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Dirk & Steele #2
Shadow Touch
Elena Baxter can work miracles with her hands. She can coax bones to knit, flesh to heal. She can mend the mind. She has been doing such work for almost all of her twenty-eight years. That is why she will be taken.
The media called it a rampage of terror, the recent murders. But fighting crime is why Artur Loginov joined Dirk & Steele. The international detective agency specializes in the impossible, and their creed is simple: Help those in need, no matter how difficult, and no matter what, keep the secret safe. For the agency helps its employees, too: people like Artur- the gifted, the tormented. Dirk & Steele gave the Russian emigre purpose, protection, community... and refuge from his past, for who can trust a man who can start a fire with his mind, or shape-shift, or read others' thoughts as easily as drawing breath? For his similar talent, Artur will be taken.
Into the darkness Elena and Artur will be drawn, into the clutches of evil. Cornered, isolated, caged, they will fight for their very souls. But salvation awaits. It exists in a form least expected: a dream of a face, a brush of a mind, the hint of a kiss, and finally, at long last a shadow touch.
The media called it a rampage of terror, the recent murders. But fighting crime is why Artur Loginov joined Dirk & Steele. The international detective agency specializes in the impossible, and their creed is simple: Help those in need, no matter how difficult, and no matter what, keep the secret safe. For the agency helps its employees, too: people like Artur- the gifted, the tormented. Dirk & Steele gave the Russian emigre purpose, protection, community... and refuge from his past, for who can trust a man who can start a fire with his mind, or shape-shift, or read others' thoughts as easily as drawing breath? For his similar talent, Artur will be taken.
Into the darkness Elena and Artur will be drawn, into the clutches of evil. Cornered, isolated, caged, they will fight for their very souls. But salvation awaits. It exists in a form least expected: a dream of a face, a brush of a mind, the hint of a kiss, and finally, at long last a shadow touch.
354 pages, Paperback
First published January 31, 2006
79 people are currently reading
1328 people want to read
About the author
Marjorie M. Liu
322 books4,297 followersNew York Times bestselling and award-winning writer Marjorie Liu is best known for her fiction and comic books. She teaches comic book writing at MIT, and she leads a class on Popular Fiction at the Voices of Our Nation (VONA) workshop.
Ms. Liu is a highly celebrated comic book writer. Her extensive work with Marvel includes the bestselling Dark Wolverine series, NYX: No Way Home, X-23, and Black Widow: The Name of the Rose. She received national media attention for Astonishing X-Men, which featured the gay wedding of X-Man Northstar and was subsequently nominated for a GLAAD Media Award for outstanding media images of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Ms. Liu also wrote the story for the animated film, Avengers Confidential: Black Widow and Punisher, which was produced by Marvel, Sony Pictures Entertainment (Japan) Inc., and Madhouse Inc.
Her newest work is MONSTRESS, an original, creator-owned comic book series with Japanese artist (and X-23 collaborator) Sana Takeda. Published by Image in Fall 2015, MONSTRESS is set in an alternate, matriarchal 1920’s Asia and follows a girl’s struggle to survive the trauma of war. With a cast of girls and monsters and set against a richly imagined aesthetic of art deco-inflected steam punk, MONSTRESS #1 debuted to critical praise. The Hollywood Reporter remarked that the longer than typical first issue was “world-building on a scale rare in mainstream comics.”
Ms. Liu is also the author of more than 19 novels, most notably the urban fantasy series, Hunter Kiss, and the paranormal romance series, Dirk & Steele. Her novels have also been bestsellers on USA Today, which described Liu “as imaginative as she is prolific.” Her critically praised fiction has twice received the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, for THE MORTAL BONE (Hunter Kiss #6), and TIGER EYE (Dirk & Steele #1). TIGER EYE was the basis for a bestselling paranormal romance video game called Tiger Eye: Curse of the Riddle Box.
Liu has appeared on MSNBC, CNN, MTV, and been profiled in the Wall Street Journal.com, Hollywood Reporter, and USA Today. She is a frequent lecturer and guest speaker, appearing on panels at San Diego Comic Con, the Tokyo Literary Festival, the New York Times Public Lecture series, Geeks Out; and the Asian American Writers Workshop. Her work has been published internationally, including Germany, France, Japan, Poland, and the United Kingdom.
Ms. Liu was born in Philadelphia, and has lived in numerous cities in the Midwest and Beijing. Prior to writing full-time, she was a lawyer. She currently resides in Boston.
Ms. Liu is a highly celebrated comic book writer. Her extensive work with Marvel includes the bestselling Dark Wolverine series, NYX: No Way Home, X-23, and Black Widow: The Name of the Rose. She received national media attention for Astonishing X-Men, which featured the gay wedding of X-Man Northstar and was subsequently nominated for a GLAAD Media Award for outstanding media images of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Ms. Liu also wrote the story for the animated film, Avengers Confidential: Black Widow and Punisher, which was produced by Marvel, Sony Pictures Entertainment (Japan) Inc., and Madhouse Inc.
Her newest work is MONSTRESS, an original, creator-owned comic book series with Japanese artist (and X-23 collaborator) Sana Takeda. Published by Image in Fall 2015, MONSTRESS is set in an alternate, matriarchal 1920’s Asia and follows a girl’s struggle to survive the trauma of war. With a cast of girls and monsters and set against a richly imagined aesthetic of art deco-inflected steam punk, MONSTRESS #1 debuted to critical praise. The Hollywood Reporter remarked that the longer than typical first issue was “world-building on a scale rare in mainstream comics.”
Ms. Liu is also the author of more than 19 novels, most notably the urban fantasy series, Hunter Kiss, and the paranormal romance series, Dirk & Steele. Her novels have also been bestsellers on USA Today, which described Liu “as imaginative as she is prolific.” Her critically praised fiction has twice received the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, for THE MORTAL BONE (Hunter Kiss #6), and TIGER EYE (Dirk & Steele #1). TIGER EYE was the basis for a bestselling paranormal romance video game called Tiger Eye: Curse of the Riddle Box.
Liu has appeared on MSNBC, CNN, MTV, and been profiled in the Wall Street Journal.com, Hollywood Reporter, and USA Today. She is a frequent lecturer and guest speaker, appearing on panels at San Diego Comic Con, the Tokyo Literary Festival, the New York Times Public Lecture series, Geeks Out; and the Asian American Writers Workshop. Her work has been published internationally, including Germany, France, Japan, Poland, and the United Kingdom.
Ms. Liu was born in Philadelphia, and has lived in numerous cities in the Midwest and Beijing. Prior to writing full-time, she was a lawyer. She currently resides in Boston.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
April 26, 2011
Wow, this book was so intense! I read the first book in the Dirk & Steele series, Tiger Eye, last week and I couldn’t stop thinking about reading this one. I gave in, jumped into it, and was instantly hooked.
