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The Markers #1
Birth Marked
For the first time in her life, truck driver Charlie Kale might have finally found her little piece of happiness. She's got it all—her big rig, friends, a great mentor, and a man about to join her on the road.Or so she thought.One by one, the good things in Charlie's life all fall apart, until a catastrophic accident leaves her at the mercy of a sexy but mysterious gunman. He claims to be a member of a secret order dedicated to fighting the supernatural monsters that filter over into our world. She's given a choice—join up or die, and while the gunman might be insane, Charlie’s hell-bent on not dying.Too bad it looks like that might not be an option.
186 pages, Paperback
First published October 2, 2013
3 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
About the author
Maria Violante
24 books20 followersMaria Violante is the best-selling author of several urban fantasy and science fiction novels.
Her most recent series, The Markers, is published by Hartwood Publishing.
Books by Maria Violante (currently in print):
BirthMarked (Hartwood Publishing)
Monsters and Markers (Hartwood Publishing)
Witness (Hartwood Publishing, previously two separate volumes with Liquid Silver Books)
Gambler's Luck (Hartwood Publishing, previously Liquid Silver Books)
Books no longer in print:
Wit Awakening (now part of Witness; see above)
Wit Transforming (now part of Witness; see above)
Hunting the Five
Honor in Hell
Seven Sacrifices
Her most recent series, The Markers, is published by Hartwood Publishing.
Books by Maria Violante (currently in print):
BirthMarked (Hartwood Publishing)
Monsters and Markers (Hartwood Publishing)
Witness (Hartwood Publishing, previously two separate volumes with Liquid Silver Books)
Gambler's Luck (Hartwood Publishing, previously Liquid Silver Books)
Books no longer in print:
Wit Awakening (now part of Witness; see above)
Wit Transforming (now part of Witness; see above)
Hunting the Five
Honor in Hell
Seven Sacrifices
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 25, 2020
Charlie is a truck driver and looked like one. She was a mess – overweight, bad complexion, zombie looking. She was horny and looking forward to Luke joining her on the the road, but that never happened. She had given up everything for him, and he betrayed her. Used her, then threw her away. At first she felt pity, then anger, then desperation.
She’s driving along, trying to find a radio station, making up her own words to the song playing. “I woke up alone in a bed I don’t know.” “And eat my breakfast all alone….” It made me think of my hubby and I, laughing and making fun of country music lyrics in that same way.
She stopped for a dog in the median. She could relate to it being dumped and wanted to save it. It would be mine, she thought. She named him Diesel. He was helping her already. He calmed her.
My heart pounded and I moved forward in my chair, when the truck began to wreck. Her description is so vivid it’s as if it is happening before my eyes. She looks out the window at something – what is it? It’s very large and furry. What runs through my mind – werewolf, then Sasquatch – as it grew and bared its fangs. I couldn’t help but laugh out loud when she got sick.
He was going to kill her…until he saw her birthmark.
I knew Maria’s book would need to take a twist…and it begins here.
Birth Marked reads like a Twilight zone episode. I was sorta ho hum until this point.
I loved her change of attitude. I’m feeling good about her. Her curiosity became my curiosity. What comes next?
Maria had me cracking up, “You can stare at my chubby ass stomach, assholes. You’re not getting any more looks at the jubbblies.”
A boy brought her breakfast – two pieces of plain toast and plain oatmeal. “That’s it?” “AH!!!!!!!!” “They said I a was a porker, heh?”
As the pieces come together, my interest grew. Now we’re getting to the good stuff. Even though her Master is Buckner, its his duty is to protect her, it was Shawn that saved her. I feel he will play a big part in finding the answers she seeks.
Haven’t you ever wondered why nothing turns out for you? What if you were supposed to be doing something else all along?
The monsters were unique and new to me and had comical names, but are not nice at all.
I know she’s gonna kick ass. I loved the sci-fi element, the monsters fighting in spacesuits and futuristic equipment. I find myself shivering in fear one minute, and chuckling the next.
