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Shadow Thane #2
Touched with Sight
Catherine Pierce is a black beast, a shape-shifter that has no settled form because of the magic-infused witch blood that runs through her veins. This anomaly brought her to the attention of the ruthless Council that governs her kind. Unfortunately, their corrupt delegate has taken a vested interest in Catherine.
Crown Prince Phineas Riordan is a powerful witch who has mastered three of the four elements. The one thing he can't master is his sexual deviancy, which, if discovered, means his life and his kingdom are forfeit. Because witches and shape-shifters are not allowed to fraternize. Ever. But that won't stop him from using the disappearance of Catherine's childhood friend--and romantic rival--to his advantage.
Meanwhile, the Slayer threat is growing stronger. Catherine and Phineas are on the brink of uncovering the secret organization forming within the bowels of the school...but they're being watched, as well. A war is brewing, and it promises to be an apocalyptic nightmare even worse than the Great War that happened between their kind 200 years ago.
Catherine has seen how the world ends in her dreams: it will be not by fire, or by ice, but by shadow. For she is...touched with sight.
Cover by Louisa.
Crown Prince Phineas Riordan is a powerful witch who has mastered three of the four elements. The one thing he can't master is his sexual deviancy, which, if discovered, means his life and his kingdom are forfeit. Because witches and shape-shifters are not allowed to fraternize. Ever. But that won't stop him from using the disappearance of Catherine's childhood friend--and romantic rival--to his advantage.
Meanwhile, the Slayer threat is growing stronger. Catherine and Phineas are on the brink of uncovering the secret organization forming within the bowels of the school...but they're being watched, as well. A war is brewing, and it promises to be an apocalyptic nightmare even worse than the Great War that happened between their kind 200 years ago.
Catherine has seen how the world ends in her dreams: it will be not by fire, or by ice, but by shadow. For she is...touched with sight.
Cover by Louisa.
165 pages, ebook
First published July 19, 2014
6 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
Nenia Campbell
59 books20.8k followersNenia Campbell is a dark romance author who lives in San Francisco, California. When she's not writing, or reading, she can be found roaming the city or curled up with her void cat. She collects romance novels older than she is and loves a villain with flair.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 35 reviews
February 7, 2017
The definition of YA is to me; the fate of bla bla resting on the shoulders of a hormonally challenged ball of angst. And the villain yada yada comes with high school mentality. While age is a part of it, it isn't the deciding factor of the genre. This one fits the bill as far as I'm concerned, so, I'm not accepting the NA shelving.
The plot got way more complex in this book. We are not just dealing with bug rescues. Shitstorm is coming.
Also, my rapey little psycho is in the spotlight. I just love him! Him and the Angry Bird a.k.a heroine are in hate/lust place. They have to act like they are dating. Of course Angy Bird is angry at this. And everything else. No action as of yet but I have hopes on his pervy charm.
The plot got way more complex in this book. We are not just dealing with bug rescues. Shitstorm is coming.
Also, my rapey little psycho is in the spotlight. I just love him! Him and the Angry Bird a.k.a heroine are in hate/lust place. They have to act like they are dating. Of course Angy Bird is angry at this. And everything else. No action as of yet but I have hopes on his pervy charm.
November 19, 2018
“He kissed her, and the magic that had been building up steadily around them exploded, raining down in arcs of silver fire that made her half-remember a prophecy from her dreams.
One by one, they all will die.
Something had been set into motion.”
One by one, they all will die.
Something had been set into motion.”
July 16, 2017
I think I love Finn even more after my second reading.
REVIEW
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
So, after reading the first book, I was like, "Yeah, that was good. I'd like to read more in this series."
After reading this one, I was like, "Whoa. Whoa."
There were so many passages of great writing in Touched with Sight, and I reread a lot of them because they were so lovely. Campbell can write well, and it's evident she's getting better with every book.
Finn, while he is definitely an asshole of astounding proportions, is my favorite character. He just goes to show psychopaths can be as well-rounded as anyone else. Even sympathetic. Perhaps even more so than "good" characters. They're certainly more interesting, in my opinion, if done well. I loved the moment he was baffled at his "best efforts" in the bedroom going unappreciated, and I thought it was hilarious how bad a driver he was. A tree trunk lodged in the fender? What the hell was he DOING?!?
Of course, I loved the tension between Finn and Catherine. The descriptions of Catherine shifting and her thoughts during the process are really well done also. I liked the type of witch Finn seems to be—less Wicca, more like a goth poster I had hanging in my room when I was a teenager. It's in his blood. And he wears a cool witch belt.
Reading about shapeshifters is never my first choice, and witches I can go either way with. But it's like Campbell went, "Oh yeah?" and wrote this book for me just to prove my tastes wrong. Touched with Sight is my favorite book of hers, and I can't wait to see how the series ends.
REVIEW
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
So, after reading the first book, I was like, "Yeah, that was good. I'd like to read more in this series."
After reading this one, I was like, "Whoa. Whoa."
There were so many passages of great writing in Touched with Sight, and I reread a lot of them because they were so lovely. Campbell can write well, and it's evident she's getting better with every book.
He'd gone into the hills that night and razed a patch of the woods she loved so much, and as he watched the trees crack and crumble to ash, the smoldering landscape echoed the fires he felt inside.
---
... thin ribbons of shadow and light in the umbra of the flickering torches.
---
The sky was broken, she thought. It cracked in two, and the world was bleeding out in streaks of lightning.
---
Oh, the anger and contempt had been the same but they had been shot through with another emotion that rose to the surface to burst like bubbles of fire, coloring his speech with an intensity he usually lacked. For the first time since she had met him, the witch had called her Catherine.
