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Shades Below #1
A World Apart
Librarian's Note: An alternate cover for this ASIN can be found here.
"There are things that go bump in the night, Mr. MacMillian. It's my job to bump back."
Private detective Jesper MacMillian is sure he's seen it all. Following a long recovery after a horrific accident, his life is finally the way he wants it- or at least, close enough. The only monsters on his radar are the ones that keep him awake at night. When a grief-stricken couple begs him to find their lost son, it seems like just another day at the office.
Lena Alan is your friendly neighborhood medium. She sees ghosts, she talks to ghosts, and when necessary, she keeps them from interfering in the world of the living. A city like San Francisco has more than enough ghosts to keep her busy, but a shocking visitation puts her on a collision course with MacMillian and his newest case.
Before MacMillian can brace for impact, Lena drags him into a world where monsters aren't just real, they're hiding in plain sight. A deadly threat is lurking in San Francisco's dangerous underbelly, and it's going to take both of them to put it down.
For Lena, it's another day at the office.
For MacMillian, it's the beginning of the end of everything he thinks he knows.
"There are things that go bump in the night, Mr. MacMillian. It's my job to bump back."
Private detective Jesper MacMillian is sure he's seen it all. Following a long recovery after a horrific accident, his life is finally the way he wants it- or at least, close enough. The only monsters on his radar are the ones that keep him awake at night. When a grief-stricken couple begs him to find their lost son, it seems like just another day at the office.
Lena Alan is your friendly neighborhood medium. She sees ghosts, she talks to ghosts, and when necessary, she keeps them from interfering in the world of the living. A city like San Francisco has more than enough ghosts to keep her busy, but a shocking visitation puts her on a collision course with MacMillian and his newest case.
Before MacMillian can brace for impact, Lena drags him into a world where monsters aren't just real, they're hiding in plain sight. A deadly threat is lurking in San Francisco's dangerous underbelly, and it's going to take both of them to put it down.
For Lena, it's another day at the office.
For MacMillian, it's the beginning of the end of everything he thinks he knows.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 20, 2015
166 people are currently reading
248 people want to read
About the author
L.J.K. Oliva
15 books17 followersL.J.K. Oliva chases ghosts and writes urban fantasy in the ShadowVerse. She loves a good love story, and has a soft spot for magic.
When not poking the thing that lives in her closet, she enjoys exploring the shadows of the San Francisco Bay Area and searching for faeries in the creek near her house. She hasn’t found any yet, but thinks that’s because they’re better at hiding than she is at searching. She’s still waiting for one to slip up.
When not poking the thing that lives in her closet, she enjoys exploring the shadows of the San Francisco Bay Area and searching for faeries in the creek near her house. She hasn’t found any yet, but thinks that’s because they’re better at hiding than she is at searching. She’s still waiting for one to slip up.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 14, 2017
This book revolves around a murder mystery in a paranormal setting. Jes MacMillan is trying to get back on his feet after an accident changed his life. Lena is a medium who is funny and used to dealing with the other side. Their worlds collide while investigating the murder of a young boy.
I loved that the book was fast paced and had a lot of twists. AS they dig deeper and their troubles grow, they realize things are more dangerous than they seem. The supporting characters are unusual and its interesting to see them work together.
Both Lena and Jes are strong characters which makes this book a great read. Jes is struggling in the aftermath of his accident and manages to deal with the other side in a calm way. Lena is confident even when she is thrown in unfamiliar situations. She is struggling with the shadows of her past but doesn't allow them to hold her back.
I went through a lot of emotions while reading this book, fear, compassion, panic, curiosity, they are too many list. The writing is addictive with a clever use of metaphors which made me smile. This book exceeded my expectations and I really enjoyed it.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved that the book was fast paced and had a lot of twists. AS they dig deeper and their troubles grow, they realize things are more dangerous than they seem. The supporting characters are unusual and its interesting to see them work together.