This book can be pretty dark. It loosely ties in with Tiger Eye--although it’s a loose tie, I think they’re best if read sequentially--but they are very different in tone. The villains in this book were very creepy and the situation Elena and Artur woke to find themselves had my stomach clenching in sympathetic horror and helplessness. Both Elena and Artur were kidnapped by a mysterious organization interested in using their special skills. The organization, the Consortium, had no interest in protestations. They were willing to do whatever it took, including torture, to get what they wanted.
A serial killer—a seriously frightening man—plays a very large role in the book. If that doesn’t warn you to be prepared for some violence and fear, I don’t know what will. The Quiet Man, as Elena calls him, is beautifully cast. The way he instantly hones in on one character in the book had my skin crawling. Especially when paired with the details we learned about him earlier in the book. His standoffs with Rictor, another prison guard, made each man shine in their respective roles. Liu did a fabulous job with this aspect of the story.
The romance between Elena and Artur takes place very quickly when you stop and think about it, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more convincing connection in such a short time, or a more convincing reason to have said connection. These were two people that seemed to fit perfectly together. Their connection together was quite beautiful, and it was lovely to see two such deserving people find each other.
Don’t worry that this book is all doom and gloom. Yes, it is very dark at times, but Liu does a good job balancing that out with sarcastic characters and humor. Elena had a great dynamic with Rictor, but the lines that seemed to pop the most for me occurred between Artur and the creepy Ms. Graves.
The characters and their interactions are what really drew me in the most. Artur intrigued me from the first book and it was great getting to know him more. I found his past heartbreaking and was by turns both horrified and intrigued by his power. His first scene after he was captured shows you the dark side of a power like his. Elena was also a great character—although slightly less compelling than Artur. I like that although she was cast as pure of heart, she never let her morals get in the way of survival. She felt real and imperfect and I was really pleased with the way things turned out in her struggle over what she could live with using her powers for. Little complexities like Artur’s past love and his past with the mob, and Elena’s past with her mom really helped make these characters feel well rounded and full.
This is also the book where we meet one of my favorite characters, Rictor. Looking back on this series, with only a hazy recollection of the details of this story, he is the one thing that I remembered perfectly. He just fascinates me. His character is hard to get a handle on. Is he good? Is he bad? Who is he? What is he? I think Liu did a great job portraying him and giving him a mysterious grayness to his character. If her aim was to intrigue, she succeeded in me.
Although I loved most of this book, it isn’t perfect. Just like in Tiger Eye there came a point where it felt like the action hit a lull and the story seemed to drag a little. I wish the pace had kept up throughout, but the rest of the book impressed me enough that I couldn’t give it less than a 5.
Favorite Quote:
This book can be pretty dark. It loosely ties in with Tiger Eye--although it’s a loose tie, I think they’re best if read sequentially--but they are very different in tone. The villains in this book were very creepy and the situation Elena and Artur woke to find themselves had my stomach clenching in sympathetic horror and helplessness. Both Elena and Artur were kidnapped by a mysterious organization interested in using their special skills. The organization, the Consortium, had no interest in protestations. They were willing to do whatever it took, including torture, to get what they wanted.
A serial killer—a seriously frightening man—plays a very large role in the book. If that doesn’t warn you to be prepared for some violence and fear, I don’t know what will. The Quiet Man, as Elena calls him, is beautifully cast. The way he instantly hones in on one character in the book had my skin crawling. Especially when paired with the details we learned about him earlier in the book. His standoffs with Rictor, another prison guard, made each man shine in their respective roles. Liu did a fabulous job with this aspect of the story.
The romance between Elena and Artur takes place very quickly when you stop and think about it, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more convincing connection in such a short time, or a more convincing reason to have said connection. These were two people that seemed to fit perfectly together. Their connection together was quite beautiful, and it was lovely to see two such deserving people find each other.
And, if she were being honest with herself, the way she felt toward Artur went beyond friendship. Went far beyond anything she had ever imagined she could feel. Tenuous, thrilling--more magic than the magic she had already encountered--and the wonder of it was that she suspected he might feel the same. That was worth a little danger.
Don’t worry that this book is all doom and gloom. Yes, it is very dark at times, but Liu does a good job balancing that out with sarcastic characters and humor. Elena had a great dynamic with Rictor, but the lines that seemed to pop the most for me occurred between Artur and the creepy Ms. Graves.
"I do not think you want to kill me. I do not think you want to kill any of us. You are not that wasteful."
Graves stared at him. "You're wrong about one thing, Mr. Loginov. I do want to kill you. Either that or fuck you. I can't decide."
"I prefer the killing."
"I'll try not to be insulted."
"No," Artur said. "Feel free to be insulted."
The characters and their interactions are what really drew me in the most. Artur intrigued me from the first book and it was great getting to know him more. I found his past heartbreaking and was by turns both horrified and intrigued by his power. His first scene after he was captured shows you the dark side of a power like his. Elena was also a great character—although slightly less compelling than Artur. I like that although she was cast as pure of heart, she never let her morals get in the way of survival. She felt real and imperfect and I was really pleased with the way things turned out in her struggle over what she could live with using her powers for. Little complexities like Artur’s past love and his past with the mob, and Elena’s past with her mom really helped make these characters feel well rounded and full.
This is also the book where we meet one of my favorite characters, Rictor. Looking back on this series, with only a hazy recollection of the details of this story, he is the one thing that I remembered perfectly. He just fascinates me. His character is hard to get a handle on. Is he good? Is he bad? Who is he? What is he? I think Liu did a great job portraying him and giving him a mysterious grayness to his character. If her aim was to intrigue, she succeeded in me.
Although I loved most of this book, it isn’t perfect. Just like in Tiger Eye there came a point where it felt like the action hit a lull and the story seemed to drag a little. I wish the pace had kept up throughout, but the rest of the book impressed me enough that I couldn’t give it less than a 5.
Favorite Quote:
"Okay," Dean finally said, hard, fast. "I should have told you this a long time ago, but it's difficult. You understand, Artur? This isn't easy for me to say. I'm not good with this kind of thing. You know...emotional stuff."
"Dean, stop." Artur tried not to smile. "You know we cannot be together. Ours is a forbidden love."
"Fuck you," Dean said. "This is serious."
October 12, 2009
I can't say enough good things about this book. It was so unique and very intense. The characters are so real that they jump off the page at you, and their suffering palpable. The first book in the series, Tiger Eye was good enough that I knew I wanted to continue reading, but this book lit me on fire for this series.
Shadow Touch starts with a shot to the heart. You see poor Artur at a crime scene, reliving the suffering of the horribly-murdered woman by using his ability to touch things and see what happened in the past in that place, by having contact with the same object that person touched in the past. The dark visions take their toll on Artur because he experiences everything that the other person feels. From the beginning, I knew I would love Artur. To subject yourself to that kind of torture to make sure that justice is done.
I was predisposed to love Artur as I love Russian heroes, and he's one of the best I've ever read. He's very attractive and appealing as a hero, but he is flawed and vulnerable too.
Elena is a wonderful woman. She goes into hospitals as a volunteer and uses her ability to heal the sick. She doesn't do it to get glory, and stays under the radar, because she feels her ability must be used to help others.
