Misfortune Teller

Sasha Urban #2

by Dima Zales, Anna Zaires

So I’m a seer. A Cognizant under the Mandate.



Life should be easy now, right?



Wrong.



With all the “accidents” that keep befalling me, I’ll be lucky to survive the week. That is, if my crazy boss doesn’t work me to death first...

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Vampires, Magic, Audiobook, Supernatural

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 23, 2018

About the author

Dima Zales is a full-time science fiction and fantasy author residing in Palm Coast, Florida. Prior to becoming a writer, he worked in the software development industry in New York as both a programmer and an executive. From high-frequency trading software for big banks to mobile apps for popular magazines, Dima has done it all. In 2013, he left the software industry in order to concentrate on his writing career.

Dima holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from NYU and a dual undergraduate degree in Computer Science / Psychology from Brooklyn College. He also has a number of hobbies and interests, the most unusual of which might be professional-level mentalism. He simulates mind-reading on stage and close-up, and has done shows for corporations, wealthy individuals, and friends.

He is also into healthy eating and fitness, so he should live long enough to finish all the book projects he starts. In fact, he very much hopes to catch the technological advancements that might let him live forever (biologically or otherwise). Aside from that, he also enjoys learning about current and future technologies that might enhance our lives, including artificial intelligence, biofeedback, brain-to-computer interfaces, and brain-enhancing implants.

In addition to his own works, Dima has collaborated on a number of romance novels with his wife, Anna Zaires. The Krinar Chronicles, an erotic science fiction series, has been a bestseller in its categories and has been recognized by the likes of Marie Claire and Woman’s Day. If you like erotic romance with a unique plot, please feel free to check it out, especially since the first book in the series (Close Liaisons) is available for free everywhere. Keep in mind, though, Dima Zales's books are going to be much more PG 13 . . . at least that’s the plan for now.

Anna Zaires is the love of his life and a huge inspiration in every aspect of his writing. She definitely adds her magic touch to anything Dima creates, and the books would not be the same without her. Dima’s fans are strongly encouraged to learn more about Anna and her work at http://www.annazaires.com/

Reviews

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Misfortune Teller
Sasha Urban Series, Book 2
By: Dima Zales, Anna Zaires
Narrated by: Emily Durante
If you like supernatural creatures, supernatural abilities, four supernatural living together and one is in animal form, and different romances. Great fun!😁
Narration is great!

[Mlpmom (Book Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really loving the uniqueness of this series and just how extremely fun it is!

[Melliane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mon avis en français

My English review

I had a really good time with the first volume and I was really curious to see how the series was going to progress and I must say I’m really happy!

Sasha comes back to her life as if nothing had happened, but everything has changed. For example, her chinchilla, which she loves, is not really a chinchilla. We understood it in the previous novel, but it actually harbors an ancient spirit and our heroine will be determined to discover what it is and if it is related to her past of which she knows nothing about. And then there is her work, which is becoming more and more burdensome, but she also have her courses to learn more about this world. What more? Oh, yes, and there are all these accidents that happen to her and from which she barely escapes every time. But who’s trying to kill her?

It was again a very good novel and I was delighted to see all the characters one more time. Ariel of course, but also Felix and all the others. What about Nero? Ah Nero! How difficult it is because we love him as much as we hate him and I must admit that my curiosity about him is only increasing! But after this end? I really wonder how Sasha’s going to get by!

It was a very good second novel and I finally bought the paper sequel to keep it! A nice surprise!

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 60%. What a huge disappointment. The first book was so fast and thrilling, with a great plot, fascinating characters, and an interesting magic world. But this book!?

I tried. But it’s either boring with WAY TOO MUCH exposition shoved down my throat through character monologues or bizarre actions from characters I was set up to like in the first book.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

hmm...

I'm liking the building magical knowledge were getting and Sasha's quest for knowledge- but atm her storyline is kind of making her a pawn.

Hope she's grows into her powers even more in the next book.

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassandra Gold - per RFS
.
Continuano le rocambolesche avventure della strabiliante Sasha, sensitiva tra i Conoscenti e illusionista tra i mortali.

