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The Sensor #1
Darkness Haunts
Book one of The Sensor Series.
Melena Sanders faced her fair share of danger with insurgents and terrorists when she served in the U.S. Army, but now she is about to go up against a new threat. Her best friend, Aniya, has disappeared while on a trip to Fairbanks, Alaska—a supernatural haven. Most humans have no idea darker races lurk amongst them. Mel knows better. If she wants to get her friend back, she’s going to have to go in alone—but not unarmed.
Melena has a few special skills the Army didn’t provide, but the odds are still against her. She’s got to come up with a plan fast that doesn’t involve her, or her friend, dying. But danger likes to play it rough. A war for power is about to rise in Fairbanks and if she wants to get Aniya back, she’s going to have to step right into the middle of it.
Melena Sanders faced her fair share of danger with insurgents and terrorists when she served in the U.S. Army, but now she is about to go up against a new threat. Her best friend, Aniya, has disappeared while on a trip to Fairbanks, Alaska—a supernatural haven. Most humans have no idea darker races lurk amongst them. Mel knows better. If she wants to get her friend back, she’s going to have to go in alone—but not unarmed.
Melena has a few special skills the Army didn’t provide, but the odds are still against her. She’s got to come up with a plan fast that doesn’t involve her, or her friend, dying. But danger likes to play it rough. A war for power is about to rise in Fairbanks and if she wants to get Aniya back, she’s going to have to step right into the middle of it.
387 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2013
305 people are currently reading
3739 people want to read
About the author
Susan Illene
40 books492 followersSusan Illene served in the US Army for eleven years and worked as a human resources specialist and an Arabic linguist. She served two deployments to Iraq, and after leaving the army, she studied history at the University of Oklahoma. She currently lives with her husband and two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 223 reviews
December 9, 2013
Cover & Title - 4 out of 5
Favourite character - Melena
The blurb for this book really did not do anything for me, if it was not for my insane addiction to UF with female leads I doubt i would of tried this book. The fact not one of my goodreads friends has not read the book either is surprising to me, this also put me off to be honest. I am glad i tried this series as it was actually really interesting, i seriously enjoyed this book & I have gone on to read the next book in the series straight after this one.
Melena has an interesting ability & an army background, both combined make for a surprisingly strong character. She is funny, serious, quirky, loyal & pretty fierce. I liked her character a lot.
A hot werewolf & a hot nephilim are offered as a possible love interest in following books in the series but there are no trysts in this book.
The story has a good amount of drama & action. I felt engrossed in the story & outcome. I was pleased with the way things ended & the epilogue was a good way to leave me feeling suspense without a cliff hanger.
Favourite character - Melena
The blurb for this book really did not do anything for me, if it was not for my insane addiction to UF with female leads I doubt i would of tried this book. The fact not one of my goodreads friends has not read the book either is surprising to me, this also put me off to be honest. I am glad i tried this series as it was actually really interesting, i seriously enjoyed this book & I have gone on to read the next book in the series straight after this one.
Melena has an interesting ability & an army background, both combined make for a surprisingly strong character. She is funny, serious, quirky, loyal & pretty fierce. I liked her character a lot.
A hot werewolf & a hot nephilim are offered as a possible love interest in following books in the series but there are no trysts in this book.
The story has a good amount of drama & action. I felt engrossed in the story & outcome. I was pleased with the way things ended & the epilogue was a good way to leave me feeling suspense without a cliff hanger.
January 25, 2013
Between 1 and 2 stars
I bought this book after reading a good review from an other UF author. I'm sorry to say I do not share his good opinion.
I really can't (and don't want) say this is a bad book, but I couldn't enjoy it. I found it terribly flat.
And I could not in any way understand or feel the main characters.
She seemed a robot to me, unresponsive. I was told she cried, but I could not perceive her feelings. She is beaten gravely (not tortured which, sorry to say, it's not the same). She folds. I do not expect a soldier to be superman. But if you make your character something more than a simple soldier, she should act as such. Or make me feel the tension.
Worse, she is compelled twice by friends and foes to act or do what she doesn't want to do. Do you feel her rage? No. She behaves as nothing has happened with her jailer. He let people torture and murder an innocent to punish her. Does she react with him? No. Nothing, nada zip. They "talk" about it much later. WTF? Her allies basically compel her to work for them. She has to abandon her dreams, her studies and her future so she can be "safer" (and help them). Again, she has no reaction (any reaction). Meh.
Nicolas, Lucas, Derek, all of them were barely sketched. Charlie, the Indian Wise man, who sprouted mysterious wiseness, was over-the-top clichéd.
There's a lot of telling in this story and not enough showing. Unfortunately this did not help when the plot (or some of it) was already way too similar to Dead Spots. Pity, because the story is interesting.
Please read the other reviews before deciding, and consider that the book is at 2.99$.
I bought this book after reading a good review from an other UF author. I'm sorry to say I do not share his good opinion.
I really can't (and don't want) say this is a bad book, but I couldn't enjoy it. I found it terribly flat.
And I could not in any way understand or feel the main characters.
She seemed a robot to me, unresponsive. I was told she cried, but I could not perceive her feelings. She is beaten gravely (not tortured which, sorry to say, it's not the same). She folds. I do not expect a soldier to be superman. But if you make your character something more than a simple soldier, she should act as such. Or make me feel the tension.
Worse, she is compelled twice by friends and foes to act or do what she doesn't want to do. Do you feel her rage? No. She behaves as nothing has happened with her jailer. He let people torture and murder an innocent to punish her. Does she react with him? No. Nothing, nada zip. They "talk" about it much later. WTF? Her allies basically compel her to work for them. She has to abandon her dreams, her studies and her future so she can be "safer" (and help them). Again, she has no reaction (any reaction). Meh.
Nicolas, Lucas, Derek, all of them were barely sketched. Charlie, the Indian Wise man, who sprouted mysterious wiseness, was over-the-top clichéd.
There's a lot of telling in this story and not enough showing. Unfortunately this did not help when the plot (or some of it) was already way too similar to Dead Spots. Pity, because the story is interesting.
Please read the other reviews before deciding, and consider that the book is at 2.99$.
May 12, 2017
Lots of hot males in this book, though not much romance. There is, of course, potential for romance in the next book with Nikolas, Lucas or/and Derrick... I wonder who she'll end up with. I sincerely hope it's Lucas, if not him, then Nikolas. I got the 'friend-vibe' from Derrick, so I hope Melena doesn't end up with him. On to the next one!
June 23, 2015
Melena is a sensor. Her supernatural abilities means she is able to know the true nature of beings, whether they are a werewolf, a vampire, or a fae. Her kind are a threat to the very existence of the supernaturals and because of it she is always a target, always hunted.
When she arrives in Alaska searching for her friend who has disappeared she finds herself smack dab in the middle of supernatural central. Even worse, she needs to trust those who want to kill her if she is to have any hope of finding her friend.
Such a great book. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much but this book is pretty damned great. Great story. Well written. Entertaining.
I'll definitely be reading more.
When she arrives in Alaska searching for her friend who has disappeared she finds herself smack dab in the middle of supernatural central. Even worse, she needs to trust those who want to kill her if she is to have any hope of finding her friend.
Such a great book. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much but this book is pretty damned great. Great story. Well written. Entertaining.
I'll definitely be reading more.
