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Nightshades #3
Outbreak
Melissa F. Olson's thrilling FBI vampire procedural Nightshades series concludes with Outbreak
The Chicago field office of the Bureau of Preternatural Investigation is facing its deadliest challenge, yet—internal investigation! Alex and Lindy are on the hook, and on the run.
But when all of the BPI’s captive vampires are broken free from their maximum security prison, and Hector finally steps out of the shadows, Alex must use every trick to stay ahead of both the BPI and the world’s most dangerous shade.
Confrontation is inevitable. Success is not.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
The Chicago field office of the Bureau of Preternatural Investigation is facing its deadliest challenge, yet—internal investigation! Alex and Lindy are on the hook, and on the run.
But when all of the BPI’s captive vampires are broken free from their maximum security prison, and Hector finally steps out of the shadows, Alex must use every trick to stay ahead of both the BPI and the world’s most dangerous shade.
Confrontation is inevitable. Success is not.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 5, 2018
121 people are currently reading
439 people want to read
About the author
Melissa F. Olson
42 books1,738 followersMelissa F. Olson is a writer and film professor. Her work includes the comic ARCHAIC, the feminist horror novel The Other Frankenstein, and more than 20 urban fantasy novels and novellas, including the Scarlett Bernard series and the Boundary Magic novels. Her journalism and academic work has been published in The International Journal of Comic Art, the compilation Images of the Modern Vampire, Tor.com, and the Everyone's Gone to the Movies series.
Melissa has been a writing teacher, English professor, and TEDx presenter, but she now divides her time between writing and conventions, where she speaks about issues related to genre, feminism, writing, and parenting. Read more about her life and work at MFOlson.com.
Melissa has been a writing teacher, English professor, and TEDx presenter, but she now divides her time between writing and conventions, where she speaks about issues related to genre, feminism, writing, and parenting. Read more about her life and work at MFOlson.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
November 28, 2018
A very strong 3.5 stars.
I've been on a reading roll this year and it feels great!
The downside to reading a lot is that unless you write your reviews straight away, they tend to pile up - as it's done for me now - and a pile-up means that there's a risk that details get forgotten...
In most cases I only ever have a few notes and quotes made here on Goodreads as I've made my way through a book, and even that isn't always the case.
That being said...
Outbreak is the final book in the Nightshades series, about the Chicago branch of the BPI (Bureau of Paranormal Investigations) and their hunt for Hector, who's out to establish shade - vampire - sovereignty over humans.
Hector is many centuries old and of the last of the shade royalty. The only other who could lay claim to the monarchical title is Hector's twin sister, Sieglind - Lindy - who not only does not share Hector's views of humans but is also part of the team hunting him.
The first book of Melissa F. Olson that I came across happened to be Nightshades, a very lucky, it turns out, find at a booksale as both it and the sequel, Switchback , immediately ended up on my Best of 2018 list.
Outbreak was a great read; a tense and entertaining page turner! The one thing that it lacks, in comparison to its prequels, was the right-in-the-stomach-blow to the feels.
Many of the characters from the two prior books returned for the final showdown - but not all. And those who didn't...
...Well, their losses were felt. Both in the sense that they likely could've added to the story, but also in the more 'literal' sense; when they fell victims to their fates, it really felt like losing a loved [fictional] character. I didn't quite feel that in this book.
Outbreak will end up as a favorite, but it will not make it to my Best of-list.
I've been on a reading roll this year and it feels great!
The downside to reading a lot is that unless you write your reviews straight away, they tend to pile up - as it's done for me now - and a pile-up means that there's a risk that details get forgotten...
In most cases I only ever have a few notes and quotes made here on Goodreads as I've made my way through a book, and even that isn't always the case.
That being said...
Outbreak is the final book in the Nightshades series, about the Chicago branch of the BPI (Bureau of Paranormal Investigations) and their hunt for Hector, who's out to establish shade - vampire - sovereignty over humans.
Hector is many centuries old and of the last of the shade royalty. The only other who could lay claim to the monarchical title is Hector's twin sister, Sieglind - Lindy - who not only does not share Hector's views of humans but is also part of the team hunting him.
The first book of Melissa F. Olson that I came across happened to be Nightshades, a very lucky, it turns out, find at a booksale as both it and the sequel, Switchback , immediately ended up on my Best of 2018 list.
