of Keelyn and Lee Watson. It is chilling to think that someone would go to the lengths that they do in this book as a method of revenge. This is not the series for everyone as it does contain references to the violence that has brought Keelyn where she is at today in her life. I did find the research into the body language very interesting and loved seeing Keelyn use that in her day to day dealings both in her personal life and in helping others in her volunteer work. I rate this one a 4 out of 5 and definitely loved the fast paced this novel moved at in comparison to her first book.
April 30, 2013
Poison
Bloodline Trilogy 2
By Jordyn Redwood
Poison is an apt name for this book as poison is a factor throughout the book both spiritually and physically. How do we fight against a poisoned soul? Is it a mental issue or a spiritual one?
Why do some people rise above tragedy while others succumb to their baser natures when facing the same tragedy? Is it genetic? Is it upbringing? Or is it faith in something beyond ourselves? Poison is a look at just such a circumstance, when the past decides to visit Keelyn Blake and she has to relive events from seven years ago that forever changed her family.
When a figment named Lucent convinced John Samuals to take his family hostage and to start killing them, Keelyn lost her mother and two siblings. But she also lost her other three siblings that day to foster care. The trauma of that day changed her sister Raven. Two years had passed since Keelyn had last seen Raven when Lucent comes face-to-face with Keelyn and threatens what little family she has left.
As Keelyn, her fiance Lee Watson, and Detective Nathan Long try to figure out what Lucent wants with Keelyn and Raven's young daughter Sophie, people who had been involved in the hostage situation begin dying from unusual symptoms. Who is poisoning the very people who tried to save them seven years ago and what are they using to do it?
They say love is blind and in Poison it certainly is as those closest to their hearts manipulate and lie almost to the point of no return. When secrets begin endangering lives can Lee and Keelyn determine the truth or will they too fall to the revenge that has poisoned an already troubled mind?
Poison will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end trying to determine who the guilty party truly is. The lines between victim and perpetrator become blurred in the pursuit of revenge and self prescribed justice. Don't miss out on this exciting can't put down book. If you love suspense you won't disappointed!
I received a copy of this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review of this book.
Bloodline Trilogy 2
By Jordyn Redwood
Poison is an apt name for this book as poison is a factor throughout the book both spiritually and physically. How do we fight against a poisoned soul? Is it a mental issue or a spiritual one?
Why do some people rise above tragedy while others succumb to their baser natures when facing the same tragedy? Is it genetic? Is it upbringing? Or is it faith in something beyond ourselves? Poison is a look at just such a circumstance, when the past decides to visit Keelyn Blake and she has to relive events from seven years ago that forever changed her family.
When a figment named Lucent convinced John Samuals to take his family hostage and to start killing them, Keelyn lost her mother and two siblings. But she also lost her other three siblings that day to foster care. The trauma of that day changed her sister Raven. Two years had passed since Keelyn had last seen Raven when Lucent comes face-to-face with Keelyn and threatens what little family she has left.
As Keelyn, her fiance Lee Watson, and Detective Nathan Long try to figure out what Lucent wants with Keelyn and Raven's young daughter Sophie, people who had been involved in the hostage situation begin dying from unusual symptoms. Who is poisoning the very people who tried to save them seven years ago and what are they using to do it?
They say love is blind and in Poison it certainly is as those closest to their hearts manipulate and lie almost to the point of no return. When secrets begin endangering lives can Lee and Keelyn determine the truth or will they too fall to the revenge that has poisoned an already troubled mind?
Poison will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end trying to determine who the guilty party truly is. The lines between victim and perpetrator become blurred in the pursuit of revenge and self prescribed justice. Don't miss out on this exciting can't put down book. If you love suspense you won't disappointed!
I received a copy of this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review of this book.
January 28, 2016
WOW! After reading POISON, my first introduction to Author Jordyn Redwood, I’m going to have to break my New Year’s resolution. With my book collection nearing 900 (and I have only read about half) I made the resolution that I would not buy any books this year if I could help it. Since I get free books for reviews, and have so many yet unread books, I thought I could hold to it. But after reading POISON, I have to buy PROOF, the first book in the Bloodlines Trilogy. All that to say, I loved POISON!