Both Lena and Jes are strong characters which makes this book a great read. Jes is struggling in the aftermath of his accident and manages to deal with the other side in a calm way. Lena is confident even when she is thrown in unfamiliar situations. She is struggling with the shadows of her past but doesn't allow them to hold her back.
I went through a lot of emotions while reading this book, fear, compassion, panic, curiosity, they are too many list. The writing is addictive with a clever use of metaphors which made me smile. This book exceeded my expectations and I really enjoyed it.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 1, 2016
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review from LoP group.
This was a very entertaining book dealing with witches, mediums, the Rom, and ghosts. The plot and story line was very well written and very fast paced. I found it hard to put down. I liked how the author put all the characters from different walk of life together to solve the murders. The suspense was great. I recommend this book for anyone who likes books about witches and ghosts.
This was a very entertaining book dealing with witches, mediums, the Rom, and ghosts. The plot and story line was very well written and very fast paced. I found it hard to put down. I liked how the author put all the characters from different walk of life together to solve the murders. The suspense was great. I recommend this book for anyone who likes books about witches and ghosts.
August 3, 2016
I got the book free of charge from the author in exchange of an honest review through Lovers of Paranormal. The following review contains spoilers.
Rating 8 of 10
A very nice read for everyone who likes paranormal mysteries. The mystery is intriguing and so are the characters. MacMillian is skeptic but curious. non-believer but ready to stand-up against whatever "go bump in the night". At first I was skeptic I would grow to like him, he is not your typical hero. But with time he sort of grew on me. I only wish we got a better explanation what a "baro" is and how that is important. His dislike for Marc Durban was also unexplained but as this is first book in a series, that didn't bug me as much.
Lena... I liked Lena. Mostly. She was funny, smart, likable character. And then she had to go and sleep with Marc. Which didn't fit. Not for her. Especially with the fact that MacMillian didn't like Marc and she knew it. At this point Lena already trusted the private detective, so why she didn't think more about why he doesn't trust Durban? He probably has a reason.
The mystery was interesting, not as much of who but of how and why. Will admit to not being a big fan of cliffhangers but it sure made me curious to read the next book. It looks like it will offer a wider range of night creatures and more mysteries to solve. But I think I'm mostly curious about the whole Jesper-Durban history. What really happened between these two?
Rating 8 of 10
A very nice read for everyone who likes paranormal mysteries. The mystery is intriguing and so are the characters. MacMillian is skeptic but curious. non-believer but ready to stand-up against whatever "go bump in the night". At first I was skeptic I would grow to like him, he is not your typical hero. But with time he sort of grew on me. I only wish we got a better explanation what a "baro" is and how that is important. His dislike for Marc Durban was also unexplained but as this is first book in a series, that didn't bug me as much.
Lena... I liked Lena. Mostly. She was funny, smart, likable character. And then she had to go and sleep with Marc. Which didn't fit. Not for her. Especially with the fact that MacMillian didn't like Marc and she knew it. At this point Lena already trusted the private detective, so why she didn't think more about why he doesn't trust Durban? He probably has a reason.
The mystery was interesting, not as much of who but of how and why. Will admit to not being a big fan of cliffhangers but it sure made me curious to read the next book. It looks like it will offer a wider range of night creatures and more mysteries to solve. But I think I'm mostly curious about the whole Jesper-Durban history. What really happened between these two?
August 15, 2017
**Originally written for “Big Al’s Books and Pals” book blog. May have received a free review copy.**
Genre: Urban Fantasy/whodunit
Description: This pretty much sums the book up: "There are things that go bump in the night, Mr. MacMillian. It's my job to bump back." In these two sentences we learn that Powonia (Lena) Alan is a medium, helping stranded souls cross over, comfortable and competent in her work for ‘the other side’, fazed by very little, and certainly in much better control in such situations than PI Jesper MacMillian, who is coming at this particular case from the side of the living. Delightful encapsulation.