She would learn fast or die. I felt a sense of adventure with her, stepping out of her rut of a life into mission impossible. Does the way you die determine your afterlife? This was her moment. I felt the weight on her shoulders, the heavy heart and determination to show them she belonged. She had found her place and would fight for it.
Her descriptions like ‘The little mouse that had the heart of a dragon’ brought the characters to life with a humorous touch. Describing the death of a beloved Marker was very creative.
There was a prophecy, there will be an unlikely Marker named the Lily. Is it her?
Maria Violante left me wanting more of this fantastic world.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Birth Marked by Maria Violante.
See more at fundinmental
She’s driving along, trying to find a radio station, making up her own words to the song playing. “I woke up alone in a bed I don’t know.” “And eat my breakfast all alone….” It made me think of my hubby and I, laughing and making fun of country music lyrics in that same way.
She stopped for a dog in the median. She could relate to it being dumped and wanted to save it. It would be mine, she thought. She named him Diesel. He was helping her already. He calmed her.
My heart pounded and I moved forward in my chair, when the truck began to wreck. Her description is so vivid it’s as if it is happening before my eyes. She looks out the window at something – what is it? It’s very large and furry. What runs through my mind – werewolf, then Sasquatch – as it grew and bared its fangs. I couldn’t help but laugh out loud when she got sick.
He was going to kill her…until he saw her birthmark.
I knew Maria’s book would need to take a twist…and it begins here.
Birth Marked reads like a Twilight zone episode. I was sorta ho hum until this point.
I loved her change of attitude. I’m feeling good about her. Her curiosity became my curiosity. What comes next?
Maria had me cracking up, “You can stare at my chubby ass stomach, assholes. You’re not getting any more looks at the jubbblies.”
A boy brought her breakfast – two pieces of plain toast and plain oatmeal. “That’s it?” “AH!!!!!!!!” “They said I a was a porker, heh?”
As the pieces come together, my interest grew. Now we’re getting to the good stuff. Even though her Master is Buckner, its his duty is to protect her, it was Shawn that saved her. I feel he will play a big part in finding the answers she seeks.
Haven’t you ever wondered why nothing turns out for you? What if you were supposed to be doing something else all along?
The monsters were unique and new to me and had comical names, but are not nice at all.
I know she’s gonna kick ass. I loved the sci-fi element, the monsters fighting in spacesuits and futuristic equipment. I find myself shivering in fear one minute, and chuckling the next.
She would learn fast or die. I felt a sense of adventure with her, stepping out of her rut of a life into mission impossible. Does the way you die determine your afterlife? This was her moment. I felt the weight on her shoulders, the heavy heart and determination to show them she belonged. She had found her place and would fight for it.
Her descriptions like ‘The little mouse that had the heart of a dragon’ brought the characters to life with a humorous touch. Describing the death of a beloved Marker was very creative.
There was a prophecy, there will be an unlikely Marker named the Lily. Is it her?
Maria Violante left me wanting more of this fantastic world.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Birth Marked by Maria Violante.
See more at fundinmental
October 22, 2013
Great New Urban Fantasy Series!
Every story has its hero and heroine. He’s gorgeous, witty, totally alpha and absolutely drool worthy. She’s beautiful, got all the right curves, and is smart and snarky, yet still vulnerable. They’re perfection. I mean, as readers there’s always some trait we can relate to. Except for those of us that rated Queen of the Geeks versus Prom Queen, right?
That’s where Charlie Kale comes in. She’s the average Jane Doe. You know the one I’m talking about...the one we all relate to. The gal that’s willing to do whatever it takes to make a relationship work—in Charlie’s case that’s pursuing her second-choice career as a truck driver to pay her boyfriend’s medical bills (that’s a caring, nurturing trait), or making excuses for his wandering gaze on date night (looking is not touching), and blaming the extra weight she’s gained on not having time to take care of herself because she’s working so hard (come on, everyone tries to lose a few extra pounds now and again).
And that’s all the up side.
Until Charlie’s boyfriend dumps her, a drunk driver totals her rig, and a stranger puts a gun to her head and tells her, “Sorry, but you have to die.” Damn, even I gotta call that one the mother of all bad days. Thankfully, fate has other plans for Charlie.