Marjorie Liu did such a good job of creating a compatible couple in this book. There is no doubt that Elena and Artur should be together. There is a bit of a delay before they actually meet, but honestly it was very important for the story to be set up. But when they meet, there is an instant connection. Arthur's telemetric abilities have seriously weakened his brain, and he is on the verge of death when Elena saves his life. When she does so, their souls merge. She goes into his body and leaves part of her soul there, the good part, which gives Artur the strength to fight the evil web of a horrible woman, who is one of the scariest villains I think I've ever read about.
I lived for the interactions between Elena and Artur, because their relationship is serendipity in action. This is one of those books where you really want the couple to stay together and fall deeply in love. They just complete each other in every way. Their pure, accepting love for each other is the balm to the wound caused by the evil cruelty perpetuated by the bad guys in this book.
And on top of that, there is a great suspense/intrigue plot in this story. Liu does a good job of balancing the emotional aspect with the adventure, giving you characters that you get deeply invested in, and putting them in dangerous situations that make you hold your breath. The way she writes this book, you do believe that magic is possible, and that people can have extraordinary abilities. I really love the concept behind Dirk and Steele as well (I'm an occult detective novel fan). She also has some snarky humor (and camaraderie between the quintet of people who meet in a research facility run by the bad guys, including Elena and Artur) that I found very enjoyable.
Fans of Russian heroes and those with an interest in Russia will enjoy this book. I am just very interested in Russia so it was great to see how much detail Liu put into describing the country and the people. This book made me want to book a trip to see this very intriguing, and old part of the world.
And like the cherry on the top of the sundae, Artur is ex-Russian Mafia (sigh). I have a bizarre interest in them as well. Artur had a very bad life and did bad things, but he didn't get a lot choices, abandoned by his mother in an orphanage where he was abused and starved, and ending up on the streets. My heart went out to Artur. He was really a decent man despite what he had to do to live. There was no question that he was a moral person, and he suffered for his past sins.
Elena has to deal with some moral issues as well, as she realizes that the power to heal can also be used to kill. She has to face a serial killer who is being used by the villain to do her dirty work. This serial killer develops an unhealthy fixation for Elena. Serial killers have a real ick factor for me, but I must say it was handled well. This dynamic and many of the scenes showed what a strong, although deeply caring person Elena was. She was quite the smart aleck and had no problem telling other people what she thought. I liked her a lot.
The Dirk and Steele series really is one of the underrated paranormal series, but I recommend it highly. There is some of everything going on in this series. If you like psychic characters, healers, shapeshifters, antiheroes who have incredible supernatural powers that you cannot even guess about; not to mention, intriguing sexy men, and a great romance, you should read this series.
Shadow Touch starts with a shot to the heart. You see poor Artur at a crime scene, reliving the suffering of the horribly-murdered woman by using his ability to touch things and see what happened in the past in that place, by having contact with the same object that person touched in the past. The dark visions take their toll on Artur because he experiences everything that the other person feels. From the beginning, I knew I would love Artur. To subject yourself to that kind of torture to make sure that justice is done.
I was predisposed to love Artur as I love Russian heroes, and he's one of the best I've ever read. He's very attractive and appealing as a hero, but he is flawed and vulnerable too.
Elena is a wonderful woman. She goes into hospitals as a volunteer and uses her ability to heal the sick. She doesn't do it to get glory, and stays under the radar, because she feels her ability must be used to help others.
Marjorie Liu did such a good job of creating a compatible couple in this book. There is no doubt that Elena and Artur should be together. There is a bit of a delay before they actually meet, but honestly it was very important for the story to be set up. But when they meet, there is an instant connection. Arthur's telemetric abilities have seriously weakened his brain, and he is on the verge of death when Elena saves his life. When she does so, their souls merge. She goes into his body and leaves part of her soul there, the good part, which gives Artur the strength to fight the evil web of a horrible woman, who is one of the scariest villains I think I've ever read about.
I lived for the interactions between Elena and Artur, because their relationship is serendipity in action. This is one of those books where you really want the couple to stay together and fall deeply in love. They just complete each other in every way. Their pure, accepting love for each other is the balm to the wound caused by the evil cruelty perpetuated by the bad guys in this book.
And on top of that, there is a great suspense/intrigue plot in this story. Liu does a good job of balancing the emotional aspect with the adventure, giving you characters that you get deeply invested in, and putting them in dangerous situations that make you hold your breath. The way she writes this book, you do believe that magic is possible, and that people can have extraordinary abilities. I really love the concept behind Dirk and Steele as well (I'm an occult detective novel fan). She also has some snarky humor (and camaraderie between the quintet of people who meet in a research facility run by the bad guys, including Elena and Artur) that I found very enjoyable.
Fans of Russian heroes and those with an interest in Russia will enjoy this book. I am just very interested in Russia so it was great to see how much detail Liu put into describing the country and the people. This book made me want to book a trip to see this very intriguing, and old part of the world.
And like the cherry on the top of the sundae, Artur is ex-Russian Mafia (sigh). I have a bizarre interest in them as well. Artur had a very bad life and did bad things, but he didn't get a lot choices, abandoned by his mother in an orphanage where he was abused and starved, and ending up on the streets. My heart went out to Artur. He was really a decent man despite what he had to do to live. There was no question that he was a moral person, and he suffered for his past sins.
Elena has to deal with some moral issues as well, as she realizes that the power to heal can also be used to kill. She has to face a serial killer who is being used by the villain to do her dirty work. This serial killer develops an unhealthy fixation for Elena. Serial killers have a real ick factor for me, but I must say it was handled well. This dynamic and many of the scenes showed what a strong, although deeply caring person Elena was. She was quite the smart aleck and had no problem telling other people what she thought. I liked her a lot.
The Dirk and Steele series really is one of the underrated paranormal series, but I recommend it highly. There is some of everything going on in this series. If you like psychic characters, healers, shapeshifters, antiheroes who have incredible supernatural powers that you cannot even guess about; not to mention, intriguing sexy men, and a great romance, you should read this series.
January 15, 2010
I really liked this one but mostly I fell in love with the hero, Artur. What a great man! Clever, strong, decisive, dangerous but also deeply hurt and emotional; my favorite kind of guy! The PNR element is not focused on one ability; there are mind readers, telepaths, shape-shifters, magicians and some people whom we don't even know what they are, except that they're very powerful and dangerous. Both the plot and the persons' characterization was very good: I felt as if I knew them and kept turning the pages to see what happens to them.
IMO, the suspense overrode the romance by far, and along with the extremely dark intensity make me unwilling to delve farther in the series, at least for the time being. Perhaps the fact that I was listening to another dark and depressing book at the same time with this, made me more depressed than I should be. However, I was not so fond of the author's writing style either. Though not bad, it was not exactly polished. It was more jarred, coarse, full of slang than I'm used to. But I'm not putting her out of my lists at all; I may have to get back to her in the future to see who will win the ultimate battle of good vs evil.