Finn, while he is definitely an asshole of astounding proportions, is my favorite character. He just goes to show psychopaths can be as well-rounded as anyone else. Even sympathetic. Perhaps even more so than "good" characters. They're certainly more interesting, in my opinion, if done well. I loved the moment he was baffled at his "best efforts" in the bedroom going unappreciated, and I thought it was hilarious how bad a driver he was. A tree trunk lodged in the fender? What the hell was he DOING?!?
Of course, I loved the tension between Finn and Catherine. The descriptions of Catherine shifting and her thoughts during the process are really well done also. I liked the type of witch Finn seems to be—less Wicca, more like a goth poster I had hanging in my room when I was a teenager. It's in his blood. And he wears a cool witch belt.
Reading about shapeshifters is never my first choice, and witches I can go either way with. But it's like Campbell went, "Oh yeah?" and wrote this book for me just to prove my tastes wrong. Touched with Sight is my favorite book of hers, and I can't wait to see how the series ends.
October 5, 2014
Review to Come.
------------------------------------
Ahh. It has a cover! So prettyyy.
*skips around room waving hands like a crazy person*
Okay. SO I'm pretty sure I've become a professional Nenia Campbell fangirl.
Don't judge me.
------------------------------------
Ahh. It has a cover! So prettyyy.
*skips around room waving hands like a crazy person*
Okay. SO I'm pretty sure I've become a professional Nenia Campbell fangirl.
Don't judge me.
February 13, 2016
Sexual Commuter Quotient: well this one passes for OK until it hits areas towards the end, and then it definitely passes for hot & steamy. I will mention here if you don't like rape type scenarios you might want to ditch this or do some serious skimming when the sex starts off. A skim is certainly possible. For the unwary commuter, the sexual content may be more explicit than expected for a book that could initially pass for YA, however, I would take this 2nd book for a NA. So 'warning, warning' for a sudden surprise, arm yourself with a safety device, like blinkers on a horse? Be prepared for some type of tangible saviour in your hour of need :)
Soundtrack: Tainted Love https://youtu.be/YTGiyQRG2EE
Soundtrack: Tainted Love https://youtu.be/YTGiyQRG2EE
August 22, 2014
2.5 stars
Before I started the Shadow Thane series, I always associated the name Finn with that tall, gawky kid from Glee.
Oh, Cory Moneith. Glee has certainly gone downhill since you passed away.
But thanks to this Finn, I now associate it with a dangerous, obsessive witch (Yes, he's a witch, not a wizard) of the likes of Gavin from Fearscape, who is fabulous, if terrifying.
And since no professional creeper is complete without a dash of Edward Cullen, Finn also enjoys other wholesome activities such as watching Catherine, the main character and the object of hisobsession affection, sleep.
The main difference between Finn and Edward is that Edward's creepiness is bundled up and disguised in layers of fluff and heart-covered wrapping paper, so instead of seeing him as who he really is—a possessive ass—we see him as a broken man with a slight possessive streak. but that's okay cause he can't help himself! As a woman, it's my duty to tame the beast and fix him!
A handful of Valium in his evening tea should do it.
One of the many things I adore about Nenia's books is that they go against the tide. They're unconventional. They take that creepy-but-oh-so-hot-guy trope and crush it to pieces under her sensible oxford shoes. There is a certain allure to Gavin, but I've always been aware of his sociopath undertones and if I ever met a guy like him in real life, I would wheel as fast as I could to the other side of the hall before he has the time to say, "Hey, I just met you and this is crazy—"
For a while, I thought Finn would continue in this thread as in the previous installment, Black Beast, and be the psycho stalker you secretly root for, but want to tear his face off when he actually messes with the MC. Sadly, that didn't happen. As the book went on, Finn became more and more human in a way, to the extent that I could sympathize and feel sorry for him. It's not a bad thing, but it also meant that one of the best aspects of this series dimmed, thus, rendering it dull and predictable in the romance department.
But this is a very subjective opinion and I'm sure lots of people enjoy the redemption storyline. I do too, only it didn't work out in this particular scenario.
Other than the Finn conundrum, everything else was fantastic: pace, characters, mythology, especially. We see vampires in this book, though not as much as I wanted to. Less emphasis was put on world-building here than Black Beast, however, what parts we did get a glimpse of is wonderfully researched and creative as usual.
I expected no less.
So to conclude, recommended, but not as much as Fearscape. I heart that series with the indecent passion of a thousand creepers.
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for a honest review. No money or favors were exchanged. (With the possible exception of Candy Crush lives XD)
Before I started the Shadow Thane series, I always associated the name Finn with that tall, gawky kid from Glee.
Oh, Cory Moneith. Glee has certainly gone downhill since you passed away.
But thanks to this Finn, I now associate it with a dangerous, obsessive witch (Yes, he's a witch, not a wizard) of the likes of Gavin from Fearscape, who is fabulous, if terrifying.
And he had already started to think of her as his. At some point, his contempt and utter loathing had taken root and blossomed into single-minded obsession... He had been driven with the need to bend her to his sovereign will. To feel the force of his command.
And since no professional creeper is complete without a dash of Edward Cullen, Finn also enjoys other wholesome activities such as watching Catherine, the main character and the object of his
There was something perversely satisfying about this. Watching her sleep.
The main difference between Finn and Edward is that Edward's creepiness is bundled up and disguised in layers of fluff and heart-covered wrapping paper, so instead of seeing him as who he really is—a possessive ass—we see him as a broken man with a slight possessive streak. but that's okay cause he can't help himself! As a woman, it's my duty to tame the beast and fix him!
A handful of Valium in his evening tea should do it.
