You ever known a person, that at first, you weren't too crazy
about, but as time passed and the more you got to know this
person, the better you liked him? In a strange way, newcomer
Mari Adkins's first novel, "Midnight", does just this.
The 325 page novel takes us through a mystical adventure with
Samantha "Sami" Clark. In the prologue, she's abused, lonely,
and ready to commit suicide. Sami travels to Harlan, Kentucky, a
beautiful and quiet Appalachian town nestled near the Cumberland
Gap. Here she moves in with Steve Young, a shy and caring friend
from years past.
As Sami fights her way out of chronic depression, she meets the
mysterious Jeremy. Aloof, but supportive, he guides Sami back to
health and assists her in a slow self-discovery process.
Vampires are involved, but in a caring, passive (too passive for
this reader) fashion. By the end of the novel, Sami is still
struggling with her life, but with her new friends and growing
powers, the outlook is definitely positive.
Doesn't sound particularly exciting, right? If you're looking
for an action packed, vampire-driven lust and rage filled plot,
you're better off sticking with Laurell K. Hamilton or Sherrilyn
Kenyon. What "Midnight" does is present an emotionally
heartwrenching character study. The reader grows to care about
Sami. Author Mari Adkins pulls this off with the skill of an
experienced novelist. While Sami may cry too often, it still
feels 'true'. Her actions are the actions of a clinically
depressed individual.
Adkins also gives us a fascinating glimpse into the world of
Paganism. Sami's magic powers are real and potent, used in a
real world setting and not as some cute form of fantasy. I kept
waiting for a violent magical outburst, but that would do Sami
and her powers an injustice.
Overall, this is the best of the four eBooks I've had the
opportunity to read over the past couple of years. The editing
is as good as you'll find in most mid-level imprints, and Mari
Adkins shows a knack for storytelling that will one day propel
her to a hefty book deal with a print publisher.
About the author:
Jason Sizemore is the publisher and managing editor of "Apex
Science Fiction and Horror Digest".
Visit "Apex Digest" at http://www.apexdigest.com
|