IMO, the suspense overrode the romance by far, and along with the extremely dark intensity make me unwilling to delve farther in the series, at least for the time being. Perhaps the fact that I was listening to another dark and depressing book at the same time with this, made me more depressed than I should be. However, I was not so fond of the author's writing style either. Though not bad, it was not exactly polished. It was more jarred, coarse, full of slang than I'm used to. But I'm not putting her out of my lists at all; I may have to get back to her in the future to see who will win the ultimate battle of good vs evil.
February 15, 2010
Second in Liu's Dirk & Steele series Shadow Touch gives us Artur's story (The enigmatic ex-Russian mobster first introduced in Tiger Eye.)
The story starts off revealing Elena Baxter, a kind woman who has felt like a freak her entire life because she can actually heal people. But little does she know how un-freakish her abilities are- and how far someone will go to steal them.
Working for the Dirk & Steele Agency, Artur is no stranger to the dangerous, nor the paranormal. When he's captured for information about the mysterious agency he works for, his life is turned upside down- but not by his abductors. Rather it's the angelic woman he chances upon in the hallways of his prison. With one touch she heals him and instantly forms a connection with him. Together, along with some of the other psychically gifted people imprisoned with them, they make their way to freedom- fortunately before the evil behind their capture can get the information they are after.
But the big bads are not about to give up without a fight, and as Artur & Elena travel across Russia, danger follows them- along with a profound love that will change them in ways neither of them could have imagined.
Shadow Touch starts off with a bang and keeps you engaged for the entire ride! Artur and Elena form an instant connection charged with emotion and heat. In the process they form a connection with the reader that takes you along with them as they learn each other and suss out the source of the danger surrounding them. I was with them on every page and couldn't put the book down till the last page!
4.5 out of 5
The story starts off revealing Elena Baxter, a kind woman who has felt like a freak her entire life because she can actually heal people. But little does she know how un-freakish her abilities are- and how far someone will go to steal them.
Working for the Dirk & Steele Agency, Artur is no stranger to the dangerous, nor the paranormal. When he's captured for information about the mysterious agency he works for, his life is turned upside down- but not by his abductors. Rather it's the angelic woman he chances upon in the hallways of his prison. With one touch she heals him and instantly forms a connection with him. Together, along with some of the other psychically gifted people imprisoned with them, they make their way to freedom- fortunately before the evil behind their capture can get the information they are after.
But the big bads are not about to give up without a fight, and as Artur & Elena travel across Russia, danger follows them- along with a profound love that will change them in ways neither of them could have imagined.
Shadow Touch starts off with a bang and keeps you engaged for the entire ride! Artur and Elena form an instant connection charged with emotion and heat. In the process they form a connection with the reader that takes you along with them as they learn each other and suss out the source of the danger surrounding them. I was with them on every page and couldn't put the book down till the last page!
4.5 out of 5
September 15, 2007
How do you write a sex scene for a protagonist who can sense everything about you through touch? Kinda blows the imagination sky high, which is what I like about Liu in general.
I'm loving the Dirk and Steele books for the way they nod to mythology and give me a grown-up fairy tale to lose myself in.
Chances are the whole Ultimate Good vs. Ultimate Evil that she's building up to is going to be a problem, either with delivering to expecations or in figuring out where to go after that... but for me, the meat of the story is in the characters and their relationships, not the external plot drivers (you'll probably see this message from me a lot if I end up doing a lot of romance reviews on this site). The paranormal powers that Liu's characters have add a really interesting layer of complexity to their personality, their character growth, and their relationships, but at bottom, these are classic boy-meets-girl stories. Love 'em!
I'm loving the Dirk and Steele books for the way they nod to mythology and give me a grown-up fairy tale to lose myself in.
Chances are the whole Ultimate Good vs. Ultimate Evil that she's building up to is going to be a problem, either with delivering to expecations or in figuring out where to go after that... but for me, the meat of the story is in the characters and their relationships, not the external plot drivers (you'll probably see this message from me a lot if I end up doing a lot of romance reviews on this site). The paranormal powers that Liu's characters have add a really interesting layer of complexity to their personality, their character growth, and their relationships, but at bottom, these are classic boy-meets-girl stories. Love 'em!
December 14, 2012
Way too dark for me. A serial killer. A mad doctor. Two evil woman. Below are many spoilers, to further justify the low rating I've given this book.
So! What did I like?? I was happy Artur found someone he could love, and found peace in his poor telepathic brain. I liked it when Eleni barfed all over her captor. Twice. On purpose. :D I liked it whenever Eleni or Artur broke the psychic bonds of Spider woman, Ms Weave. I liked the camaraderie that grew between the four escapees. Also, I liked the two shape shifters, especially the jaguar.
Minor nit-picks:
Shapeshifter Koni is a raven in book 1, but now he is a crow.
Setting in the seaside port Vladivostok seemed vivid. I've never been there, but it felt real. However, Artur lives in a 2-story BRICK townhouse in San Francisco suburb. Brick not allowed, due to earthquake-safety building code.
Artur said the days were long because it was summer, yet the rain was ice cold? It hailed, and the heater on the train was on. She wore a turtleneck sweater? In summer? How about a scarf around the neck, to hide the bruising.
Book 1 characters did not appear in this book at all, but they were mentioned once or twice.
Content: Sex, gruesome murder, lots of violence and bloody savagery, some swearing, a little profanity
So! What did I like?? I was happy Artur found someone he could love, and found peace in his poor telepathic brain. I liked it when Eleni barfed all over her captor. Twice. On purpose. :D I liked it whenever Eleni or Artur broke the psychic bonds of Spider woman, Ms Weave. I liked the camaraderie that grew between the four escapees. Also, I liked the two shape shifters, especially the jaguar.
Minor nit-picks:
Shapeshifter Koni is a raven in book 1, but now he is a crow.
Setting in the seaside port Vladivostok seemed vivid. I've never been there, but it felt real. However, Artur lives in a 2-story BRICK townhouse in San Francisco suburb. Brick not allowed, due to earthquake-safety building code.
Artur said the days were long because it was summer, yet the rain was ice cold? It hailed, and the heater on the train was on. She wore a turtleneck sweater? In summer? How about a scarf around the neck, to hide the bruising.
Book 1 characters did not appear in this book at all, but they were mentioned once or twice.
Content: Sex, gruesome murder, lots of violence and bloody savagery, some swearing, a little profanity
January 26, 2010
College has swallowed up most of my free time lately, hence the incredibly short reviews. But I've at least tried to jot down my thoughts.
With this book I was just as impressed with it as the first in the series. I was a little worried since I've read lots of series with a promising first book and a disappointing second. The major setting for this book was in Russia which I found interesting. I really liked that both the books I've read by this author have really vivid settings. The love story was really good and the side characters were just as entertaining. I'm normally not the biggest fan of pnr, but this series so far is probably one of best of that genre I've read.