Outbreak was a great read; a tense and entertaining page turner! The one thing that it lacks, in comparison to its prequels, was the right-in-the-stomach-blow to the feels.
Many of the characters from the two prior books returned for the final showdown - but not all. And those who didn't...
...Well, their losses were felt. Both in the sense that they likely could've added to the story, but also in the more 'literal' sense; when they fell victims to their fates, it really felt like losing a loved [fictional] character. I didn't quite feel that in this book.
Outbreak will end up as a favorite, but it will not make it to my Best of-list.
June 8, 2018
The story picked up immediately after the end of book #2, when the 'evil villain' Hector and his army broke the prison that kept shades prisoner. Within hours, FBI turns their investigation to Lindy -- as Hector's twin -- and decides to dismantle the Chicago field of Bureau of Preternatural Investigation. Alex and his team, alongside Lindy, have to find a way to defeat Hector once and for all.
I LOVED the pace of this book -- it's a page turner for sure. I loved that the team worked together to rally behind Alex and Lindy -- even after knowing that . It's full of developing plans, actions, and a little heartbreak.
I did wish that the climax battle between Lindy and Hector to last longer than the way it was written in this book. However, I was pretty satisfied that in the end, it was who kill Hector. I thought it made sense, considering was the one being mesmerized by Hector to give a lot of information about the bureau.
It's a satisfying conclusion of the trilogy. Melissa F. Olson has proven once again why she is one of my favorite urban fantasy authors these days.
I LOVED the pace of this book -- it's a page turner for sure. I loved that the team worked together to rally behind Alex and Lindy -- even after knowing that . It's full of developing plans, actions, and a little heartbreak.
I did wish that the climax battle between Lindy and Hector to last longer than the way it was written in this book. However, I was pretty satisfied that in the end, it was who kill Hector. I thought it made sense, considering was the one being mesmerized by Hector to give a lot of information about the bureau.
It's a satisfying conclusion of the trilogy. Melissa F. Olson has proven once again why she is one of my favorite urban fantasy authors these days.
May 22, 2018
Things were in a bit of a jam at the end of book two so I was ready to pounce when this final book in the series came available. Vampires, FBI, betrayals, and an enemy who seems to be holding all the cards was definitely just my thing.
Outbreak is book three in an Urban Fantasy trilogy so it does not work standalone or out of order.
Alex and Lindy are trying to catch their breath after the bloody and deadly shocking ending to their last case, but then their peace is shattered when Chase bursts in with news he was mesmerized by Hector and made to be a departmental leak. He had no idea what intel he gave the enemy, but part of it was used to stay a two part prison break that now has everyone scrambling. Alex's FBI team is put on suspension and Lindy is under arrest. Now, they are all right where Hector wants them as he makes his big moves.
Things were so dire and exciting right from the start with this one. I enjoyed seeing what Alex and Lindy would do with their backs against the wall. It was going to take a team effort and some ingenuity which is something I've liked all through this series. The middle of the book is the team at work on their plans and the ending was another great climax scene with a bit of a denouement to give the series closure.
My only niggles are that during the middle, I did feel some lag while necessary preparations were being made and the epilogue gave closure, but didn't really have any shine to it. What it did do, thankfully, was leave a little window open in case the author wants to jump back in and do some more stories in the Nightshades world.
In summary, I loved the author's take on vampires and enjoyed how she paired the paranormal with an FBI procedural. It had some grit and some great suspense and action moments. I enjoyed all the characters and how they came together as a team. Alex and Lindy were a good romantic pairing though romance was only one of the elements. Definitely a nice quick-read trilogy for Urban Fantasy and vampire fans.
I rec'd the book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
Outbreak is book three in an Urban Fantasy trilogy so it does not work standalone or out of order.
Alex and Lindy are trying to catch their breath after the bloody and deadly shocking ending to their last case, but then their peace is shattered when Chase bursts in with news he was mesmerized by Hector and made to be a departmental leak. He had no idea what intel he gave the enemy, but part of it was used to stay a two part prison break that now has everyone scrambling. Alex's FBI team is put on suspension and Lindy is under arrest. Now, they are all right where Hector wants them as he makes his big moves.
