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The Sentinels #1
Touched by Darkness
Fleeing the powerful reach of a supernatural underworld, Dr. Kara Cantrell seeks refuge with her child in the tiny town of Zorro, Texas, but when dark forces threaten her new life, she is forced to turn to Damien Morgan, a seductive man with superhuman abilities with whom she shares a mystical link. Original.
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
118 people are currently reading
1227 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Spangler
11 books243 followersCatherine Spangler is a bestselling and award winning author of the Shielder series (futuristic romance)and the Sentinel Series (romantic urban fantasy). She is a two-time Golden Heart finalist and a RITA finalist and has received numerous other awards and honorable mentions.
She is an active member of Romance Writers of America and her local chapter, Dallas Area Romance Authors. A frequent speaker at writers' groups and conferences, she has taught workshops on the creative process, writing techniques, writing paranormal romance, and goal setting.
She lives in north Texas with her husband and a menagerie of critters. She loves reading, taking naps on the sofa with a good football game for background noise, eating chocolate, and playing poker.
Catherine's fun fact: I celebrated the sale of my first book, Shielder, by drinking champagne from a plastic cowboy boot mug. My critique partners brought four of them to my house, along with the champagne. Drinking champagne from those cowboy boot mugs every time one of us sold a book became a tradition, which we still honor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
December 5, 2014
I came to this author thanks to a tweet where someone was talking about her Sfi Fi romance (in comparison with Last Hour of Gann).
I downloaded a sample of that book, then realized she wrote a UF series too and the first book was free. So why not? (Damn me to Hell and back. I keep repeating the same mistake...)
First, let' me clarify this is not a UF, not even a UF romance (if that really exists :). This is the usual paranormal romance, and honestly it's in the low range of them.
It's not a spiteful or hateful book. But it chocked full of first-book syndrome: useless info-dumps interrupting scenes, flat, uninteresting, boring writing. Cardboard characters: a simply ridiculous mustache-twirling villain, totally unappealing irrational heroine and a hero I could do without, a so-called genius 7 yo boy who's dumber than a brick.
The plot was a para version of the usual romantic suspense (serial killer idiocy) and the mix didn't came out good.
Honestly I skim-read most of it, above all because any "story" was in the last pages.
The romance was even worse. No chemistry and the worst excuse for sex since the invention of the mate bond. I didn't think we could get lower, but we did.
The ending was a nice WTF moment. Absolutely out of the blue and with no base in the story itself.
I downloaded a sample of that book, then realized she wrote a UF series too and the first book was free. So why not? (Damn me to Hell and back. I keep repeating the same mistake...)
First, let' me clarify this is not a UF, not even a UF romance (if that really exists :). This is the usual paranormal romance, and honestly it's in the low range of them.
It's not a spiteful or hateful book. But it chocked full of first-book syndrome: useless info-dumps interrupting scenes, flat, uninteresting, boring writing. Cardboard characters: a simply ridiculous mustache-twirling villain, totally unappealing irrational heroine and a hero I could do without, a so-called genius 7 yo boy who's dumber than a brick.
The plot was a para version of the usual romantic suspense (serial killer idiocy) and the mix didn't came out good.
Honestly I skim-read most of it, above all because any "story" was in the last pages.
The romance was even worse. No chemistry and the worst excuse for sex since the invention of the mate bond. I didn't think we could get lower, but we did.
The ending was a nice WTF moment. Absolutely out of the blue and with no base in the story itself.
October 11, 2014
Dr. Kara Cantrell's main goal in relocating to a small, sleepy town halfway across the country is to protect her son, Alex. Alex's father, being part of a supernatural world Kara was only beginning to understand, was brutally murdered. Devastated, Kara was left without the answers she needed to keep her son safe... but the supernatural world won't let them get away that easily.
Alex's father, Richard, was part of an otherworldly species known as the Sentinels. And now that Alex's abilities are getting stronger, Kara is forced to admit that her son is just as otherworldly as his father. Further, she realizes that she cannot run to keep her son safe, and cannot teach him what she does not know. So, when she meets another Sentinel, Damien Morgan, she is determined to get the answers she needs. What she doesn't realize is that Damien needs her help as much as she needs his.
Sentinels are formidable creatures, capable of incredible feats. However, these same feats make them vulnerable, as their energies are broadcast, and can be picked up by an evil species inhabiting earth--a species whose primary goal is to destroy the Sentinels. Besides Alex's abilities, Damien is keenly aware that Kara is a conductor, and that he needs her help to battle the evil forces. But Kara has gone down this road before, and it's a road that threatens to destroy all that she has come to know and love in this world.
This was a fantastic read with memorable characters and a well-paced plot. I loved it! And although Alex's role is significant, Kara and Damien's romance is in the forefront. A great story, and a wonderful introduction to the Sentinel series. I'm excited to read the next book!
Alex's father, Richard, was part of an otherworldly species known as the Sentinels. And now that Alex's abilities are getting stronger, Kara is forced to admit that her son is just as otherworldly as his father. Further, she realizes that she cannot run to keep her son safe, and cannot teach him what she does not know. So, when she meets another Sentinel, Damien Morgan, she is determined to get the answers she needs. What she doesn't realize is that Damien needs her help as much as she needs his.
Sentinels are formidable creatures, capable of incredible feats. However, these same feats make them vulnerable, as their energies are broadcast, and can be picked up by an evil species inhabiting earth--a species whose primary goal is to destroy the Sentinels. Besides Alex's abilities, Damien is keenly aware that Kara is a conductor, and that he needs her help to battle the evil forces. But Kara has gone down this road before, and it's a road that threatens to destroy all that she has come to know and love in this world.
