Without Hesitation by Mark Rosendorf

The Rasner Effect #2

by Mark Rosendorf

After two years in the Brookhill Childrens' Psychiatric residence, Clara Blue is ready to leave, but at what cost? Clara is back in the Brookhill residence after Rick Rasner and the Duke Organization laid waste to the facility and liberated her as one of their own. She went willingly, seeing this rogue mercenary group as the accepting family she'd sought after her entire young life. The dream came to an abrupt end, however, when rival mercenary, Jake Scarberry, attacked the Duke Organization's headquarters. The battle's climax left Rick for dead, the group in ruins, and saw Clara sent back to the Brookhill facility. Now, consumed with regaining her freedom, her constant escape attempts and delusional hallucinations keep Clara distracted and ostracized by the new staff and patients alike. As the Brookhill residence recovers, Rick's co-leader, Jennifer Duke, arrives under the guise of a therapist. With her presence, Clara is sure rescue is imminent. But Jen is there for another reason as well, one that scares Clara. Only Jake Scarberry has a chance of halting Jen's nefarious plans, IF he can be coaxed out of the solace of civilian life.

Mass Market Paperback

First published February 1, 2010

About the author

Mark Rosendorf is the author of the award-winning young adult fantasy novels that make up The Witches of Vegas series. So far this includes: The Witches of Vegas, Journey To New Salem, and Witch’s Gamble. He is also credited with other works such as The Rasner Effect.
When Mark is not writing about witches and vampires, he works as a high school guidance counselor for students with special needs in the New York City’s public school system. Mark holds a Master of Science in Education from Long Island University. He is also a former magician and once worked in the hotel industry.
You can learn more about Mark and The Witches of Vegas, or get in touch with him through his website: www.markrosendorf.com

Reviews

[Linda B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following a brief escape, Clara Blue is back at the Brookhill Psychiatric hospital. Her mentor, Rick, is dead and her surrogate family, the Duke Organization, is scattered. She is troubled, a trouble maker, and her only goal is escape. When a former Duke member shows up as an employee of the hospital, they begin to plot her attempt at freedom.

I read a lot of thrillers, and I have to say that Mark Rosendorf doesn’t write ordinary thrillers. He writes stories that are unique and just a little off center – but in a good way! Without Hesitation is the sequel to The Rasner Effect and the story continues with some of the same characters. Clara is an unusual teen character as she tries to cause as much trouble as possible, but still remains someone who stirs up sympathy. She is violent, but she has a conscious, and now she is having hallucinations.

Although Without Hesitation is fine as a stand-alone book, I would still recommend reading The Rasner Effect first. It will help put all of the characters in perspective and it, too, is a wonderful unique story. Without Hesitation has me eager to read Mark’s next book.

[Jessica at Book Sake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Guest Reviewer: Pat

Who among us is insane? Is it those locked away and certified by society as insane or is it those in power who manipulate peoples’ lives? Is it the circumstances of one’s life that makes one insane or is it a condition that manifests itself without external influence? Do people kill because an inner voice tells them to or because they are placed in circumstances where they have no choice? These are all questions that I am left with after reading Without Hesitation The Rasner Effect II by Mark Rosendorf.

Again the lives of Clara Blue, the teenager locked away in the Brookhill Children’s Psychiatric Residence, is entwined with Jen of the Duke Organization, a group of criminally insane murderers, and eventually with Jake Scarberry, an ex-mercenary who thought that he disbanded the Duke Organization when he killed their leader. Rosendorf leads the reader through a labyrinth of situations and events at the Brookhill institute that leads one to the conclusion that the adults in charge are, in many cases, as dysfunctional as the children who reside there.

This was an enthralling thriller that kept me engaged until the very end. Rosendorf is masterful in his ability to lead the reader through twists and turns that end in surprising outcomes. This is a great book for those who like mystery/thrillers and do not have a weak stomach.