Piena di curiosità e di entusiasmo, Sasha viene introdotta dai suoi amici, Ariel e Felix, nell’incredibile società dei Conoscenti. Dopo una grande e sfarzosa festa data da Nero, suo capo nel lavoro e suo mentore nella nuova gerarchia, la Veggente entra, in tutti i sensi, nelle grazie del nuovo gruppo. Il mentore però non le dà tregua riempiendola di lavoro giorno e notte. Durante una visita a un locale frequentato solo dalla loro razza, in una dimensione straniera alla Terra, Sasha viene aggredita da uno strano succubo. Nel frattempo, uno sgradito incidente con Kit, una delle più eminenti figure del consiglio, le rivela che Darian prova dei sentimenti per lei. Ma il suo cuore è stregato da Nero, nonostante lei faccia di tutto per negare a sé stessa l’evidenza. Sarà proprio Nero a interrompere il corteggiamento di Darian, aprendo una finestra d’aspettativa nel cuore di Sasha. Le sue speranze vengono frantumate, però, dal comportamento del suo mentore: per stimolare le sue capacità di Veggente, infatti, l’uomo ha assoldato un gruppo di orchi dando loro l’incarico di crearle difficoltà. Tuttavia, la situazione sfugge loro di mano, ferendo così Sasha. La furia di Nero è fuori misura, così Sasha, accorsa da lui con l’intenzione di aiutarlo, lo coglie nell’atto di sterminare il gruppo di orchi. Per lei è la goccia che fa traboccare il vaso. Colta dall’ira, si licenzia dall’agenzia di Nero ripudiandolo come Mentore. A nulla valgono le scuse del suo insegnante, la decisione della ragazza è assoluta.

Cosa farà adesso la nostra Veggente, rimasta senza lavoro e senza una guida? Saprà affrontare le mille insidie nascoste nel nuovo mondo che la sta accogliendo?

Fenici è ufficiale… io adoro Nero! Un personaggio poliedrico e affascinante, che non delude dalla prima all’ultima pagina del libro. Sasha è una donna intraprendente che cerca, con tutte le sue forze, di ricostruire la storia della sua vita. Alle sue spalle, dei cari amici e una famiglia che la consolano, la proteggono e le danno coraggio. Una storia dalle molteplici sfaccettature che ti tiene sulla corda dall’inizio alla fine. La tensione sessuale di lei, che rifiuta rapporti occasionali per preservare la sua integrità, la dipinge come una moderna Cassandra, afflitta per un amore impossibile, circondata da mille tentazioni dalle quali si eleva con nobiltà. Ad aiutarla sopraggiungono metodi moderni per allentare lo stress, che spezzano la storia tra combattimenti, lezioni e lavoro.

Un libro da divorare in un sol boccone insomma. Ma ora vi lascio alla lettura. Prevedo meravigliose ore d’intrattenimento. Un caloroso saluto dalla Veggente.

[LexiLikesLiterature · Rating 3 out of 5]

By Dima Zales and Anna Zaires
Narrated by Emily Durante

The storyline in Book Two of this series gets better. And by better, I mean more complicated and messy 🙂 The story picks up the same day as book one.

Sasha has learned she is a Seer, has a mentor, and is covered under the supernatural mandate. Unfortunately someone is still trying to kill her.

There isnt much that can be considered romance, but mid-way through you'll start to realize who will be involved once the romancing gets started.

Expect more pop culture references and reusing of phrases from first book.

The main character, Sasha Urban, is portrayed as an intelligent and curious woman. Her actions dont match her description. It's like the author wants you to think she is smart but then have her actions making it seem like she is a spontaneous idiot.

1. Meets a dangerous witch with no back up
2. Makes a bargain with no knowledge of what it means
3. Wonders off in a foreign world

Emily Durante is so good in the Alex Craft series, but for some reason it took me to book 2 in order to get use to her in this one. She does great with giving characters different voices.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this second book in the series even more than the first! ("The Girl Who Sees", which must be read before this one.) This author's writing just flows and I breezed through the book, enjoying myself the entire time. It has action, magic (both fantasy/paranormal and "magic-show" kinds), humor and slow-burn romantic elements that keep you guessing about what is to come in that regard. I love every one of the characters and am even enjoying Fluffster, though I am not typically an animal lover (I know, I know, I'm a monster). I remain pleased by the intelligence and research (presumably) that is reflected seamlessly in the writing - as well as the creativity of the story/world itself. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[JustALady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now that Sasha knows what she is we all get to join her as she learns more about this exciting fastpaced world. I love the loyalty of her roommates and fluffster is totally cool. I want one. LOL.

This book has action, sci-fi, Fantasy and a slow burn romance all wrapped up in one. Dima has a wonderful way of writing and make the story flow smoothly as you read it.

I would definitely recommend reading the first book in this series to better understand and not miss anything. Both are great book!!!