Things were so dire and exciting right from the start with this one. I enjoyed seeing what Alex and Lindy would do with their backs against the wall. It was going to take a team effort and some ingenuity which is something I've liked all through this series. The middle of the book is the team at work on their plans and the ending was another great climax scene with a bit of a denouement to give the series closure.
My only niggles are that during the middle, I did feel some lag while necessary preparations were being made and the epilogue gave closure, but didn't really have any shine to it. What it did do, thankfully, was leave a little window open in case the author wants to jump back in and do some more stories in the Nightshades world.
In summary, I loved the author's take on vampires and enjoyed how she paired the paranormal with an FBI procedural. It had some grit and some great suspense and action moments. I enjoyed all the characters and how they came together as a team. Alex and Lindy were a good romantic pairing though romance was only one of the elements. Definitely a nice quick-read trilogy for Urban Fantasy and vampire fans.
I rec'd the book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
June 1, 2018
I have really liked Melissa Olson's other series so I decided to give this one a try. While I found the characters interesting I did not really bond with them. There was non-stop action and the world that everything took place in was different and fit the story line. The story seemed to pick up right after the second book and as I had not read either of the pervious books it did take me some time to realize what was going on. For me just an OK series. I think it would have been better if I had read the previous books. This was not a good stand-alone.
I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.
I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.
August 31, 2018
My review and an extended sample of the audiobook are posted at Hotlistens.com.
In this third book in Melissa F. Olson’s Nightshades series, we finally wrap up the story arc. I don’t know if there will be more books set in this world, but this book does wrap up the story arc of the first three books. I really enjoyed this series. It takes everything I love about cop shows and combines them with vampires. What’s not to love.
If I had to complain about this series, the stories are short. I don’t feel like the author left anything out of the stories. The characters are well developed, as is the world that these characters they live in. But each book is around 4 hours long, which is really short. I am glad that she didn’t just fill the story up with filler, though. I would just like more time with these characters.
Alex and Lindy have made their relationship more than a working one. But that doesn’t mean they don’t still have a lot of work to do. Lindy’s brother, Hector, is still on a rampage. The FBI still need to catch him. Chase, Alex’s best friend and second in command of the Chicago BPI team, passes along some news that is a big hit to the team.
I would highly recommend reading this series in order. Each book builds on the previous story. I think if you started here, you would be completely lost to what is going on with the vampires. I hope to see more books set in this world.
Narration
Luke Daniels continues to narrate this series and does a fantastic job. There’s a reason he is at the top of many people’s favorite narrator list. He’s great with a large selection of voices that are always attuned to the character’s personality. He’s great with both male and female voices. Pace and tone are always right where it’s needed for the current scene. If you’ve never listened to Luke Daniels, you’re really missing out.
**I like to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
In this third book in Melissa F. Olson’s Nightshades series, we finally wrap up the story arc. I don’t know if there will be more books set in this world, but this book does wrap up the story arc of the first three books. I really enjoyed this series. It takes everything I love about cop shows and combines them with vampires. What’s not to love.
If I had to complain about this series, the stories are short. I don’t feel like the author left anything out of the stories. The characters are well developed, as is the world that these characters they live in. But each book is around 4 hours long, which is really short. I am glad that she didn’t just fill the story up with filler, though. I would just like more time with these characters.
Alex and Lindy have made their relationship more than a working one. But that doesn’t mean they don’t still have a lot of work to do. Lindy’s brother, Hector, is still on a rampage. The FBI still need to catch him. Chase, Alex’s best friend and second in command of the Chicago BPI team, passes along some news that is a big hit to the team.
I would highly recommend reading this series in order. Each book builds on the previous story. I think if you started here, you would be completely lost to what is going on with the vampires. I hope to see more books set in this world.
Narration
Luke Daniels continues to narrate this series and does a fantastic job. There’s a reason he is at the top of many people’s favorite narrator list. He’s great with a large selection of voices that are always attuned to the character’s personality. He’s great with both male and female voices. Pace and tone are always right where it’s needed for the current scene. If you’ve never listened to Luke Daniels, you’re really missing out.