One of the many things I adore about Nenia's books is that they go against the tide. They're unconventional. They take that creepy-but-oh-so-hot-guy trope and crush it to pieces under her sensible oxford shoes. There is a certain allure to Gavin, but I've always been aware of his sociopath undertones and if I ever met a guy like him in real life, I would wheel as fast as I could to the other side of the hall before he has the time to say, "Hey, I just met you and this is crazy—"
For a while, I thought Finn would continue in this thread as in the previous installment, Black Beast, and be the psycho stalker you secretly root for, but want to tear his face off when he actually messes with the MC. Sadly, that didn't happen. As the book went on, Finn became more and more human in a way, to the extent that I could sympathize and feel sorry for him. It's not a bad thing, but it also meant that one of the best aspects of this series dimmed, thus, rendering it dull and predictable in the romance department.
But this is a very subjective opinion and I'm sure lots of people enjoy the redemption storyline. I do too, only it didn't work out in this particular scenario.
Other than the Finn conundrum, everything else was fantastic: pace, characters, mythology, especially. We see vampires in this book, though not as much as I wanted to. Less emphasis was put on world-building here than Black Beast, however, what parts we did get a glimpse of is wonderfully researched and creative as usual.
I expected no less.
So to conclude, recommended, but not as much as Fearscape. I heart that series with the indecent passion of a thousand creepers.
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for a honest review. No money or favors were exchanged. (With the possible exception of Candy Crush lives XD)
January 5, 2021
This is a review that I’ve been putting off writing for a few reasons: one, I am friends with Nenia Campbell and think she is a wonderfully talented human and awesome person and this is one of her babies. Second, I’m really trying hard to find the right words.
I will start off by saying that I did enjoy Touched with Sight marginally more than its predecessor, Black Beast. The characters are more fleshed out, there are not nearly as many info dumps, and the plot seemed to actually move along.
However, this was still just not my cuppa tea, and I’m not sure I’m going to continue with the series. I haven’t found a lot of urban fantasy that I’ve enjoyed, and I just don’t know if I care enough to know how this ends.
But I am a fickle bitch and change my mind constantly, so who knows?
I couldn’t connect to any character, and even though stuff did happen, I just found myself not caring. The first half took me a long time to get into because I just couldn’t connect with it. After about the halfway point, the pacing did get better and I was able to make some progress. I don’t feel the heat between Catherine and Finn and found Finn loathsome and Catherine inconsistent and annoying. This read at times like young adult, but there were themes that were definitely not for younger audiences. There wasn’t a ton of depth to this world or this story. I ended up having to reread a lot of book 1 because nothing stuck with me, and now I find only a few months after finishing that nothing about this one is sticking with me either. I think that in and of itself is telling me something.
This series definitely has its fans, but it is just not my thing. And that’s ok. I still love Nenia and will continue to read her books until I find a series that I enjoy.
I will start off by saying that I did enjoy Touched with Sight marginally more than its predecessor, Black Beast. The characters are more fleshed out, there are not nearly as many info dumps, and the plot seemed to actually move along.
However, this was still just not my cuppa tea, and I’m not sure I’m going to continue with the series. I haven’t found a lot of urban fantasy that I’ve enjoyed, and I just don’t know if I care enough to know how this ends.
But I am a fickle bitch and change my mind constantly, so who knows?
I couldn’t connect to any character, and even though stuff did happen, I just found myself not caring. The first half took me a long time to get into because I just couldn’t connect with it. After about the halfway point, the pacing did get better and I was able to make some progress. I don’t feel the heat between Catherine and Finn and found Finn loathsome and Catherine inconsistent and annoying. This read at times like young adult, but there were themes that were definitely not for younger audiences. There wasn’t a ton of depth to this world or this story. I ended up having to reread a lot of book 1 because nothing stuck with me, and now I find only a few months after finishing that nothing about this one is sticking with me either. I think that in and of itself is telling me something.
This series definitely has its fans, but it is just not my thing. And that’s ok. I still love Nenia and will continue to read her books until I find a series that I enjoy.
Want to read
June 12, 2014{June 12th, 2014} UPDATE
*drools/stares at cover* ...I think I need to kidnap a certain someone for my covers in the near future...just saying. *shifty eyes* >.>
*drools/stares at cover* ...I think I need to kidnap a certain someone for my covers in the near future...just saying. *shifty eyes* >.>
June 26, 2018
4 stars
RTC
RTC
November 29, 2014
The book was given to me by the author in exchange for an fair and honest review.
It's not a secret that i am a massive fan of Nenia Campbell's writing. Why? Because cookie cutter isn't her thing. She takes risks, dabbles in the dark and the end result is fun-fucking-tastic.
In Black Beast we had a young shapeshifter Catherine was struggling to lead an ordinary life, her form not yet settled, she had the problems of an young woman coming to her own. With all the troubles of a shifter trying to make it in the human world, she caught the eye of Finn, a witch inquisitor famous for his cruel and brutal pursuit of her kind. When Finn caught up with her she was exposed to his magical talent and his hunting skills of a different kind.
Touched with Sight is action packed, and fast moving. Good thing, because it makes you so engrossed that you wind up reading the entire thing in one go. The downside???? You finish way too soon....and then that groan comes out, you know the one when you realize you need to wait to get the next book. God i hate those....
Finn is my favorite type of character. He is an antihero to the bone. He is torn by his pursuit of power and his desires that can take away everything he worked for, and destroy him completely. These types of characters are Campbell's signature move. And honestly, she needs to stick to them, because she makes them so real they blow your mind. There is no such thing as a completely 'nice person'. Just doesn't exist. We are all human at the end of it all, and humans strive toward a goal in their life, be it considered nice or not. We all have that inner voice that we can't escape, that whispers sarcastic and inappropriate things that we would never say aloud. Campbell always had that rare talent to chose her words carefully when dealing with the inner monologue of her characters, that once you get to know them, you start to relate to them. In Touched with Sight we get even closer to Finn's obsessions, and Catherine's fear and pain as if morphs from pure hate to something new. Not love, not by a long shot, but a kind of begrudging tolerance as they deal with the dangers around them that are spiraling out of control. I don't know what to expect, i don't know what to think. There is no insta-love, there are no cliche's when you read a Nenia Campbell novel. There is no predictability, and because of that she keeps you on your toes all the time. Her characters are never one dimensional, never truly good or truly bad, so you never know how precisely they will react when placed in different situations. Expect the unexpected! What can i say? She has in a very short span climbed on the top of my list of paranormal/urban fantasy authors, and i just can't wait to get my hands on the next novel.