With this book I was just as impressed with it as the first in the series. I was a little worried since I've read lots of series with a promising first book and a disappointing second. The major setting for this book was in Russia which I found interesting. I really liked that both the books I've read by this author have really vivid settings. The love story was really good and the side characters were just as entertaining. I'm normally not the biggest fan of pnr, but this series so far is probably one of best of that genre I've read.
April 13, 2012
I enjoyed this book, it was a bit hard to read in the beginning because the characters are literally being tortured, but I thought it was a pretty interesting world building book, it expanded on the first one a lot to make the whole "superpowers" thing be more filled out and the central romance was something I really believed. Though there is something a bit lacking that (having read the third one too) I keep missing in these books. I enjoy them but can't put my finger on why I'm not raving about them. Well, I'll keep reading and try to figure it out :)
December 31, 2007
#2 in Dirk and Steele Series and this needs to be read in order. This is Elana's (healer) and Artur Loginov's turn in the main character seat(s). Both are captured by the "dark side" for their abilities.
Nice story.
Nice story.
June 9, 2010
Shadow Touch is my favorite book in Majorie M. Liu's Dirk and Steele Series. It is the second book of the series and I fell in love with Artur and Elena. Elena Baxter is kidnapped one night while she is volunteering in the children's cancer ward. See, Elena has the special ability to heal people's bodies. Apparently, someone knows her secret and they decide to kidnap her and run experiments on her. Meanwhile, Artur Loginov works for a detective agency, Dirk and Steele. This agency employs people who have special abilities. Artur can sense a person's memories by touching an object they have touched. He too, is kidnapped from his home and brought to the same facility that Elena is at. There they forge an unbreakable bond and work together to escape their captors.
I love everything about this book and it works for me on so many levels. First of all Elena and Artur are wonderful characters. Artur is so damaged from his tragic childhood. He had to do things to survive that no child should ever have to face. Artur really believes that he is not a good man because of his past and the things he has done. Because of his gift that he uses to find missing people and solve murders, he is constantly seeing the worst in people. It's as if he has lost his faith in humanity. His own and others. Then he meets Elena and everything changes for him in the matter of a few moments.
The way Liu writes Artur and Elena's story it is so poignant and touching. Often times I find stories that take place over a couple of days rushed and the romance lacking a certain believability. This is not the case at all with Shadow Touch. It is like two old souls coming together. Liu is able to pen and incredibly touching love story between these two people. Huge bonus to her for being able to do this without the characters mentally lusting for each other.
All the characters are well drawn, but Liu is able to leave somethings a mystery. For example, there is a fascinating, ambiguous character Rictor. Elena and Artur sense that he is not human, but just what is he? Readers will be wondering right along with the characters, yet Liu leaves some questions unanswered in regards to Rictor. Not to worry, I know for a fact that Rictor appears in other books later in the series.
I love everything about this book and it works for me on so many levels. First of all Elena and Artur are wonderful characters. Artur is so damaged from his tragic childhood. He had to do things to survive that no child should ever have to face. Artur really believes that he is not a good man because of his past and the things he has done. Because of his gift that he uses to find missing people and solve murders, he is constantly seeing the worst in people. It's as if he has lost his faith in humanity. His own and others. Then he meets Elena and everything changes for him in the matter of a few moments.
The way Liu writes Artur and Elena's story it is so poignant and touching. Often times I find stories that take place over a couple of days rushed and the romance lacking a certain believability. This is not the case at all with Shadow Touch. It is like two old souls coming together. Liu is able to pen and incredibly touching love story between these two people. Huge bonus to her for being able to do this without the characters mentally lusting for each other.
All the characters are well drawn, but Liu is able to leave somethings a mystery. For example, there is a fascinating, ambiguous character Rictor. Elena and Artur sense that he is not human, but just what is he? Readers will be wondering right along with the characters, yet Liu leaves some questions unanswered in regards to Rictor. Not to worry, I know for a fact that Rictor appears in other books later in the series.
August 21, 2013
Shadow Touch by Marjorie M. Liu (2006) is the second book in the Dirk & Steele series. I liked it even better than the debut and give it one of my rare 4 star ratings.
We met the handsome and talented Artur in the first Dirk & Steele novel, “Tiger Eye.” Now it’s his turn to fall in love. Elena is another gifted psychic. She can heal just about anything.
Arthur and Elena meet when they are being held by the series villain, collectively known as “The Consortium.” Dirk & Steele’s psychics are there because they want to be, because they want to use their extra abilities to help people. “The Consortium” is made up of people whose abilities are being exploited and used for someone else’s gain.
There is a lot of action, adventure and mystery to this story. I wouldn’t want to give it away so that’s all I’m going to say about that.
The character of Riktor is introduced in this book and I enjoyed the mystery of him and hope to see more of him in future books.
As a romance author I have lots of respect when a writer creates a believable, special, bond between the couple in the story. Ms. Liu really delivered that with Artur and Elena. I believe they will live happily ever after
We met the handsome and talented Artur in the first Dirk & Steele novel, “Tiger Eye.” Now it’s his turn to fall in love. Elena is another gifted psychic. She can heal just about anything.
Arthur and Elena meet when they are being held by the series villain, collectively known as “The Consortium.” Dirk & Steele’s psychics are there because they want to be, because they want to use their extra abilities to help people. “The Consortium” is made up of people whose abilities are being exploited and used for someone else’s gain.
There is a lot of action, adventure and mystery to this story. I wouldn’t want to give it away so that’s all I’m going to say about that.
The character of Riktor is introduced in this book and I enjoyed the mystery of him and hope to see more of him in future books.
As a romance author I have lots of respect when a writer creates a believable, special, bond between the couple in the story. Ms. Liu really delivered that with Artur and Elena. I believe they will live happily ever after
June 27, 2011
One of the things I love about Liu's stories is that they make you think about things like making the right choice without them turning into a preachy lesson. Instead they're awesome, action-packed romantic adventures.
Take Shadow Touch for example:
(as it's the book I'm reviewing right now :-p)
It's got an intense, disturbing and exciting action storyline, a very satisfying romance and super cool characters. The world building is woven well into the story and set up in a way that makes me want to read more of this series as it hints at lots of exciting possibilities. Elena and Artur are both very likeable characters and they're joined by a couple of very intriguing other characters of which at least one will get his own book to Voodoo Bride's delight. The one thing I can say against this story is that I found the climax of the story a bit too easy, even though it all fit together perfectly. But this small flaw didn't diminish my enjoyment of this book in any way and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Take Shadow Touch for example:
(as it's the book I'm reviewing right now :-p)
It's got an intense, disturbing and exciting action storyline, a very satisfying romance and super cool characters. The world building is woven well into the story and set up in a way that makes me want to read more of this series as it hints at lots of exciting possibilities. Elena and Artur are both very likeable characters and they're joined by a couple of very intriguing other characters of which at least one will get his own book to Voodoo Bride's delight. The one thing I can say against this story is that I found the climax of the story a bit too easy, even though it all fit together perfectly. But this small flaw didn't diminish my enjoyment of this book in any way and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
March 8, 2013
Enjoyable Read
I really enjoyed reading about Artur and so glad he got his HEA with Elena. I loved how Artur could read/see things just by the touch of his hand and I also loved how Elena could heal things with just the touch of her hands as she put her heart and soul into everything she did.