Keelyn Blake survived the psychotic murder spree of her stepfather just five years ago. But a promising relationship with Lee Watson, the FBI hostage negotiator on her case, has her feeling hopeful about her future. That is until Lucent, the imaginary foe of her stepfather’s hallucinations, sits down next to her in a diner. How can that be? Lucent was only a figment of her father’s sickened mind. Or was he? Looking to Lee for strength and answers, Keelyn soon gets the feeling he is hiding something from her.
Since their relationship is somewhat unique, Lee Watson has kept his relationship with Keelyn Blake on the lowdown. But when it is obvious her life once again is in danger, he doesn’t care who knows they’re an item. His only concern, keep Keelyn safe. But secrets from his past could shed light on Keelyn’s current situation, but to share those secrets could bring him even more pain.
POISON was a great read! Twists, turns, intricate plots, intrigue, romance. A book jam packed with everything any romance/suspense reader could hope for. Though the plot is a bit mind-bending, it does not jump off into the paranormal (thankfully). I can’t wait for PERIL, the third in the series, and I will definitely be purchasing PROOF.
Book provided for review purposes.
Keelyn Blake survived the psychotic murder spree of her stepfather just five years ago. But a promising relationship with Lee Watson, the FBI hostage negotiator on her case, has her feeling hopeful about her future. That is until Lucent, the imaginary foe of her stepfather’s hallucinations, sits down next to her in a diner. How can that be? Lucent was only a figment of her father’s sickened mind. Or was he? Looking to Lee for strength and answers, Keelyn soon gets the feeling he is hiding something from her.
Since their relationship is somewhat unique, Lee Watson has kept his relationship with Keelyn Blake on the lowdown. But when it is obvious her life once again is in danger, he doesn’t care who knows they’re an item. His only concern, keep Keelyn safe. But secrets from his past could shed light on Keelyn’s current situation, but to share those secrets could bring him even more pain.
POISON was a great read! Twists, turns, intricate plots, intrigue, romance. A book jam packed with everything any romance/suspense reader could hope for. Though the plot is a bit mind-bending, it does not jump off into the paranormal (thankfully). I can’t wait for PERIL, the third in the series, and I will definitely be purchasing PROOF.
Book provided for review purposes.
May 1, 2013
Keelan Samuel has pieced together a relatively successful life after surviving a horrifying incident five years previous, where her mentally ill step-father murdered her mother and step-siblings at the prompting of a being named Lucent. But Keelan's understanding of the past is shattered when a man claiming to be Lucent thrusts himself into her life. As death begins to claim those around Keelan, she and her fiance, SWAT team member Lee Watson, desperately seek to unravel the truth of what is going on.
Once again, Jorydn Redwood has succeeded at penning a thoroughly entertaining and suspenseful read. "Poison" was as good and perhaps even better than her debut novel, "Proof", keeping me glued to the pages! The plot is intricate, the pacing is spot-on, and the characters are simply fantastic. Readers of "Proof" will remember the incident that is featured in this book, when the FBI fail to keep Keelan's family safe from her creepy step-father. I was excited to meet the cast of characters who were involved in the bizarre show-down between Keelan's step-father and the FBI, as the subplot totally intrigued me when I read about it in "Proof". I was certainly not disappointed, as "Poison" builds off of that incident and creates an exciting story featured Keelan. The author is showing herself to be a master of the suspense genre, and I enjoyed this book from start to finish.
Readers who enjoyed the first book in the Bloodline Trilogy Series are certain to love the second installment. I encourage anyone who loves a good suspense novel to pick up a copy for themselves! I highly recommend this book and award it 5 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher and Kregel Blog Tour services, for the purposes of this unbiased review.