February 3, 2013
Melena is human, but she’s also a Sensor who can detect the presence of supernatural beings, as well as their type and strength. She’s had to hide this talent because Sensors are on the supernatural “most wanted” list and if one were to realize her skill, she’d be dead. Laying low becomes impossible when her best friend, Aniya, goes missing and Melena must journey to Alaska, (an area chock full of Vampires, Werewolves, Witches, and Fairies) to find her. In order to save her friend, she’ll need to put aside her long ingrained fears, and team up with the very people she’s spent her life trying to avoid.
Darkness Haunts isn’t a light-hearted urban fantasy. Melena’s parents died when she was young, her foster parents died when she was a teen, and she watched her guardian (another Sensor) murdered by a powerful Nephilim. She joined the army right out of high school and spent her service right in the thick of a war zone. Any day, she could be discovered by a supernatural being and killed. And to top it all off, the Nephilim who murdered her guardian keeps popping up and reminding her that eventually he’s going to kill her too. Yes, he’s sexy as all hell and he has saved her life a few times, but watching him slice her guardian in half with a sword is a rather hard image to put out of one’s mind. It’s not that Melena is grim, she has a kind of dark humor to her that’s surprising given what she’s been through. Her experience, including her military service, has made her cautious, but she is flexible, and adapts quickly under pressure in Alaska.
Once in Alaska, Melena uses good old-fashioned, gumshoe detective work to try and located Aniya. After days of dead ends, she finally gets a lead, but when the man Aniya was last seen with is pointed out to her, her heart sinks. He’s a vampire. Melena realizes that she’s going to have to use her special skills and expose herself to the very supes she’s been hiding from. She’s soon revealed as a Sensor, and desperately trying to determine who among the supernaturals she can trust, and who she can’t. Her life, and Aniya’s, depends on it.
The storyline really held my attention, and the pacing was well done. Fight scenes were realistic, and the details of Melena’s capture, imprisonment, and torment were gritty enough to spike my adrenaline, but not needlessly graphic. There are some teasing sexy scenes, but romance or a hot roll in the sheets is not in this particular book. I have hopes, given the direction the characters seem to be heading, that Melena will get sweaty in the near future. I’m particularly infatuated with Lucas. Sexy, super powerful, enigmatic Nephilim have always done it for me. If Melena doesn’t get busy with him, I sure as heck will.
Well written, and a good start to a new series. Darkness Haunts is a great addition to your UF bookshelf.
Darkness Haunts isn’t a light-hearted urban fantasy. Melena’s parents died when she was young, her foster parents died when she was a teen, and she watched her guardian (another Sensor) murdered by a powerful Nephilim. She joined the army right out of high school and spent her service right in the thick of a war zone. Any day, she could be discovered by a supernatural being and killed. And to top it all off, the Nephilim who murdered her guardian keeps popping up and reminding her that eventually he’s going to kill her too. Yes, he’s sexy as all hell and he has saved her life a few times, but watching him slice her guardian in half with a sword is a rather hard image to put out of one’s mind. It’s not that Melena is grim, she has a kind of dark humor to her that’s surprising given what she’s been through. Her experience, including her military service, has made her cautious, but she is flexible, and adapts quickly under pressure in Alaska.
Once in Alaska, Melena uses good old-fashioned, gumshoe detective work to try and located Aniya. After days of dead ends, she finally gets a lead, but when the man Aniya was last seen with is pointed out to her, her heart sinks. He’s a vampire. Melena realizes that she’s going to have to use her special skills and expose herself to the very supes she’s been hiding from. She’s soon revealed as a Sensor, and desperately trying to determine who among the supernaturals she can trust, and who she can’t. Her life, and Aniya’s, depends on it.
The storyline really held my attention, and the pacing was well done. Fight scenes were realistic, and the details of Melena’s capture, imprisonment, and torment were gritty enough to spike my adrenaline, but not needlessly graphic. There are some teasing sexy scenes, but romance or a hot roll in the sheets is not in this particular book. I have hopes, given the direction the characters seem to be heading, that Melena will get sweaty in the near future. I’m particularly infatuated with Lucas. Sexy, super powerful, enigmatic Nephilim have always done it for me. If Melena doesn’t get busy with him, I sure as heck will.
Well written, and a good start to a new series. Darkness Haunts is a great addition to your UF bookshelf.
April 14, 2015
Not a series I will continue - it was ok but nothing memorable
I had mixed feelings about this one so I think breaking it down would be best:
The pros:
* A strong will heroine that was tough
* I really liked the abundance of paranormal beings
The cons:
* I had a hard time getting into this book - around 50% the pace started picking up, but it never really had me emotionally invested
* No romance - I usually prefer at least a touch of this
* At times it felt as if there were too many characters and because of this ALL characters seemed to lack much depth - they just never felt solid or realistic to me
* I think it was over-priced at its current listing price of $3.99 - for the first book in a series it never really grabbed my attention or had me wanting to continue this series - Offered as a freebie or even at .99 seems more ideal
Overall, it was just ok for me. Not great, but not brutal. I can say that for sure that I won't personally be continuing this series. It just never pulled me into the story or had me concerned about what comes of the characters.
I had mixed feelings about this one so I think breaking it down would be best:
The pros:
* A strong will heroine that was tough
* I really liked the abundance of paranormal beings
The cons:
* I had a hard time getting into this book - around 50% the pace started picking up, but it never really had me emotionally invested
* No romance - I usually prefer at least a touch of this
* At times it felt as if there were too many characters and because of this ALL characters seemed to lack much depth - they just never felt solid or realistic to me
* I think it was over-priced at its current listing price of $3.99 - for the first book in a series it never really grabbed my attention or had me wanting to continue this series - Offered as a freebie or even at .99 seems more ideal
Overall, it was just ok for me. Not great, but not brutal. I can say that for sure that I won't personally be continuing this series. It just never pulled me into the story or had me concerned about what comes of the characters.
February 25, 2013
Darkness Haunts was good, peeps, and I breezed through it within a couple of hours. Miss Illene is a definite fan of urban fantasy and it is her genre. I also loved that all of this was happening in Alaska. This is not a region very popular in UF, and I can only name a few books that chose to use it as their setting.
There are plenty of yummy moments and interesting characters: Mel herself is an intriguing woman with a background as a military interrogator; Lucas is a Nephilim angel who mostly annoys her and occasionally saves her life; and Nikolas oozes charm surprising for his advanced age and level of power.
I very much enjoyed Mel. She is tough, she is not afraid to be ruthless and use her knife or her gun. She fights for what she feels is right and she knows when to retreat. I like clever and resourceful characters, and I think that given some time, Mel will become a formidable heroine.
The plot moves really well and involves all sorts of supernatural beings - werewolves, vampires, witches, fairies. Saying all that, the book felt too tentative in its exploration of the characters and world-building. I was interested in the world and I wanted to know more, and I think the book would only have won from extra 100 or so pages.
Susan Illene is not afraid of writing about darkness, and her villains are done really well, I just think she should dig even deeper and bring all those deep, powerful, painful emotions, all those conflicts and moments of extreme joy to the surface to make her future books even better.
I will be rooting for this author because I think she's got great potential. Susan, turn it up to eleven! *grinning*
There are plenty of yummy moments and interesting characters: Mel herself is an intriguing woman with a background as a military interrogator; Lucas is a Nephilim angel who mostly annoys her and occasionally saves her life; and Nikolas oozes charm surprising for his advanced age and level of power.
I very much enjoyed Mel. She is tough, she is not afraid to be ruthless and use her knife or her gun. She fights for what she feels is right and she knows when to retreat. I like clever and resourceful characters, and I think that given some time, Mel will become a formidable heroine.