[John Loyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun. Really fast read. Already a hundred pages into book three. It didn't end with a cliffhanger, but there are still lots of things for Sasha to learn and things to be resolved. This is a cross between being a full story and just one chapter in a longer work. Five stars because it is really enjoyable to read and Sasha is a great character though I thought that in book one she may have refused the Mandate or done something to not fully go along with the Council. I mean one council member tried to preemptively murder her, another used her for his own purposes, her boss Nero is somehow on that council, and her roommates are Cognizant, too, never hinting that they were anything but human.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I love the voice of this character, and the actual everyday “magic” that she uses. I also like learning about the Cognizant and the rules along with her. A little heavy on the sex, a little light on the story, it feels more like a bridge onto the next book. Still, fun read. And DAMN BUT I WANT A CUDDLY CHINCHILLA.

[Lori S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 starsSasha's life gets progressively weirder and more dangerous as she moves deeper into the Cognitive world.I

I could've lived without the succubus and the aftermath of that she named her personal device *Copperfield* shudders, but I'm enjoying the story otherwise.

[Rose L · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitivamente mejor que el anterior

[Gabz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmm. Yummy. This series is getting better with each installment.

[Lianne Pheno · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5

Pas vraiment convaincue

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the second book in the Sasha Urban Series, our FMC is fully in this new world now though there is still so much for her to learn. Like so, so much! Instead of learning, she is being overworked by her hot boss/mentor. Have I mentioned that I love Fluffster?? One of the best characters in the series. In the first book, our FMC was learning the basics of the basics. Book two really starts the world building.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

While we learned even more about the Cognizant world and hints of Sasha's boss/mentor Nero's role in it, nothing very interesting happened yet again. The main villain plot seemed to be some minor demon that wanted revenge on Sasha and Nero's messed up way of teaching Sasha to unlock more of her seer skills. However, they weren't something that Sasha was actively trying to solve and wanted to deal with in her daily life, so those subplots seemed to be rather random and out of place as the main action in the book.

Additionally, there was an excessive amount of philosophy and explanations that were pretty boring. The overall story arc has been all over the place, and each book so far as barely inched towards making progress on Sasha's skills and mysterious parentage. The romance and smut (if you can even call it that) is also a little off-putting and odd for my taste.

The worlds and magic are interesting enough that I want to continue with the next book, but the pacing and plot action isn't the greatest so far.
---
Ratings - abandoned series:
#1 The Girl Who Sees: ★★★☆☆
#2 Misfortune Teller (this book): ★★★☆☆
#3 Reluctant Psychic: ★☆☆☆☆ / DNF

[Monadh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lives up to the promise of book 1

Book 2 of the Sasha Urban series certainly lives up to the promise of the first book. Sasha is still mistrustful of her powers, especially as they work very unpredictably, how else could you explain all the near misses she had lately without seeing them coming? By day she continues to work as a financial analyst for her mentor Nero, which puts her under a lot of pressure as he saddles her with more work than she can reasonably handle.

I loved the strands of Russian folklore/mythology as Sasha tries to find out about her past and who her parents were and the role her pet chinchilla/domovoi plays. At one point she seeks help from Baba Yaga (who is an ambiguous figure at best) which almost turns decidedly unpleasant for her if she didn’t have protection from an unexpected source.
We are also left dangling about Sasha’s love interest(s), if you could call them such, as it is mostly fantasizing on her part (about kissing her boss and mentor Nero), only to find that things concerning her boss are quite different in reality than her imagination. Damian (who is a strong seer) seems to believe that Sasha will end up with him, but she doesn’t share that vision. Add an unearthly attractive incubus/succubus to the mix and you would expect more than actually happens. This would also be one of my points of criticism: not only does she not get anywhere with the guys that are after her (ok, she does end up killing one of them), but at the end of the book she is farther away from a romantic connection than before. And this is not only true of her “love life”, but she also isn’t any closer to learning anything about her origins or getting a handle on her powers. So while we learn more about the different Cognizant and the paranormal world there seems to be very little progress in the story overall which left me kind of frustrated and wanting to get my hands on the next book in the series now.

To end on a positive note: I really liked the humor in the book, mostly due to Sasha’s musings and her observations about the world around and her snarky comments and the fact that she approaches all the supernatural stuff very prosaically (with a little reliance on her “magician” skills). So 4 ½ stars with the hope that there will be some more forward movement in the next installment, Reluctant Psychic.

[La G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solo the story continues to build!!