Once again, Jorydn Redwood has succeeded at penning a thoroughly entertaining and suspenseful read. "Poison" was as good and perhaps even better than her debut novel, "Proof", keeping me glued to the pages! The plot is intricate, the pacing is spot-on, and the characters are simply fantastic. Readers of "Proof" will remember the incident that is featured in this book, when the FBI fail to keep Keelan's family safe from her creepy step-father. I was excited to meet the cast of characters who were involved in the bizarre show-down between Keelan's step-father and the FBI, as the subplot totally intrigued me when I read about it in "Proof". I was certainly not disappointed, as "Poison" builds off of that incident and creates an exciting story featured Keelan. The author is showing herself to be a master of the suspense genre, and I enjoyed this book from start to finish.
Readers who enjoyed the first book in the Bloodline Trilogy Series are certain to love the second installment. I encourage anyone who loves a good suspense novel to pick up a copy for themselves! I highly recommend this book and award it 5 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher and Kregel Blog Tour services, for the purposes of this unbiased review.
April 30, 2013
Poison – book 2 of the Bloodline Trilogy – gets right in to the action and doesn’t stop! With a few twists on the way, you’ll enjoy the ride! I definitely would suggest starting with the first book of the series, Proof. That may be obvious since it was written as a trilogy, however I don’t want anyone to miss the full story! Now I am looking forward to Peril, the finale of the Bloodline Trilogy.
In Poison, Keelyn is engaged and trying to move on from the horrible event of her past. However, her stepfather’s “hallucination” called Lucent shows up in the flesh! Now Keelyn is responsible for her niece and has no idea where her sister Raven is, while people keep dying who were associated with that fateful day. Also Lee, her finance, seems to be keeping secrets.
The author Jordyn Redwood has “specialized in critical care and emergency nursing for nearly two decades”. I thought that was an interesting piece of information given about the author, because if they’ve experience something, maybe they’ll bring the readers into the situation clearer or from an unique angle. Her story and action was great but I didn’t seem to “know” the characters…until towards the end, which is actually when secrets got told and hard choices where made… it could have been done on purpose. If so, that was an interesting way to write a story! But I still would like to know the characters and care about them and feel their emotions through the book.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for a fair and honest review.
In Poison, Keelyn is engaged and trying to move on from the horrible event of her past. However, her stepfather’s “hallucination” called Lucent shows up in the flesh! Now Keelyn is responsible for her niece and has no idea where her sister Raven is, while people keep dying who were associated with that fateful day. Also Lee, her finance, seems to be keeping secrets.
The author Jordyn Redwood has “specialized in critical care and emergency nursing for nearly two decades”. I thought that was an interesting piece of information given about the author, because if they’ve experience something, maybe they’ll bring the readers into the situation clearer or from an unique angle. Her story and action was great but I didn’t seem to “know” the characters…until towards the end, which is actually when secrets got told and hard choices where made… it could have been done on purpose. If so, that was an interesting way to write a story! But I still would like to know the characters and care about them and feel their emotions through the book.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for a fair and honest review.
May 3, 2013
Keelyn Blake is the main character in this story and we meet her a few years after her stepfather murdered her mother and siblings. Thing is he said he was under the influence of a demon named Lucent, and most thought it was just the delusional thoughts of a mentally unstable man. Now though Lucent has returned and he is anything but the figment of someones imagination, but he is an evil force with plans of murder, and this time he is after the rest of Keelyn's family. Can they stop him before he finishes what he started all those years ago?
If I had to describe this book in one word I would say pageturner! This book is an edge of your seat thriller that held my attention from the get go. I didn't realize that this was the second book in the Bloodline Trilogy, and was afraid I might be lost since I didn't read the first book, but honestly the author does an amazing job of providing enough background information that I totally understood what was going on. While the plot is a page turner that really has several unique twists, I really enjoyed the depth of the characters, they were very well written, I was even able to feel empathy for the "bad' guy which is a great accomplishment for an author to achieve. Anyone who enjoys a fast paced medical drama, with mystery suspense along with a dash of romance and an inspirational slant will certainly find this a compelling read. I can't wait to see where the author takes us with the final installment of this trilogy.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.