The plot moves really well and involves all sorts of supernatural beings - werewolves, vampires, witches, fairies. Saying all that, the book felt too tentative in its exploration of the characters and world-building. I was interested in the world and I wanted to know more, and I think the book would only have won from extra 100 or so pages.
Susan Illene is not afraid of writing about darkness, and her villains are done really well, I just think she should dig even deeper and bring all those deep, powerful, painful emotions, all those conflicts and moments of extreme joy to the surface to make her future books even better.
I will be rooting for this author because I think she's got great potential. Susan, turn it up to eleven! *grinning*
June 11, 2020
4 Darkness Stars
I do love book club when you think you want to read a book but keep putting it off. And then it gets picked.
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book I went in blind like I normally do, and I was pliantly surprised.
Melena is a Sensor, meaning she can sense other supernatural or sups as she calls them and magic doesn’t work on her. She can also tell if someone is lying or not. There is a whole lot more but I am not going to go into the details. ;)
But she was taught to fear and be wary of supernatural so she is almost too much.
She and her pixie roommate are worried about a friend who goes missing. So Melena volunteers to go looking for her friend.
Only she gets caught up in a whole lot of strange and dangerous but she is loyal to her friends and knows she isn’t going home until she can get her friend out safely.
We get vampires, werewolves, witches, mystics, shaman, fairies, pixies and a Nephilim. This book has it all but it’s done in such away you’re not over loaded with information. It flows and it’s easy to read and not get confused.
I really enjoyed Melena as a character, I found she has a lot of growth throughout the book, she isn’t just one way and that’s it. She learns to like and even trust what she has been taught can hurt or harm her. I think she is always wary but she isn’t bossy or whiny she goes with the flow and assess everything before she does what feels right for her.
There is also the potential for a love story, or triangle but the story continues and I am just intrigued enough to want to find out more.
Also I listened to the audiobook and loved it, I enjoyed the narration she wasn’t whiny or breathy and she really made Melena real for me. So I would most definitely be listening to more by her.
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion and I am allowed to have it.*
I do love book club when you think you want to read a book but keep putting it off. And then it gets picked.
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book I went in blind like I normally do, and I was pliantly surprised.
Melena is a Sensor, meaning she can sense other supernatural or sups as she calls them and magic doesn’t work on her. She can also tell if someone is lying or not. There is a whole lot more but I am not going to go into the details. ;)
But she was taught to fear and be wary of supernatural so she is almost too much.
She and her pixie roommate are worried about a friend who goes missing. So Melena volunteers to go looking for her friend.
Only she gets caught up in a whole lot of strange and dangerous but she is loyal to her friends and knows she isn’t going home until she can get her friend out safely.
We get vampires, werewolves, witches, mystics, shaman, fairies, pixies and a Nephilim. This book has it all but it’s done in such away you’re not over loaded with information. It flows and it’s easy to read and not get confused.
I really enjoyed Melena as a character, I found she has a lot of growth throughout the book, she isn’t just one way and that’s it. She learns to like and even trust what she has been taught can hurt or harm her. I think she is always wary but she isn’t bossy or whiny she goes with the flow and assess everything before she does what feels right for her.
There is also the potential for a love story, or triangle but the story continues and I am just intrigued enough to want to find out more.
Also I listened to the audiobook and loved it, I enjoyed the narration she wasn’t whiny or breathy and she really made Melena real for me. So I would most definitely be listening to more by her.
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion and I am allowed to have it.*
March 22, 2017
Hantée par les ténèbres est une "nouvelle" série d'urban fantasy qui ne brille pas par son originalité mais dont le traitement et la mythologie sont suffisamment intéressants pour que l'envie nous prenne de poursuivre sur le second tome. Quand je parle de manque d'originalité, il faut dire que les héroïnes badass en proie à des créatures surnaturelles sont légion dans la littérature en ce moment : Mercy Thompson, la coyotte, Elena Michaels, la louve, Rebeccas Kean, la sorcière de guerre ... pour ne parler que de mes préférées. Comme ses "copines" du genre, Mel est une femme forte, une ancienne militaire. Elle a du caractère, sait se défendre et parfois a le verbe haut. Pourtant ici, la petite touche de nouveauté tient dans sa nature ... que je ne dévoilerai pas. Mel a aussi un grand coeur et elle est d'une loyauté sans faille. Alors quand sa meilleure amie se retrouve dans les ennuis jusqu'au cou, elle n'hésite pas à la suivre jusqu'en Alaska pour l'en sortir ... Mais tout ne va pas se dérouler comme prévu.
Si au départ, j'ai crains le déjà vu, je me suis laissée happée par l'histoire, par le personnage de Mel et tous ceux qui gravitent autours d'elle. Et puis l'Alaska, un petit tour sur google pour m'impregner des paysages et j'étais partie loin de ma Normandie.
L'écriture est fluide, l'histoire et la mythologie bien campées et une odeur de mystère fleure autours d'une Melena qui devra aussi faire fi de ses préjugés. Oh et une chose qui m'a particulièrement plu (et qui ne sera pas le cas pour tout le monde) .. la romance ne prends pas le pas sur l'intrigue générale!!! Alleluïa!! D'ailleurs il n'y a dans ce tome pas de romance du tout (Vous remarquerez que je ne parle pas des personnages masculins, c'est fait exprès, il faut les découvrir sois-même, se poser les questions ... )
Bref, je vais très sérieusement suivre cette série et me procurer les autres tomes.
Si au départ, j'ai crains le déjà vu, je me suis laissée happée par l'histoire, par le personnage de Mel et tous ceux qui gravitent autours d'elle. Et puis l'Alaska, un petit tour sur google pour m'impregner des paysages et j'étais partie loin de ma Normandie.
L'écriture est fluide, l'histoire et la mythologie bien campées et une odeur de mystère fleure autours d'une Melena qui devra aussi faire fi de ses préjugés. Oh et une chose qui m'a particulièrement plu (et qui ne sera pas le cas pour tout le monde) .. la romance ne prends pas le pas sur l'intrigue générale!!! Alleluïa!! D'ailleurs il n'y a dans ce tome pas de romance du tout (Vous remarquerez que je ne parle pas des personnages masculins, c'est fait exprès, il faut les découvrir sois-même, se poser les questions ... )
Bref, je vais très sérieusement suivre cette série et me procurer les autres tomes.
January 20, 2013
Melena would like to be normal. But…
Life doesn't always work like that (1): She's a Sensor, which means she can sense and recognise other supernaturals and is immune to their magic. That makes her a threat to them and she knows she's on the supernatural's most wanted list, for no fault of her own.
Life doesn't always work like that (2): Melena's an orphan, raised by a Sensor who was murdered by a supernatural. And that supernatural (a nephilim) is still around.
Luckily, Melena's kept out of the way of supernaturals by serving in the army. This experience has made her resourceful and strong. Good thing, she needs those qualities as the life she's constructed in Monterey begins to unravel. Her best friend disappears in suspicious circumstances in Alaska, and the supernaturals find out about her.
Melena travels to Alaska to escape the Californian supernaturals and find out the truth about her friend, but this turns out to be out of the frying pan and into the fire.
Melena’s quiet competence and inner steel is put to the test in harrowing, no-win circumstances.
I enjoyed this book. I liked the breadth of the hidden supernatural community, the twists and turns of the plot line interlaced with her evolving relationships with friends and foes, and the slow reveal of things as they really are.
Looks like a series.
Recommended.