**I like to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
March 3, 2022
3.5 Stars 🌟
This was the third and final book in this trilogy. I am a fan of Melissa Olson and have read almost everything she has written. If I've missed something, that was not on purpose. I have read the prior two books and enjoyed them both so I didn't even hesitate to click buy.
This book showcases the culmination of the series story arc and has the Chicago office of the Bureau of Preternatural Investigation going after Lindy. Why? Well, Lindy is a very old shade who has been able to appear as a normal human and has been working with the BPI. There is another vamp (shade) who has one of those "evil villian" plans and Hector has been orchestrating the events to push forward his agenda. Things happen, there is a breakout at the supernatural prison and agents are killed. Lindy gets flushed out because of this.
Alex is the head of his Pod (what the bureau calls his team) and has developed a personal relationship with Lindy. Now, Alex, Lindy and his Pod have to go on the run in order to try to figure out what is REALLY going on and stop anymore killing.
This book was not very long but it did keep my interest the entire time. I enjoyed it and I listened to the entire book on audio. I did enjoy the narration, but the narrator was Luke Daniels, so that is pretty much a no brainer :)
This was the third and final book in this trilogy. I am a fan of Melissa Olson and have read almost everything she has written. If I've missed something, that was not on purpose. I have read the prior two books and enjoyed them both so I didn't even hesitate to click buy.
This book showcases the culmination of the series story arc and has the Chicago office of the Bureau of Preternatural Investigation going after Lindy. Why? Well, Lindy is a very old shade who has been able to appear as a normal human and has been working with the BPI. There is another vamp (shade) who has one of those "evil villian" plans and Hector has been orchestrating the events to push forward his agenda. Things happen, there is a breakout at the supernatural prison and agents are killed. Lindy gets flushed out because of this.
Alex is the head of his Pod (what the bureau calls his team) and has developed a personal relationship with Lindy. Now, Alex, Lindy and his Pod have to go on the run in order to try to figure out what is REALLY going on and stop anymore killing.
This book was not very long but it did keep my interest the entire time. I enjoyed it and I listened to the entire book on audio. I did enjoy the narration, but the narrator was Luke Daniels, so that is pretty much a no brainer :)
May 11, 2021
After inhaling the first two books in this series, I was happysad to see it come to a conclusion here. It's a satisfying conclusion, but I'd still love more from these characters. It definitely rounds out the series and continues/completes the arcs of many of the characters, which is exactly what I look for in a final book from a series.
June 25, 2018
3.5 stars.
August 8, 2018
Fun, light, fast moving series
I enjoyed these three urban fantasy books. They are quick reads, light but well-done. Fast-paced and fun. Read them in order.
I enjoyed these three urban fantasy books. They are quick reads, light but well-done. Fast-paced and fun. Read them in order.
July 17, 2018
3.5 stars. Very quick read, lots of action but no surprises or twists. Good end to the series with enough openness to the ending to allow the author to revisit this world if they choose. Definitely need to read the books in order for maximum enjoyment.
July 28, 2019
This is the final book in the Nightshades trilogy which is a vampire power-struggle-cum-straight-romance with the FBI thrown in for good measure. Vampires have been hidden from humanity until very recently. Hector is still trying to manipulate both vampires and humans for his own nefarious, control-grabbing purposes and the Bureau of Preternatural Investigations is still trying to stop him. But the FBI are also investigating Lindy and Alex. It’s a really good end to the trilogy.
June 22, 2018
This series is good but just too short to be great.
We start book 4 where we left off on book 3, where shade (vampire) Lindy Frederick and FBI Agent Alex McKenna have just spent the night together and wake up to the news that the shades have all broken out of the FBI holding in Washington DC known as “Camp Vamp.” Many agents were killed in the break out and Alex receives a call from his boss to bring Lindy in. Alex isn’t stupid and as Lindy is the only known shade and even though she has been working with the FBI, he knows the FBI wants to bring her in and make her take the fall for the breakout.
Alex also knows that Lindy has been working with them on the up and up and wasn’t using her in with the FBI as a front for information. Lindy could have simply used her shade abilities and mesmerized one of the agents for inside information. She didn’t need to work with them to help capture her brother, Hector. So Alex goes rouge and helps Lindy escape her apartment.
Alex gets his team involved, as they too have come to trust Lindy, and together they make a plan to take down Hector. They just need to make sure they don’t get caught themselves before their trap has sprung.