This was a fantastic read with memorable characters and a well-paced plot. I loved it! And although Alex's role is significant, Kara and Damien's romance is in the forefront. A great story, and a wonderful introduction to the Sentinel series. I'm excited to read the next book!
November 23, 2014
I can't decide whether to give this 2 or 3 stars. I finished reading it, and it was OK. I just have major objections to one of the main premises of the book. Sex is power, I don't think anyone denies that. But the first half of this book if fraught with the spectre of rape and Stockholm Syndrome. "If you want to save the town, and the world, from this supernatural killer, you MUST have sex with me." His charm and the guilt trip eventually wear her down. And because he's a supernatural STUD, all her objections are washed away in wave after wave of orgasm.
Yeah. Still pretty much rape.
My other objection is minor, but still valid. This supernatural sex is ONLY hetero. The author explicitly states that: Sentinals and Conductors are always of the opposite sex. Really, Ms. Spangler? Such an attitude in the 21st century?
Yeah. Still pretty much rape.
My other objection is minor, but still valid. This supernatural sex is ONLY hetero. The author explicitly states that: Sentinals and Conductors are always of the opposite sex. Really, Ms. Spangler? Such an attitude in the 21st century?
May 14, 2014
Actually, it should be darned grateful it didn't get DNFed. Why? The first 50+ pages were one long What Would I Do moment. Then...
You get the real grit about what is involved in the whole Sentinel/Conductor non-relationship. Frankly, it skeeves me out. Ok, to be honest, I do not like it when sex is reduced from an entanglement to a ah... meaningless religious ceremony or something. And I *really* don't like it when the H shrugs at the possibility of pregnancy (because apparently a ghost suit is unheard of) and says things like "if it's the will of the One". Yeah. Then you realize the organization has conductors it can send out to assist the Sentinel.
As I said to someone, it reminds me of something a friend came up with to mess with Nigerian scammers - Sophonda Cox and her Prostitutes for Jesus.
How womantic.
The characters... maybe I should just stick with the h at the moment. Given to being a drama queen (as opposed to calmly telling him to get lost, she panics and scares her kid half to death), she really got on my nerves for the first half of the book.
Am pretty sure there's been a 15 day wait to PURCHASE a handgun for some time - she goes and buys a baretta (that the local hardware store in bumblefart nowhere just *happened* to have in stock?!) and takes it home. Has to wait on a permit to carry though. Huh.
The H? Well, he was tied to that What Would I Do moment. What would I do? Shoot, shovel, and run like hell.
You get the real grit about what is involved in the whole Sentinel/Conductor non-relationship. Frankly, it skeeves me out. Ok, to be honest, I do not like it when sex is reduced from an entanglement to a ah... meaningless religious ceremony or something. And I *really* don't like it when the H shrugs at the possibility of pregnancy (because apparently a ghost suit is unheard of) and says things like "if it's the will of the One". Yeah. Then you realize the organization has conductors it can send out to assist the Sentinel.
As I said to someone, it reminds me of something a friend came up with to mess with Nigerian scammers - Sophonda Cox and her Prostitutes for Jesus.
How womantic.
The characters... maybe I should just stick with the h at the moment. Given to being a drama queen (as opposed to calmly telling him to get lost, she panics and scares her kid half to death), she really got on my nerves for the first half of the book.
Am pretty sure there's been a 15 day wait to PURCHASE a handgun for some time - she goes and buys a baretta (that the local hardware store in bumblefart nowhere just *happened* to have in stock?!) and takes it home. Has to wait on a permit to carry though. Huh.
The H? Well, he was tied to that What Would I Do moment. What would I do? Shoot, shovel, and run like hell.
December 3, 2013
Touched by Darkness is a great start to what is sure to be an exciting series. This book is about a woman who has had a difficult few years while raising her son who has special powers. She meets a man who is like her son and together they unravel what is happening in the town they live in. This book has it all. Action, suspense, mystery, romance, and emotional ups and downs. This book was well written with good descriptions of the characters, the events and everything in between. The action makes you feel like you are right in there with the characters. The suspense leaves you on the edge of your seat. The mystery of the story definitely leaves you wondering which is nice. I love when a book can truly make me try to figure out the mystery of it. The romance…wow… it is steamy but not over done or overly graphic. This book kept me on my seat and very engrossed in the story. I ended up staying up WAY too late finishing the book. I will definitely be reading the next books in the series. This book was well written with good descriptions of the characters, the events and everything in between.
May 10, 2010
Sentinel Damien Morgan arrives in Zorro, Texas to expose a Belian murderer and protect a human woman whose ability as a Conductor allows her to magnify his power. Kara’s young son, Alex, is just beginning to show his own Sentinel traits. His father was killed by a Belian, and Kara doesn’t care to get involved with another warrior from Atlantis because it means risking her heart all over again. Yet when one person after another dies by violence in this small town, she realizes there’s no choice. Someone she knows has been compromised by the Belian, and the only way to keep the killer away from her son is to link with Damien.
August 18, 2014
Supernatural beings that aren’t werewolves, witches or vampires? That’s what you get with this book. It’s part one of a trilogy about a group of beings named Sentinels, reincarnated from Atlantis, by way of another galaxy. Sentinels are tasked with killing the evil beings from their world, called Belial. Since it’s an older book(although a re-release I think), it may not be a new read for you, but once I found it, bought it and started it, I read it non-stop and totally enjoyed myself along the way. It was a one day read for me this week.
The story centers around Kara, a doctor with a young son, Alex. She has moved to a small town in hopes that she can escape the supernatural nightmare of six years before. Alex’s father, a Sentinel, was killed right in front of her by a Belial. After his death, she runs when she finds herself pregnant. She doesn’t want her child to be touched by the world of his father, but that’s all about to change, as Alex is coming into some of his powers. Damian is a Sentinel and he is chasing a Belial that he believes is living in the same town as Kara. Since Belial’s take over bodies, everyone in town in suspect-especially the weak or the sick. He is shocked to realize that Kara is a conductor and a match to help him to do his work. But he is more surprised that Alex’s power is unprotected and transmitting loudly for any Belial to hear.