Life doesn't always work like that (1): She's a Sensor, which means she can sense and recognise other supernaturals and is immune to their magic. That makes her a threat to them and she knows she's on the supernatural's most wanted list, for no fault of her own.
Life doesn't always work like that (2): Melena's an orphan, raised by a Sensor who was murdered by a supernatural. And that supernatural (a nephilim) is still around.
Luckily, Melena's kept out of the way of supernaturals by serving in the army. This experience has made her resourceful and strong. Good thing, she needs those qualities as the life she's constructed in Monterey begins to unravel. Her best friend disappears in suspicious circumstances in Alaska, and the supernaturals find out about her.
Melena travels to Alaska to escape the Californian supernaturals and find out the truth about her friend, but this turns out to be out of the frying pan and into the fire.
Melena’s quiet competence and inner steel is put to the test in harrowing, no-win circumstances.
I enjoyed this book. I liked the breadth of the hidden supernatural community, the twists and turns of the plot line interlaced with her evolving relationships with friends and foes, and the slow reveal of things as they really are.
Looks like a series.
Recommended.
June 5, 2017
I really dug this book. Though it was a pretty dark book I enjoyed it. We meet Melena who is a Sensor, she can sense other beings - fae, vampire, werewolf etc, however she's been told to hide her talent, and fear "sups" so she's never really interacted with them I think aside from killing them? I dunno for sure, but anways she ends up going to Fairbanks Alaska to rescue her friend, who is human I think. Some vamps took her, then to save her friend Melena has to look for something for the big bad lady of the city.
The book is faced paced, and I'm unsure whose side I'm on and what exactly to expect. I feel like Melena has a few potential love interests, but that she has so many also irks me. At this point I don't know who I want her to be with, I don't know who I like best each of them are almost likable.
Overall the plot was ok, but I still could appreciate where it went and what's to come.
The book is faced paced, and I'm unsure whose side I'm on and what exactly to expect. I feel like Melena has a few potential love interests, but that she has so many also irks me. At this point I don't know who I want her to be with, I don't know who I like best each of them are almost likable.
Overall the plot was ok, but I still could appreciate where it went and what's to come.
September 16, 2016
I listened to this book for an audiobook club that I belong to online. I wasn't sure what to think as I'd never heard of this series before and I scour goodreads, audible and google all the time for the most popular urban fantasy series. So it took me by complete surprise that this book was SO awesome.
The main character, Melena, is a Sensor (emotional empath, able to sense supernatural creatures being nearby as well as their ages and their emotions, able to tell if anyone is telling the truth, able to sense other sensors) which is a completely new class of supernatural being to me and I love it! I'm not sure about the name... but it's growing on me for sure.
There are a few main characters to the series that were introduced in this book and I like them all very much. I have no idea who the villain will be for the upcoming books - but I can't wait to find out!
Melena reminds me of 2 main characters from other urban fantasy series - Toby Daye from the October Daye series by Seanan Mcguire and Kate Daniels from the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. She is every bit as real, vulnerable, true to herself, fearless yet realistic, altruistic, generous, kind, weary, paranoid and kick ass as the two of them.
I'm definitely a new fan of Susan Illene's books and Cris Dukehart's narration!
The main character, Melena, is a Sensor (emotional empath, able to sense supernatural creatures being nearby as well as their ages and their emotions, able to tell if anyone is telling the truth, able to sense other sensors) which is a completely new class of supernatural being to me and I love it! I'm not sure about the name... but it's growing on me for sure.
There are a few main characters to the series that were introduced in this book and I like them all very much. I have no idea who the villain will be for the upcoming books - but I can't wait to find out!
Melena reminds me of 2 main characters from other urban fantasy series - Toby Daye from the October Daye series by Seanan Mcguire and Kate Daniels from the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. She is every bit as real, vulnerable, true to herself, fearless yet realistic, altruistic, generous, kind, weary, paranoid and kick ass as the two of them.
I'm definitely a new fan of Susan Illene's books and Cris Dukehart's narration!
December 4, 2018
Darkness Haunts begins when Melena decides to go to Alaska to help search for her friend that's missing. No one knows that she's not really human, not even her best friends, and when someone dangerous finds out the truth, it's best for her to get away. So, she takes off to Alaska to find her friend as soon as she can. The problem is her friend may have been taken by someone who isn't human either. Now Melena's whole life is going to change, and things she thought she understood may not be the way things actually are.
This book was totally not what I was expecting at all. I was a little worried about it being very good due to the blurb. But it caught my interest pretty quickly, and kept it till the very end. I really enjoyed the whole story. It was so different then what I was expecting, but in a very good way. I also loved the heroine. She was freaking amazing! Super strong willed, and brave as well, but not stupid. It was just awesome. Now, I'm going to have to read the next one as soon as possible!
This book was totally not what I was expecting at all. I was a little worried about it being very good due to the blurb. But it caught my interest pretty quickly, and kept it till the very end. I really enjoyed the whole story. It was so different then what I was expecting, but in a very good way. I also loved the heroine. She was freaking amazing! Super strong willed, and brave as well, but not stupid. It was just awesome. Now, I'm going to have to read the next one as soon as possible!
September 25, 2016
Although I read a lot of fantasy, I don't usually read a lot which contains vampires, werewolves, witches and the lot. Still, I read it for a book discussion, and I really enjoyed it.
The characters are well developed, and the lead character undergoes some changes in the course of the book. She has some strengths and weaknesses at the beginning, but she fights and overcomes prejudices, and she takes on responsibility.
It is a fast-paced story that gripped me right from the start. There even is a bit of a romantic interest, although there are three likely candidates, and you'll need to read the sequel(s) to find out who'll make it.
The narrator was well fitted, and did a good job with this book.
The characters are well developed, and the lead character undergoes some changes in the course of the book. She has some strengths and weaknesses at the beginning, but she fights and overcomes prejudices, and she takes on responsibility.
It is a fast-paced story that gripped me right from the start. There even is a bit of a romantic interest, although there are three likely candidates, and you'll need to read the sequel(s) to find out who'll make it.
The narrator was well fitted, and did a good job with this book.
October 27, 2022
This book dragged and nothing is developed.
There were a lot of descriptions of things that happened, but it’s not actually shown when things are happening. I was bored as most of this book is just descriptions of Melena trying to find her friend and getting mixed up with some supernatural people.
None of the characters were fully developed. I thought that some of them seemed interesting, like Nik, Emily and Lucas, but they didn’t have personalities and there aren’t really any scenes where Melena gets to know them.
While I would really like to see more scenes with Lucas and if Melena ends up with him (as there was no romance in this book), I’m not going to continue with this series as I didn’t like the way this book was written.
There were a lot of descriptions of things that happened, but it’s not actually shown when things are happening. I was bored as most of this book is just descriptions of Melena trying to find her friend and getting mixed up with some supernatural people.
None of the characters were fully developed. I thought that some of them seemed interesting, like Nik, Emily and Lucas, but they didn’t have personalities and there aren’t really any scenes where Melena gets to know them.
While I would really like to see more scenes with Lucas and if Melena ends up with him (as there was no romance in this book), I’m not going to continue with this series as I didn’t like the way this book was written.
August 7, 2018
It was okay. Not terrible but I don't really have a burning desire to read the next.
January 9, 2022
https://www.my-bo0ks.over-blog.com/20...
Il y a quelques années, j'ai eu envie de découvrir Melena Sanders de Susan Illene. Je me l'étais même procurer à Livre Paris. Finalement, ce n'est que maintenant, alors que la série s'est achevée il y a peu que je la découvre enfin. Comme on dit, mieux vaut tard que jamais.
