wyvernfriend
Written on Jul 26, 2015
I enjoyed it hugely.
The world of Harmony has its wonders, one of them being Rainshadow Island.
Just beneath its surface, a maze of catacombs hides a dangerous secret…
Halloween—with its tricks and treats—is a dust bunny’s dream come true. Just ask Lyle, Sedona Snow’s faithful sidekick. But for Sedona, it’s a nightmare. Though her new job managing a small hotel and tavern on Rainshadow is helping her move on from her tragic past, a bizarre disaster down in the catacombs has brought a pack of rowdy ghost hunters to her inn.
And now, Sedona’s ex has arrived on the island, claiming he wants to get back together, just as a newcomer appears to have a strong interest in her. Cyrus Jones is the new Guild boss in town. He has his own agenda when it comes to Sedona, but even the best-laid plans are no match for the passion that springs up on Rainshadow…
- ISBN10 0515154725
- ISBN13 9780515154726
- Publish Date 26 August 2014
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country US
- Publisher Penguin Putnam Inc
- Imprint Berkley Publishing Corporation,U.S.
- Format Paperback (US Mass Market)
- Pages 352
- Language English
- URL https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9780515154726
Reviews
I enjoyed it hugely.
celinenyx
Written on Aug 21, 2014
Let's start this review with a disclaimer: I have never read any of the Rainshadow books before. Neither have I read anything in the Harmony series before. Going into a series within a series blank like this usually is a terrible idea - but actually it worked out fine!
The planet of Harmony is suffused with psi-energy, a force that can be used by people with para-psychological talents. One of those people is Sedona, who can open and close gates in the Underworld, a vast network of caves left behind by Aliens. Trying to have a normal-ish life, Sedona however, ends up as guinea pig for an evil scientist, and then a Guild boss starts to show interest in her. What's going on, and how is it all connected?
Science-fiction romance is not a genre I'm well-versed in, but as far as I can tell, The Hot Zone ticks all the boxes. We have a heroine that can take care of herself, a swoon-worthy hero, plenty of action and intruige, and an animal sidekick. I can't say much about the world-building, not having touched the ten other Harmony books - all I can judge is the bit I've seen in The Hot Zone. From what I've seen it's not terribly complex (or I wouldn't have had such an easy time reading this book), but it's functional for plenty of drama. There are many different parties including powerful Guild bosses, some kind of Society, the Arcane, and other families that hold sway in Harmony.
The atmosphere of the Rainshadow island was quite spooky. On one hand there is a mysterious Preserve, but underneath is also the Underworld, where big scary monsters live. The book is set around Halloween, and the main character lives on a cemetery, which makes the gloomy atmosphere even more appealing.
Since it's a romance, I'll touch upon the romance as well. It was good. Very decent romance. There was no insta-love as there was plenty of time for them to bond. There are some sexy times. They have small hurdles to conquer in their relationship, but generally everything develops smoothly (though quickly) and by the end of the book all problems are solved.
My biggest gripe with this book is the emphasis on family. I get that it's part of how things work on Harmony - being born out of wedlock is unacceptable and marriage is super-duper important. They're kind of obsessed with bloodlines and the abilities being passed down, and honestly, it just didn't work for me. Just because your great-grandmother had certain genes, scientifically the chances of you resembling her that much are super tiny. Just because you're family, it doesn't mean you'll be anything like the others in your family. The constant and repetitive mentioning of families just grated on my nerves.
Apart from familial issues, The Hot Zone is a pretty cool book. It's readable, entertaining, exciting. And on top of that, it's perfectly readable if you haven't read any of the other books - although you probably get more out of the story if you have.
kimbacaffeinate
Written on Aug 12, 2014
1. It is Halloween on Rainshadow Island, and its newest resident Sedona Snow is in danger. She recently escaped from an underground laboratory thanks to the help of her new companion and faithful dust bunny, Lyle. Castle weaves a suspenseful tale complete with murder, mayhem and escalating danger that kept me on edge. Her villains will make you shiver and wish unhappy things to befall them!
2. Cyrus Jones. Meoow! Hunters are on the island to keep folks from traveling into the dangerous catacombs after reports of strange prehistoric monsters began circulating. Cyrus’s is the town’s new Guild boss but he is also here to investigate Sedona. The man has a commanding presence, and you will enjoy page time with him.
3. Lyle! Best dust bunny EVER. Unlike previous dust bunnies like the oh so adorable Elvis, Lyle does not collect shiny babbles or purses. Nope, he is a little OCD and likes to arrange and rearrange things. I am a huge fan of these cute little, dangerous creatures and dream of owning my own. I love how Castle weaves them into the story and mystery.
4. Cyrus and Sedona are both strong characters, and the banter between them and sexual tension was a delight. Could this be classified as insta-attraction/love? Probably. However, Castle made it feel genuine, and I fell completely. The heated scenes are tame, but that does not stop Castle from making the pages sizzle.
5. Paranormal Woo-Woo. Castle weaves in artifacts, secret formulas, evil dudes and aliens to make for one heck of a paranormal experience. I loved the Wonderland cave they discovered, the monsters and the side effects. She has a vivid imagination and has created an unbelievable landscape in Harmony and Rainshadow Island. From tuned amber to dust bunnies, it is a world I want to visit repeatedly.
Copy received from author full review can be found at Caffeinated.This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Cocktails and Books
Written on Aug 2, 2014
It’s fitting that a dust bunny named Lyle saves Sedona and starts this book off, since dust bunnies are one of my all-time favorite things about this series. They are these cute fluffy creatures full of character and mischief, but they also have a saying about them, “by the time you see teeth, it’s too late”, they may be cute and fluffy but they can be sleek and deadly too.
Rainshadow is a unique island in a world full of wild and crazy happening and where all humans have extraordinary abilities. I really enjoy Sedona Snow, she’s spunky and capable of saving herself, but having Cyrus Jones around doesn’t hurt, especially since he doesn’t leave anyone behind. They’re wildly attracted to each other, and find themselves compatible in every way.
This was a great addition to the Harmony series, and probably one of my favorite from the Rainshadow spinoff. I loved the new things that were revealed and I can only hope to journey back into this world in the future, I love the unique and fun characters and want my very own dust bunny.
I highly recommend this for fans of the series, and I think even new readers could enjoy this tale from Ms. Castle.
Reviewed by Sheri for Cocktails and Books