She learns she’s part of a secret order called the Markers (so secret even they didn’t know she was one of them) that protects the world from dangerous and deadly paranormal creatures that prey on humanity. Of course, there’s no silver lining here. The Markers are powerful people with seemingly unlimited resources. The group is ancient and somewhat fanatical. It’s also an all-male club, and they seriously resent Charlie’s appearance. Her inexperience is gonna get some of them killed. If she’s part of a true prophecy (you knew there’d be one), she’ll bring some serious change.
Charlie just wants to survive. Between the Master that volunteered to mentor her, the yummy defensive tactical trainer that’s an unpredictable jerk, and every other male Marker that wants something from her (none of it good), she doesn’t know who to trust. So she makes a choice and decides her own fate.
I enjoyed the story line for Birthmarked. Ms. Violante created characters with depth and relatable personality traits. The paranormal world is original, told from a new angle (the big rigs were cool) and engages the reader. Information is given through action, and I never felt like I had to take notes to understand a history or driving lesson.
Only a few things kept this book from being a five star. There were some minor editing issues, but they didn’t detract from the solid writing. I would have liked a little more information about the reason for familiars and what their roles were. It was an important part of the story and wasn’t really explained. A little more information on the Markers themselves and the older members that ran the order would have helped give a little more dimension to the group.
But seriously, I look forward to reading the next book in the Time Markers series and finding out if a few foreshadowed events (no spoiler alerts here) come to pass…and if Charlie’s a little less Queen of the Geeks and more Badass G.I. Jane!
Ecopy provided by author for honest review.
Every story has its hero and heroine. He’s gorgeous, witty, totally alpha and absolutely drool worthy. She’s beautiful, got all the right curves, and is smart and snarky, yet still vulnerable. They’re perfection. I mean, as readers there’s always some trait we can relate to. Except for those of us that rated Queen of the Geeks versus Prom Queen, right?
That’s where Charlie Kale comes in. She’s the average Jane Doe. You know the one I’m talking about...the one we all relate to. The gal that’s willing to do whatever it takes to make a relationship work—in Charlie’s case that’s pursuing her second-choice career as a truck driver to pay her boyfriend’s medical bills (that’s a caring, nurturing trait), or making excuses for his wandering gaze on date night (looking is not touching), and blaming the extra weight she’s gained on not having time to take care of herself because she’s working so hard (come on, everyone tries to lose a few extra pounds now and again).
And that’s all the up side.
Until Charlie’s boyfriend dumps her, a drunk driver totals her rig, and a stranger puts a gun to her head and tells her, “Sorry, but you have to die.” Damn, even I gotta call that one the mother of all bad days. Thankfully, fate has other plans for Charlie.
She learns she’s part of a secret order called the Markers (so secret even they didn’t know she was one of them) that protects the world from dangerous and deadly paranormal creatures that prey on humanity. Of course, there’s no silver lining here. The Markers are powerful people with seemingly unlimited resources. The group is ancient and somewhat fanatical. It’s also an all-male club, and they seriously resent Charlie’s appearance. Her inexperience is gonna get some of them killed. If she’s part of a true prophecy (you knew there’d be one), she’ll bring some serious change.
Charlie just wants to survive. Between the Master that volunteered to mentor her, the yummy defensive tactical trainer that’s an unpredictable jerk, and every other male Marker that wants something from her (none of it good), she doesn’t know who to trust. So she makes a choice and decides her own fate.
I enjoyed the story line for Birthmarked. Ms. Violante created characters with depth and relatable personality traits. The paranormal world is original, told from a new angle (the big rigs were cool) and engages the reader. Information is given through action, and I never felt like I had to take notes to understand a history or driving lesson.
Only a few things kept this book from being a five star. There were some minor editing issues, but they didn’t detract from the solid writing. I would have liked a little more information about the reason for familiars and what their roles were. It was an important part of the story and wasn’t really explained. A little more information on the Markers themselves and the older members that ran the order would have helped give a little more dimension to the group.