Melena Sanders est une série d'urban fantasy mêlant sorcière, fae, métamorphes, vampires et compagnie. Autrement dit, tout ce que j'aime. Melena, ancienne militaire va se lancer à la recherche de sa meilleure amie, disparue en Alaska. Mais aller en Alaska, c'est aussi prendre le risque de tomber sur des subs, des êtres surnaturels qui pourraient la tuer en un claquement de doigts rien que parce qu'elle est une sensible... Melena va se lancer dans cette mission et ne rien lâcher pour venir en aide à son amie, quitte à se frotter à plus forts et surtout plus dangereux qu'elle.
Lorsque j'ai commencé ma lecture, j'ai de suite accroché à l'univers. Pourtant, je ne vous cache pas que l'univers est assez complexe (un peu comme toujours dans les premiers tomes de série d'Urban Fantasy). L'autrice nous plonge dans son histoire et nous laisse découvrir cela au fil des chapitres. Cela a de quoi dérouté mais finalement, cela laisse place à la surprise.
Melena est une héroine typique que l'on rencontre dans ce genre. La jeune femme n'a pas sa langue dans sa bouche sans pour autant être une grande gueule. Elle est courageuse, forte, indépendante et surtout, n'a peur de rien. Toutefois, elle saura accepter l'aide qu'on pourra lui proposer et surtout se liera facilement avec les autres personnages.
Face à elle, de nombreux personnages masculins. C'est d'ailleurs, le seul hic de ce premier tome. Les personnages masculins sont nombreux et surtout on sent bien que l'héroine craque pour pas mal d'entre eux, mais pire encore, ces derniers encore plus. Si bien que cela donne la sensation que de multiples relations amoureuses sont possibles pour notre Melena. Ca m'a quelque peu fait grincer des dents, je l'avoue. Même si, heureusement la partie "romance" n'est clairement pas sur le devant de la scène.
J'ai donc bien accroché à Lucas, le néphilim mystérieux qui a un passif avec notre héroine, que l'on découvre petit à petit. Il souffle un peu le chaud et le froid. Nous avons également Derrick (qui m'a fait penser à Derek, de Kate Daniels, d'ailleurs les similitudes de ce premier tome sont assez présentes mais j'ai lu dans d'autres avis qu'après ce n'était plus le cas). Bref, ce personnage se veut plus amical qu'amoureux mais je reste tout de même sur mes gardes sur ce point. Et ensuite, nous avons encore deux autres personnages masculins (que je ne citerai pas ici pour ne pas spoiler), qui entrent dans la balance. Clairement, je trouve que cela fait un peu trop pour la dimension romance. J'espère donc que cela restera purement amical pour la majorité d'entre eux et que Lucas se démarquera de la concurrence.
Niveau intrigue j'ai vraiment bien accroché tout l'aspect investigation et recherche de sa meilleure amie. Le suspense est là, les rebondissements et surtout les révélations bouleverseront les événements au fil des pages. L'autrice nous tient en haleine sans problème. Je n'avais pas envie d'arrêter ma lecture avant de découvrir ce qu'elle nous réservait.
Ajouté à cela, la rencontre de Melena avec toutes les autres créatures, qui bien sur, voient en elle une cible à éliminer. Ses dons font d'elle une menace pour eux et autant vous dire que l'autrice ne l'épargnera pas. Je dois dire que j'étais même surprise par tout ce qu'elle traverse la tête haute. On sent le côté militaire également, qui ajoute vraiment de la crédibilité dans certaines scènes et surtout le recul de Melena face à ses actes.
En conclusion, ce premier tome de Melena Sanders nous propose les bases d'une histoire vraiment entrainante qui a encore beaucoup à donner. Je suis plus que curieuse de poursuivre cette série qui s'annonce vraiment addictive. Melena est une héroine attachante qui m'a beaucoup plu. L'univers est passionnant mêlant suspense et rebondissements avec brio.
Il y a quelques années, j'ai eu envie de découvrir Melena Sanders de Susan Illene. Je me l'étais même procurer à Livre Paris. Finalement, ce n'est que maintenant, alors que la série s'est achevée il y a peu que je la découvre enfin. Comme on dit, mieux vaut tard que jamais.
Melena Sanders est une série d'urban fantasy mêlant sorcière, fae, métamorphes, vampires et compagnie. Autrement dit, tout ce que j'aime. Melena, ancienne militaire va se lancer à la recherche de sa meilleure amie, disparue en Alaska. Mais aller en Alaska, c'est aussi prendre le risque de tomber sur des subs, des êtres surnaturels qui pourraient la tuer en un claquement de doigts rien que parce qu'elle est une sensible... Melena va se lancer dans cette mission et ne rien lâcher pour venir en aide à son amie, quitte à se frotter à plus forts et surtout plus dangereux qu'elle.
Lorsque j'ai commencé ma lecture, j'ai de suite accroché à l'univers. Pourtant, je ne vous cache pas que l'univers est assez complexe (un peu comme toujours dans les premiers tomes de série d'Urban Fantasy). L'autrice nous plonge dans son histoire et nous laisse découvrir cela au fil des chapitres. Cela a de quoi dérouté mais finalement, cela laisse place à la surprise.
Melena est une héroine typique que l'on rencontre dans ce genre. La jeune femme n'a pas sa langue dans sa bouche sans pour autant être une grande gueule. Elle est courageuse, forte, indépendante et surtout, n'a peur de rien. Toutefois, elle saura accepter l'aide qu'on pourra lui proposer et surtout se liera facilement avec les autres personnages.
Face à elle, de nombreux personnages masculins. C'est d'ailleurs, le seul hic de ce premier tome. Les personnages masculins sont nombreux et surtout on sent bien que l'héroine craque pour pas mal d'entre eux, mais pire encore, ces derniers encore plus. Si bien que cela donne la sensation que de multiples relations amoureuses sont possibles pour notre Melena. Ca m'a quelque peu fait grincer des dents, je l'avoue. Même si, heureusement la partie "romance" n'est clairement pas sur le devant de la scène.
J'ai donc bien accroché à Lucas, le néphilim mystérieux qui a un passif avec notre héroine, que l'on découvre petit à petit. Il souffle un peu le chaud et le froid. Nous avons également Derrick (qui m'a fait penser à Derek, de Kate Daniels, d'ailleurs les similitudes de ce premier tome sont assez présentes mais j'ai lu dans d'autres avis qu'après ce n'était plus le cas). Bref, ce personnage se veut plus amical qu'amoureux mais je reste tout de même sur mes gardes sur ce point. Et ensuite, nous avons encore deux autres personnages masculins (que je ne citerai pas ici pour ne pas spoiler), qui entrent dans la balance. Clairement, je trouve que cela fait un peu trop pour la dimension romance. J'espère donc que cela restera purement amical pour la majorité d'entre eux et que Lucas se démarquera de la concurrence.
Niveau intrigue j'ai vraiment bien accroché tout l'aspect investigation et recherche de sa meilleure amie. Le suspense est là, les rebondissements et surtout les révélations bouleverseront les événements au fil des pages. L'autrice nous tient en haleine sans problème. Je n'avais pas envie d'arrêter ma lecture avant de découvrir ce qu'elle nous réservait.