If I had to describe this book in one word I would say pageturner! This book is an edge of your seat thriller that held my attention from the get go. I didn't realize that this was the second book in the Bloodline Trilogy, and was afraid I might be lost since I didn't read the first book, but honestly the author does an amazing job of providing enough background information that I totally understood what was going on. While the plot is a page turner that really has several unique twists, I really enjoyed the depth of the characters, they were very well written, I was even able to feel empathy for the "bad' guy which is a great accomplishment for an author to achieve. Anyone who enjoys a fast paced medical drama, with mystery suspense along with a dash of romance and an inspirational slant will certainly find this a compelling read. I can't wait to see where the author takes us with the final installment of this trilogy.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.
May 3, 2013
My first introduction to Jordyn Redwood came through Readers’ Favorites. Her first book, Proof, was the book I reviewed. What an introduction!
Jordyn brings us up to speed five years later in her second book, Poison. I found Poison to be just as suspenseful, medically interesting, abounding with superior multiple twists intertwined into the plots, and fast-paced action, building angst within me, keeping me reading well into the night. If you’ve read Proof, you will once again meet some of same characters, with new ones that are just as real and flawed. If you haven’t, I would strongly advise you to check that one out first.
Secrets abound that stymie relationships and cause issues with the current investigations. Trust and honesty, along with dysfunctional family backgrounds, brings more trauma to the scenes that pique your interest. For you see, John Samuel’s hallucination, Lucent, has appeared as a real person. How can that be? That’s just part of the gist of the story! Intriguing! Add murder, kidnapping, and poisonous spiders, and you will be captivated by all the evil that man can imagine to ‘gain solace.’ About the time you think you have the murderer figured out and why, another twist changes your whole thought processing and analysis.
Jordyn has become one of my favorite medical mystery writers. Pick up her books and get ready for a ride you’ve never been on before!
This book was provided by the author through Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was received for my review.
Jordyn brings us up to speed five years later in her second book, Poison. I found Poison to be just as suspenseful, medically interesting, abounding with superior multiple twists intertwined into the plots, and fast-paced action, building angst within me, keeping me reading well into the night. If you’ve read Proof, you will once again meet some of same characters, with new ones that are just as real and flawed. If you haven’t, I would strongly advise you to check that one out first.
Secrets abound that stymie relationships and cause issues with the current investigations. Trust and honesty, along with dysfunctional family backgrounds, brings more trauma to the scenes that pique your interest. For you see, John Samuel’s hallucination, Lucent, has appeared as a real person. How can that be? That’s just part of the gist of the story! Intriguing! Add murder, kidnapping, and poisonous spiders, and you will be captivated by all the evil that man can imagine to ‘gain solace.’ About the time you think you have the murderer figured out and why, another twist changes your whole thought processing and analysis.
Jordyn has become one of my favorite medical mystery writers. Pick up her books and get ready for a ride you’ve never been on before!
This book was provided by the author through Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was received for my review.
April 12, 2013
Strong character development and a finely-crafted plot make Poison the second page-turner in Jordyn Redwood’s Bloodline Trilogy.
Set in Colorado, this medical thriller grabs readers by the throat on page one and doesn’t let go till the story’s over. When Keelyn Blake comes face to face with a stranger claiming to be the inspiration for her step-father’s murderous rampage of five years ago, she suddenly finds herself the guardian of a niece she never knew about and the target of repeated violence. As she attempts to track down the mysterious stranger and her missing half-sister, Keelyn becomes involved in a police investigation of another family’s domestic tragedy which forces her to re-examine her own assumptions about the people she loves, including her fiancé Lee Watson. Unsure of who to trust, Keelyn must ultimately place herself in God’s hands to survive the deceptions that surround her.
Redwood’s novel reads at times like terrifying true-life stories ripped from news headlines, woven together with a keen observer’s eye for detail and suspenseful narrative. Her medical expertise again supplies creative plot twists, while the story’s underpinnings of Christian faith and morality make this read both satisfying and inspiring. Redwood’s skill as a novelist is clearly growing by leaps and bounds, and I’ll be one of her many fans waiting for the final book in her Bloodline Trilogy due out in October, 2013.