I enjoyed the fact that there is now a dolphin shifter, a cheetah shifter, and Rictor - a man who has powers beyond imaginable. This story definitely held my interest and I look forward to reading the next story and getting to know more about the characters and their many hidden secrets that are apart of Dirk & Steele.
Note: Nancy's father was the Magi (the Magi was killed in the first book by Hari)
I really enjoyed reading about Artur and so glad he got his HEA with Elena. I loved how Artur could read/see things just by the touch of his hand and I also loved how Elena could heal things with just the touch of her hands as she put her heart and soul into everything she did.
I enjoyed the fact that there is now a dolphin shifter, a cheetah shifter, and Rictor - a man who has powers beyond imaginable. This story definitely held my interest and I look forward to reading the next story and getting to know more about the characters and their many hidden secrets that are apart of Dirk & Steele.
Note: Nancy's father was the Magi (the Magi was killed in the first book by Hari)
September 22, 2014
This one is about Artur and Elena. Both have been kidnapped . That is where their adventure begins. I really enjoyed this book. Artur was nothing like I thought he would be like from the previous book. This is a great follow up to book one. New characters are introduced. I look forward to them hopefully having their own book. Many strange things are happening at Dirk and Steele. Makes you wonder what else is out there and what else will happen.
June 23, 2009
Slightly incoherent plot includes, among other things: psychics, shapeshifters, the Russian mafia, serial killers, magical clans, mysterious immortals, medical miracles, and bonding on the psychic plane! Extremely angsty, but the characters are appealing, and that makes up for a lot. And Liu is able to mock her own genre tropes at times, which helps as well.
January 25, 2018
Beautiful. Captivating. One-breath read.
That`s how I would describe the book. The love between the H and h was truly beautiful. I cried from the emotions when they first made love. Read it !!!
That`s how I would describe the book. The love between the H and h was truly beautiful. I cried from the emotions when they first made love. Read it !!!
April 25, 2009
I'm becoming a big fan of Marjorie M. Liu. This is the second Dirk and Steele novel I've read. The first was Soul Song, number six in the series, and I was pleased both to see that several of the secondary characters in that novel appear in this novel as well and that said secondary characters seem to grow and evolve between the two books.
Liu's skilled in several areas. First, while this is part of a series, it doesn't require previous knowledge of the overarching series story to dig in and enjoy. She's good at creating an adventure that is encapsulated in one novel, while leaving open plot threads that make the reader want to find out what happens next in the series. (J.R. Ward, whose novels have rapidly become almost impossible to read without knowledge of the previous plotlines, should take notes.)
Second, rather than creating a thriller that shoehorns in a poorly-suited happily-ever-after (HEA) plotline, Liu's romance grows organically out of the thriller plot. It is hard to imagine that the characters in this novel would have fallen in love without the adventures they endured, and it's hard to imagine that a different set of characters would have survived the adventures.
The supernatural elements also seem natural rather than haphazardly slapped on top of a traditional HEA romance. The underlying rules she's set up for her world make sense. The reader does not necessarily know them all, nor do the characters, but she never completely breaks the rules she's set up for the world in order to move a plotline forward. (Again, Ms. Ward, whose universe's rules are more notable in the breaking than the keeping, should take note.)
Liu is also great at creating characters that each have his or her own voice and unique and distinct motivation. She understands that intriguing plots come from characters whose motivations, morals or end goals are not always in sync. I found the actions of every main and secondary character to be believable. I specifically loved the spunky and sarcastic (even when out of her depth) Elena, the serious and troubled Artur, and Charles Darling, who may be the first serial killer I've sen in an HEA whose rose above stereotype and whose motivations made emotional sense, even though they were repulsive and frightening. I want to read more about the thoughtful Amiri (who, despite having supernatural abilities, did not fall into the terrible, horrible Magical Negro trap); the unpredictable, mysterious and often funny Richter; Mikhail, who I can't discuss further without giving away major plot points; and a certain mysterious organization. The Russia she described felt real to me - I've never been, but my Russian friends have told stories and this seemed to fit what they describe.
The only reason I'm not giving this a 5 is that the plot was slightly confusing for roughly the first 39 pages. (Also, I find myself resistant to giving 5s to anything, as perfection is rare.) Some character background that was given a little later in the novel would have been helpful in the first few pages to inspire instant emotional engagement on the part of the reader. This is a slight and forgivable hiccup, and should in no way prevent others from reading this book.
Liu's skilled in several areas. First, while this is part of a series, it doesn't require previous knowledge of the overarching series story to dig in and enjoy. She's good at creating an adventure that is encapsulated in one novel, while leaving open plot threads that make the reader want to find out what happens next in the series. (J.R. Ward, whose novels have rapidly become almost impossible to read without knowledge of the previous plotlines, should take notes.)
Second, rather than creating a thriller that shoehorns in a poorly-suited happily-ever-after (HEA) plotline, Liu's romance grows organically out of the thriller plot. It is hard to imagine that the characters in this novel would have fallen in love without the adventures they endured, and it's hard to imagine that a different set of characters would have survived the adventures.
The supernatural elements also seem natural rather than haphazardly slapped on top of a traditional HEA romance. The underlying rules she's set up for her world make sense. The reader does not necessarily know them all, nor do the characters, but she never completely breaks the rules she's set up for the world in order to move a plotline forward. (Again, Ms. Ward, whose universe's rules are more notable in the breaking than the keeping, should take note.)
Liu is also great at creating characters that each have his or her own voice and unique and distinct motivation. She understands that intriguing plots come from characters whose motivations, morals or end goals are not always in sync. I found the actions of every main and secondary character to be believable. I specifically loved the spunky and sarcastic (even when out of her depth) Elena, the serious and troubled Artur, and Charles Darling, who may be the first serial killer I've sen in an HEA whose rose above stereotype and whose motivations made emotional sense, even though they were repulsive and frightening. I want to read more about the thoughtful Amiri (who, despite having supernatural abilities, did not fall into the terrible, horrible Magical Negro trap); the unpredictable, mysterious and often funny Richter; Mikhail, who I can't discuss further without giving away major plot points; and a certain mysterious organization. The Russia she described felt real to me - I've never been, but my Russian friends have told stories and this seemed to fit what they describe.
The only reason I'm not giving this a 5 is that the plot was slightly confusing for roughly the first 39 pages. (Also, I find myself resistant to giving 5s to anything, as perfection is rare.) Some character background that was given a little later in the novel would have been helpful in the first few pages to inspire instant emotional engagement on the part of the reader. This is a slight and forgivable hiccup, and should in no way prevent others from reading this book.