The plot thickens, even with so many things unfolding at the same time we are left with more questions then answers. Who is the Shadow Thane? Slayers are closer then ever, black magic boils in their dreams threatening to spill out to reality. Even as the uneasy truce between Catherine and Finn has it's benefits, the truth behind it is not so simple and painfully obvious. It certainly won't be tolerated by the Council. Two novels in and still so much to come....Bring it on!
It's not a secret that i am a massive fan of Nenia Campbell's writing. Why? Because cookie cutter isn't her thing. She takes risks, dabbles in the dark and the end result is fun-fucking-tastic.
In Black Beast we had a young shapeshifter Catherine was struggling to lead an ordinary life, her form not yet settled, she had the problems of an young woman coming to her own. With all the troubles of a shifter trying to make it in the human world, she caught the eye of Finn, a witch inquisitor famous for his cruel and brutal pursuit of her kind. When Finn caught up with her she was exposed to his magical talent and his hunting skills of a different kind.
Touched with Sight is action packed, and fast moving. Good thing, because it makes you so engrossed that you wind up reading the entire thing in one go. The downside???? You finish way too soon....and then that groan comes out, you know the one when you realize you need to wait to get the next book. God i hate those....
Finn is my favorite type of character. He is an antihero to the bone. He is torn by his pursuit of power and his desires that can take away everything he worked for, and destroy him completely. These types of characters are Campbell's signature move. And honestly, she needs to stick to them, because she makes them so real they blow your mind. There is no such thing as a completely 'nice person'. Just doesn't exist. We are all human at the end of it all, and humans strive toward a goal in their life, be it considered nice or not. We all have that inner voice that we can't escape, that whispers sarcastic and inappropriate things that we would never say aloud. Campbell always had that rare talent to chose her words carefully when dealing with the inner monologue of her characters, that once you get to know them, you start to relate to them. In Touched with Sight we get even closer to Finn's obsessions, and Catherine's fear and pain as if morphs from pure hate to something new. Not love, not by a long shot, but a kind of begrudging tolerance as they deal with the dangers around them that are spiraling out of control. I don't know what to expect, i don't know what to think. There is no insta-love, there are no cliche's when you read a Nenia Campbell novel. There is no predictability, and because of that she keeps you on your toes all the time. Her characters are never one dimensional, never truly good or truly bad, so you never know how precisely they will react when placed in different situations. Expect the unexpected! What can i say? She has in a very short span climbed on the top of my list of paranormal/urban fantasy authors, and i just can't wait to get my hands on the next novel.
The plot thickens, even with so many things unfolding at the same time we are left with more questions then answers. Who is the Shadow Thane? Slayers are closer then ever, black magic boils in their dreams threatening to spill out to reality. Even as the uneasy truce between Catherine and Finn has it's benefits, the truth behind it is not so simple and painfully obvious. It certainly won't be tolerated by the Council. Two novels in and still so much to come....Bring it on!
January 6, 2020
2.5 stars.
Hmm. Not sure if I like where this series is going. It's sure getting weird......
The hero in this series is just so angry and grumpy all the time, I'm kind of over him. She would do better without him at this stage, I am thinking. He's oversexed (violent rape fantasy- with blood? Umm- no thanks) and is starting to become annoying. And there are only so many times I can deal with the hot/cold/hot/cold shite before I get bored. The heroine is also a bit too young for a PNR book for my taste.
I will read on to book 3 but am reserving my right to discontinue after that!
Hmm. Not sure if I like where this series is going. It's sure getting weird......
The hero in this series is just so angry and grumpy all the time, I'm kind of over him. She would do better without him at this stage, I am thinking. He's oversexed (violent rape fantasy- with blood? Umm- no thanks) and is starting to become annoying. And there are only so many times I can deal with the hot/cold/hot/cold shite before I get bored. The heroine is also a bit too young for a PNR book for my taste.
I will read on to book 3 but am reserving my right to discontinue after that!
May 8, 2020
Love, love, love this series.
Catherine is eminently relatable, even as she inhabits whichever animal body is convenient at the moment. Her thought process filtered through the mind of a big cat, or an ant, is just plain fun to ride along with. Every creature has its' own practicality, and Campbell brings them to life with grace and humor.
I detest the witch, who Catherine finds herself … dealing with.
There are so many layers to this writing. Simple sentences pierce, resonate. This says so much more than these few words:
Something that had been alive once was not any longer.
That one sentence settled in and stayed with me.
My group is reading the first book in this series, which means I technically cheated and should probably be severely punished. I'm more than likely going to cheat again and read the third before they get to the second. Unlike almost every other series I've gotten involved in, these books are affordable. Campbell places more importance on the magic of words than greed.
There was one series in which the author played with prequels and sequels. I did some math and realized it would cost over $70 to find out what happened after the cliffhanger the book I was reading ended on. The result? I won't pay over $3.99 for an e book any longer. There is too much good stuff out there to contribute to publisher criminality. I'm all for some types of criminality. Holding words hostage? No.
Catherine wove her way into my mind so thoroughly that I had to draw her.
Catherine is eminently relatable, even as she inhabits whichever animal body is convenient at the moment. Her thought process filtered through the mind of a big cat, or an ant, is just plain fun to ride along with. Every creature has its' own practicality, and Campbell brings them to life with grace and humor.
I detest the witch, who Catherine finds herself … dealing with.
There are so many layers to this writing. Simple sentences pierce, resonate. This says so much more than these few words:
Something that had been alive once was not any longer.