Set in Colorado, this medical thriller grabs readers by the throat on page one and doesn’t let go till the story’s over. When Keelyn Blake comes face to face with a stranger claiming to be the inspiration for her step-father’s murderous rampage of five years ago, she suddenly finds herself the guardian of a niece she never knew about and the target of repeated violence. As she attempts to track down the mysterious stranger and her missing half-sister, Keelyn becomes involved in a police investigation of another family’s domestic tragedy which forces her to re-examine her own assumptions about the people she loves, including her fiancé Lee Watson. Unsure of who to trust, Keelyn must ultimately place herself in God’s hands to survive the deceptions that surround her.
Redwood’s novel reads at times like terrifying true-life stories ripped from news headlines, woven together with a keen observer’s eye for detail and suspenseful narrative. Her medical expertise again supplies creative plot twists, while the story’s underpinnings of Christian faith and morality make this read both satisfying and inspiring. Redwood’s skill as a novelist is clearly growing by leaps and bounds, and I’ll be one of her many fans waiting for the final book in her Bloodline Trilogy due out in October, 2013.
July 12, 2013
Reviewed by Bobbie Grob for Readers’ Favorite
Poison by Jordyn Redwood follows Keelyn Samuels as she tries to create a future for herself after a brutal and traumatic event tore her family apart. She is ready to lay her past to rest and start a life with her fiancé, Lee Watson, but before she can do that, she discovers that her past is not quite ready to be laid to rest. As she grapples with family members – some of whom she has never met – therapists, and law enforcement officials, she begins to uncover some dark truths that have the power to unravel not only the life she wants to build, but her very faith in God as well. The twists and turns of this suspenseful tale will keep you guessing until the final pages.
I love a good page-turner, and I could not turn the pages of Poison by Jordyn Redwood fast enough. It is a thrilling and suspenseful book that held my attention right down to the final word. I accepted this book without realizing that it was the second one in a trilogy, but even so, the book was able to stand alone just fine. The characters are well-developed and believable, and the themes of this book – family, revenge, and Christianity – meld well together. The descriptions are exquisite as well, and I’ll definitely be picking up the first and third books in the trilogy. As a side note, there is a large arachnid presence in this story, so I would not recommend this book to anyone with arachnophobia.
Poison by Jordyn Redwood follows Keelyn Samuels as she tries to create a future for herself after a brutal and traumatic event tore her family apart. She is ready to lay her past to rest and start a life with her fiancé, Lee Watson, but before she can do that, she discovers that her past is not quite ready to be laid to rest. As she grapples with family members – some of whom she has never met – therapists, and law enforcement officials, she begins to uncover some dark truths that have the power to unravel not only the life she wants to build, but her very faith in God as well. The twists and turns of this suspenseful tale will keep you guessing until the final pages.
I love a good page-turner, and I could not turn the pages of Poison by Jordyn Redwood fast enough. It is a thrilling and suspenseful book that held my attention right down to the final word. I accepted this book without realizing that it was the second one in a trilogy, but even so, the book was able to stand alone just fine. The characters are well-developed and believable, and the themes of this book – family, revenge, and Christianity – meld well together. The descriptions are exquisite as well, and I’ll definitely be picking up the first and third books in the trilogy. As a side note, there is a large arachnid presence in this story, so I would not recommend this book to anyone with arachnophobia.
October 6, 2013
This is an intriguing mystery involving a young woman who survived the murder of half her family by her step-father. He claimed that someone named Lucent made him do it, but everyone believed he was just a hallucination. Now, seven years later, Keelyn is confronted by a man who claims to be Lucent, threatens her, and says he's with her estranged sister who is now missing. She takes in her toddler niece, but danger follows them at every turn as the bodies keep piling up and someone watches her. Keelyn wonders if her fiance can handle this new addition to their life, along with wondering about the things he's not telling her. She also volunteers with abused women and is an expert in reading body language, so she gets involved in trying to find a missing woman's children and trying to figure out if the woman is involved herself.