But seriously, I look forward to reading the next book in the Time Markers series and finding out if a few foreshadowed events (no spoiler alerts here) come to pass…and if Charlie’s a little less Queen of the Geeks and more Badass G.I. Jane!
Ecopy provided by author for honest review.
October 28, 2013
Charlie Kale has led a difficult life. She's had to make do with the little she has, and is finally starting to get back on her feet again. Living a trucker's life, she's determined in making something of herself. Her father taught her all she needs to know about driving a rig, and she'll do everything possible to uphold the memories of her past. Still, she can't quite deny that she sometimes yearns for things in her life to be a little different than how they are now.
An unexpected accident soon turns Charlie's life upside-down. Thrust into a world she never knew existed, she soon realizes that there's a lot her father never told her about. Most especially about the crescent shaped mark she bears on her shoulder. Though she does her best to make sense of the new goings-on around, there's no denying the fact that she's in way over her head. She's begun to see things, things that shouldn't exist, as well as come into her own powers. Powers, she realizes, she hadn't been aware of until now.
Forced to join The Markers, an unlikely clan who seem determined in unlocking her potential, Charlie can't help but to wonder just what she's gotten herself into. With nowhere else to go, she knows she'll need to integrate herself into her new life. That, unfortunately, is easier said than done. Secrets about her past follow her every wake, not to mention that there are those who seek to do away with her at every turn. Despite what others want, she knows she'll need to do her best to survive what's coming her way. Only then, will she able to unlock the secrets no one else wants her to know.
This was honestly an intriguing story. I like its premise, and think the series itself has potential. Charlie seemed a little too trusting of these Marker people. If I were in her shoes, I'd be a little wary of them. Most especially since she knows nothing about them in the beginning. The storyline itself is original, and piques interest, though I do think that parts of the story were a little rushed. Never-the-less, the book is a good read.
An unexpected accident soon turns Charlie's life upside-down. Thrust into a world she never knew existed, she soon realizes that there's a lot her father never told her about. Most especially about the crescent shaped mark she bears on her shoulder. Though she does her best to make sense of the new goings-on around, there's no denying the fact that she's in way over her head. She's begun to see things, things that shouldn't exist, as well as come into her own powers. Powers, she realizes, she hadn't been aware of until now.
Forced to join The Markers, an unlikely clan who seem determined in unlocking her potential, Charlie can't help but to wonder just what she's gotten herself into. With nowhere else to go, she knows she'll need to integrate herself into her new life. That, unfortunately, is easier said than done. Secrets about her past follow her every wake, not to mention that there are those who seek to do away with her at every turn. Despite what others want, she knows she'll need to do her best to survive what's coming her way. Only then, will she able to unlock the secrets no one else wants her to know.
This was honestly an intriguing story. I like its premise, and think the series itself has potential. Charlie seemed a little too trusting of these Marker people. If I were in her shoes, I'd be a little wary of them. Most especially since she knows nothing about them in the beginning. The storyline itself is original, and piques interest, though I do think that parts of the story were a little rushed. Never-the-less, the book is a good read.
October 15, 2013
I rarely read urban fantasy, as it is not really my cup of tea, but `Birthmarked' has shaken my perception about the genre. What a great book! It made me laugh, it made me cry, it connected me with the heroine, it left me craving for more and digging online in search for the next installment. Alas, no news in sight. Book 1 was just released, so I will have to be patient.
Charlie Kale is a young woman with a dark past, a murky present, and a potentially lame future. Abandoned by her father in her early childhood, she was left in the care of an increasingly depressed and alcoholic mother who passes away when Charlie is already grown up. Nothing seems to go well in Charlie's life. Her boyfriend cheats on her and eventually dumps her, even after she sacrifices herself and starts working as a truck driver in order to pay for his bills. All alone and heartbroken, Charlie gets caught in the middle of a secret order that fights supernatural monsters that keep filtering into our world. The way Charlie sees it at first, there is no way out, other than taking a trip six feet underground. Very scary, considering the myriad of complications that ensue, particularly as a consequence of her being the only woman amid an all-men order, and the order's culture and complicated beliefs.