Ajouté à cela, la rencontre de Melena avec toutes les autres créatures, qui bien sur, voient en elle une cible à éliminer. Ses dons font d'elle une menace pour eux et autant vous dire que l'autrice ne l'épargnera pas. Je dois dire que j'étais même surprise par tout ce qu'elle traverse la tête haute. On sent le côté militaire également, qui ajoute vraiment de la crédibilité dans certaines scènes et surtout le recul de Melena face à ses actes.
En conclusion, ce premier tome de Melena Sanders nous propose les bases d'une histoire vraiment entrainante qui a encore beaucoup à donner. Je suis plus que curieuse de poursuivre cette série qui s'annonce vraiment addictive. Melena est une héroine attachante qui m'a beaucoup plu. L'univers est passionnant mêlant suspense et rebondissements avec brio.
March 16, 2013
My Review:
I loved this book so much and I don't have a clue where to start this review. This is the start of a brand new Urban Fantasy series featuring Melena called the Sensor Series. This is a paranormal world that is very different...and I liked it....A LOT! (To the point that I am debating between an A and an A+ rating on this book.)
Melena is a sensor. As a sensor, she is not a supernatural being (or sups as they're called in this book like the vampires, werewolves, witches, pixies, and many other beings are). She's human. What makes her different is that she can sense when supernaturals are around, what exactly they are, how old they are, and what magic they have and are using. It's a very useful skill, but it can also be very dangerous to the sups so over the centuries, they have killed off the sensors. Melena works extremely hard to never appear as more than human.
In this story though, her best friend and roommate has disappeared after a trip to Alaska which is a hotbed of supernatural beings. Melena fears the worst and isn't getting any answers via phone so she heads up there and straight into trouble. Did I mention I love this book??
Let's talk about the guys first:
*Lucas-- He's a nephilum who murdered Melena's sensor caretaker and virtual mother right in front of her. He makes no secret that he plans to take her life too, but strangely enough, he continues to save her life instead. YUM! I loved the mystery of his story and the hints about his feelings there. I can't wait to see where that develops!
*Derrick-- A werewolf who's second in command to the witch/vampire who tortured Melena and holds her friend hostage...BUT he's not like her. In fact, there are lots of amazing qualities to Derrick and I wanted more to develop here...maybe next book?? I really liked his character a LOT!
*Matt-- A local soldier and human who really likes Melena. I like the way he kept popping up and made his intentions known. He's very protective of her and I liked that about his character even though there's no doubt that Melena can take care of herself. *sob*
*Nicholas-- A 1200 year old vampire. I loved his endless flirts and come-ons. Who would have guessed that the old guy would be the one to add a bit of lightness to the story? I can't wait to see where the story goes with him.
Then there's Melena herself. She's learned coping techniques over the years to keep herself safe. She also spent six years in the Army. She's one tough chick and I loved her.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and this world. The book was full of action and I had a hard time putting it down, even though I was reading it on vacation where I had tons of distractions. I am definitely counting down the days to the release of book #2, which is supposed to be coming out in June....
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I loved this book so much and I don't have a clue where to start this review. This is the start of a brand new Urban Fantasy series featuring Melena called the Sensor Series. This is a paranormal world that is very different...and I liked it....A LOT! (To the point that I am debating between an A and an A+ rating on this book.)
Melena is a sensor. As a sensor, she is not a supernatural being (or sups as they're called in this book like the vampires, werewolves, witches, pixies, and many other beings are). She's human. What makes her different is that she can sense when supernaturals are around, what exactly they are, how old they are, and what magic they have and are using. It's a very useful skill, but it can also be very dangerous to the sups so over the centuries, they have killed off the sensors. Melena works extremely hard to never appear as more than human.
In this story though, her best friend and roommate has disappeared after a trip to Alaska which is a hotbed of supernatural beings. Melena fears the worst and isn't getting any answers via phone so she heads up there and straight into trouble. Did I mention I love this book??
Let's talk about the guys first:
*Lucas-- He's a nephilum who murdered Melena's sensor caretaker and virtual mother right in front of her. He makes no secret that he plans to take her life too, but strangely enough, he continues to save her life instead. YUM! I loved the mystery of his story and the hints about his feelings there. I can't wait to see where that develops!
*Derrick-- A werewolf who's second in command to the witch/vampire who tortured Melena and holds her friend hostage...BUT he's not like her. In fact, there are lots of amazing qualities to Derrick and I wanted more to develop here...maybe next book?? I really liked his character a LOT!
*Matt-- A local soldier and human who really likes Melena. I like the way he kept popping up and made his intentions known. He's very protective of her and I liked that about his character even though there's no doubt that Melena can take care of herself. *sob*
*Nicholas-- A 1200 year old vampire. I loved his endless flirts and come-ons. Who would have guessed that the old guy would be the one to add a bit of lightness to the story? I can't wait to see where the story goes with him.
Then there's Melena herself. She's learned coping techniques over the years to keep herself safe. She also spent six years in the Army. She's one tough chick and I loved her.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and this world. The book was full of action and I had a hard time putting it down, even though I was reading it on vacation where I had tons of distractions. I am definitely counting down the days to the release of book #2, which is supposed to be coming out in June....
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
January 28, 2013
4.5 stars
Melena is a not-quite-human, trying to keep a low profile and avoid detection by supernaturals, as they are a threat to her very existence. Melena is a rare sensor -- she can sense supernaturals and is immune to magic -- and she is thrust into an association with a variety of sups when her best friend goes missing.
I loved the military aspects of this novel. That, together with Melena's special gifts, makes her a kick ass heroine. She does have a very human aspect to her as well, which helps to round out her character. The secondary characters were good, although I would have liked to have read a bit more depth. The characters all took events a little too easily in their stride. I also would have liked to see a bit more of an internal and external struggle between Melena and Derrick at various times. Derrick went from jailer to close friend in the space of a couple of days and it would have been great to have more insight into this. I think because of how much I liked the characters, I just wanted to get to know them better -- to really feel their confusion, conflict, fear and friendship.
I love the paranormal genre and it's always so refreshing to read a book with some original concepts (or original to me anyway). This book has a little bit of everything: sensors, weres, vampires, witches, a pixie, mystic, fairy, nephilim, shaman...
The story line was interesting and I read the whole book in one go. I think this was a great first book, and I am hanging out for the next one in this series.
Melena is a not-quite-human, trying to keep a low profile and avoid detection by supernaturals, as they are a threat to her very existence. Melena is a rare sensor -- she can sense supernaturals and is immune to magic -- and she is thrust into an association with a variety of sups when her best friend goes missing.
I loved the military aspects of this novel. That, together with Melena's special gifts, makes her a kick ass heroine. She does have a very human aspect to her as well, which helps to round out her character. The secondary characters were good, although I would have liked to have read a bit more depth. The characters all took events a little too easily in their stride. I also would have liked to see a bit more of an internal and external struggle between Melena and Derrick at various times. Derrick went from jailer to close friend in the space of a couple of days and it would have been great to have more insight into this. I think because of how much I liked the characters, I just wanted to get to know them better -- to really feel their confusion, conflict, fear and friendship.
I love the paranormal genre and it's always so refreshing to read a book with some original concepts (or original to me anyway). This book has a little bit of everything: sensors, weres, vampires, witches, a pixie, mystic, fairy, nephilim, shaman...
The story line was interesting and I read the whole book in one go. I think this was a great first book, and I am hanging out for the next one in this series.
November 23, 2025
Darkness Haunts is a fast-paced urban fantasy with a strong female lead.
I grabbed this story to check out in my free time, and really, I'm glad I did. Susan Illene creates a story that is both entertaining and quite gratifying to my urban fantasy requirements.