Author: LJK Oliva says she writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance. That is all I can find out about her, despite her presence on Amazon, Goodreads, Facebook, Pinterest etc. The book under review is #1 in her Shades Below series. As well as things that go bump in the night, the series includes forays into vampiric and Ancient Egyptian plotlines.
Appraisal: This novel is a lot of fun (if one can say that of a novel about dead people). The protagonists are drawn to the same crime – a dreadful death – by the unquiet soul of the deceased (which is the ambit of Lena and her brother Cyrus) and by his parents (who engage the aforementioned MacMillian, together with a cop ex-buddy called Mark Durbin: Durbin and MacMillian have baggage). The story flitters between the living and the more or less deceased, drawing on well-established tropes, but also investing them with original thinking.
There is romance in the mix. MacMillian and Lena have chemistry from the off. But then she meets and quickly begins to date the absurdly gorgeous Durbin, giving opportunities for introspection and angst within that triangle.
As well as romance we have Romani characters (MacMillian is one) bringing their hierarchies, prejudices and empathies to play in the story.
Minor characters such as Emil and Puzzle are well fleshed-out too (and carry their own stories later in the Shades Below series). The idea that there are people in the world who have the surname ‘Zarubabbel’ on their driving licences pleases me immensely.
In Lena, Oliva draws a character who feels completely real, apart from her ability to see dead people. I, too, felt I would finally be a grownup when I bought my first new cooker. (I turned out to be wrong. So is Lena.) Lena runs a tea shop. She is an expert on tea, treating each infusion as a little ritual. Lena’s inner monologue (through which much of the book is unfolded) is consistently believable and interesting.
However, one doesn’t read the book for the tea infusion recipes. This is a fast-paced whodunit incorporating the spirit world. The interactions between the characters (living and not so much) keep the pace going lickety-split throughout. The episode of Jimmy-as-poltergeist was particularly delightful.
Format/Typo Issues: there was a slightly irritating tic involving short hyphens and missing spaces in the copy I read. Then there are the occasional malapropisms: ‘caliper’ for ‘calibre’; ‘tram’ for ‘pram’, ‘banquets’ for ‘banquettes’. There are some other odd word choices which provide a momentary puzzlement before one decides it doesn’t matter and plunges back into the story. For example, I have no idea what ‘in the Veil’ refers to, nor how Powonia belongs ‘in hospice’.
I became a little irked by the number of men in the book whose names began with D. (Especially when I needed to refer back when I came to write the review.) Durbin, Darius and Daniel is two Ds too many: there are 25 other letters in the alphabet…
But these are minor grumbles compared to the pleasure the book gave.
Genre: Urban Fantasy/whodunit
Description: This pretty much sums the book up: "There are things that go bump in the night, Mr. MacMillian. It's my job to bump back." In these two sentences we learn that Powonia (Lena) Alan is a medium, helping stranded souls cross over, comfortable and competent in her work for ‘the other side’, fazed by very little, and certainly in much better control in such situations than PI Jesper MacMillian, who is coming at this particular case from the side of the living. Delightful encapsulation.
Author: LJK Oliva says she writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance. That is all I can find out about her, despite her presence on Amazon, Goodreads, Facebook, Pinterest etc. The book under review is #1 in her Shades Below series. As well as things that go bump in the night, the series includes forays into vampiric and Ancient Egyptian plotlines.
Appraisal: This novel is a lot of fun (if one can say that of a novel about dead people). The protagonists are drawn to the same crime – a dreadful death – by the unquiet soul of the deceased (which is the ambit of Lena and her brother Cyrus) and by his parents (who engage the aforementioned MacMillian, together with a cop ex-buddy called Mark Durbin: Durbin and MacMillian have baggage). The story flitters between the living and the more or less deceased, drawing on well-established tropes, but also investing them with original thinking.