This 1 seemed to go faster than the 1st 1. I guess because a lot of the world building and character development was already laid down. The murderous 'villain' in this arc was Interesting, Harper is such a Ambivalent name. Sasha continues to amaze and frustrate me. Frustrate me in that she doesn't know how to hold her tongue, she can spout all these big college words like the scientific name for miracle berry and she knows all this DNA stuff, but she doesn't know when to let other people speak. I have a feeling her cutting off Baba yaga to snicker out if she was quoting a movie (something she did with a few characters in this book) is gonna come back to bite her in the butt. I like how she spit up to the bullies, all the definition of holiday looks kinda weird for werewolves,I think Maya will be a new friend especially once she turns 18.D subtle romance says between Sasha Darien and Nero seems to be building although it did not end well for 1 of those men, which in the next book will be a big problem for Sasha. She should have thought that through, especially learning just how much influence Nero has. It's honestly a little stalkerish how much investment Nero has in her life that she was unaware of. I like seeing her interact with her father (Waaayyyy more than her mom) and hopefully will get a bit more about her parents and maybe there was a reason for that abrupt katty attitude to she had towards Beverly, We'll see. Fluffester is Aweome!! And Rose ain't half bad either!! I so can't wait to find out what exactly Nero is, and who's Sasha's family is , because right now she has an Very interesting link to Russia

[LLyza / Rosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

L'intérêt de cette série vient avec la suite, et on finit avec une seule envie continuer. Malgré un schéma qui ressemble au premier : tout le monde essaye de tuer Sasha ; son histoire se dévoile, ses pouvoirs évoluent et nous découvrons encore plus sur ses amis et ceux qui l'entourent.

Les deux points les plus importants sont avant tout son passé, connaître son histoire et d'où elle vient, avec les questions que ça impliquent : pourquoi ? Quel danger est à ses trousses ? Il y a également son patron, celui qui est là depuis un moment et qui se comporte de façon complexe, quelqu'un qui la pousse sans ménagement. Quelqu'un qu'elle déteste et désire à la fois, on ne sait pas ce qu'il en est pour lui, il ne laisse pas grand chose transparaître.

C'est ce qui fait qu'on est là et qu'on ne le lâche pas. Entre autre chose bien sûr, il y a le background un peu SF et ces Autremondes ou encore tous le bestiaire qu'on peut y trouver. On peut regretter par contre l'aspect illusionniste ou mentalisme, c'était vraiment sympa et vu qu'elle ne peut plus pratiquer, on y perd un peu.

L'ambiance est en tout originale tout en étant dans les cases de l'Urban Fantasy, il a un petit goût d'originalité et franchement ça fait du bien. Le vrai défaut en fin de compte, c'est de ne pas avoir plus de pages.

[Viki · Rating 4 out of 5]

MOORE. MOORE. I. NEED. MOOORE.

Long time since I read an urban fantasy this good. Only waiting for the third instalment to give the five stars it deserves.

Though honestly, I do not just need another book. No, I need five books. Yep, you heard me, I need this series to have at least 7 books (I have a soft spot for this number). Or maybe even 10. Such a nice, round number.

Because: A) This is the type of "everyday life" thingies as well as the "building-new-life" ones. As in, we can see a hilarious, clever as fox Seer see how she find friends and allies and enemies and love, and done properly, this takes several books. B) the romance, no way are they getting together in next book, it´s so low-shimmer, you almost forget it exists but in a good way

Because: there is no way a certain individual is not absolutely in love with her. Surprising bonus points: he is not obvious because he has all this tough love attitude and it´s hot - who needs a knight in shinning armor when you can have someone that will believe in you enough to let you do heroic things but goes, at the same time, out of his way to everything he can to help you?!

I cannot wait to see them get together. Swoon...

[Maria Passia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sasha Urban has learned that she's a psychic and part of a secret society of vampires, werewolves and other powerful beings. Having survived several attempts against her life, she must face new challenges, accept who she is and learn how to control her abilities. But her boss, Nero, becomes more and more demanding and it seems that once again someone is trying to kill her! At least her friends and roommates, Ariel and Felix are always there to help her! But when the truth is revealed about who's behind the new attempts against her, she'll have to make a tough choice that will change her future. Misfortune Teller is a wonderful book full of suspense and twists! Sasha is more confident and determined to learn about her true identity! We also learn more about her loyal friends, Ariel and Felix and about the new world she now belongs. Sasha is refreshing and spontaneous and also very brave! I can't wait for the next book in the series!

[Jacques · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this almost immediately after the first book. It's so much better.

