Zana is stunningly beautiful. And she is being closely watched by a secret department of MI6 codenamed DIAL, who are aware she and her six male companions have blended themselves into London life for a reason that can't be too good for the citizens of the capital. But after months of observation they are still no nearer to knowing what terrorist atrocity she is planning. Someone has to go undercover, gain her trust and discover the truth. They know just the person. She has the right credentials. Despite her tough upbringing she looks like butter wouldn’t melt, and has an air of sophistication that belies her true self. And she doesn't do long-term relationships. Or relationships of any length. It was a safe bet she wouldn't get emotionally involved.
Madeline deWinter works for MI6. Very few people know that, even fewer admit to knowing it. Her specialist profession doesn't officially exist; she is a mere shadow to those who wield the power. Madeline nullifies people for a living. She likes that word… nullifies. It says a lot more than 'kills' or 'assassinates' ever could. It gives her job a sense of style, a kind of mysterious importance. She's ideally suited to the work - she doesn't have a heart, or a soul. The harsh reality of growing up on one of the toughest streets in East London, followed by a spell in army intelligence in Afghanistan, got rid of most of what resembled compassion; and after watching her father fall apart over his love for a woman, she'd decided at an early age trivial emotions and pointless feelings just got in the way of real life.
When DIAL approached her, first off she said no - undercover work wasn't her thing. It was too much like hard work, too many things to think about. Then they gave her the details of the woman she was being asked to get to know. For a reason she couldn’t understand, she made a life-changing U-turn and said yes. A decision she would come to regret as the days passed and her world and her emotions spiralled out of control. But it wasn't until the final curtain began to close and all hell broke loose, that she eventually saw Zana’s true colours. And discovered the one certainty of life with a heart was that sooner or later it would get shattered into tiny pieces.
Red Mist Falling contains several scenes of an erotic nature. Over 18's only please!
**Look out for the sequel to this book. ‘Red Mist: Homecoming’ continues the epic story, and will be published later this year.
The publishing industry tells me I write commercial fiction. I guess I do, even though I'm not a huge fan of 'tags'. To me, and the readers who enjoy my work, I simply tell a good story. Most of the time I don't know where the ideas come from. Occasionally I will see a news report or a TV programme that sparks something. But the way it usually seems to happen is that I wake one morning and the seed of an idea is there.
Maybe this strange mind I seem to possess works better when I'm asleep than it does in the waking hours! But one thing I am sure of...if you're nine years old or ninety, my books will take you to places you didn't expect to go. I really hope you enjoy the ride!
I lead a pretty simple life. It's a full-time job writing, video-making, designing covers and websites, marketing...oh yes, getting a book on the shelf in today's world is about far more than typing words on a page!
I live in a tiny hamlet in Norfolk, England. I'm surrounded by beautiful countryside, and depending on which direction I head, the river, the sea or the city are only a few miles away.
When my brain needs a rest, my favourite chill-out activity is anything with four or two wheels going as fast as possible to be the first over the finish line.
I think this is more of a 2.5 but not solid enough to be a 3 for me.
This is a most odd book to rate, and for a number of reasons. On one hand I like the story, and on the other, there were so many issues I just wanted to scream WTAF! I suspect many of these issues will neither bother nor be noticed but they were of significance to me. So make up your own mind.
The start is very choppy and although in 1st person there is a sudden and and ill-warned POV shift, and then it shifts back again. This happens a few times and really, an editor should have eradicated them. Along with a few typos.
I'm not at all sure I liked any of the characters, a-holes spring to mind. A lot of their issues could have been resolved by a good honest chat. But they never do anything, and avoid details by not saying much of value. If they had then it would have cut out a whole world of woe. But the story would be shorter. So plot hooks needed.
When it comes to sexy times there are a few times when I wonder if it was physically possible to do some of the things described. Seriously.
There is a general lack of details, like where one of the characters comes from. That should have been dealt with in a more vague but acceptable manner. And government departments with acronyms need to be explained it bothered me from the start, but when you get to the 60% mark, give or take, then it is explained. And then you realise that the whole nature of the story just changed with such a head spin there is another WTF. No Spoilers but really.
And the assassinations? I would let you be the judge of the believeability of that.
I enjoyed what I read, but the need to reread whole chunks to check what was meant with how it read, slowed it down. And also the first 60% is one type of book, and the last 40% is a completely different one.
I just love reading a novel when BAM!....the plot switches up on you and you're left there just thinking for a few minutes, then you re-read a chapter to make sure you read it right. Then you finish the book, put it down, and just stare at the wall wondering what the hell just happened. Yep, this book did just that, and I loved every damn second of it. Can't wait to read part 2.
The relationship felt rushed and unbelievable. The mystery kept me reading. The twist was unexpected. It had some grammar/spelling errors that were annoying. Overall entertaining.
I could hardly put the book down. The plot is well thought out. The two main characters, Madeline and Zana, are very endearing. The story has everything. Exciting action plot, a great love story, good erotic sex. I look forward to reading book two in the sequence.
This freebie was going well until two thirds of the way through when - spoiler alert - one of the main characters was revealed to be an alien. WTF?! It was downhill all the way from then on, which was a pity as the writing was pretty good (apart from some jarring POV shifts) and the plot was taking shape nicely. This could have been a good thriller but sadly it turned out to be a bit of a mess.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I liked the characters and the story line. But had issues with having to read lines twice because the words did not make sense. Also had issues with use of gender information being changed within sentences. Should have used her, but used him.
Some glaring spelling and formatting errors throughout.
Very little plot and character development, everything was instant with no development or build up. There was one massive twist towards the end, but it was too little too late.
I was a little weary of this novel because it's not my regular read. But I was pleasantly surprised. The characters are very like able and it is well written.
Other than the fact I had to keep reminding myself the heroine was a female, (she came across as a male in actions and narration) I enjoyed this story.