I am not certain if this is the final story of the Nightshade series, but it does end a story arc.
I liked the characters and as always, I was very happy with the narration by Luke Daniels. But my overall problem with the series is the fact that it was a group of novellas, which were each rather short, less than 4 hours of audiobook so the story is ending just as it is really getting started.
While the first novella was slow trying to set up the series and introduce the world of shades (vampires), the other two picked up a little more with more plot. With a novella size ending of story arc, the ending came too quick and there was no time for plot twists. The author did attempt to throw Alex and Lindy’s perfect plan off kilter, but you knew, since there wasn’t much story left, that everything was going to end really soon.
All the characters we have met over the prior stories are back so once again we can jump back into the story without further introductions but this was still not overly dramatic or exciting for a story arc ending.
We start book 4 where we left off on book 3, where shade (vampire) Lindy Frederick and FBI Agent Alex McKenna have just spent the night together and wake up to the news that the shades have all broken out of the FBI holding in Washington DC known as “Camp Vamp.” Many agents were killed in the break out and Alex receives a call from his boss to bring Lindy in. Alex isn’t stupid and as Lindy is the only known shade and even though she has been working with the FBI, he knows the FBI wants to bring her in and make her take the fall for the breakout.
Alex also knows that Lindy has been working with them on the up and up and wasn’t using her in with the FBI as a front for information. Lindy could have simply used her shade abilities and mesmerized one of the agents for inside information. She didn’t need to work with them to help capture her brother, Hector. So Alex goes rouge and helps Lindy escape her apartment.
Alex gets his team involved, as they too have come to trust Lindy, and together they make a plan to take down Hector. They just need to make sure they don’t get caught themselves before their trap has sprung.
I am not certain if this is the final story of the Nightshade series, but it does end a story arc.
I liked the characters and as always, I was very happy with the narration by Luke Daniels. But my overall problem with the series is the fact that it was a group of novellas, which were each rather short, less than 4 hours of audiobook so the story is ending just as it is really getting started.
While the first novella was slow trying to set up the series and introduce the world of shades (vampires), the other two picked up a little more with more plot. With a novella size ending of story arc, the ending came too quick and there was no time for plot twists. The author did attempt to throw Alex and Lindy’s perfect plan off kilter, but you knew, since there wasn’t much story left, that everything was going to end really soon.
All the characters we have met over the prior stories are back so once again we can jump back into the story without further introductions but this was still not overly dramatic or exciting for a story arc ending.
June 13, 2020
Great wrap up (?) of another great Olson series
I have to admit that although these books from the Nightshades series kept me engrossed, I can still feel a little more love for the Old World books and honestly cannot wait to get to the new Scarlett book recently released (I think it was recent anyway).
I really did enjoy the detective aspect of this series and man...Olson got REALLY good at getting you to lament the deaths of darlings by this book. My only real criticism for this one though is a little ironic because I'm pretty sure I'd just praised her for being so reliable when it came to continuity in the last book's review, but this one actually slipped a little towards the beginning, which really kind of surprised me more than annoyed me at least since it wasn't something I expected AT ALL after reading something like 12 or so of her books by now. Still, everything else for the most part was great. If you've never read any of her books and they interest you, do yourself a favor and spend a minute on a little research to make sure you read them all in the order they were released (with maybe the exception of her Companion Pieces collection, which I don't know the date on but be sure to follow her directions on what she recommends you read before reading those pieces if you're not through ALL of the Old World books already). I lucked out and just happened to read them all in the best order, I think, but it will help with continuity and they ARE all tied together EXPERTLY with the exception of this series and the standalone mystery that I don't think I've read yet. Melissa Olson has quickly become one of my favorite writers of serial fiction, and I think you'll agree if the genre interests you too. She definitely doesn't follow some glaring formula that takes you out of her fabulous stories, which is something I usually love to hate on with a lot of serial fiction. She really deserves more PR in my opinion.
I have to admit that although these books from the Nightshades series kept me engrossed, I can still feel a little more love for the Old World books and honestly cannot wait to get to the new Scarlett book recently released (I think it was recent anyway).
