Ghost

Plagued Trilogy #2

by Kari Nichols

It’s 1466, and Caterina Galli is visiting her cousins in Paris. But after an epidemic breaks out in the city, Caterina contracts the plague, and her life is set on an unplanned path where peril lurks around every corner.
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Thomas has grown tired of the corruption and ever-present shadow that looms over his family—and his father has grown tired of Thomas’s constant questioning of authority. In a final effort to quell Thomas’s swelling resentment, Priest sends his fifth son halfway across the world to serve as a mercenary to Hernan Cortés. But what Thomas discovers during his time away will change everything he once thought he knew about immortality.
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In a story that spans centuries, traverses continents and uncovers dark secrets, even the most dedicated of the Family could be destroyed. Ghost is the gripping second installment in The Plagued Trilogy.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal

364 pages, ebook

First published September 18, 2015

About the author

Kari is a romance, historical fiction, and fantasy author. She was inspired to write after moving to the colorful and energetic city of New York. She and her husband now live in France and spend as much time as possible traveling across Europe. Kari's passion for creating art was developed from the time she was a child. Her artistic endeavors have ranged from music composition to photography to fashion design, but writing novels is far and away her favorite artistic outlet. She can often be found wrapped up in her favorite blanket, writing her next novel with a cup of hot tea in hand. Kari is also a professional wedding photographer with her husband at Cottonwood Studios.

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kari has done it again. I anxiously awaited to see the new adventures of the Family and I was not disappointed. At first I was looking for the familiar main characters from Rogue, but quickly was captivated by Caterina's story of luxury and art taken away by tragedy. I thoroughly enjoyed Caterina's independent and self-sufficient character. She had every "right" to be a spoiled, defenseless woman and took it upon herself to care for others while taking care of herself as well throughout all of her hardships. Watching the way that Thomas and Caterina came together was most amusing and was not the same tired idea of falling head over heels right away. The last few chapters had me so intrigued that I could hardly turn the pages fast enough. I thought I was anxious to read Ghost after Rogue, but after the cliffhanger of Ghost, I can really say I've never been in more anticipation for the next book! I look forward to seeing how the two books will tie together now that the characters and their relationships to one another have been revealed. Now that the backstories have been told in the last two books, I am excited to see how the Family all comes together (and falls apart) as the story is moved forward.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this and the first book of the trilogy free in exchange for an honest review.

I wasn't nearly as impressed with the first in the series, Rogue, as I was with this 2nd book. The first book had an abundance of romance, and for me it was too much. That's not a reflection of the quality of the writing or of the intent of the author, however. So, I didn't rate or review based on my own preferences. That being said, this 2nd book was quite the treat! Rich in its historical element, I never felt like the story was dragging on or focusing too much on one thing or another. It flowed easily, but was never predictable. I love to see/read about fierce and capable women, and Caterina fit that bill. I look forward to book #3!

[Bec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhh what an ending.....Kari has done it again. I don't give 5 stars often, and the last time I did was for Rogue (book 1 of the plague trilogy) but wow, I have to give 5 stars again. I thought I would be disappointed that this book didn't follow Matthew and Lissie's journey but boy was I wrong. I loved how this book took us further back in time and we got to follow the story of Caterina and Thomas - Matthew's parents, and how they met. I really enjoyed the other characters we met along the way such as Leonardo da Vinci, Caterina's brothers and servants and Thomas's brothers. We got a further insight into the Family and I'm anxious for the third book in the series - I hope it's not too long!!!

I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Phil Quagliariello · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic book 2

The next book in the trilogy takes you on a wild adventure filled with history, romance, drama, and chaos. Tons of twists and turns will keep you engaged until the very last page. Curious to see where Book 3 takes me.

[PepperP0t · Rating 3 out of 5]

***A complimentary copy of this read was furnished by author in exchange for a review***
Cosseted, plain Caterina Galli is in Paris enjoying a reunion with her cousins, aunt and uncle. Except, according to cousin Paula, Caterina is judgmental and not much fun. Paula's in love and risks every moment she can to be with her lover while Caterina insists propriety be observed and stands in Paula's way. Then the plague arrives.

Due to the plague 'The Family' hasn't had much work. As the plague passes, 'The Family' get work searching for survivors. During a search of her family's home, Caterina escapes detection by feigning death and is overlooked. After that narrow escape, Caterina decides to return to her family home but is aware she could still be infectious. Despite a harrowing trip, she arrives safely.

While the family is happy to see her and saddened by the events in Paris and Caterina is safe and well, the family suffers socially because of her return, so off to Florence the family goes. Skilled assassin, Thomas is tired of twiddling his thumbs while the continent recovers from the plague. His incessant complaints earn him a long-term assignment as in house mercenary for a favored client.

While part of a series, the read is self contained and it's not necessary to read book one to understand what this sophomore effort has in store for the reader. The first part of this trilogy was a more romantic piece, this outing worked more toward 'The Family' business and background.

Unfortunately for this readers taste the outing was overly descriptive and wordy throughout, that didn't appeal and made this reader want to skim through chunks. Also, I thought Thomas was more defined than Caterina but I wanted even more definition for his character. Finally, I appreciated Caterina's strength in adversity and all but did not connect with her.
Rating 3 stars

[Troy HEVERLY · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ghost is another interesting fantasy/romance/historical fiction book that once again takes us into the world of immortals that Kari has built. I enjoyed that this book gave more background to the story as to how the immortals came to be, as well as continuing the story line that Rogue had built. Kari does a wonderful job of including historical elements that seemingly wouldn't have much in common and neatly fits them into a single story, without detracting from the main plot. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to those with and interest in the fantasy, romance, or historical fiction genres. Looking forward to book 3!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.