There is romance in the mix. MacMillian and Lena have chemistry from the off. But then she meets and quickly begins to date the absurdly gorgeous Durbin, giving opportunities for introspection and angst within that triangle.
As well as romance we have Romani characters (MacMillian is one) bringing their hierarchies, prejudices and empathies to play in the story.
Minor characters such as Emil and Puzzle are well fleshed-out too (and carry their own stories later in the Shades Below series). The idea that there are people in the world who have the surname ‘Zarubabbel’ on their driving licences pleases me immensely.
In Lena, Oliva draws a character who feels completely real, apart from her ability to see dead people. I, too, felt I would finally be a grownup when I bought my first new cooker. (I turned out to be wrong. So is Lena.) Lena runs a tea shop. She is an expert on tea, treating each infusion as a little ritual. Lena’s inner monologue (through which much of the book is unfolded) is consistently believable and interesting.
However, one doesn’t read the book for the tea infusion recipes. This is a fast-paced whodunit incorporating the spirit world. The interactions between the characters (living and not so much) keep the pace going lickety-split throughout. The episode of Jimmy-as-poltergeist was particularly delightful.
Format/Typo Issues: there was a slightly irritating tic involving short hyphens and missing spaces in the copy I read. Then there are the occasional malapropisms: ‘caliper’ for ‘calibre’; ‘tram’ for ‘pram’, ‘banquets’ for ‘banquettes’. There are some other odd word choices which provide a momentary puzzlement before one decides it doesn’t matter and plunges back into the story. For example, I have no idea what ‘in the Veil’ refers to, nor how Powonia belongs ‘in hospice’.
I became a little irked by the number of men in the book whose names began with D. (Especially when I needed to refer back when I came to write the review.) Durbin, Darius and Daniel is two Ds too many: there are 25 other letters in the alphabet…
But these are minor grumbles compared to the pleasure the book gave.
August 22, 2017
This was a good read, pretty fast-paced and well-written. It's got an interesting set of characters, and I really liked the main female character, Lena (even though I felt like she had to be rescued a little too often than what seemed realistic for the level of competence she was supposed to have). I had a harder time with MacMillian, the male MC. There were some really interesting aspects to his character (which I don't have the competence to assess the quality of rep for), but I didn't take to him and
September 3, 2017
I'm impressed
After awhile you begin to think you have seen all the possible urban fantasy twists possible. Then you find something not only different but something intriguing.
I enjoyed this first book and have picked up the sequels. A medium and an unwilling potential King of the Rom.... a witch, a hoodoo man, a priest and something as yet undefined. Somehow I think I'm going to be surprised as I keep reading..
Something new and wicked this way comes.
After awhile you begin to think you have seen all the possible urban fantasy twists possible. Then you find something not only different but something intriguing.
I enjoyed this first book and have picked up the sequels. A medium and an unwilling potential King of the Rom.... a witch, a hoodoo man, a priest and something as yet undefined. Somehow I think I'm going to be surprised as I keep reading..
Something new and wicked this way comes.
May 1, 2022
A Solid Story With Great Characters
I would have rated it 4 (5 is for Shakespeare and Asimov) but it had more explicit sex than I am comfortable with. If I could edit it out, which frankly would not take anything away from the story, I would devour this series. As it is I will probably pass with some regret. If the sex had added anything to the story arc or a better understanding of the characters it would be different but it does not.
I would have rated it 4 (5 is for Shakespeare and Asimov) but it had more explicit sex than I am comfortable with. If I could edit it out, which frankly would not take anything away from the story, I would devour this series. As it is I will probably pass with some regret. If the sex had added anything to the story arc or a better understanding of the characters it would be different but it does not.
February 19, 2020
One of those books you can't put down
That was a surprise! I picked up this book to give it a try.... And now it's 3 hours later, I've got a crock in my neck and I'm wondering if anyone cooked dinner already.
Wow. I don't know exactly what happened. So I'm going on to the next book in the series because I need to know more about Lena and Jesper.