I really did enjoy the detective aspect of this series and man...Olson got REALLY good at getting you to lament the deaths of darlings by this book. My only real criticism for this one though is a little ironic because I'm pretty sure I'd just praised her for being so reliable when it came to continuity in the last book's review, but this one actually slipped a little towards the beginning, which really kind of surprised me more than annoyed me at least since it wasn't something I expected AT ALL after reading something like 12 or so of her books by now. Still, everything else for the most part was great. If you've never read any of her books and they interest you, do yourself a favor and spend a minute on a little research to make sure you read them all in the order they were released (with maybe the exception of her Companion Pieces collection, which I don't know the date on but be sure to follow her directions on what she recommends you read before reading those pieces if you're not through ALL of the Old World books already). I lucked out and just happened to read them all in the best order, I think, but it will help with continuity and they ARE all tied together EXPERTLY with the exception of this series and the standalone mystery that I don't think I've read yet. Melissa Olson has quickly become one of my favorite writers of serial fiction, and I think you'll agree if the genre interests you too. She definitely doesn't follow some glaring formula that takes you out of her fabulous stories, which is something I usually love to hate on with a lot of serial fiction. She really deserves more PR in my opinion.
June 2, 2018
This entire series of novellas would easily translate to film, and I’d definitely want to watch.
Shades (aka vampires) are out of the closet and known to humanity. Shades don’t need or even generally want to hurt the humans they feed on, but the FBI has created an offshoot, the Bureau of Paranormal Investigations, to investigate crimes perpetrated by them. Lindy, one of the oldest vampires, has been drafted by the Chicago office of the BPI to help them take on her brother, Hector, who has murdered humans as part of his bid to be recognized as the king of all the shades. In this novella, Hector’s plans come to a head, and Lindy and her BPI allies must figure out a way to take him down.
I could totally see this on screen; it’s got all the elements. There’s plenty of action, some of it gory, as the shades clash with the BPI. It’s got an investigative element that could hook in people who like shows like NCIS. The novellas even include a deepening romance between Lindy and Alex, the head of the Chicago BPI. All of these different aspects of the story are woven together very well to create a fast-moving story that I really enjoyed.
The whole series is just very entertaining. I’d recommend it to anyone who likes to read urban fantasy.
A copy of this book was provided through NetGalley for review; all opinions expressed are my own.
Shades (aka vampires) are out of the closet and known to humanity. Shades don’t need or even generally want to hurt the humans they feed on, but the FBI has created an offshoot, the Bureau of Paranormal Investigations, to investigate crimes perpetrated by them. Lindy, one of the oldest vampires, has been drafted by the Chicago office of the BPI to help them take on her brother, Hector, who has murdered humans as part of his bid to be recognized as the king of all the shades. In this novella, Hector’s plans come to a head, and Lindy and her BPI allies must figure out a way to take him down.
I could totally see this on screen; it’s got all the elements. There’s plenty of action, some of it gory, as the shades clash with the BPI. It’s got an investigative element that could hook in people who like shows like NCIS. The novellas even include a deepening romance between Lindy and Alex, the head of the Chicago BPI. All of these different aspects of the story are woven together very well to create a fast-moving story that I really enjoyed.
The whole series is just very entertaining. I’d recommend it to anyone who likes to read urban fantasy.
A copy of this book was provided through NetGalley for review; all opinions expressed are my own.
January 14, 2019
"Outbreak" is the final novella of a three novella set about a special FBI unit hunting vampires, I've already reviewed"Nightshades" and "Switchback"
Like them, "Outbreak" was a light, fast - this-would-make-great-TV type of read. It's original, fast-paced and has some great action scenes.
I found the final resolution a little low key but there was enough good stuff along the way to make up for that.
Although we get some good vampire-backstory stuff that fits well with the motivations that drive the plot, the characterisation is very thin and nobody develops much. By comparison to Melissa F Olson's other books, this feels more like an outline than a novel.
The only thing I didn't like was the way these novellas were released. It seems to be a thing with publishers at the moment to split a novel into three or four pieces and then drip-feed them to readers. I guess it's a way of keeping the authors' name in front of people and it probably makes more revenue overall. What pushed this to beyond being an irritating marketing tactic was how long the drip feeding took. There was a two-year gap between the first and third novella. It was hard to sustain any sense of momentum. I'd rather have bought all three novellas as a novel.