This ended up being a really good romance and actually a who done it. We meet all sorts of the towns people, and I never figured out who the Belial was. The way a Belial receives energy is by killing people, so they are pretty much psychopaths. There are several murders and lots of suspects. It’s up to Kara and Damian to save the day. Did I mention that conductors and Sentinels work best while having sex? Oh yes. So there are some pretty steamy scenes involved and they were very well written, as is this whole book. The characters were interesting and each had an intriguing back story.
I really liked the story, the characters and the mystery. The premise is different then the usual paranormal romance and I totally was on board for that! This is the first book by this author that I have read, and I will definitely be buying the next book in the series soon.
(RabidReads.com)
The story centers around Kara, a doctor with a young son, Alex. She has moved to a small town in hopes that she can escape the supernatural nightmare of six years before. Alex’s father, a Sentinel, was killed right in front of her by a Belial. After his death, she runs when she finds herself pregnant. She doesn’t want her child to be touched by the world of his father, but that’s all about to change, as Alex is coming into some of his powers. Damian is a Sentinel and he is chasing a Belial that he believes is living in the same town as Kara. Since Belial’s take over bodies, everyone in town in suspect-especially the weak or the sick. He is shocked to realize that Kara is a conductor and a match to help him to do his work. But he is more surprised that Alex’s power is unprotected and transmitting loudly for any Belial to hear.
This ended up being a really good romance and actually a who done it. We meet all sorts of the towns people, and I never figured out who the Belial was. The way a Belial receives energy is by killing people, so they are pretty much psychopaths. There are several murders and lots of suspects. It’s up to Kara and Damian to save the day. Did I mention that conductors and Sentinels work best while having sex? Oh yes. So there are some pretty steamy scenes involved and they were very well written, as is this whole book. The characters were interesting and each had an intriguing back story.
I really liked the story, the characters and the mystery. The premise is different then the usual paranormal romance and I totally was on board for that! This is the first book by this author that I have read, and I will definitely be buying the next book in the series soon.
(RabidReads.com)
March 12, 2014
Dr. Kara Cantrell moved to Zorro, Texas with her son Alex because nothing exciting ever happened there. It was quiet and safe. Until the murders started and the gorgeous Damien Morgan showed up. Kara senses immediately that he's a Sentinel - a protector of good and warrior against the evil Belians - and flees his presence. She can't go through the nightmare she experienced with her husband years ago. No more Sentinels in her life. Except her son is one, and untrained, he's a beacon to the Belian. Damien offers his help in return for Kara helping him. If they can't work together, the monster that prowls Zorro will not only have her and Damien, but her son as well.
A fantastic first book in this paranormal romance series. The mythology of Atlantis was original and fascinating. It fertilizes the ground so amazing stories can spring from it. The characterization is great. I'm a fan of Kara. A strong and intelligent widower determined to give her son a happy and normal childhood. My heart went out to her. Damien frustrated me at a few points, but he redeemed himself. Alex is a sweet and smart kid. As a mom, I'd be proud to have him as my son.
It's a fast-paced tale with a few dips down to slow when there's explanations of utilizing their powers. Yet it's the first book and sometimes these bits are necessary. I'm eager to continue reading on to the next book in the series.
A fantastic first book in this paranormal romance series. The mythology of Atlantis was original and fascinating. It fertilizes the ground so amazing stories can spring from it. The characterization is great. I'm a fan of Kara. A strong and intelligent widower determined to give her son a happy and normal childhood. My heart went out to her. Damien frustrated me at a few points, but he redeemed himself. Alex is a sweet and smart kid. As a mom, I'd be proud to have him as my son.
It's a fast-paced tale with a few dips down to slow when there's explanations of utilizing their powers. Yet it's the first book and sometimes these bits are necessary. I'm eager to continue reading on to the next book in the series.
November 27, 2013
What a terrific book! Touched by Darkness is a completely original and exciting urban fantasy romance that will keep you hooked from the very first chapter. The characters are deftly drawn with real emotional shadings that pull you into the world and don’t let go. Tightly paced, the book is a master class in how to write with passion, soul and intelligence. Every single page has depth to it and serves the story, adding atmosphere and tone as it moves the reader forward.
Touched by Darkness is thrill-packed, original, and creative. I really enjoyed it.
Touched by Darkness is thrill-packed, original, and creative. I really enjoyed it.
December 2, 2013
This not the usual genre that i usually read. I was quite impressed with the book! I am looking forward into reading the next book.
What would you do if your only son was born with powers and you knew that a bad entity would try and find you ? Would you do everything in your power to keep your child safe?
The book kept me wanting more to find out what happens! I give this book 5/5 stars!!!
What would you do if your only son was born with powers and you knew that a bad entity would try and find you ? Would you do everything in your power to keep your child safe?
The book kept me wanting more to find out what happens! I give this book 5/5 stars!!!
December 16, 2013
This was slow for me to get into, I don't like the characters or their interactions, so I stopped at 85%. I'm giving up. It feels like a "B" rated movie that is trying to portray itself as an "A" rated movie. I love "B" rated movies, especially when they know they are "B's". This just felt like it was trying to hard, and fell way short.
May 21, 2014
While the concept was interesting and the writing is decent, I found the pace of this book too slow for my liking. That and the heroine, whom I found exasperating and unappealing made it a heavy go. Hopefully , in the next book the pace will pick up.