I found this story fascinating, especially Keelyn's reading of people's body language. From using it for cases to trying to figure out the people in her life, it made for a compelling study. I also liked the details to the police procedure and the non-stop suspense. This is book two in the Bloodline Trilogy, but I didn't feel lost not having read the first one. I'll definitely be looking for more of her books!
I received this book free from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review.
I found this story fascinating, especially Keelyn's reading of people's body language. From using it for cases to trying to figure out the people in her life, it made for a compelling study. I also liked the details to the police procedure and the non-stop suspense. This is book two in the Bloodline Trilogy, but I didn't feel lost not having read the first one. I'll definitely be looking for more of her books!
I received this book free from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review.
February 23, 2013
Poison the second book in the Bloodline Trilogy by Jordyn Redwood is a Christian fiction medical suspense. If you are searching for a novel with intrigue, a fast paced plot that will keep you on your toes then this is the book for you. Lucent’s return to Keelyn’s life is no hallucination this time. As she fights to stay alive and keep her half sister Raven’s daughter Sophia safe she is faced with the fact her fiancée Lee has a secret. Will it tear them apart? Lee was part of the SWAT team that brought down Keelyn’s step father John Samuals after he murdered half her family. One by one those who were instrumental in bringing John Samuals down are facing death by contracting a mysterious illness. Jordyn Redwood’s knowledge as an ER nurse is evident in her writing. As the story goes on, dishonesty, murder, and deadly illnesses is around ever corner. Who can Keelyn believe, who can she trust, and where might Raven be. If you have not read the first book in the Bloodline Trilogy, Proof then it is must read. Keelyn’s story kept me at the edge of my seat with action around every corner. I give her five stars for one of the best medical thrillers out there. If you are a fan of Candace Calverts novels then you will love Jordyn Redwoods novels.
April 13, 2013
Ms. Redwood has written a very action packed murder mystery, which is the second book in the Trilogy “Bloodline”.
Keelyn Blake thinks she's put her past behind her. Until she's approached by a man claiming to be Lucent which is the name of the hallucination that induced Keelyn's stepfather to kill most of her family. Now a string of murders strike people associated with that horrid day. Keelyn and the one man who refuses to give up on her trace a baffling trail of evidence toward the killer.
Intense and gripping. From the first swallow, Poison’s powerful brew of medical, police, and psychological thrills won’t leave your system. The only antidote is to finish the book—which you'll do in record time.
This book is a great read, for those who like a good suspense book. I was a little disappointed because there was very little mention of God, the bible or anything about Christianity in it.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Keelyn Blake thinks she's put her past behind her. Until she's approached by a man claiming to be Lucent which is the name of the hallucination that induced Keelyn's stepfather to kill most of her family. Now a string of murders strike people associated with that horrid day. Keelyn and the one man who refuses to give up on her trace a baffling trail of evidence toward the killer.
Intense and gripping. From the first swallow, Poison’s powerful brew of medical, police, and psychological thrills won’t leave your system. The only antidote is to finish the book—which you'll do in record time.
This book is a great read, for those who like a good suspense book. I was a little disappointed because there was very little mention of God, the bible or anything about Christianity in it.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
April 29, 2013
In the mask of inescapable darkness fear feeds the unknown.
Keelyn, volunteer for a domestic violence shelter, is warned not to search for her missing sister Raven or Raven's young daughter.
Nathan Long, FBI Agent, works diligently to solve the puzzle that has long been unsolved. Lives hang while the clock constantly ticks leaving in its wake the relentless work of one evil entity. While Keelyn meets once again with the object of much frustration and horror, clear frustration arises. Will the detectives crack the case or will the crime remain a mystery?
A novel of high suspense, intrigue and mystery. Could not put this book down and although it is part of a series it can certainly be read as a stand alone novel, as I have not read the first one to date, Proof. Unending twists, turns and readblocks tantalize and delight mystery and suspense fans alike. Well formed characters were easy to get to know, balanced and smooth flowing progressive polt, and true to life scenery bring readers an extremely well written novel and one that ultimately promises no dull or broken parts. Well done! I was entertained by this book and will recommend it to others. I received a complimentary copy from Kregel Publications for my review.