April 5, 2011
The second installment of Marjorie Liu's fantastic blend of fantasy and romantic intrigue puts her firmly in the "Touch and Die" space on my bookshelf reserved for those authors who's works I horde like priceless gems. I feel in love with the world she created in her first book and the second installment in the series does a wonderful job of expanding that world and introducing new heros and villians.
Artur Loginov is a heart breaking tortured hero heading down a dark road toward a grim future. He is a man without hope and must face the worst the world has to offer everyday. Elena Baxter is a healer with nerves of steal and the light in Artur's darkness. When these two people, burdoned with extronary abilites are thrown together to fight a common enemy the pages sizzle with excitement, danger and heat. I loved these two together! Marjorie gives her readers a rare treate in the romance world, a romantic pairing where the characters are just as strong and independent apart as together and they never loose their identities.
Liu adds to her world by introducing The Consortium, a sinister organization bent on exploiting people with special abilites. Lurking behind the scenes is the creepy "Spider Women," pulling the strings and setting the stage for a stunning climax.
She also introduced a handfull of new heroes. Two shapeshifters, Amiri and Rik who are also prisoners of The Consortium. The interaction between the older and more subdued Amiri and the angry, young Rik is believable and realistic. Then there is Rictor, the engima. A mysterious man with abilities of his own and trapped into working for The Consortium. I adored him and can not wait for him to get his own book.
Overall this book hits all the right notes, blending together to create the perfect mix of adventure and sizzling romance. I highly recommand the entire series.
Five Mystique Moons. (Outstanding)
Class Three sensuality. (Standard Romance)
Artur Loginov is a heart breaking tortured hero heading down a dark road toward a grim future. He is a man without hope and must face the worst the world has to offer everyday. Elena Baxter is a healer with nerves of steal and the light in Artur's darkness. When these two people, burdoned with extronary abilites are thrown together to fight a common enemy the pages sizzle with excitement, danger and heat. I loved these two together! Marjorie gives her readers a rare treate in the romance world, a romantic pairing where the characters are just as strong and independent apart as together and they never loose their identities.
Liu adds to her world by introducing The Consortium, a sinister organization bent on exploiting people with special abilites. Lurking behind the scenes is the creepy "Spider Women," pulling the strings and setting the stage for a stunning climax.
She also introduced a handfull of new heroes. Two shapeshifters, Amiri and Rik who are also prisoners of The Consortium. The interaction between the older and more subdued Amiri and the angry, young Rik is believable and realistic. Then there is Rictor, the engima. A mysterious man with abilities of his own and trapped into working for The Consortium. I adored him and can not wait for him to get his own book.
Overall this book hits all the right notes, blending together to create the perfect mix of adventure and sizzling romance. I highly recommand the entire series.
Five Mystique Moons. (Outstanding)
Class Three sensuality. (Standard Romance)
September 11, 2010
Shadow Touch is the second book in the Dirk & Steele series, following "Tiger Eye". It is a very enjoyable read. The characters are complex and well drawn. The hero of the story, Artur is a very complex and interesting character. He is a former Russian mob hitman who is now basically trying to atone for the life he used to live. When the story begins he is using his gift to try and find the identity of a serial killer. We discover that his use of the gift is becoming very detrimental to his health. Shortly thereafter he is kidnapped by an organization that wants him to work for them. The heroine Elena, who has the ability to heal is also kidnapped. The story unfolds from there.
Artur and Elena meet each other while they are in captivity. There we are introduced to Rictor who is Elena liaison in the facility. He is a very intriguing character who isn't necessary who he seems. If were lucky we’ll read more about him in future books.
Shadow Touch is a very interesting story. It leaves you wanting to continue the series to find out more. Everything comes together nicely for a satisfactory close. Many questions are answered and teasers for others remain. Even though it's part of an ongoing series the story felt complete in itself. All in all, it is very well done and chances are you'll find yourself looking forward to reading more by this author.
5 Stars
Artur and Elena meet each other while they are in captivity. There we are introduced to Rictor who is Elena liaison in the facility. He is a very intriguing character who isn't necessary who he seems. If were lucky we’ll read more about him in future books.
Shadow Touch is a very interesting story. It leaves you wanting to continue the series to find out more. Everything comes together nicely for a satisfactory close. Many questions are answered and teasers for others remain. Even though it's part of an ongoing series the story felt complete in itself. All in all, it is very well done and chances are you'll find yourself looking forward to reading more by this author.
5 Stars
September 21, 2010
Far better than the first book. This book had plenty of action that didn't slow down. I really enjoyed the characters, even the heroine. The book focused more I think on the hero than the heroine, though she played a major part. This was Artur's story. Artur reads things that he touches - their stories and emotions. He ends up being kidnapped by another secret agency who want him for his abilities. This agency is taking "gifted" individuals for study and use to further their nefarious goals. Artur escapes with the heroine, two shape shifters, and a mysterious man who was an unwilling worker for the bad guys. The whole escape thing kinda popped out of no where, and it took me a minute to catch on, but I got past it. I don't want to include spoilers so the rest is difficult to tell. The only other issue I had was that I didn't get why the big bad secret at the end was really all that bad. I'm breaking for another series but I will continue this one.
May 2, 2010
I am torn from giving this a five or a four. Marjorie Liu's Shadow Touch is a more plot driven book than romance driven (sub-plot), which is fine; a fast, easy read as well. Shadow Touch have huge revelations that are coherent and sensible. Shadow Touch is unequivocally a must have. I think the ending was rush a bit, but it is okay. However, Elena's history is clearly different from Dela, but her voice was non-discerning from Dela's voice-both witty, smart, sarcastic, extremely gifted women. I love the characters and nothing is wrong with that archetype;but I would had add a bit more difference for Elena. However, Liu has a strong hold on that of voice, that works well with similar characters, e.g., Natasha Romanovana, the Black Window. Nevertheless, Marjoire M. Liu is an extremely talented writer, and it is an unequivocal pick-up!
August 14, 2025
Kidnapped by an evil organization because of their powers, the two main characters escape their prison only to return to battle their enemy in Russia. This was an amazing book. The hero, tortured with the curse to read mind and memories through touch-he's slowly going insane because of it.
The heroine can heal but she can also kill and to do so will destroy her innocence and light. The characters bonded through their healing and their awful childhood and with every touch and every mind link they grow stronger together.
The hero can still read her mind but because she's so pure and untainted he's able to feel no discomfort because of it. Which was a nice development-it made sense. The only thing that disturbed me was when the evil doctor forced her to reveal her powers but putting an injured puppy in her lap-made my skin crawl to think someone could do that.
The heroine can heal but she can also kill and to do so will destroy her innocence and light. The characters bonded through their healing and their awful childhood and with every touch and every mind link they grow stronger together.
The hero can still read her mind but because she's so pure and untainted he's able to feel no discomfort because of it. Which was a nice development-it made sense. The only thing that disturbed me was when the evil doctor forced her to reveal her powers but putting an injured puppy in her lap-made my skin crawl to think someone could do that.