May 1, 2018
Good
I prolonged reading this, as expecting a short cliffhanger for free at Amazon but concise and room for book 2. Passionate Dallas supernatural romance with good vs evil. Sexy, romance.
I prolonged reading this, as expecting a short cliffhanger for free at Amazon but concise and room for book 2. Passionate Dallas supernatural romance with good vs evil. Sexy, romance.
November 13, 2018
Surprisingly good
This was truly unexpected and really really good. It helped give me lots of thoughts interestingly enough it made me think about a whole lot of other things and other possibilities definitely a good read.
This was truly unexpected and really really good. It helped give me lots of thoughts interestingly enough it made me think about a whole lot of other things and other possibilities definitely a good read.
May 28, 2018
Wow this was such a cool book! I loved it and want to read more from the series!
July 10, 2019
Not my cup of tea. Too much weirdness. Only got a couple pages in. There are too many interesting books to waste my time here.
January 24, 2020
Pretty good
This book was pretty good. Seems like the relationship moved a bit fast. They didn't even know each other that long. It was good for a short story.
This book was pretty good. Seems like the relationship moved a bit fast. They didn't even know each other that long. It was good for a short story.
December 22, 2013
Plot:
After seven years on the run, Dr. Kara Cantrell believes she and her son, Alex, are safe. She’s wrong.Kara settles in the sleepy town of Zorro, Texas, convinced that she and her child have escaped the sinister reach of a supernatural underworld. But the appearance of Damien Morgan, a dangerous, alluring man with superhuman abilities, upends her quiet existence. Damien realizes that Alex is a fledgling Sentinel, and Kara is a matched, psychic conductor for him. She wants nothing to do with him, refusing to revisit the hell she experienced seven years ago. But she has no choice, as her son is projecting his abilities, leaving him vulnerable to unseen forces. Not only that, but someone—or something—is murdering people in Zorro. Kara is forced to work with Damien, tapping into a mystical link that triggers desires both of them must ignore. But as they work together to protect her son, and to track the killer, evil stalks them, reaching out—with the touch . . . of darkness.
My Thoughts:
I have no idea where to start because there is just so much I loved about this book. I guess I can start with Atlantis. I love the lost city and anything to do with it and have read so many books about what could have happened and the creatures that could have come from it. Catherine Spangler has given me yet one more way to see it and love it. Souls who have fought against evil time and time again, always choosing to be reborn, choosing to be the last defense against an evil that many can only dream of. Rising from the ashes of Atlantis both good and evil are in a constant state of tug-a-war.
The characters made me fall in love with them, they were full of life and their daily struggles made me laugh, cry and sometimes I was even scared for them. Alex is six years old and like any young boy he loves playing video games, goes to school and has a best friend. He has always been different but it’s not until murders start that he is tossed head first into the supernatural world. This is were it gets interesting becaues the author allows the reader to see the world through his eyes. A young boys fears becomes more real as his voice is used.
His mom Kara is a widower who is trying to raise him as normal as possible. She’s a conductor, a person able to channel energy to help track evil beings, and is trying really hard to forget that part of her life. Alex father was a Sentinel and she was his conductor until he was murdered and she promised to never go back into that world. I love how devoted and strong she is. No matter what happens she faces it head on and above all she is out to make sure her son is safe and loved.
Damien, what can I say but grrrrr. I seriously hated him until the last part of the book. I understood he is on earth to make it safe but he is so inhuman that I just wanted to jump through the pages and knock some sense into him. He really didn’t care about simple human rights; if they got in the way of him doing his job. He did redeem himself at the end and I forgave his earlier behavior.
This book is great for those who hate to guess the end because it can’t be done. The villain, lets just say that they were not on my list but I love surprises.
After seven years on the run, Dr. Kara Cantrell believes she and her son, Alex, are safe. She’s wrong.Kara settles in the sleepy town of Zorro, Texas, convinced that she and her child have escaped the sinister reach of a supernatural underworld. But the appearance of Damien Morgan, a dangerous, alluring man with superhuman abilities, upends her quiet existence. Damien realizes that Alex is a fledgling Sentinel, and Kara is a matched, psychic conductor for him. She wants nothing to do with him, refusing to revisit the hell she experienced seven years ago. But she has no choice, as her son is projecting his abilities, leaving him vulnerable to unseen forces. Not only that, but someone—or something—is murdering people in Zorro. Kara is forced to work with Damien, tapping into a mystical link that triggers desires both of them must ignore. But as they work together to protect her son, and to track the killer, evil stalks them, reaching out—with the touch . . . of darkness.
My Thoughts:
I have no idea where to start because there is just so much I loved about this book. I guess I can start with Atlantis. I love the lost city and anything to do with it and have read so many books about what could have happened and the creatures that could have come from it. Catherine Spangler has given me yet one more way to see it and love it. Souls who have fought against evil time and time again, always choosing to be reborn, choosing to be the last defense against an evil that many can only dream of. Rising from the ashes of Atlantis both good and evil are in a constant state of tug-a-war.
The characters made me fall in love with them, they were full of life and their daily struggles made me laugh, cry and sometimes I was even scared for them. Alex is six years old and like any young boy he loves playing video games, goes to school and has a best friend. He has always been different but it’s not until murders start that he is tossed head first into the supernatural world. This is were it gets interesting becaues the author allows the reader to see the world through his eyes. A young boys fears becomes more real as his voice is used.
His mom Kara is a widower who is trying to raise him as normal as possible. She’s a conductor, a person able to channel energy to help track evil beings, and is trying really hard to forget that part of her life. Alex father was a Sentinel and she was his conductor until he was murdered and she promised to never go back into that world. I love how devoted and strong she is. No matter what happens she faces it head on and above all she is out to make sure her son is safe and loved.