Keelyn, volunteer for a domestic violence shelter, is warned not to search for her missing sister Raven or Raven's young daughter.
Nathan Long, FBI Agent, works diligently to solve the puzzle that has long been unsolved. Lives hang while the clock constantly ticks leaving in its wake the relentless work of one evil entity. While Keelyn meets once again with the object of much frustration and horror, clear frustration arises. Will the detectives crack the case or will the crime remain a mystery?
A novel of high suspense, intrigue and mystery. Could not put this book down and although it is part of a series it can certainly be read as a stand alone novel, as I have not read the first one to date, Proof. Unending twists, turns and readblocks tantalize and delight mystery and suspense fans alike. Well formed characters were easy to get to know, balanced and smooth flowing progressive polt, and true to life scenery bring readers an extremely well written novel and one that ultimately promises no dull or broken parts. Well done! I was entertained by this book and will recommend it to others. I received a complimentary copy from Kregel Publications for my review.
May 15, 2013
In the suspenseful follow up to Jordyn Redwood's Proof, the stakes are raised as bodies start dropping from Chapter 1 and on. Poison takes what was already a great start to a trilogy and builds upon it in a great way. While Poison might not be what I would necessarily call a direct sequel, it takes the events from Proof and incorporates them into a great story that never really lets up and keeps the questions coming as you try to figure out just what exactly is going on. We see old characters and new ones, see a little follow up to Proof, and have a great new mystery to solve. This story had me so intrigued from the start, I just couldn't put it down; this is one book series that seriously makes me have to think and not just mindlessly read. As a Psychology major in college, I gotta say that I loved the incorporation of a few psychological concepts in the plotline for Poison; and I even learned quite a bit about everyone's favorite eight-legged friends. I am loving this series, and I cannot wait to read Peril. Jordyn is really making a name for herself in literature, and really incorporates strong women characters with complex personalities that don't just fit into the stereotypical mold. I loved Poison and I highly recommend it!
May 2, 2013
I read and reviewed the first book in this series, Proof, and though I liked it, I thought this book was even better and didn't feel rushed like the first. That could be because in this book, the main characters are already engaged to be married at the beginning of the book. I would recommend reading this series in order.
This book was hard to put down, so I didn't. I read it from cover to cover in one sitting, and enjoyed every page. Again, the author came up with a very cool plot and worked it around blood. There are a couple of characters from the first book in this story, and new ones, and I found myself liking them all, especially the two main characters. There are some creepy moments involving spiders, and a lot of suspense, and a few surprises.
There is a lot of action that takes place in the hospital and with medical situations in both books, but the author does a great job of keeping things in terms even I can understand.
The book takes a good look at family ties, and what people will do to save someone they love. It also shows that no one is beyond hope, and no matter how far they have gone, they are still worth saving. I loved the book, and am looking forward to reading the last book in the series.
This book was hard to put down, so I didn't. I read it from cover to cover in one sitting, and enjoyed every page. Again, the author came up with a very cool plot and worked it around blood. There are a couple of characters from the first book in this story, and new ones, and I found myself liking them all, especially the two main characters. There are some creepy moments involving spiders, and a lot of suspense, and a few surprises.
There is a lot of action that takes place in the hospital and with medical situations in both books, but the author does a great job of keeping things in terms even I can understand.
The book takes a good look at family ties, and what people will do to save someone they love. It also shows that no one is beyond hope, and no matter how far they have gone, they are still worth saving. I loved the book, and am looking forward to reading the last book in the series.
April 29, 2013
Oh my gosh! This book is something else! This is book 2 in the Bloodline Trilogy is a fantastic read. Suspenseful, terrifying, chilling. As my readers know, I love a book that keeps me guessing till the end and this one does! Five years ago Keelyn Blake's stepfather, a man who was being told what to do by Lucent, a creature invisible to everyone else, had taken her family hostage. Some of the family survived the ordeal while others didn't. Her stepfather had claimed Lucent made him do the horrific things he did.