Like them, "Outbreak" was a light, fast - this-would-make-great-TV type of read. It's original, fast-paced and has some great action scenes.
I found the final resolution a little low key but there was enough good stuff along the way to make up for that.
Although we get some good vampire-backstory stuff that fits well with the motivations that drive the plot, the characterisation is very thin and nobody develops much. By comparison to Melissa F Olson's other books, this feels more like an outline than a novel.
The only thing I didn't like was the way these novellas were released. It seems to be a thing with publishers at the moment to split a novel into three or four pieces and then drip-feed them to readers. I guess it's a way of keeping the authors' name in front of people and it probably makes more revenue overall. What pushed this to beyond being an irritating marketing tactic was how long the drip feeding took. There was a two-year gap between the first and third novella. It was hard to sustain any sense of momentum. I'd rather have bought all three novellas as a novel.
June 6, 2018
I have enjoyed this series as a whole and I thought this was a decent conclusion, albeit a little abrupt. This third instalment tells the continuing story of the Bureau of Preternatural Investigation and its search for the rogue vampire king, Hector as he bids to change the balance of power between humans and shades. The action is consistently good here, with lots of fights that remind us of the strength of the shades, which I enjoyed. I think that the series has introduced some interesting aspects into vampire lore, such as their inability to process synthetic drugs, such as meth, causing them to collapse. Many of the characters are quite one dimensional, but it is the plot that pushes the narrative forward here so I never missed deep character moments, What I do think is an issue was the climax to the shade/human conflict, which felt incredibly rushed and abrupt. This is a real shame because the trilogy has been building really well to a massive showdown that fails to deliver. Overall, I think this is a fun series and I enjoyed this book, with just slight reservations about the end.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 7, 2018
This series was different from the others I’ve read where we were immersed in the old World. In this book the FBi’s Bureau of Preternatural Investigation (BPI) has hired a vampire to help them solve the series of killings. Not only is Lindy a vampire but she is the oldest vampire in the world. Her twin brother, Hector, is behind the murders. He is evil while Lindy is just trying to live among the humans. Alex McKenna, Special Agent In Charge, thinks that having a vampire on his team will help them find Hector and kill him. The ending of this 3 book series is just what one would expect. But how they get to this ending is what makes this series interesting. Melissa Olson’s characters are always believable. After reading her earlier books, I was almost believing that vampires live among us. Maybe they do!
June 28, 2018
Just as good as the last two instalments of this fast paced, supernatural police procedural mini series, this was proof that quality always overcomes quantity. Sharply violent but with a very human heart, this is where Lindy and Alex must face the evil that Hector has become. Tense throughout, I was practically on the edge of my seat and the ease with which I believed and understood every supernatural aspect is testimony to the world building of Melissa Olson. Shades (as the vampires are accurately called in this world) are as one might expect, as good and as evil as their human counterparts and I loved every second of this wonderfully told story. I know that this is the end of the trilogy but I for one hope that there is more to come in this world.
June 6, 2018
Outbreak picks up right where Switchback left off. And not with a moment to lose. The evolution of Alex and Lindy's relationship wasn't at all surprising, but I could have lived without it. I like that Chase was redeemed in the end. Hector, oh so crazy and infuriating Hector, got what he deserved (let's face it...he was a broken boy in an immortal body!). Solane and Reagan were wonderful, and I like how their story concluded. Other than a lull in the middle, Outbreak is an action-packed roller coaster ride. Outbreak was a fantastic continuation to the Nightshades series! I hope there will be more... :) ****Four solid stars****
February 20, 2022
Some series end on a high note, this was not one of those series. The first two books were essentially police procedurals with a supernatural element. There was investigation and evidence gathering and even a bit of interrogation. This book was mostly romance. It wasn't even good romance, it was the kind where he laces fingers with hers and she puts her hand on his cheek to gaze lovingly into his eyes as he tells her “you got it, babe” as if a centuries old vampire needs the encouragement from her new human lover.
So yeah, this was a complete and utter disappointment and I wish it wasn't.
So yeah, this was a complete and utter disappointment and I wish it wasn't.