Damien, what can I say but grrrrr. I seriously hated him until the last part of the book. I understood he is on earth to make it safe but he is so inhuman that I just wanted to jump through the pages and knock some sense into him. He really didn’t care about simple human rights; if they got in the way of him doing his job. He did redeem himself at the end and I forgave his earlier behavior.
This book is great for those who hate to guess the end because it can’t be done. The villain, lets just say that they were not on my list but I love surprises.
August 31, 2014
I’ve been reading a lot of less romantic novels recently, so I was very excited to start Touched By Darkness. Romance is my other reading passion, so I go into a kind of withdrawal if I don’t feed my hopelessly romantic heart.
Dr. Kara Cantrell has a lot to hide because her past brought her into contact with an alien race that she is genetically compatible with helping. That help got her in quite a lot of trouble, so she has been in hiding with her young son.
Enter Damien, a Sentinel (basically one of the good guys) and sparks fly. He is tall, dark, handsome, and intimidating.
Kara is naturally fearful of his appearance in her life, but when inexplicable bodies start popping up, she is forced to recognized that Damien is the only person who can help her and her son Alex. The two of them join forces to solve the mystery of the being that is causing all of the deaths and in the process… well, you know…. romance!!!!
Touched By Darkness was perfect for me! I love that Catherine Spangler has created a believable universe, using Atlantean lore and a our regular modern society. She crafts her version of Atlantis flawlessly and provides a fictionally plausible reason for the fascination of Atlantis.
Along these lines, her backstory is fabulous. I think you can always tell when an author doesn’t research enough of a back story for his/her characters. There just seems to be either something missing, or character flaws that have no viable explanation/reason. That is not the case with Dr. Kara Cantrell. She has been very clearly created with enough backstory that you feel like you understand her and can empathize with her. She is very real to me.
As for Damien, there is also a wonderful back story for him! I was surprised by that, because when you are basically dealing with an “alien” like character, an author can sometimes get away with less back story, but you needn't worry in this case. He is a wonderfully flawed hero and you will love finding out why.
The chemistry between Kara and Damien is intense! Whether it is anger, caring or love, it was great reading the adventure of these these two strong characters, and when sparks fly…. WATCH OUT! I just loved it!
I’m looking forward to the next in The Sentinel Series! If you would like a great summer romance along with your urban fantasy, you will love Touched By Darkness.
If you like this review, please check out more of my others at www.sciencefictionandsuch.com
Dr. Kara Cantrell has a lot to hide because her past brought her into contact with an alien race that she is genetically compatible with helping. That help got her in quite a lot of trouble, so she has been in hiding with her young son.
Enter Damien, a Sentinel (basically one of the good guys) and sparks fly. He is tall, dark, handsome, and intimidating.
Kara is naturally fearful of his appearance in her life, but when inexplicable bodies start popping up, she is forced to recognized that Damien is the only person who can help her and her son Alex. The two of them join forces to solve the mystery of the being that is causing all of the deaths and in the process… well, you know…. romance!!!!
Touched By Darkness was perfect for me! I love that Catherine Spangler has created a believable universe, using Atlantean lore and a our regular modern society. She crafts her version of Atlantis flawlessly and provides a fictionally plausible reason for the fascination of Atlantis.
Along these lines, her backstory is fabulous. I think you can always tell when an author doesn’t research enough of a back story for his/her characters. There just seems to be either something missing, or character flaws that have no viable explanation/reason. That is not the case with Dr. Kara Cantrell. She has been very clearly created with enough backstory that you feel like you understand her and can empathize with her. She is very real to me.
As for Damien, there is also a wonderful back story for him! I was surprised by that, because when you are basically dealing with an “alien” like character, an author can sometimes get away with less back story, but you needn't worry in this case. He is a wonderfully flawed hero and you will love finding out why.
The chemistry between Kara and Damien is intense! Whether it is anger, caring or love, it was great reading the adventure of these these two strong characters, and when sparks fly…. WATCH OUT! I just loved it!
I’m looking forward to the next in The Sentinel Series! If you would like a great summer romance along with your urban fantasy, you will love Touched By Darkness.
If you like this review, please check out more of my others at www.sciencefictionandsuch.com
February 11, 2014
This was a pleasant surprise. No vampires, and it's in an urban setting!
The premise was unusual -- ancient superbeings from Atlantis -- but I forgot that as soon as I got into the story. The world created by the author is a harsh one, and I'm with Kara in trying to forget reality for a dream of "normalcy".
Kara's beloved husband was killed one night brutally while she could only watch. She survived that night, only to discover she was pregnant. Her son is her world, and if you even think to hurt him, you'll find out this lamb is a lion.
Kara is hard character to like because as I was reading I was cringing over some of the things she was doing. However, I had to give her a break. It's all about Alex, and what she wants to do right by him.
Enter Damian and he just throws her normal little world view right out the window. Damian is hurting, too, having lost his parents when he was young. Since then, he's done his job, and he's kept his heart hidden so no one can hurt it/him.
Damian is tough but he realises that Kara is more than just a conductor that allows him to get the bad guy. He thinks he's in control until he meets Kara's son Alex.
Alex is just a kid who loves Star Wars, Star Trek, and all those heroic adventures that little boys adore. Damian begins to mentor Alex, and instead of being cold about it Damian shows that there is more to him than just being a Sentinel. And Kara sees this.
The best scene in the story was the interlude of a picnic and a soccer ball game. This was a moment of healing for both adults. Damian, who had not had such family closeness, fun and laughter, did not hold back. Kara, too, was able to enjoy her family in a way she probably never had. It is this scene in which you see the bond is not just being formed but it becomes a solid one.
As for the bad guy -- very good mystery! I was completely wrong in who I thought it was.