That one sentence settled in and stayed with me.
My group is reading the first book in this series, which means I technically cheated and should probably be severely punished. I'm more than likely going to cheat again and read the third before they get to the second. Unlike almost every other series I've gotten involved in, these books are affordable. Campbell places more importance on the magic of words than greed.
There was one series in which the author played with prequels and sequels. I did some math and realized it would cost over $70 to find out what happened after the cliffhanger the book I was reading ended on. The result? I won't pay over $3.99 for an e book any longer. There is too much good stuff out there to contribute to publisher criminality. I'm all for some types of criminality. Holding words hostage? No.
Catherine wove her way into my mind so thoroughly that I had to draw her.
September 16, 2014
The story picked up where it left off in the first book… With Finn using Catherine to find this secret organization of Slayers that are kidnapping and killing witches and shifters… And that basically sums it up in this second instalment, plot wise I mean.
But, there is this sudden character growth. Though Finn started off as that arrogant obsessive psycho, at the end of the book he was a little bit more humanized. And Catherine showed more heart this time around. Thus, making these two lead characters supposedly more likeable.
There is progress in the story too, meaning, it is finally going somewhere… But it didn’t really get any further up. At the end of the book, my initial reaction was “was that it?” It can be really frustrating cause I had high hopes. But! There is real action and suspense this time… nothing mind blowing… but way better than the first book.
I’m sorry but there are some things in this story that weirded me out. Like Finn’s obsessive actions or thoughts that I find really strange… Example : while he stalked Catherine and watched her sleep his thoughts were of killing her at the same time he wants to fuck her. That’s just, a no no to me….. Maybe, just maybe, it’s just me… I’m weirded out with this because I really just could not relate to him. Maybe. :D
As for Catherine, since she seems to have different kinds of animals inside her that it’s either a prey or predator and both are always having it’s own debate inside her head…
Something is happening, Predator bristled in agitation. Prey whimpered.
There is a lot of these going here which was just giving me a headache.
Anyway, I think it all comes down to a matter of taste or choice… and I don’t think this series is for me since I tend to find the story bland and odd and the characters weird and irritating. I tried… :) ‘Nuff said… ;)
October 30, 2014
Okay, on to book two. I'll just go right in and talk about what changed.
David's disappearance: oH GOD NENIA WHY ;_; I can't say I'm surprised, but it still hurt. Although there might be a small chance he's alive? I don't know, poetic riddles don't count as confirmations in my book (although, side note: the shade speaking mostly in iambic tetrameter was pretty cool)
Finn… Yes? I think? Is he really making progress or am I just warming up to his flaws? I'm still deeply conflicted. As for his relationship tease with Catherine, I could say I'm equally conflicted, but as a Homestuck, I'm really not. They work as a kismesis. Too bad humans don't have quadrants. Can Others have quadrants? And then Catherine can still be with David too (who will obviously still be alive,leave me and my denial alone).
Speaking of Catherine… still a little too passive regarding her involvement with the plot, but she does have a character arc, so there's that. I really hope she gets to see Lucas again, though ;_; (it's feels day, apparently)
The plot with the Shadow Thane… still a little blurry, but we're getting there. Honestly, I'd appreciate if either or both of our protagonists just swallowed their pride long enough to say "hey, so I've had these weird dreams and you're in it" and we could maybe get some momentum going. But in the meantime, the Slayers are actually doing stuff, so that'll be our plot. There's an actual climax this time!
And speaking of (sub?)plot, I'm not sure I like where the book is going with papa Riordan. That is not a very nice man. Not that it's very surprising if you look at how his son turned out. Basically… IS THERE A SINGLE NICE PERSON IN THE ASSEMBLY?
But yeah this is good stuff.
PS: I've decided to headcanon Finn as grey-romantic and you can't stop me.
David's disappearance: oH GOD NENIA WHY ;_; I can't say I'm surprised, but it still hurt. Although there might be a small chance he's alive? I don't know, poetic riddles don't count as confirmations in my book (although, side note: the shade speaking mostly in iambic tetrameter was pretty cool)
Finn… Yes? I think? Is he really making progress or am I just warming up to his flaws? I'm still deeply conflicted. As for his relationship tease with Catherine, I could say I'm equally conflicted, but as a Homestuck, I'm really not. They work as a kismesis. Too bad humans don't have quadrants. Can Others have quadrants? And then Catherine can still be with David too (who will obviously still be alive,
Speaking of Catherine… still a little too passive regarding her involvement with the plot, but she does have a character arc, so there's that. I really hope she gets to see Lucas again, though ;_; (it's feels day, apparently)
The plot with the Shadow Thane… still a little blurry, but we're getting there. Honestly, I'd appreciate if either or both of our protagonists just swallowed their pride long enough to say "hey, so I've had these weird dreams and you're in it" and we could maybe get some momentum going. But in the meantime, the Slayers are actually doing stuff, so that'll be our plot. There's an actual climax this time!
And speaking of (sub?)plot, I'm not sure I like where the book is going with papa Riordan. That is not a very nice man. Not that it's very surprising if you look at how his son turned out. Basically… IS THERE A SINGLE NICE PERSON IN THE ASSEMBLY?
But yeah this is good stuff.
PS: I've decided to headcanon Finn as grey-romantic and you can't stop me.
July 25, 2015
Reviewed for my link text
I’m betting my (non-existent) money that this is a series that gets better with every new installment. Black Beast was an exciting read, but Touched with Sight tops it; edgier and action-packed, and donned growing sense of dread and terror, it defied my expectations. No longer can Catherine lay low: she is propelled right into the midst of the impending war and has haunting visions of the Shadow Thane who never fails to inspire a feeling of doom, claiming: ‘I am the rightful ruler of this world. And now that I, too, have awakened, like my dragons, I have come to take back what is mine.’ His eerie presence demands Catherine give him the magical book she has found - or face death and his physical appearance is described as ‘repulsive’, distorted by darkness. He is sure to play an even greater role with each following book, much to my delight (and Catherine’s horror).