June 11, 2018
This one picks up where that last book ( Switchback ) leaves off. A total non stop action romp through the Chicago area. Really enjoyed the Trilogy as a whole and this was a perfect ending for it. Got to see a bit of character development and finality to the whole evil Hector wants to take over the world thing. Would love to see this one get turned into a tv series or movie. Feels like it's made for either one and there seems like there could be so many more stories that could include Lindy and Alex. Highly recommend if you're into urban paranormal/horror stories.
July 4, 2018
There’s a prison Outbreak (ebook from Tor) of shades (think vampires) from a prison bus. That sets the final chase of the ancient shade, Hector by Alex McKenna of the Bureau of Preternatural Investigation and Hector’s sister Lindy. At his heart Hector wants to become the King of the shades, something that hadn’t existed since the death of his father thirteen hundred years ago. Melissa F. Olson has a fun tale of traps by both side until the inevitable confrontation occurs. This is a nice conclusion to a fun trilogy. Review printed by Philadelphia Free Press
August 18, 2018
Outbreak picks up right where Switchback left off. The action starts from the very first page and doesn't let up. It's the most fast paced and quickest read of the entire series. It sure left me trying to catch my breath on numerous occasions. My anxiety was high, y'all!
I'm sad that this is the conclusion to the series. I've really enjoyed all three of the stories and don't want to say goodbye to these characters. Everything wrapped up quite well, but I definitely wouldn't mind more stories featuring Alex and Lindy.
I'm sad that this is the conclusion to the series. I've really enjoyed all three of the stories and don't want to say goodbye to these characters. Everything wrapped up quite well, but I definitely wouldn't mind more stories featuring Alex and Lindy.
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October 24, 2019Completely Satisfied!
I finally read this the 3rd book in the Nightshade series. I am thoroughly satisfied with the progression of the story Line! This is satisfying as a possible end to the series. The characters are easy to care for and in some cases identify with. The arc of the story comes full circle, yet the author leaves a potential storyline if the series continues. I love Ms Olson's writing and have enjoyed most of her published work. I plan on following her writing as long as she wishes to gift us with her talents!
I finally read this the 3rd book in the Nightshade series. I am thoroughly satisfied with the progression of the story Line! This is satisfying as a possible end to the series. The characters are easy to care for and in some cases identify with. The arc of the story comes full circle, yet the author leaves a potential storyline if the series continues. I love Ms Olson's writing and have enjoyed most of her published work. I plan on following her writing as long as she wishes to gift us with her talents!
September 11, 2018
I checked Outbreak, book 3 of the Nightshades series, out from my local library. Excellent conclusion (or was it?) to this dark, and somewhat violent series. Very nice, and unexpected plot twists toward the end. While this seems like a series end with the Hector thread wrapped up, the ending hints at more adventures. I'd love to see this series continue, but it also ends in a satisfactory way.
March 8, 2019
Good trilogy about a Chicago-based FBI agent whose division is charged with investigating vampires on a kidnapping and killing spree. He's aided by an ancient vampire who's helping partially by her own choice, partially by duress. A couple of the books had one of my least favorite literary devices, the unnecessary cliffhanger "epilogue".
June 30, 2019
A few little things bugged me but overall good storyline, characters i enjoyed and enough pacing that i enjoyed the short but interesting read. Would make a good movie if converted. Easy enough storyline and vampires so all fun! If you have a free week i would suggest giving this trio of books a good quick read and enjoy the world.
January 25, 2020
Loved it. I don't think I can express how much I've loved this author's books. Well, maybe I can. I've read all but one of them since December 30th - effectively 26 days. That would be thirteen books, three good length 'novellas', and a book of collected short stories from her worlds. And I'll have finished the last by the end of the day.
May 19, 2021
More fun twists and turns with the Queen of the Vampires and the specially assigned FBI group that she works with to stop the King of the Vampires wreaking havoc upon the world. The romance was a bit by-the-book, as in it felt like they were only doing it because that was the kind of book they were in, but it helped put them in the right places for the fun FBI stuff.
September 6, 2025
Omg all action it almost gives u no space to breathe and relax for the characters which I find fantastic. I couldn't put it down I think I finished it in 2 days which is pretty fast for me since I don't have a lot of time to read now a days. It was a great ending to the story and I can not recommend this series enough.
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