That was a surprise! I picked up this book to give it a try.... And now it's 3 hours later, I've got a crock in my neck and I'm wondering if anyone cooked dinner already.
Wow. I don't know exactly what happened. So I'm going on to the next book in the series because I need to know more about Lena and Jesper.
August 20, 2017
A World Apart is Spellbinding
Well written, interesting characters, fast paced action, & supernatural drama! What's not to love! Read it in one day...can't wait to read the rest of the series!
Well written, interesting characters, fast paced action, & supernatural drama! What's not to love! Read it in one day...can't wait to read the rest of the series!
September 22, 2017
Amazing
I absolutely loved this book so much that I had to read it from start to finish. This is an exciting start to a new series that I am looking forward to reading. I highly recommend this book.
I absolutely loved this book so much that I had to read it from start to finish. This is an exciting start to a new series that I am looking forward to reading. I highly recommend this book.
October 7, 2017
A pleasant surprise
I wasn't sure how much I would enjoy this book but I was pleasantly surprised. It is well written and draws you into the realistic characters. I look forward to reading the following installments of the series.
I wasn't sure how much I would enjoy this book but I was pleasantly surprised. It is well written and draws you into the realistic characters. I look forward to reading the following installments of the series.
February 4, 2018
A World Apart: A Shades Below Novel
This book is just the beginning in the understanding of these complex characters. Torment, family expectations, grief, nightmares, and more breathe life into each one.
This book is just the beginning in the understanding of these complex characters. Torment, family expectations, grief, nightmares, and more breathe life into each one.
February 13, 2018
A few unanswered questions
There were a few things left unanswered at the end. Wraps up the current case but will have to read the series for answers. Overall, I liked the characters and the world within. A solid paranormal read.
There were a few things left unanswered at the end. Wraps up the current case but will have to read the series for answers. Overall, I liked the characters and the world within. A solid paranormal read.
October 8, 2019
A good read
I had to persevere past the first few chapters to really get into this book. As some of the words were hard to understand. But I got there and quite enjoyed reading it. Now I need to read the next book to see what happens next.
I had to persevere past the first few chapters to really get into this book. As some of the words were hard to understand. But I got there and quite enjoyed reading it. Now I need to read the next book to see what happens next.
June 17, 2020
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Discovered this author by accident and I'm so glad I did. I bought into the characters immediately and that is due to the entertaining storyline, well written and sad at times interspersed with a little wonder at the end. I want the backstory powania has soon
Discovered this author by accident and I'm so glad I did. I bought into the characters immediately and that is due to the entertaining storyline, well written and sad at times interspersed with a little wonder at the end. I want the backstory powania has soon
December 1, 2021
A world apart
What a great read ! well thought out characters (Lena Jesper Cyrus ) I've just bought the next two books it was that good I got really invested into story line ,if paranormal fantasy is your cup of tea you will love this book
What a great read ! well thought out characters (Lena Jesper Cyrus ) I've just bought the next two books it was that good I got really invested into story line ,if paranormal fantasy is your cup of tea you will love this book
May 4, 2020
L. J. I does it again
Another absolutely great read, loved learning the characters stories and watching them work together looking forward to.reading their next adventure
Another absolutely great read, loved learning the characters stories and watching them work together looking forward to.reading their next adventure
March 4, 2021
Excellent read. A twist on the paranormal genre. Highly recommended.
November 3, 2021
Another great book! L.J.K. Olivia is one of my top authors.
Read this!
Read this!
August 23, 2024
A decent PI ghost adventure, featuring Roma culture and Hoodoo magic, I can’t say how accurate that was but it was interesting. The daily life of an MC using a prosthetic leg and all the navigation that goes along with it seemed well done from my limited knowledge.
I was pissed there was a six week old embryo ghost with a soul. Quite the “life begins at conception” scenario for a book published the same time Roe v Wade was overturned.
This series is unfinished.