Melena Sanders is a sensor, which means she doesn’t have many “powers” except that she can sense other supernatural beings. Her kick butt strength comes from her service in the military, which I absolutely loved.
Needing to rescue her friend from a bad decision going terribly wrong, Melena finds herself hip deep in supernaturals.
The story was easy, entertaining, and very enjoyable. I found the characters to be a perfect mix of peculiar and unexpected, with the lines between good and evil occasionally blurred.
Issues with the story…
Although they were intriguing, something was missing that created a strong connection to the characters. There were also a few “contradictions” in Melena’s powers that caught my attention.
In the end, Illene provides the potential for a great new series to follow. We have possible romantic interests, a kick butt heroine, and a strong urban fantasy plot. I will definitely keep my eye on this series.
I grabbed this story to check out in my free time, and really, I'm glad I did. Susan Illene creates a story that is both entertaining and quite gratifying to my urban fantasy requirements.
Melena Sanders is a sensor, which means she doesn’t have many “powers” except that she can sense other supernatural beings. Her kick butt strength comes from her service in the military, which I absolutely loved.
Needing to rescue her friend from a bad decision going terribly wrong, Melena finds herself hip deep in supernaturals.
The story was easy, entertaining, and very enjoyable. I found the characters to be a perfect mix of peculiar and unexpected, with the lines between good and evil occasionally blurred.
Issues with the story…
Although they were intriguing, something was missing that created a strong connection to the characters. There were also a few “contradictions” in Melena’s powers that caught my attention.
In the end, Illene provides the potential for a great new series to follow. We have possible romantic interests, a kick butt heroine, and a strong urban fantasy plot. I will definitely keep my eye on this series.
September 6, 2016
HOL.EE.CRAP. This series is amazing!! I purchase this book because of a recommendation from a friend and quickly purchased books 2 and 2.5 and read them all in about 36 hours. Laundry went undone, house went unclean, family got pizza.
This is the first book in The Sensor series. Melena is a Sensor which means she's human, but packing a little extra. She's able to sense anyone paranormal within about a half mile radius AND she's immune to their magic. Which would put her on the Sups (Supernaturals) most wanted list, if they knew she exists. She's been able to keep herself hidden her whole life, except from one pesky (and extremely hot) Nephillim, who most of the time wants to kill her.
When her friend goes missing in Alaska, Melena travels north to try to find her, not really realizing until she gets there that she's walked into a supernatural haven.
This story is almost non-stop action. Being the first in the series sometimes makes for a lot of world buiding and not as much story, but that doesn't happen here at all. If you are a fan of Patricia Briggs or Ilona Andrews you won't want to miss this series.
This is the first book in The Sensor series. Melena is a Sensor which means she's human, but packing a little extra. She's able to sense anyone paranormal within about a half mile radius AND she's immune to their magic. Which would put her on the Sups (Supernaturals) most wanted list, if they knew she exists. She's been able to keep herself hidden her whole life, except from one pesky (and extremely hot) Nephillim, who most of the time wants to kill her.
When her friend goes missing in Alaska, Melena travels north to try to find her, not really realizing until she gets there that she's walked into a supernatural haven.
This story is almost non-stop action. Being the first in the series sometimes makes for a lot of world buiding and not as much story, but that doesn't happen here at all. If you are a fan of Patricia Briggs or Ilona Andrews you won't want to miss this series.
March 28, 2013
Melena is a sensor who travels to Alaska to find a friend who has disappeared, and walks into a nest of supernatural beings – all intent on preventing Mel from accomplishing her goal. Using her military training and her sensor abilities, she manages to get herself into a situation that will turn her world upside down as she finds unlikely allies in her quest to save her friend and as her own life hangs in the balance.
I met this author on-line a couple years ago, and have listened with interest as she talked about the process of writing her first book. Although paranormal fiction is not my favorite read, I was eager to see how her personality translated into her writing, and found myself captivated by Susan’s ability to weave a compelling tale. She has drawn on her own military background and love of the genre and successfully created a well-written and entertaining story. Great job, Mistress!
I met this author on-line a couple years ago, and have listened with interest as she talked about the process of writing her first book. Although paranormal fiction is not my favorite read, I was eager to see how her personality translated into her writing, and found myself captivated by Susan’s ability to weave a compelling tale. She has drawn on her own military background and love of the genre and successfully created a well-written and entertaining story. Great job, Mistress!
July 19, 2019
🎧 Audio Review 🎧
I listened to this book for book club and I enjoyed it much more that I thought I would. I'm a romance girl and this book has no romance, although there were hints that it's going to later in the series. I liked all the different paranormal beings and I enjoyed the main character very much! I love that she is special even in the paranormal world. She is tough and smart and I love that in a main female role. She is also loyal to her friends new and old. I really also liked Nikolas, Lucas and Derrick, they are all very different and I'm very interested to find out more about them. I'm especially intrigued by Lucas and his secrets but I also love the Alpha Wolf that is protective and quiet. Oh and the Shaman, he also has me wondering lots of different things but in a different way than the other guys. I'm going to continue on to see if book 2 will keep me as enthralled as book 1 did.
The narration is perfect for the characters too!
I listened to this book for book club and I enjoyed it much more that I thought I would. I'm a romance girl and this book has no romance, although there were hints that it's going to later in the series. I liked all the different paranormal beings and I enjoyed the main character very much! I love that she is special even in the paranormal world. She is tough and smart and I love that in a main female role. She is also loyal to her friends new and old. I really also liked Nikolas, Lucas and Derrick, they are all very different and I'm very interested to find out more about them. I'm especially intrigued by Lucas and his secrets but I also love the Alpha Wolf that is protective and quiet. Oh and the Shaman, he also has me wondering lots of different things but in a different way than the other guys. I'm going to continue on to see if book 2 will keep me as enthralled as book 1 did.
The narration is perfect for the characters too!
November 23, 2014
This could have been a great book, with a good story and setting, unfortunately the entire plot is based on the MC blundering into disaster after disaster and failing to learn anything from her mistakes. The more I think about this book, the less sensible the MCs behavior becomes. She was almost TSTL. While I might have sympathy for a civilian MC behaving this irrationally, the book makes a big deal about how the MC spent 6 years in the US military, is jump qualified, and has been in combat in the Middle East. But the reality is, if she had acted as stupidly in combat as she did in this book, she would have got her entire unit killed the first time they saw action.
September 24, 2016
This was a book club listen for me...I was bored about half the book...and if it would have been a self picked title, I probably wouldn't have finished it, if I am being honest. Some books you click with, and some you don't...the premise was good...and maybe book 2 would be good...but I don't care enough to continue this series..there is no romance...only a few sparks of attraction and a possible love triangle thingy brewing...and I am kind of interested what will happen with Melena staying in Alaska...but really not enough to find out...maybe if the series went on sale I might pick it up...YMMV...most of my book club really liked this book!
July 3, 2016
http://www.leslecturesdemylene.com/20...
17/20 - En bref, j'ai aimé le caractère franc et entier de Melena, le fait que quand elle a un objectif elle fera tout pour l'atteindre, qu'elle arrive aussi à mettre sa fierté de côté pour accepter une main tendue et qu'elle aille au bout des choses. On ne s'ennuie pas une seule seconde, la mythologie de l'auteur est vraiment sympathique et on ne peut qu'apprécier le moment passé avec Mel et tous ceux qui l'entourent. Un premier tome à découvrir !!