What I liked the most about this novel was the partnership between Catherine and Finn. It completely went against my expectations, but it was a pleasant surprise and I look forward to seeing their future dynamics, despite Finn’s questionable morals. It’s a pairing that should work and not work at the same time but that doesn’t take away from the excitement it inspires. They are perfect opposites - shapeshifter and witch; pauper (more or less) and prince; warm and passionate, the other cold and detached. I don’t know whether they’ll necessarily be a good influence for one another, but that hardly matters. What matters is that they’re one duo that will most definitely bring something new to the table.
Even if you didn’t like Black Beast, I urge you to read its sequel nonetheless; it could change your mind. I, for one, will spend the next few weeks re-reading it and am extremely eager for the third book, Crowned by Fire.
I’m betting my (non-existent) money that this is a series that gets better with every new installment. Black Beast was an exciting read, but Touched with Sight tops it; edgier and action-packed, and donned growing sense of dread and terror, it defied my expectations. No longer can Catherine lay low: she is propelled right into the midst of the impending war and has haunting visions of the Shadow Thane who never fails to inspire a feeling of doom, claiming: ‘I am the rightful ruler of this world. And now that I, too, have awakened, like my dragons, I have come to take back what is mine.’ His eerie presence demands Catherine give him the magical book she has found - or face death and his physical appearance is described as ‘repulsive’, distorted by darkness. He is sure to play an even greater role with each following book, much to my delight (and Catherine’s horror).
What I liked the most about this novel was the partnership between Catherine and Finn. It completely went against my expectations, but it was a pleasant surprise and I look forward to seeing their future dynamics, despite Finn’s questionable morals. It’s a pairing that should work and not work at the same time but that doesn’t take away from the excitement it inspires. They are perfect opposites - shapeshifter and witch; pauper (more or less) and prince; warm and passionate, the other cold and detached. I don’t know whether they’ll necessarily be a good influence for one another, but that hardly matters. What matters is that they’re one duo that will most definitely bring something new to the table.
Even if you didn’t like Black Beast, I urge you to read its sequel nonetheless; it could change your mind. I, for one, will spend the next few weeks re-reading it and am extremely eager for the third book, Crowned by Fire.
February 16, 2016
I loved the development of Catherine and Finn's relationship in this book. It changed while working together to defeat a common enemy. Despite their antagonism toward each other, they began to form a partner dynamic due to being forced to rely on each other in deadly situations. The first book made me think that this was going to be about an obsession turning into a romance, but the second book took the story into an unexpectedly more equal direction. This is not about an alpha male seducing the female into a romantic relationship. It's about two strong characters proving themselves to each other and gaining each other's respect.
Catherine is the most self-assured heroine I've read by this author. Although most of that is because of her supernatural power, it's refreshing to read about a teen who isn't constantly self-conscious about her looks or about how guys perceive her. She doesn't dwell much on her physical appearance, and she doesn't question the fact that Finn is attracted to her. She is aware of all her strengths, and she is only concerned about her battle weaknesses and her moral dilemma about her bloodlust.
The plot moves along at a brisk, exciting pace. The writing is very good, but there are some missing words and even entire sentences sometimes. One scene in particular has Catherine responding to something someone said, but there is no dialogue preceding hers. There are also abrupt transitions in POV and setting from one paragraph to another. The story is good enough to overcome these minor mistakes though, and it kept my interest all the way through to the end.
Catherine is the most self-assured heroine I've read by this author. Although most of that is because of her supernatural power, it's refreshing to read about a teen who isn't constantly self-conscious about her looks or about how guys perceive her. She doesn't dwell much on her physical appearance, and she doesn't question the fact that Finn is attracted to her. She is aware of all her strengths, and she is only concerned about her battle weaknesses and her moral dilemma about her bloodlust.
The plot moves along at a brisk, exciting pace. The writing is very good, but there are some missing words and even entire sentences sometimes. One scene in particular has Catherine responding to something someone said, but there is no dialogue preceding hers. There are also abrupt transitions in POV and setting from one paragraph to another. The story is good enough to overcome these minor mistakes though, and it kept my interest all the way through to the end.
June 25, 2020
4.5 "really liked it" stars!
What an adventure! I am so enjoying this book! THIS is why I am reading this series, outside the norm for me as it is: because this author can write some crazy sh!t.
My first Nenia Campbell series was Horrorscape, an erotic thriller/horror of sorts. LOVED it. And now this- an erotic dark fantasy romance. With an incredible slow burn. This tension is ratched up beyond the red line! A girl can only take but so much of this. Aaaagh.
I am loving this world. These secrets. This suspense. The mutually-unwelcome chemistry between Finn and Catherine. The way they have to fight against the "truths" they've always known as reality picks away at their respective veneers of ignorance. The magic. The fight scenes. The details. The innate fascination several characters have with Catherine because she is different. And I don't mean healthy fascination...
I definitely recommend this to fans of dark fantasy romance, if that's even a thing. This author writes in a style so uniquely her own- like a nightmare with intense sexual tension. It's delicious. And I love it.
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What an adventure! I am so enjoying this book! THIS is why I am reading this series, outside the norm for me as it is: because this author can write some crazy sh!t.
My first Nenia Campbell series was Horrorscape, an erotic thriller/horror of sorts. LOVED it. And now this- an erotic dark fantasy romance. With an incredible slow burn. This tension is ratched up beyond the red line! A girl can only take but so much of this. Aaaagh.
I am loving this world. These secrets. This suspense. The mutually-unwelcome chemistry between Finn and Catherine. The way they have to fight against the "truths" they've always known as reality picks away at their respective veneers of ignorance. The magic. The fight scenes. The details. The innate fascination several characters have with Catherine because she is different. And I don't mean healthy fascination...