I was pissed there was a six week old embryo ghost with a soul. Quite the “life begins at conception” scenario for a book published the same time Roe v Wade was overturned.
This series is unfinished.
March 6, 2016
*~I received this book for free in exchange for a honest review.~*
Rating: 3,5-4/5
Lena glanced up at him. "Everyone's avoiding you," she murmured.
Grim satisfaction flashed over his face. "They should. I'm the big bad wolf."
"So what does that make me?"
MacMillian looked down at her. His lips twitched. "From where I'm standing, you look an awful lot like Little Red Riding Hood."
In this story you have two worlds with their codes and beliefs that collide (You can even said three, if you add the world of ‘normal’ lambda human).
On one side, you have Jesper MacMillian, a private detective, still adjusting to the loss of his leg and his brother, who is trying to avoid the inheritance of his family. He is a rom, appointed to take his grandfather’s place as the King, but refusing and rejecting that part of his life. At the beginning of the story, we get a glimpse of the communitarianism of the rom and I hope we will see more of it in the future books.
On the other side, you have Lena Alan. She is a strong, funny heroine. She is a medium that can talk to ghosts and help them to leave our plan. I really liked what we saw of the witches’ community. It’s a secret community apart from the normal world (rather similar to the roms in a way) that keeps the ‘normal’ humans safe from everything that “bump in the night”.
Then one day, a rom, excluded from his community, is killed. While the ghost seeks Lena for help, the parents of Jimmy (the victim) go to Jesper to find their missing son. And then, Lena and Jesper met.
During the investigations, we met Mark Durban, a police detective.
As a whole, I really liked this story. It’s really well written and made you wish you don’t have to put it down until the very last sentence. In fact, I read it in one sitting, that prove how good and engaging the story and the style were for me. :) When I started to read I was really excited and if I had to rate for the first parts and most of the rest to the end of the book, it would have been a five stars. There is just something in the middle that Lena did that just froze my poor little “Fleur Bleue” (sentimental, romantic) heart. But it’s just me. In a way, it made her more real I suppose, I just didn’t like it. That’s where the story lost 1.5 star.
As a whole either way, I really recommend the story.
This book is the first part of a series. While the bad guy pays for his crimes in the end, don’t expect the 'happy ending' between the heroes. It will probably come in the future books. A WORLD APART contains a couple of scenes not suitable for children. Mature audience only.
Rating: 3,5-4/5
Lena glanced up at him. "Everyone's avoiding you," she murmured.
Grim satisfaction flashed over his face. "They should. I'm the big bad wolf."
"So what does that make me?"
MacMillian looked down at her. His lips twitched. "From where I'm standing, you look an awful lot like Little Red Riding Hood."
In this story you have two worlds with their codes and beliefs that collide (You can even said three, if you add the world of ‘normal’ lambda human).
On one side, you have Jesper MacMillian, a private detective, still adjusting to the loss of his leg and his brother, who is trying to avoid the inheritance of his family. He is a rom, appointed to take his grandfather’s place as the King, but refusing and rejecting that part of his life. At the beginning of the story, we get a glimpse of the communitarianism of the rom and I hope we will see more of it in the future books.
On the other side, you have Lena Alan. She is a strong, funny heroine. She is a medium that can talk to ghosts and help them to leave our plan. I really liked what we saw of the witches’ community. It’s a secret community apart from the normal world (rather similar to the roms in a way) that keeps the ‘normal’ humans safe from everything that “bump in the night”.
Then one day, a rom, excluded from his community, is killed. While the ghost seeks Lena for help, the parents of Jimmy (the victim) go to Jesper to find their missing son. And then, Lena and Jesper met.
During the investigations, we met Mark Durban, a police detective.