Suddenly Lucent returns and he is isn't the product of someone's imagination. He has kidnapped Keelyn's stepsister and neice. As Keelyn tries to find him those that were involved in the standoff years ago began to die mysteriously.
Redwood writes a great novel, she brings characters to life and places you right there with them. I'm looking forward to the next book! 5 out of 5 stars.
I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Suddenly Lucent returns and he is isn't the product of someone's imagination. He has kidnapped Keelyn's stepsister and neice. As Keelyn tries to find him those that were involved in the standoff years ago began to die mysteriously.
Redwood writes a great novel, she brings characters to life and places you right there with them. I'm looking forward to the next book! 5 out of 5 stars.
I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 24, 2013
"Poison," the second in Jordyn Redwood's Bloodline Trilogy is a chilling sequel to her debut novel, "Proof." The book stands alone, yet is linked in insightful and intriguing ways to its predecessor. Redwood combines expert knowledge of medical emergencies with powerful writing to create a book you won't want to put down.
Characters from the first book are interwoven with new characters, both good and evil. It will satisfy those familiar with "Proof," and capture those who haven't yet read it. From start to finish the medical crises portrayed are striking for their vivid reality. The characters leap off the page as human beings struggling with issues of loss, betrayal, pathos, and faith in God.
The story of Keelyn Blake, her niece, Sophia, and her fiancé, Lee, fit nicely with characters from her first book, Lilly Reeves, and Nathan Long. The result is intrigue and suspense at their best with strong messages of guilt, betrayal, forgiveness, and faith. It will hold your attention and leave you wanting more.
Characters from the first book are interwoven with new characters, both good and evil. It will satisfy those familiar with "Proof," and capture those who haven't yet read it. From start to finish the medical crises portrayed are striking for their vivid reality. The characters leap off the page as human beings struggling with issues of loss, betrayal, pathos, and faith in God.
The story of Keelyn Blake, her niece, Sophia, and her fiancé, Lee, fit nicely with characters from her first book, Lilly Reeves, and Nathan Long. The result is intrigue and suspense at their best with strong messages of guilt, betrayal, forgiveness, and faith. It will hold your attention and leave you wanting more.
April 22, 2013
In this gritty second book in the Bloodlines Trilogy, Keelyn Blake must find her estranged and missing sister Raven, while her fiance Lee Watson tries to solve the murder of Raven's former psychologist. Other characters from Redwood's first book, Proof, come into play in the workings of the case.
I thought the characters were some of the least cliche I've encountered in fiction. You don't have the standard "sighing and biting of the inside of the cheek" you get with many heroines. And Redwood shows she knows how to write male characters as well.
The plot felt very organic, which aided in my not being able to predict what scene would come next, and that heightened the suspense.
If there were anything that could help the end a bit, it would be giving me a little hook for the third book in the series.
All in all, I highly recommend!
I thought the characters were some of the least cliche I've encountered in fiction. You don't have the standard "sighing and biting of the inside of the cheek" you get with many heroines. And Redwood shows she knows how to write male characters as well.
The plot felt very organic, which aided in my not being able to predict what scene would come next, and that heightened the suspense.
If there were anything that could help the end a bit, it would be giving me a little hook for the third book in the series.
All in all, I highly recommend!
May 2, 2013
I was surprised that Lucent was a real person, and a pretty nasty one. I felt for Keelyn and Raven. I kept thinking that they would make up and be best friends. Towards the end of the book I was starting to loose hope that this would happen. I liked how the author wrote about Lee. He had such guilt. His guilt is what made him who he was though. As the bodies piled up I didn't know how the book was going to end. I didn't think that there would be any survivors.
I liked the ending and even though this is book two in a trilogy this book stood well enough on its own.
I am giving this book a 4/5. I was given a copy to review by Kregel Blog Tour Service. All opinions are my own. Book Three is scheduled for September 2013.
I liked the ending and even though this is book two in a trilogy this book stood well enough on its own.
I am giving this book a 4/5. I was given a copy to review by Kregel Blog Tour Service. All opinions are my own. Book Three is scheduled for September 2013.
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