The Belial -- ancient superbeing bad guys -- was written very well, too. Just chilling in his ruthlessness, and in his utter glee at killing.
An excellent story!
This is the first in a series but it does not end on a cliffhanger (which I despise when an author does that). The book has a complete story on its own, but it is a wonderful beginning to the series.
The premise was unusual -- ancient superbeings from Atlantis -- but I forgot that as soon as I got into the story. The world created by the author is a harsh one, and I'm with Kara in trying to forget reality for a dream of "normalcy".
Kara's beloved husband was killed one night brutally while she could only watch. She survived that night, only to discover she was pregnant. Her son is her world, and if you even think to hurt him, you'll find out this lamb is a lion.
Kara is hard character to like because as I was reading I was cringing over some of the things she was doing. However, I had to give her a break. It's all about Alex, and what she wants to do right by him.
Enter Damian and he just throws her normal little world view right out the window. Damian is hurting, too, having lost his parents when he was young. Since then, he's done his job, and he's kept his heart hidden so no one can hurt it/him.
Damian is tough but he realises that Kara is more than just a conductor that allows him to get the bad guy. He thinks he's in control until he meets Kara's son Alex.
Alex is just a kid who loves Star Wars, Star Trek, and all those heroic adventures that little boys adore. Damian begins to mentor Alex, and instead of being cold about it Damian shows that there is more to him than just being a Sentinel. And Kara sees this.
The best scene in the story was the interlude of a picnic and a soccer ball game. This was a moment of healing for both adults. Damian, who had not had such family closeness, fun and laughter, did not hold back. Kara, too, was able to enjoy her family in a way she probably never had. It is this scene in which you see the bond is not just being formed but it becomes a solid one.
As for the bad guy -- very good mystery! I was completely wrong in who I thought it was.
The Belial -- ancient superbeing bad guys -- was written very well, too. Just chilling in his ruthlessness, and in his utter glee at killing.
An excellent story!
This is the first in a series but it does not end on a cliffhanger (which I despise when an author does that). The book has a complete story on its own, but it is a wonderful beginning to the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2013
Let me start by saying that it was a good book. It was written well and the characters seemed well developed.
So why am I only giving a 3 star rating? Well, I may be a little harsh on this rating, sorry.
This book is a paranormal book. And paranormal isn't really my 'style' of book. The most of read is vampire and I've read only about a hand full of those. I thought maybe I was ready for this 'type' of paranormal but I honestly wasn't. It just didn't work for me. Because of my lack of interest in the paranormal readings, I often got bored and put the book down. I wasn't at any one given moment so attached to the book or a section of the reading where I found it difficult to put the book down to go to bed or that I was so excited to pick it back up to read it again, after having to put it down. But that is my own personal issues and I can't honestly say it was the book itself.
The book is about a woman and her son whose souls have decided to take on a different purpose in life. And, then there is a cute guy's soul that has decided to become a Sentinel which fights off the evil spirited souls. The three of them work together to capture a bad guy and in the end, the fall in love. Go figure, right? :)
For me, the most excited was the end of the book when all the action started happening and finding out exactly who the Belian had possessed in the small town of Zorro, Texas. I enjoyed reading how Dr. Cantrell and Damien Morgan worked together to kill the spirit and destroy it once and for all and I enjoyed reading how their lives ended, per the book (but I won't tell you the ending-ending-ending). I think I really enjoyed Alex, Dr. Cantrell's son, a lot because he was so bright and full of life.
If you're into the entire paranormal scene, then this is a book for you. If you're trying to get your feet wet within the paranormal scene, then you may want to proceed with caution because it may be a bit too much for you.
So why am I only giving a 3 star rating? Well, I may be a little harsh on this rating, sorry.
This book is a paranormal book. And paranormal isn't really my 'style' of book. The most of read is vampire and I've read only about a hand full of those. I thought maybe I was ready for this 'type' of paranormal but I honestly wasn't. It just didn't work for me. Because of my lack of interest in the paranormal readings, I often got bored and put the book down. I wasn't at any one given moment so attached to the book or a section of the reading where I found it difficult to put the book down to go to bed or that I was so excited to pick it back up to read it again, after having to put it down. But that is my own personal issues and I can't honestly say it was the book itself.
The book is about a woman and her son whose souls have decided to take on a different purpose in life. And, then there is a cute guy's soul that has decided to become a Sentinel which fights off the evil spirited souls. The three of them work together to capture a bad guy and in the end, the fall in love. Go figure, right? :)
For me, the most excited was the end of the book when all the action started happening and finding out exactly who the Belian had possessed in the small town of Zorro, Texas. I enjoyed reading how Dr. Cantrell and Damien Morgan worked together to kill the spirit and destroy it once and for all and I enjoyed reading how their lives ended, per the book (but I won't tell you the ending-ending-ending). I think I really enjoyed Alex, Dr. Cantrell's son, a lot because he was so bright and full of life.
If you're into the entire paranormal scene, then this is a book for you. If you're trying to get your feet wet within the paranormal scene, then you may want to proceed with caution because it may be a bit too much for you.
October 17, 2016
Book Review-Touched by Darkness by Catherine Spangler
Kara has settled in the small town of Zorro, Texas with her son Alex. She wants a normal life. She is a conductor but refuses to put herself through that again, after she lost her husband Richard who was a Sentinel. Unfortunately Alex is showing signs of powers. When a stranger shows up in Zorro, Kara can feel his power. She knows he is a Sentinel and refuses to let him know about Alex. She will do anything to keep her son safe.
Damien Morgan is following the power trail. He is hunting Belians and Alex is a surprise he encounters as he searches. Kara doesn’t want her son in that dangerous life, but when a Belian is in Zorro killing innocent people, she has to make some tough decisions. Her son needs protected and the Belian needs to be stopped. She has to team up with Morgan and conduct once again.