Sasha's coming to grips with her powers and getting crash courses in the supernatural or "Cognizants." Most of the action is tied to that...even is she doesn't realize it.She's also not becoming unconscious as often. There's still a couple instances to make visions possible, but it's not like she's out for the count every five minutes in the way of the first. This one also has more romantic undertones, seemingly to setup for an interest in a future book...maybe.

What I couldn't get behind is how Sasha's reactions to some situations don't really seem realistic. Her orc adventures alone would have made me want to become a paranoid shut-in, or at least create a severe avoidance personality. Perhaps that's another future setup? I don't know.

All in all, the story is really great and keeps getting better. Hopefully that trend continues.

[Sentinelle23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

💖💖💜Une suite géniale à lire !

(RAPPEL : Sasha Urban est gestionnaire de fonds. Elle a un loisir original : faire des tours de magie. Elle espère secrètement pouvoir en faire un jour son métier).

TOME 2 :

Sasha Urban se lève avec une énorme gueule de bois.

Elle est sortie hier soir avec ses amis Ariel et Félix pour fêter son entrée dans la Société des Conscients...

L'inconvénient majeur c'est que son patron Nero est malheureusement devenu son nouveau mentor...

---------

Je n'ai pas vu les pages défiler dans ce tome 2 intermédiaire des aventures de Sasha Urban.

A la recherche de son énigmatique passé, Sasha se démène dans le présent entre dangers mortels et surcharge de travail (merci patron !), et doit faire face à d'étranges rêves prémonitoires...

Tout se mélange, tout se confond : Sasha Urban va-t-elle exploser en vol ??

Une suite géniale à lire, dans le genre young adult fantastique !

A lire.

[Misty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great continuation to Sasha's story. While we don't necessarily find out too much about Sasha's origin, we do discover that there's more to Fluffster than meets the eye. We also get introduced to some interesting new characters to go along with the ones we met in The Girl Who Sees. The pace is good. There is a scientific aspect to parts of this book, but it's not as heavy as in the first installment. It was much more pleasant this time. It was also kind of amusing to see how Sasha reacted to an Incubus working his mojo. The end came across kind of sudden to me, but that could just be because I was so focused on seeing what happens next that I wanted it to keep going. I'm very curious to see what happens in the next book. I am voluntarily reviewing this book, gifted to me by the author with no obligation.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuation of Sasha's story

Enjoyed Sasha's story. Really love Fluffster. This is book 2 in a continuing story. So would recommend starting with book 1 and being prepared to continue in the series. This book had some magic tricks in it but not to the same extent as the first one. This book had more world building as Sasha learns of the cognizant world. There are many unresolved storylines. I expect this when reading a series. Had both the kindle version and Audible. I liked the narration but at times the narrator came across as too old for the character of Sasha.

[Sarah Leenart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read. Had a great pace and I really enjoyed the world building. The only reason this got 4 starts and not 5 is the treatment of the other characters towards Sasha, and treating her a bit like a child. I think this will improve though as she stands up to Nero and starts to take in the world and learns to trust herself and her ability and stand on her own two feet more and more. Sasha's heritage is very intriguing and I am really enjoying her quest to find out more. Looking forward to the next book.

[Luis&minxy Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never a dull momeny

I loved this book! It has everything you could want in a story! Pads himself is a fun character that shows up only a couple times but instantly love for his wit. Then book has all the action you can want,twists you don't see coming and when the action lowers the story still flows. I have to give credit to Ms. Zales for creating such a story that you never want to put down! The only complaint I have is not know what Nero really is and not knowing what Darian's true intentions are but I'm sure I'll find out in book 3. This is a definite must read!!!!

[Amanda Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found myself very surprised to have finished Misfortune Teller, at no point in the book did there feel like there was a storyline. Things just happened. They happened in order, but there was nothing that seemed to be considered an overall plot.

This book did give us a chance to get to know the characters better, but when I was finished I found I have no real liking for the 'human' characters. It's not a bad book, but when it's put down it's forgotten.

The only character that really stands out is fluffster.

[Rosina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series. This is 2nd one and it carries on right where #1 finished. Sasha discovers she is one of the Cognizant. She is a seer. She is trying to find out more about her birth family as she had been abandoned in JFK airport as a babe. Sasha is trying to determine if her parents had been Russian. She ends up meeting Baba Yaga - a witch, but it doesnt seem that she is Russian. There is great writing and just a nice flow of events - never feel like you are just rehashing the previous novel. Definitely continuing with the series.