17/20 - En bref, j'ai aimé le caractère franc et entier de Melena, le fait que quand elle a un objectif elle fera tout pour l'atteindre, qu'elle arrive aussi à mettre sa fierté de côté pour accepter une main tendue et qu'elle aille au bout des choses. On ne s'ennuie pas une seule seconde, la mythologie de l'auteur est vraiment sympathique et on ne peut qu'apprécier le moment passé avec Mel et tous ceux qui l'entourent. Un premier tome à découvrir !!
August 30, 2014
There were so many things wrong with this book... Mostly on the emotional level, there was no depth in hero's personalities.
January 18, 2019
Encore une série paranormale bien sympathique. J'ai aimé l'histoire et les personnages. Pas encore de romance dans ce premier tome.
August 18, 2022
Si j'ai longtemps hésité avant de découvrir cette lecture, c'est parce que je n'étais pas fan de la couverture. Ça ne colle pas. Je ne sais pas. En tout cas, ça ne donnait pas envie. Maintenant, c'est oublié. J'ai lu, j'ai aimé. Let's go ahead !
L'héroïne, Melena Sanders, est une ancienne militaire. Actuellement installée en Californie, avec deux meilleures amies, elle prévoit de retourner à l'université pour décrocher un diplôme d'institutrice. Or, quelques semaines avant la rentrée, elle apprend que sa colocataire Aniya ne donne plus signe de vie depuis son escapade amoureuse en Alaska. Melena décide donc de s'y rendre. Mais sur place, la situation va vite déraper. La police est inactive, les locaux fuient ses questions. Sa présence dérange. Son chalet est d'ailleurs rapidement attaqué par une horde de vampires et de sorcières. Ah oui, j'avais oublié : Melena n'est pas une fille ordinaire. C'est une sensible (elle sent les pouvoirs surnaturels des créatures qui l'entourent). Et il semblerait que la ville de Fairbanks grouille d'espèces malfaisantes en tous genres. Hmm. Ça ne sent pas bon du tout.
Toujours dans l'optique de sauver son amie, Melena est contrainte de retrouver le corps endormi d'un vampire frappé d'une malédiction depuis cinq ans. On lui colle aussi un loup-garou pour qu'elle ne tente pas de partir en roue libre. N'en jetez plus. Le livre déborde d'action, de violence, de danger, de mort. Ça prend aux tripes. Tout ça, tout ça. C'est surtout très, très bon. J'ai aimé aussi que l'histoire s'exporte en Alaska ♥ et que la mise en place prenne son temps. On découvre petit à petit les personnages (miam), le monde des surnaturels, les conflits, les secrets. Au milieu, Melena a grandi dans l'idée qu'elle devait se tenir à l'écart et ne faire confiance à personne. D'où une adaptation difficile et néanmoins salutaire. Même la romance est effacée - pourtant, les prétendants ne manquent pas ! Et je mets une option sur le nephilim qui a tout pour me plaire. Pour l'instant, il faut se contenter d'échanges (parfois) houleux, de flirts ou de blagues entre potes. J'aime l'idée que les rapprochements soient désirés et pas servis sur un plateau immédiatement.
Très bonne découverte, donc. Ça pousse à lire la suite sans tarder. 😙
L'héroïne, Melena Sanders, est une ancienne militaire. Actuellement installée en Californie, avec deux meilleures amies, elle prévoit de retourner à l'université pour décrocher un diplôme d'institutrice. Or, quelques semaines avant la rentrée, elle apprend que sa colocataire Aniya ne donne plus signe de vie depuis son escapade amoureuse en Alaska. Melena décide donc de s'y rendre. Mais sur place, la situation va vite déraper. La police est inactive, les locaux fuient ses questions. Sa présence dérange. Son chalet est d'ailleurs rapidement attaqué par une horde de vampires et de sorcières. Ah oui, j'avais oublié : Melena n'est pas une fille ordinaire. C'est une sensible (elle sent les pouvoirs surnaturels des créatures qui l'entourent). Et il semblerait que la ville de Fairbanks grouille d'espèces malfaisantes en tous genres. Hmm. Ça ne sent pas bon du tout.
Toujours dans l'optique de sauver son amie, Melena est contrainte de retrouver le corps endormi d'un vampire frappé d'une malédiction depuis cinq ans. On lui colle aussi un loup-garou pour qu'elle ne tente pas de partir en roue libre. N'en jetez plus. Le livre déborde d'action, de violence, de danger, de mort. Ça prend aux tripes. Tout ça, tout ça. C'est surtout très, très bon. J'ai aimé aussi que l'histoire s'exporte en Alaska ♥ et que la mise en place prenne son temps. On découvre petit à petit les personnages (miam), le monde des surnaturels, les conflits, les secrets. Au milieu, Melena a grandi dans l'idée qu'elle devait se tenir à l'écart et ne faire confiance à personne. D'où une adaptation difficile et néanmoins salutaire. Même la romance est effacée - pourtant, les prétendants ne manquent pas ! Et je mets une option sur le nephilim qui a tout pour me plaire. Pour l'instant, il faut se contenter d'échanges (parfois) houleux, de flirts ou de blagues entre potes. J'aime l'idée que les rapprochements soient désirés et pas servis sur un plateau immédiatement.
Très bonne découverte, donc. Ça pousse à lire la suite sans tarder. 😙
July 20, 2020
Ayant une totale confiance en la collection Infinity des éditions Mxm Bookmark, je n’ai pas hésité à me lancer dans cette série dont je n’avais jamais entendu parler. Ce qui m’a attirée en premier lieu dans le résumé, est le profil atypique de l’héroïne qui est une ancienne militaire. Bien que cet aspect ne soit pas, pour le moment, utilisé outre mesure, ses compétences acquises durant son engagement dans l’armée lui seront néanmoins fort utiles… Melena va, en effet, devoir s’envoler en Alaska pour sauver sa meilleure amie, Aniya, des griffes d’un mystérieux homme. Un voyage qui ne sera pas de tout repos et qui va la confronter à ce qu’elle fuit depuis longtemps : les surnaturels...
Hantée par les ténèbres est un bon premier tome qui, en plus de nous plonger avec fracas dans une lutte acharnée pour le pouvoir, permet de faire connaissance avec les principaux personnages et d’entrevoir leur dynamique. Si vous avez envie de suivre une héroïne dotée d’une personnalité de guerrière et d’une loyauté sans faille, cette série devrait vous plaire. Pour ma part, je la poursuivrai avec plaisir curieuse de découvrir comment Melena va faire face à tous ces bouleversements que son arrivée en Alaska a entraînés dans sa vie… Enfer et mystère risquent fort bien d’être son nouveau credo surtout si un certain nephilim continue à venir la tourmenter !
Chronique complète sur https://lightandsmell.wordpress.com/2...
Hantée par les ténèbres est un bon premier tome qui, en plus de nous plonger avec fracas dans une lutte acharnée pour le pouvoir, permet de faire connaissance avec les principaux personnages et d’entrevoir leur dynamique. Si vous avez envie de suivre une héroïne dotée d’une personnalité de guerrière et d’une loyauté sans faille, cette série devrait vous plaire. Pour ma part, je la poursuivrai avec plaisir curieuse de découvrir comment Melena va faire face à tous ces bouleversements que son arrivée en Alaska a entraînés dans sa vie… Enfer et mystère risquent fort bien d’être son nouveau credo surtout si un certain nephilim continue à venir la tourmenter !
Chronique complète sur https://lightandsmell.wordpress.com/2...
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