The idea of this book was interesting but Kara was over the top dramatic. She was too naïve for my liking. I didn’t like how she believed that past life would go away if she ran far enough. That was ridiculous.
Morgan was very distant and almost came across as superior in attitude. The first half of the story was not my favorite. Once Kara stopped fighting the situation and agreed to Morgan’s help with Alex, things started moving forward. I constantly shook my head at Kara’s stubbornness and fear. I wanted to smack some sense into her.
I did like her character at the end of the story. She was able to turn her attitude around and be courageous. I liked the final scenes as Kara and Morgan worked together to save Zorro. The ending was worth the read. I give it a 4 out of 5.
Kara has settled in the small town of Zorro, Texas with her son Alex. She wants a normal life. She is a conductor but refuses to put herself through that again, after she lost her husband Richard who was a Sentinel. Unfortunately Alex is showing signs of powers. When a stranger shows up in Zorro, Kara can feel his power. She knows he is a Sentinel and refuses to let him know about Alex. She will do anything to keep her son safe.
Damien Morgan is following the power trail. He is hunting Belians and Alex is a surprise he encounters as he searches. Kara doesn’t want her son in that dangerous life, but when a Belian is in Zorro killing innocent people, she has to make some tough decisions. Her son needs protected and the Belian needs to be stopped. She has to team up with Morgan and conduct once again.
The idea of this book was interesting but Kara was over the top dramatic. She was too naïve for my liking. I didn’t like how she believed that past life would go away if she ran far enough. That was ridiculous.
Morgan was very distant and almost came across as superior in attitude. The first half of the story was not my favorite. Once Kara stopped fighting the situation and agreed to Morgan’s help with Alex, things started moving forward. I constantly shook my head at Kara’s stubbornness and fear. I wanted to smack some sense into her.
I did like her character at the end of the story. She was able to turn her attitude around and be courageous. I liked the final scenes as Kara and Morgan worked together to save Zorro. The ending was worth the read. I give it a 4 out of 5.
August 12, 2016
As far as paranormal devices in fiction go, the Sentinel/Conductor pairing is unusual. This alone makes the story worth reading. Damien and Kara share a tense relationship that takes the larger part of the book to loosen up. Both are strong and hard-headed. And Damien seems to be just a bit socially ignorant. Or maybe it is just arrogance. Or both. At any rate, these are great characters that you want to root for!
I am also a sucker for a story with a cute kid! Kara's son Alex is the cutie in this story. It is Alex's vulnerability that brings Kara and Damien together. And even though I could see where this pseudo-family relationship was going, I was eager to keep reading the story to see how it got there.
Then there are the Belians. The bad guys/gals? This first book in the Sentinel series does not go into a great deal of detail on the POV of the Belians. It would be interesting to explore them more and perhaps this happens in a later book. Suffice it to say, they are just plain evil! What else do you need in a baddie?
If you like paranormal romance, check out Touched by Darkness. Plus, the Kindle version is currently free at Amazon. Need I say more?
I am also a sucker for a story with a cute kid! Kara's son Alex is the cutie in this story. It is Alex's vulnerability that brings Kara and Damien together. And even though I could see where this pseudo-family relationship was going, I was eager to keep reading the story to see how it got there.
Then there are the Belians. The bad guys/gals? This first book in the Sentinel series does not go into a great deal of detail on the POV of the Belians. It would be interesting to explore them more and perhaps this happens in a later book. Suffice it to say, they are just plain evil! What else do you need in a baddie?
If you like paranormal romance, check out Touched by Darkness. Plus, the Kindle version is currently free at Amazon. Need I say more?
September 14, 2014
This is not my first Catherine Spangler novel. I've read some other things by her. That being said, this read was kind of a toss up for me. I loved the idea, I loved the supernatural-ness of it. And I loved Alex and Damien's coldness. But Kara made me want to slap her.
She spends three quarters of the novel hoping everything will just blow over and that her son will not be hurt simply because she had a traumatic experience with the last Sentinel she was involved with. "You know what, darlin. Put on your big girl panties." No mother who claims to love her son as much as Kara claims to love her Alex would ever not be willing to do something that will protect him. Ever. And the fact that she spends so much of the book not doing it just makes me hate her. I have kids. Four of them. And I would walk through fire covered in gasoline to save my babies. Any loving mother would. So Kara just didn't do it for me.
The romance part was kind of meh to me as well, where the sex was just to conduct a vision. Yep, that totally got me excited. Not.
Just a lot of things in this book did not set well with me, but the overall story was a good idea. I think if more had been done to make Kara believable, I would have enjoyed it better.
She spends three quarters of the novel hoping everything will just blow over and that her son will not be hurt simply because she had a traumatic experience with the last Sentinel she was involved with. "You know what, darlin. Put on your big girl panties." No mother who claims to love her son as much as Kara claims to love her Alex would ever not be willing to do something that will protect him. Ever. And the fact that she spends so much of the book not doing it just makes me hate her. I have kids. Four of them. And I would walk through fire covered in gasoline to save my babies. Any loving mother would. So Kara just didn't do it for me.
The romance part was kind of meh to me as well, where the sex was just to conduct a vision. Yep, that totally got me excited. Not.
Just a lot of things in this book did not set well with me, but the overall story was a good idea. I think if more had been done to make Kara believable, I would have enjoyed it better.
December 3, 2014
She Had to Embrace the Darkness to See the Light~
Touched by Darkness was my first read from Author Catherine Spangler. I am passionate for the Paranormal and this one was very different from the usual read.