`Birthmarked' has been written seamlessly, and it brims with fun, sexiness and smart dialogues. Its storyline, although not cluttered with action, increasingly builds the tension and leaves the reader craving for more. A great tale that definitely left me with the conviction that the next installment will be just as good, if not better. Well done!
Charlie Kale is a young woman with a dark past, a murky present, and a potentially lame future. Abandoned by her father in her early childhood, she was left in the care of an increasingly depressed and alcoholic mother who passes away when Charlie is already grown up. Nothing seems to go well in Charlie's life. Her boyfriend cheats on her and eventually dumps her, even after she sacrifices herself and starts working as a truck driver in order to pay for his bills. All alone and heartbroken, Charlie gets caught in the middle of a secret order that fights supernatural monsters that keep filtering into our world. The way Charlie sees it at first, there is no way out, other than taking a trip six feet underground. Very scary, considering the myriad of complications that ensue, particularly as a consequence of her being the only woman amid an all-men order, and the order's culture and complicated beliefs.
`Birthmarked' has been written seamlessly, and it brims with fun, sexiness and smart dialogues. Its storyline, although not cluttered with action, increasingly builds the tension and leaves the reader craving for more. A great tale that definitely left me with the conviction that the next installment will be just as good, if not better. Well done!
November 25, 2013
Unfamiliar with the genre of speculative fiction/urban fantasy, I give Ms. Violante four-stars.
Charlie lives in the man’s world of long haul trucking, she knows the ropes, learned the hard way, dysfunctional home, on her own at an early age. Charlie appealed to me simply because she’s so human, basically average, slightly overweight, but truck drivers often are. Not a lot of opportunities to exercise seated behind the steering wheel for hours and hours on end. They don’t get a lot of good sleep, they drive all times of the day and night under the most adverse of conditions.
When Charlie stops to rescue a little dog, then rolls her rig to avoid a head-on collision, her world begins to go more than a little sideways—it’s literally turned upside down. Charlie, in her truck, hanging upside down, needs rescuing. Instead two men with guns show up and she figures she’s dead. Then the men see the birthmark she has on her neck. Instead of killing her, Charlie and her little dog are abducted. Taken by gunpoint, to a compound housing an ancient order of modern day crusaders who’s foe are, well it’s hard to say what they are, they are shadows with tremendous capacity to destroy.
The character, Charlie keeps it real, grounded, while everything around Charlie is fantastic, unfathomable. And dog-gone-it, Ms. Violante left me hanging. I still don’t know if Charlie is really a Lighthouse or a Lilly. What’s a Lighthouse got to do with it, or a Lilly for that matter? You gotta’ read the story “Birth Marked.”
Charlie lives in the man’s world of long haul trucking, she knows the ropes, learned the hard way, dysfunctional home, on her own at an early age. Charlie appealed to me simply because she’s so human, basically average, slightly overweight, but truck drivers often are. Not a lot of opportunities to exercise seated behind the steering wheel for hours and hours on end. They don’t get a lot of good sleep, they drive all times of the day and night under the most adverse of conditions.
When Charlie stops to rescue a little dog, then rolls her rig to avoid a head-on collision, her world begins to go more than a little sideways—it’s literally turned upside down. Charlie, in her truck, hanging upside down, needs rescuing. Instead two men with guns show up and she figures she’s dead. Then the men see the birthmark she has on her neck. Instead of killing her, Charlie and her little dog are abducted. Taken by gunpoint, to a compound housing an ancient order of modern day crusaders who’s foe are, well it’s hard to say what they are, they are shadows with tremendous capacity to destroy.
The character, Charlie keeps it real, grounded, while everything around Charlie is fantastic, unfathomable. And dog-gone-it, Ms. Violante left me hanging. I still don’t know if Charlie is really a Lighthouse or a Lilly. What’s a Lighthouse got to do with it, or a Lilly for that matter? You gotta’ read the story “Birth Marked.”
October 20, 2013
This is a very cool read.
Charlie is a sympathetic heroine and the things that happen to her make that you root for her and want her to succeed. I like how she isn't a kick-ass heroine. She's an average woman who gets thrown into events she isn't prepared for.
