Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between (Rhiannon's Law, #1)

by J A Saare

Heather Williams (Editor) and J A Saare (Illustrator)

• ISBN10: 1770650148
• ISBN13: 9781770650145
• Publish Date: 7 February 2010
• Publish Status: Unknown
• Out of Print: 11 April 2013
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Eternal Press
• Format: eBook
• Language: English

Reviews

It was okay. There were a few funny lines. As some other reviewers mentioned, I've read a lot of urban fantasy/paranormal romance books and it takes a lot these days to make it something amazing. This was the usual run of the mill plot. Rhiannon was alright - she annoyed me at times but she did have some good lines. The romance between her and Disco made no sense - more instalove crap. Disco was your average perfect vampire. Quick enough read. Might pick up the next one if on sale.

[stacey_is_sassy]

Really good

I really enjoyed this first installment in the series. Quite dark with some uncomfortable scenes including pedophiles, rape and graphic descriptions of murder and torture.

The story is about Rhiannon, a tough heroine with attitude and the hero, Disco aka Gabriel, who is head and protector of his family of vampires and one necromancer. Gabriel has an instant attraction to Rhiannon but she is fighting some very bad memories from her past which she finds hard to get past.

Rhiannon is a necromancer and her abilities are needed to find out who is murdering vampires and how they are being taken. With the help of fellow necromancer Goose they research and investigate the dead and twice dead (vampires who die).

The relationship between Rhianon and Disco is very slow moving and eventually gets intimate towards the end. I can see the potential in this couple but the way this story ended with a HUGE CLIFFHANGER...I'm not convinced they will make it to the end.

I really enjoyed this story and I will definitely be reading more.

[MurderByDeath]

This book is grittier than I normally choose, but I liked the book quite a bit - it held my attention until I was able to finish it. I won't claim it has any really original angle to it, but it does what it does well. I genuinely like Disco/Gabriel, and Paine. Rhiannon was ok - I rather wish the author hadn't taken the clichéd route in terms of her past. Her past is the worst kind of horrid, but keeping her a naive virgin?? When there's nothing else a bit naive about her? Seemed a very very forced plot device to me.

I liked the plot although the motivation behind the crimes wasn't explored at all - I felt like the villain could have been hinting at his capabilities/motivation a bit throughout the story, but instead everything was just explained at the end. Oh well. It's absence didn't make the story less enjoyable, but it's presence could have increased it.

I have to admit, I'm not sure I'll read the second one, as futuristic/dystopian settings are less than interesting to me. I might skip over it though, as I would like to read more about this crew.

[Amanda]

Actual rating: 3.5

Full review: http://onabookbender.com/2011/06/23/review-dead-undead-or-somewhere-in-between-by-j-a-saare/

Rhiannon is one of those amazing characters whom you simply must admire for her strength. But her strength comes at the expense of a tragic and somewhat terrifying childhood; she is the type to build walls around herself to protect against any vulnerability. This kind of character has always been the most appealing to me, because they are written with such depth and truth, and romance that involves the scaling or breaking down of those protective walls remains among my favorites. I cannot help but identify with Rhiannon, even if I’ve never had her experiences.

Although I loved the snark in all its glory, it seemed Rhiannon’s sharp wit faded some as she became more involved (and overwhelmed) in Disco’s world, with her scathing retorts only making brief appearances. I missed this as the book progressed, but knowing that sarcasm is a weapon best wielded to keep people at a distance under normal circumstances, I also know that it is not easy to maintain when you find yourself out of your depth. In this sense, Rhiannon’s character becomes more believable — having much of your “meaningless existence” (as Rhiannon has said) being turned upside down would put stress on any person’s usual defensive mechanisms. Disco uses this turmoil and upheaval in Rhiannon’s life to breach her walls. We can tell, even if Rhiannon can’t at first, that Disco is interested in her beyond whatever help she can provide. However, there is a shroud of mystery surrounding him, as if there are secrets he has yet to reveal.

Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between is action packed, and doesn’t let up until the very end where we’re thrown a twist that leaves us hanging for the next book. I did not see the twist coming, but it was hinted at, ever so briefly and not directly. But it does almost guarantee that the Renfield Syndrome will find a way into my hands come August.