I definitely recommend this to fans of dark fantasy romance, if that's even a thing. This author writes in a style so uniquely her own- like a nightmare with intense sexual tension. It's delicious. And I love it.
Find me at:
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November 23, 2015
It was soooo good. I was sucked right in until the very last page when I was utterly dismayed that it was over. It picked up right where the last book left off. Catherine and Finn are forced to work together to discover what the slayers are up to. There is good character development for them both. Sometimes I feel like I should hate Finn but I couldn't help but love him.
They keep going through this cycle of
There was a lot more to it than their relationship, but it's not easy to discuss without spoilers. It had a great flow and was fast paced. Seriously there was not a dull moment. It was awesome, and I am dying to read the next one.
They keep going through this cycle of
There was a lot more to it than their relationship, but it's not easy to discuss without spoilers. It had a great flow and was fast paced. Seriously there was not a dull moment. It was awesome, and I am dying to read the next one.
June 6, 2017
I can't stand around 50% of teens. From my vantage point, they're mostly rude, untrained, annoying gnats that should be sprayed with Raid. So, one could understand why I really don't care to read about them. And that would include most YA reads as well. I'd rather read about messed up, bat shit adults - especially hot, bat shit guys. Hey - we all have our reading preferences.
With that, I have to admit that I totally got into this book. Not only was it well-written, with a kinda' likeable h in Catherine, but the story itself sucked me in, with its collection of shifters, witches, shades, slayers, and a smart-mouth cat familiar.
I will definitely be reading the next book. Wonder of wonders...
With that, I have to admit that I totally got into this book. Not only was it well-written, with a kinda' likeable h in Catherine, but the story itself sucked me in, with its collection of shifters, witches, shades, slayers, and a smart-mouth cat familiar.
I will definitely be reading the next book. Wonder of wonders...
April 23, 2016
I did a good job delaying the inevitable, but it's over now.
My keyboard is falling apart, so excuse me for not writing a real review right on the spot.
My keyboard is falling apart, so excuse me for not writing a real review right on the spot.
Want to read
July 24, 2014OMG I didn't know it was already out!
Guess I have have to stash this up in the "awesomeness-to-catch-up-with" bookish-heap.
Guess I have have to stash this up in the "awesomeness-to-catch-up-with" bookish-heap.
June 10, 2018
Holy shit. Everything ramped up.
December 30, 2014
The Otherkind reside amongst humans in secret and prefer to remain segregated based on their supernatural class. Catherine's rebellious and impulsive nature attracts attention when her abilities transcend that of a normal shapeshifter. Phineas is a powerful witch whose forbidden attraction towards Catherine intensifies by becoming darkly obsessive. When Others begin disappearing they must overcome their abhorrence of each other in order to locate the victims and those responsible. This is the second book in the Shadow Thane series.
Touched With Sight is an indulgent story that my inner fangirl enjoyed reading. I found the interplay between the main characters to be captivating. Phineas has a lust-hate obsession with Catherine with the added intention of establishing dominance. Catherine is outmatched in terms of strength yet relentlessly fights back with aid from her shapeshifter instincts. This character conflict creates unresolved sexual tension combined with rivalry. I found their interactions to be amusing because of Catherine's wit and moxie.
I didn't think romance was established or even the true aim but the possibility was presented while also enabling me to get a better understanding of the characters. I appreciated the additional character development because I initially didn't like Phineas or care much for Catherine. They've both grown on me through the course of this second book.
I was so enthralled and oblivious that I didn't realize over half the book went by without development into the main story arc. The first portion grounds the story in reality by including realistic details of high school life. I liked that the mundane elements were presented in the beginning while steadily incorporating fantastical elements. World building remains consistent from the first book while the magic system is expanded upon. I particularly enjoyed the focus on the Otherkind culture and resulting prejudices that the main characters struggled with. The secondary characters being absent created an odd distortion to the story and there was a vagueness concerning their welfare.
I thought the second portion of the book was intense and engaging. It was instilled with action and suspense as they finally got to confront the Slayers. Other characters set treacherous plans concerning vampires into motion. All with this underlying sense of an imminent war in conjunction with dark prophetic entities. I thought the cliffhanger ending was well executed and it made me want to continue reading the series.
I enjoyed reading Touched With Sight, it focused on developing the main characters and laid the framework for the next book in the series.
[Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.]
Touched With Sight is an indulgent story that my inner fangirl enjoyed reading. I found the interplay between the main characters to be captivating. Phineas has a lust-hate obsession with Catherine with the added intention of establishing dominance. Catherine is outmatched in terms of strength yet relentlessly fights back with aid from her shapeshifter instincts. This character conflict creates unresolved sexual tension combined with rivalry. I found their interactions to be amusing because of Catherine's wit and moxie.
I didn't think romance was established or even the true aim but the possibility was presented while also enabling me to get a better understanding of the characters. I appreciated the additional character development because I initially didn't like Phineas or care much for Catherine. They've both grown on me through the course of this second book.
I was so enthralled and oblivious that I didn't realize over half the book went by without development into the main story arc. The first portion grounds the story in reality by including realistic details of high school life. I liked that the mundane elements were presented in the beginning while steadily incorporating fantastical elements. World building remains consistent from the first book while the magic system is expanded upon. I particularly enjoyed the focus on the Otherkind culture and resulting prejudices that the main characters struggled with. The secondary characters being absent created an odd distortion to the story and there was a vagueness concerning their welfare.
I thought the second portion of the book was intense and engaging. It was instilled with action and suspense as they finally got to confront the Slayers. Other characters set treacherous plans concerning vampires into motion. All with this underlying sense of an imminent war in conjunction with dark prophetic entities. I thought the cliffhanger ending was well executed and it made me want to continue reading the series.