I was pleasantly surprised by the secret order that Charlie gets roped into. In most stories secret orders who fight evil are all about being good and heroics and stuff like that. I liked that Violante shows that orders like that can have their negative and even dark sides. From bland oatmeal for breakfast and tiring lessons in self defense, to conspiracies that might get Charlie killed: the order is no picnic.
The story is suspenseful and interesting. I really liked Violante's take on superatural monsters. It was original and a bit creepy at times.
The ending is quite cliffhangery and there's lots of hints as to what might come next. I for one will keep an eye out for the sequel because I'm very curious what the future will bring for Charlie.
Charlie is a sympathetic heroine and the things that happen to her make that you root for her and want her to succeed. I like how she isn't a kick-ass heroine. She's an average woman who gets thrown into events she isn't prepared for.
I was pleasantly surprised by the secret order that Charlie gets roped into. In most stories secret orders who fight evil are all about being good and heroics and stuff like that. I liked that Violante shows that orders like that can have their negative and even dark sides. From bland oatmeal for breakfast and tiring lessons in self defense, to conspiracies that might get Charlie killed: the order is no picnic.
The story is suspenseful and interesting. I really liked Violante's take on superatural monsters. It was original and a bit creepy at times.
The ending is quite cliffhangery and there's lots of hints as to what might come next. I for one will keep an eye out for the sequel because I'm very curious what the future will bring for Charlie.
November 23, 2013
Birthmarked by Maria Violante is one enjoyable read. The author's voice is active and engaging, which made if for a very smooth read.
What would you say if the creatures from your worst nightmares are real? Thankfully, there is the secret society that call themselves Markers. Saved by her birthmark, Charlie gets dragged into the nick of things at the gun point, like literally.
The author really knows the trucking business, and I mean big rigs, and she seems to know Ontario. Or at least hwy 401.
There's a bit of romance, if you can call it that. More like Charlie's attraction to Shawn despite him being a total and an amazing prick. Still, she knew she should hate him, yet she couldn't.
The ending however, I predicted two outcomes and both kind of meshed together. She found her special ability, discovered who she really is and ran away, with two gorgeous guys in tow.
If you haven't read this book yet, then by all means pick up a copy. You wont't be disappointed. At some 158 pages, it makes it for quick and entertaining read.
What would you say if the creatures from your worst nightmares are real? Thankfully, there is the secret society that call themselves Markers. Saved by her birthmark, Charlie gets dragged into the nick of things at the gun point, like literally.
The author really knows the trucking business, and I mean big rigs, and she seems to know Ontario. Or at least hwy 401.
There's a bit of romance, if you can call it that. More like Charlie's attraction to Shawn despite him being a total and an amazing prick. Still, she knew she should hate him, yet she couldn't.
The ending however, I predicted two outcomes and both kind of meshed together. She found her special ability, discovered who she really is and ran away, with two gorgeous guys in tow.
If you haven't read this book yet, then by all means pick up a copy. You wont't be disappointed. At some 158 pages, it makes it for quick and entertaining read.
April 9, 2014
Worth the time. There were twists and turns I did not see coming
April 22, 2016
“The world that we all knew before, could wake up in feeling safe... now it seems that everything has been turned upside down.” - Tori Amos
Charlie Kale’s life has turned upside down, in so very many ways. Her live-in got sick, so she took care of him, working her ass off as a semi driver. Then? He walked out on her. Don’t let yourself be fooled – yes, there is a lot of just sitting there, when you drive. But there is a lot of stress, a lot of people cutting you off and acting stupid. And when you weigh 80,000 lbs. or more, getting started and stopped can mean death for the idiot in the convertible, the minivan, the SUV. But Charlie (and yes, that is what is on her birth certificate) loves her new job and her coworkers. Yes, she is torn up over the loser dumping her, but she knows she can pull it together and get on with her life – and this time she can start spending her own money.
Well, for about five minutes. Then? She is hit from the side by what appears to be a drunk driver, hit hard enough to knock the tandems out from under her trailer. The truck flips, which is bad enough. Hey, at least it didn’t blow up and burn with her and the tiny dog she found on the side of the road not a half hour before inside. Her life is lying on its side, but they are both alive.