As a whole, I really liked this story. It’s really well written and made you wish you don’t have to put it down until the very last sentence. In fact, I read it in one sitting, that prove how good and engaging the story and the style were for me. :) When I started to read I was really excited and if I had to rate for the first parts and most of the rest to the end of the book, it would have been a five stars. There is just something in the middle that Lena did that just froze my poor little “Fleur Bleue” (sentimental, romantic) heart. But it’s just me. In a way, it made her more real I suppose, I just didn’t like it. That’s where the story lost 1.5 star.
As a whole either way, I really recommend the story.
This book is the first part of a series. While the bad guy pays for his crimes in the end, don’t expect the 'happy ending' between the heroes. It will probably come in the future books. A WORLD APART contains a couple of scenes not suitable for children. Mature audience only.
October 3, 2015
A World Apart introduces a new series and cast of characters I have quickly come to enjoy. I am a big fan of detective/mystery novels, particularly when they feature a detective that doesn't fit the standard PI mould. Even though paranormal is not usually my preferred genre, the book's intro made me curious enough to give this story a try and I certainly wasn't disappointed.
PI Jesper MacMillian is still coming to terms with the after-effects of the accident that killed his brother and cost him his leg and has since distanced himself from his family. Against his wishes, the death of his grandfather puts him in a position he doesn't want to be in: he becomes Rom Baro, the head of the Kumpania, a Romani community of families. When he is asked by one of these families to investigate the disappearance of their son, he reluctantly agrees. What seems like a mundane missing person case, quickly turns MacMillian's world upside down, however, when he meets tea shop owner and medium Lena Alan. Lena already knows that the missing person case is about to turn into the hunt for a killer, but when MacMillian shows up in her shop, she decides to take drastic measures to protect MacMillian and bring him 'up to speed'. So together they embark on the hunt, supported by a cast of interesting secondary characters.
The world building is well executed and gave me a very vivid impression of the environment, without being excessively detailed. I really enjoyed the chemistry between the two protagonists and that both felt very realistic and grounded. Lena has her own shadows to deal with, figuratively as well as literally, but I really enjoyed the way the sparks fly between her and MacMillian and how their attraction for each other grows. I liked that the author gave her characters time to develop these feelings for each other slowly even while the story itself is unfolding at break-neck speed.
Some of the things that happen to Lena throughout the story are not fully explained and if this was a stand-alone novel it would have left me unsatisfied. These developments together with additional hints at Lena's as well as her family's past, give lot's of scope for further exploration and character development. So as an introduction to a series, I am happy to stay in the dark - for now.
Another noteworthy aspect of this book is the realism with which the author depicts MacMillian's disability. Too often I find authors using a disability as a plot device without real understanding, sometimes seemingly forgetting that their character has a disability at all. Not so in this case. Mannerisms and behaviours impacted by MacMillian's amputation are consistent throughout the story and well used to give depth and realism to his character.
I greatly enjoyed following this story unfold because everything that happened in this subversive, paranormal world was just realistic and believable enough to be possible - a keeper!
PI Jesper MacMillian is still coming to terms with the after-effects of the accident that killed his brother and cost him his leg and has since distanced himself from his family. Against his wishes, the death of his grandfather puts him in a position he doesn't want to be in: he becomes Rom Baro, the head of the Kumpania, a Romani community of families. When he is asked by one of these families to investigate the disappearance of their son, he reluctantly agrees. What seems like a mundane missing person case, quickly turns MacMillian's world upside down, however, when he meets tea shop owner and medium Lena Alan. Lena already knows that the missing person case is about to turn into the hunt for a killer, but when MacMillian shows up in her shop, she decides to take drastic measures to protect MacMillian and bring him 'up to speed'. So together they embark on the hunt, supported by a cast of interesting secondary characters.
The world building is well executed and gave me a very vivid impression of the environment, without being excessively detailed. I really enjoyed the chemistry between the two protagonists and that both felt very realistic and grounded. Lena has her own shadows to deal with, figuratively as well as literally, but I really enjoyed the way the sparks fly between her and MacMillian and how their attraction for each other grows. I liked that the author gave her characters time to develop these feelings for each other slowly even while the story itself is unfolding at break-neck speed.