January 1, 2011
This is the second Dirk & Steele novel by Marjorie M. Liu. It's Artur's story. And what a story it is. Though he becomes isolated from the rest of the agency, the world these characters inhabit is widened further. We get to find out some very interesting things.
Artur can see, feel things with a single touch and Elena can heal people with the touch of her hand. Quite an amazing couple and when they meet, the connection is amazing!
There's just so much more to this story, and I really don't want to give anything away. So I'll just recommend it by saying there's a bit of everything in this book.
Artur can see, feel things with a single touch and Elena can heal people with the touch of her hand. Quite an amazing couple and when they meet, the connection is amazing!
There's just so much more to this story, and I really don't want to give anything away. So I'll just recommend it by saying there's a bit of everything in this book.
May 18, 2014
This one was better than the other ones I've read in this series, though I feel like the plot really drives these pairings -- these relationships. Like two people are thrust into impossible circumstances and they fall in love in the midst of it, and meh. It's getting formulaic. Well it was formulaic from the beginning but idek lolol. I STAYED FOR ARTUR.
June 15, 2011
This book was excellent. I really enjoyed the dry humor between the all the characters. Moving on to book 3...
February 2, 2015
I'm really starting to enjoy this series! Each book has been unique and riveting.
October 19, 2013
Good writing. Great story.
July 21, 2016
pretty much read this in one day. Good book, well done. Great plot and interesting characters.
July 8, 2020
If you combine the
X-Men
comics with the 2007 film,
Eastern Promises
, and pour it into the mold of a romance novel, you'd get SHADOW TOUCH. I chose to read this novel for the "Psychics/Telekinesis" square of Ripped Bodice Summer Bingo. Marjorie M. Liu isn't a new-to-me author since I've read the first two volumes of her excellent graphic novel series, Monstress, Vol. 1: Awakening and Monstress, Vol. 2: The Blood, but this is the first romance novel of hers that I've tried.
SHADOW TOUCH has some surprisingly dark content which I wasn't expecting, as it's an Avon-published paranormal romance. Before page 100, there's a serial killer who is raping women to death, children dying from cancer, institutionalized orphan boys considering eating their own excrement, a brutally beaten puppy, and the protagonists have been kidnapped to a facility where they're being medically experimented on. It's...a lot. And it also reminded me a little of the R Lee Smith's novels I've read where there's almost a challenge to the reader, in terms of how dark the content can get. Or, it might be more accurate to say that SHADOW TOUCH crisscrosses between horror, action, and paranormal romance.
While held captive at an underground research lab, SHADOW TOUCH sees Russian mobster-turned-P.I. Artur Loginov falling in love with Wisconsin farm girl, Elena Baxter. They've been targeted for their supernatural powers: he can read minds through touch while she heals people. After making contact in the hallway of their prison, they're able to form a mental link and communicate telepathically. Their characterization isn't the novel's strongest point, as it's pretty standard romantic stuff: Artur is tortured by his past as an orphan-homeless teen-sex worker-gangster-assassin, but he's attracted to Elena's innocence, courage and purity. Elena, for her part, just wants to love and accept the mysterious Artur.
SHADOW TOUCH was published in 2006 and, like the French manicure on the cover of my mass market paperback, it seems dated. There are several "jokes" about the all-male group of paranormal detectives being gay and while he's strapped to a surgical surface for experimentation, a villain threatens to change Artur into a woman. A man also bemoans "feminism" because the heroine won't make the beds for an entire group of men she's traveling with. Liu doesn't seem entirely sure of how much "girl power" she wants to inject into the story either. Sometimes, Elena is Too Stupid To Live and thoughtlessly puts herself in the path of danger while other times, she easily saves the day. It all feels fairly typical for a paranormal romance written 14 years ago.
SHADOW TOUCH wasn't a total bummer. Beyond my shock at the dark content and disappointment with the flat characters and mid-2000's tone, I thought Liu did an impressive job with the novel's pacing and plot. I also liked how she wrote the scenes in which characters experienced psychic visions and information. Additionally, Liu has Artur - who is a nonnative English speaker - communicate in an idiosyncratic pattern that seems convincingly realistic.
SHADOW TOUCH often felt like a graphic novel or superhero movie so if you're a regular comic book reader who wants to try romance, I suppose SHADOW TOUCH might be a good place to start. As a romance reader who only occasionally checks out graphic novels, SHADOW TOUCH wasn't exactly my cup of tea.
Dark, dated and slightly derivative, with a zippy plot. Grade: B-.
SHADOW TOUCH has some surprisingly dark content which I wasn't expecting, as it's an Avon-published paranormal romance. Before page 100, there's a serial killer who is raping women to death, children dying from cancer, institutionalized orphan boys considering eating their own excrement, a brutally beaten puppy, and the protagonists have been kidnapped to a facility where they're being medically experimented on. It's...a lot. And it also reminded me a little of the R Lee Smith's novels I've read where there's almost a challenge to the reader, in terms of how dark the content can get. Or, it might be more accurate to say that SHADOW TOUCH crisscrosses between horror, action, and paranormal romance.
While held captive at an underground research lab, SHADOW TOUCH sees Russian mobster-turned-P.I. Artur Loginov falling in love with Wisconsin farm girl, Elena Baxter. They've been targeted for their supernatural powers: he can read minds through touch while she heals people. After making contact in the hallway of their prison, they're able to form a mental link and communicate telepathically. Their characterization isn't the novel's strongest point, as it's pretty standard romantic stuff: Artur is tortured by his past as an orphan-homeless teen-sex worker-gangster-assassin, but he's attracted to Elena's innocence, courage and purity. Elena, for her part, just wants to love and accept the mysterious Artur.
SHADOW TOUCH was published in 2006 and, like the French manicure on the cover of my mass market paperback, it seems dated. There are several "jokes" about the all-male group of paranormal detectives being gay and while he's strapped to a surgical surface for experimentation, a villain threatens to change Artur into a woman. A man also bemoans "feminism" because the heroine won't make the beds for an entire group of men she's traveling with. Liu doesn't seem entirely sure of how much "girl power" she wants to inject into the story either. Sometimes, Elena is Too Stupid To Live and thoughtlessly puts herself in the path of danger while other times, she easily saves the day. It all feels fairly typical for a paranormal romance written 14 years ago.
SHADOW TOUCH wasn't a total bummer. Beyond my shock at the dark content and disappointment with the flat characters and mid-2000's tone, I thought Liu did an impressive job with the novel's pacing and plot. I also liked how she wrote the scenes in which characters experienced psychic visions and information. Additionally, Liu has Artur - who is a nonnative English speaker - communicate in an idiosyncratic pattern that seems convincingly realistic.
SHADOW TOUCH often felt like a graphic novel or superhero movie so if you're a regular comic book reader who wants to try romance, I suppose SHADOW TOUCH might be a good place to start. As a romance reader who only occasionally checks out graphic novels, SHADOW TOUCH wasn't exactly my cup of tea.
Dark, dated and slightly derivative, with a zippy plot. Grade: B-.
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