Annnd then . . .
What was that hairy black thing that slammed into her windshield? And then there is the guy with the blood on his shirt and the gun pointed at her head, seemingly determined to Shoot. Her. Dead. Wow. Attitude much? That is bad enough, but what comes next is a nightmare of unbelievable proportions. Everyone is apparently determined to murder Charlie, and her own body has apparently joined the party. An ancient secret society, populated solely by men, are determined to make sure that Charlie is put down before she can grow into who they think she is destined to be. Oh, and BTW?
Monsters are real.
Charlie is one of the most special female heroes I have run across in a long time, simply because she isn’t really a hero at all. Chubby from too many hamburgers and too many hours behind the wheel, she is perfectly normal. Yes, once ‘turned on’ she has a ‘superpower’. But it isn’t one she can control. She can’t kick ass and take names – she is more likely to trip over her own feet, which she does quite often. Stumblin’ bumblin’ trying to make it through the day, totally out of her element. But she is willing to at least try – though the whole idea of “Everyone is out to slaughter and I have no one to trust” and oh, BTW, that whole “monsters are real” thing? Yeah. Not so much fun. I love Charlie, and the supernatural storyline is unique and kept me reading way too long into the night, till I could barely hold my eyes open. And then? Well, I grabbed the second in this two-book series and kept reading, of course!
Charlie Kale’s life has turned upside down, in so very many ways. Her live-in got sick, so she took care of him, working her ass off as a semi driver. Then? He walked out on her. Don’t let yourself be fooled – yes, there is a lot of just sitting there, when you drive. But there is a lot of stress, a lot of people cutting you off and acting stupid. And when you weigh 80,000 lbs. or more, getting started and stopped can mean death for the idiot in the convertible, the minivan, the SUV. But Charlie (and yes, that is what is on her birth certificate) loves her new job and her coworkers. Yes, she is torn up over the loser dumping her, but she knows she can pull it together and get on with her life – and this time she can start spending her own money.
Well, for about five minutes. Then? She is hit from the side by what appears to be a drunk driver, hit hard enough to knock the tandems out from under her trailer. The truck flips, which is bad enough. Hey, at least it didn’t blow up and burn with her and the tiny dog she found on the side of the road not a half hour before inside. Her life is lying on its side, but they are both alive.
Annnd then . . .
What was that hairy black thing that slammed into her windshield? And then there is the guy with the blood on his shirt and the gun pointed at her head, seemingly determined to Shoot. Her. Dead. Wow. Attitude much? That is bad enough, but what comes next is a nightmare of unbelievable proportions. Everyone is apparently determined to murder Charlie, and her own body has apparently joined the party. An ancient secret society, populated solely by men, are determined to make sure that Charlie is put down before she can grow into who they think she is destined to be. Oh, and BTW?
Monsters are real.
Charlie is one of the most special female heroes I have run across in a long time, simply because she isn’t really a hero at all. Chubby from too many hamburgers and too many hours behind the wheel, she is perfectly normal. Yes, once ‘turned on’ she has a ‘superpower’. But it isn’t one she can control. She can’t kick ass and take names – she is more likely to trip over her own feet, which she does quite often. Stumblin’ bumblin’ trying to make it through the day, totally out of her element. But she is willing to at least try – though the whole idea of “Everyone is out to slaughter and I have no one to trust” and oh, BTW, that whole “monsters are real” thing? Yeah. Not so much fun. I love Charlie, and the supernatural storyline is unique and kept me reading way too long into the night, till I could barely hold my eyes open. And then? Well, I grabbed the second in this two-book series and kept reading, of course!
June 30, 2016
Okay, I should have read the synopsis, because holy hell I did not expect that. I don't even really know what to say about the book. It's weird, but the premise isn't unique. I really liked Charlie; she's sarcastic and a bit awkward. And she doesn't have the perfect body that many authors give to their main characters.
April 10, 2019
Fun story line
This author is able to bring the characters to life, while also making you care about what happens to them.
This author is able to bring the characters to life, while also making you care about what happens to them.
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