I enjoyed reading Touched With Sight, it focused on developing the main characters and laid the framework for the next book in the series.
[Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.]
January 30, 2015
Touched with Sight definitely picks up the pace from Black Beast.
It also properly introduces Phineas as a main character. I mean, sure...there was the occasional scene from his POV in Black Beast, and he ran into Catherine once or twice (and he stalked her from a distance - let's not forget that one, as well). But he's a much more active presence in this book.
And good lord. Finn.
The characters are the main driving force of why I enjoy this series so much. Finn is the perfect example.
He's a horrible, horrible person. He's cruel, vicious, and a complete asshole. If I met him in real life, I'd absolutely loathe the guy. But. In the context of the story, his assholishness is painted with juuuuust enough sympathy. I still hate him, but at the same time, there's that small glimmer of hope that maybe, by the end of it all, he'll manage to redeem himself.
And I love that sort of thing in a character. Finn isn't perfect - far from it. But he's not an entirely flawed creature, either. He has his moments where decency peeks through. And that conflict between his general attitude and his moments of decency make for an absolutely fascinating character.
Well, a fascinating character to me, at any rate. Then again, I work in a city best known for its lax drinking laws and parades where people assume normal laws no longer apply to them. I have a pretty high tolerance for assholes.
I'd talk more about the plot of this one as opposed to the first, but the plot is really just a continuation of the premise set up in the first book (the whole Silver Rep club thing), and it was really the proper introduction of Finn into the story that made this book for me. So...yeah.
It also properly introduces Phineas as a main character. I mean, sure...there was the occasional scene from his POV in Black Beast, and he ran into Catherine once or twice (and he stalked her from a distance - let's not forget that one, as well). But he's a much more active presence in this book.
And good lord. Finn.
The characters are the main driving force of why I enjoy this series so much. Finn is the perfect example.
He's a horrible, horrible person. He's cruel, vicious, and a complete asshole. If I met him in real life, I'd absolutely loathe the guy. But. In the context of the story, his assholishness is painted with juuuuust enough sympathy. I still hate him, but at the same time, there's that small glimmer of hope that maybe, by the end of it all, he'll manage to redeem himself.
And I love that sort of thing in a character. Finn isn't perfect - far from it. But he's not an entirely flawed creature, either. He has his moments where decency peeks through. And that conflict between his general attitude and his moments of decency make for an absolutely fascinating character.
Well, a fascinating character to me, at any rate. Then again, I work in a city best known for its lax drinking laws and parades where people assume normal laws no longer apply to them. I have a pretty high tolerance for assholes.
I'd talk more about the plot of this one as opposed to the first, but the plot is really just a continuation of the premise set up in the first book (the whole Silver Rep club thing), and it was really the proper introduction of Finn into the story that made this book for me. So...yeah.
December 14, 2023
3.5 stars
Ok so first book kind of set the premise. Second book gets more into the big social issues at play, such as the Slayers hunting down Others and the witches wanting to kill Catherine because she's a Black Beast (a shape-shifter with no settled form) but also we have the Shadow Thane stuff being hinted at in the background and more importantly we get more interactions between Catherine and Finn our two main characters and our opposing forces if you will and boy are their interactions interesting and toxic and angsty and dark. I love how they both push each other. I expected Catherine to push Finn's beliefs but I didn't expect Finn to also have valid points that make Catherine question things too.
To be honest i was a little surprised Finn would entertain pretending to be a high-schooler to find the Slayers. I thought he would have some magic solution but i'm not complaining because it gave him some good excuses for being around Catherine in a way that made her uncomfortable and i'm sure that was a big part of his motivation. The way the Slayers storyline progressed was really fun but i felt like the final event was a little convenient.
Ok so first book kind of set the premise. Second book gets more into the big social issues at play, such as the Slayers hunting down Others and the witches wanting to kill Catherine because she's a Black Beast (a shape-shifter with no settled form) but also we have the Shadow Thane stuff being hinted at in the background and more importantly we get more interactions between Catherine and Finn our two main characters and our opposing forces if you will and boy are their interactions interesting and toxic and angsty and dark. I love how they both push each other. I expected Catherine to push Finn's beliefs but I didn't expect Finn to also have valid points that make Catherine question things too.
To be honest i was a little surprised Finn would entertain pretending to be a high-schooler to find the Slayers. I thought he would have some magic solution but i'm not complaining because it gave him some good excuses for being around Catherine in a way that made her uncomfortable and i'm sure that was a big part of his motivation. The way the Slayers storyline progressed was really fun but i felt like the final event was a little convenient.
July 21, 2018
This was a great book. Much better that book 1, because the characters and the world-building were fleshed out a bit more (although I'm still not 100% clear on the blood thing, and the differences between becoming a vampire and a slayer) and it was really enjoyable to read. There is a twisted, dark and fascinating relationship between Finn and Catherine.
Again, it was too short. A longer length would have just added more strength to it. Also, I wish the author included Catherine's family more (particularly Lucas) and have Catherine stop saying "Fuck you" every second page.
Again, it was too short. A longer length would have just added more strength to it. Also, I wish the author included Catherine's family more (particularly Lucas) and have Catherine stop saying "Fuck you" every second page.
August 28, 2014
Well except for the abrupt end with the cliffhanger- it was fabulous! The rare drawback of using an ereader is that you really have no idea how long the book - in my case - it's always like 10" by 7" - the size of my current ipad- if I had been reading a print book I wouldn't have been startled by the abrupt ending because I'd have a clue when I was getting to end of the book. Now, I'm lost to cliffhanger hell.
March 2, 2016
On to the next book!
Disclaimer: I did receive this book in a giveaway from the author, which in no way has any influence over any of my comments or review of the book.
November 15, 2015
Holy CRAP!! Awesome!! Only words to describe book 2!!! MUST read book 3! Did I say Holy CRAP?!?!?
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