Kara is such a strong women and had to live a life she did sign up for; one who married a Sentinel, watched him die, has a young son who has inherited his father’s gift, and falls in love with another powerful Sentinel. A Sentinel is a being from another realm, (Atlantis) and reborn to save the planet from evil,and evil comes to their small town in Texas. Kara is a full time mom, but knows she controls the real powers for a Sentinel to help them channel their gifts. When Damien walks into her life he not only is there to protect her son from an evil race that inhabits bodies, but needs her in order to enhance his sixth sense.
I have to say the lovemaking scenes were brilliant between these two light workers. Oh yes, the sparks did fly! What I loved about this book was the spiritual side betweenKara and Damien, not to mention a strong power inside a small child.
I am now a huge Catherine Spangler fan. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
Touched by Darkness was my first read from Author Catherine Spangler. I am passionate for the Paranormal and this one was very different from the usual read.
Kara is such a strong women and had to live a life she did sign up for; one who married a Sentinel, watched him die, has a young son who has inherited his father’s gift, and falls in love with another powerful Sentinel. A Sentinel is a being from another realm, (Atlantis) and reborn to save the planet from evil,and evil comes to their small town in Texas. Kara is a full time mom, but knows she controls the real powers for a Sentinel to help them channel their gifts. When Damien walks into her life he not only is there to protect her son from an evil race that inhabits bodies, but needs her in order to enhance his sixth sense.
I have to say the lovemaking scenes were brilliant between these two light workers. Oh yes, the sparks did fly! What I loved about this book was the spiritual side betweenKara and Damien, not to mention a strong power inside a small child.
I am now a huge Catherine Spangler fan. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
July 5, 2015
Not quite sure how to rate this one. I'm thinking 2 1/2 to 3 stars for the romance and 4 stars for the paranormal story. I read the book expecting more of a paranormal romance rather than a paranormal story with some romance so I was a bit disappointed. The writing was good and the story original and interesting but the heat factor wasn't here.
It took until about 70% into the story for them to have sex and that scene was a big let down. The H and h had all this amazing pent up sexual energy due to the sentinel/conducter relationship yet the scene came across as almost clinical and not descriptive. I wanted to experience the moment with them and it didn't happen. They didn't kiss or touch in the scene - just connected certain body parts and the "energy" flowed as he pumped. It was supposedly mind bogglingly good too. Yeah, I wanted more than that.
However, the author is talented and had a great idea for this book. She told a good story that kept my interest and I am tempted to read book 2.
It took until about 70% into the story for them to have sex and that scene was a big let down. The H and h had all this amazing pent up sexual energy due to the sentinel/conducter relationship yet the scene came across as almost clinical and not descriptive. I wanted to experience the moment with them and it didn't happen. They didn't kiss or touch in the scene - just connected certain body parts and the "energy" flowed as he pumped. It was supposedly mind bogglingly good too. Yeah, I wanted more than that.
However, the author is talented and had a great idea for this book. She told a good story that kept my interest and I am tempted to read book 2.
March 16, 2014
What a unique and awesome story line!! Just wow!
I have to admit that when I began reading this the prologue was a little misleading. I honestly wasn't sure if this was going to be something I enjoyed or not. However, it is simply extreme backstory and the rest is written in a more contemporary way.
I loved the mystery and thrills in this book. I can honestly say that I was trying to figure out the "who done it" up until the very end!
The romance, while extremely unique and interestingly paranormal, was done in a truly believable and realistic manner. I found myself hoping that Damien and Kara could both move past their past issues and just be together. I simply ADORE how this book ended and cannot wait to read the next one!!
I have to admit that when I began reading this the prologue was a little misleading. I honestly wasn't sure if this was going to be something I enjoyed or not. However, it is simply extreme backstory and the rest is written in a more contemporary way.
I loved the mystery and thrills in this book. I can honestly say that I was trying to figure out the "who done it" up until the very end!
The romance, while extremely unique and interestingly paranormal, was done in a truly believable and realistic manner. I found myself hoping that Damien and Kara could both move past their past issues and just be together. I simply ADORE how this book ended and cannot wait to read the next one!!
June 2, 2008
I've read other books by Spangler and enjoyed them, but this one was just sort of so-so for me. I realize this was a new series and she needed to give us some background information, but I didn't really start to enjoy the book until around the last 75 pages. Regardless of the hunky hero and the tempting cover art, I just wasn't overly compelled to pick it up because the story wasn't grabbing my attention. Then again maybe it was my just my frame of mind when I started this. *shrug* At least I did finish it. I doubt I'll pursue this series though unless I just happen upon some of them at a library sale.
January 25, 2014
This book delivers exactly what it promises, with well developed characters, a solid mystery, and just the right balance between plot and romance. The writing is seamless - every time I picked it up, I had trouble putting it back down.
While this book does have sex scenes, they dance an elegant line between explicit and implied. The romance between the two characters is believable, and I really liked the tension involved in it. This isn't my usual fare, but I'm making an exception for the author's other books, because she's a writer worth reading.
While this book does have sex scenes, they dance an elegant line between explicit and implied. The romance between the two characters is believable, and I really liked the tension involved in it. This isn't my usual fare, but I'm making an exception for the author's other books, because she's a writer worth reading.
September 21, 2014
Pros: I like the whole fictional world in this series, with its Sentinels and conductors against the Belians. The story flowed well, and I found the characters interesting and believable for the most part. The plot held my interest.
Cons: I thought the heroine acted a little stupidly sometimes, ignoring her instincts and common sense when danger was around, though this was only the case a couple of times. I wish the pacing had been a little faster. The story dragged for me a bit in the middle.
Cons: I thought the heroine acted a little stupidly sometimes, ignoring her instincts and common sense when danger was around, though this was only the case a couple of times. I wish the pacing had been a little faster. The story dragged for me a bit in the middle.
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