Some of the things that happen to Lena throughout the story are not fully explained and if this was a stand-alone novel it would have left me unsatisfied. These developments together with additional hints at Lena's as well as her family's past, give lot's of scope for further exploration and character development. So as an introduction to a series, I am happy to stay in the dark - for now.
Another noteworthy aspect of this book is the realism with which the author depicts MacMillian's disability. Too often I find authors using a disability as a plot device without real understanding, sometimes seemingly forgetting that their character has a disability at all. Not so in this case. Mannerisms and behaviours impacted by MacMillian's amputation are consistent throughout the story and well used to give depth and realism to his character.
I greatly enjoyed following this story unfold because everything that happened in this subversive, paranormal world was just realistic and believable enough to be possible - a keeper!
March 5, 2015
>Review - A World Apart -
>I received this from the author and from Paranormal Romance and Authors that Rock. I am an independent reviewer. This is the first book in the Shades Below series.
>Jesper MacMillian is a Romany king, who is refusing his station. Due to a violent accident, in which he lost both his brother and his leg, he is a private detective just barely living a life. When a new case has Jes crossing paths with medium, Lena Alan, a whole new realm of the world is opened to him. Soon, he is noticing that people he works with are not all they seem to be. I was a bit surprised at how the knowledge of ghosts was an unknown to Jes. He is a gypsy king and they believed in that sort of thing forever.
>Lena is a breath of fresh air. She has a really yucky job, sending souls on to the beyond, but seems to be a very positive person. There is a foreshadowing of an issue with Lena's dead older sister and some kind of shadow figure that manifests in her dreams. I was unable to tell if the shadow figure was a positive or a negative. I guess the next book will tell that tale.
>Jes and Lena seem to have an attraction. The attraction is not sexual. They seem to relate to each other in a deeper human contact sort of way. I am really rooting for them to become a couple. The monkey wrench in that scenario is a cop named Mark Durban. He owes Jes a favor and helps out in the investigation. Something that is never explained, happened between Jes and Mark. The result is a deep dislike of one another. Jes warns Lena away from Mark, but Mark and Jes begin a tentative relationship. This relationship is the only part of the book that didn't seem to fit. Mark seemed off, even Lena mentioned that feeling. She comes to trust Jes, but doesn't heed his warning? She also doesn't seem to be the type of girl to just sleep around. Even if the author was not ready for Jes and Lena to get together as a couple, I don't think we knew Lena enough to have her get together with anyone yet.
>The plot of the story was all supernatural, but the explanations were not so over powering that it turned a reader off. The story moved quickly and was very exciting. The ending of the story is a bit of a cliff hanger, in order to set up the next book. I haven't read a book this well written in a long while. The descriptions didn't go on forever, the dialogue wasn't stilted and the plot really moved. I highly recommend this story and cannot wait for book 2.
>This book is for an adult audience due to a mild sex scene, paranormal violence and language.
May 11, 2015
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
4.5 stars
Review Courtesy of: Books That Hook
A World Apart was a really good read. I liked that the author kept the prologue short, then jumped right into the main character doing her medium thing. What I mean is that the reader doesn’t have to wait for her to learn how to do it. Lena’s already a skilled medium involved in a secret society. So, at least on her part, there isn’t the issue of skepticism or denial. Lena does have to deal with skepticism from other characters, but at least she’s confident in her abilities, which is a nice change from so many ‘fish out of water’ books I have read.
I did have a little trouble following in the chapters about MacMillian’s family because of the use of foreign terms, because I couldn’t remember what all the words meant. Once the story got to the point where MacMillian meets Lena and involves himself in finding Jimmy, I was moved along quickly and totally hooked. I thought the story flowed well. It was fast paced. At first I thought character development was being sacrificed to keep the action going, but later in the story I got to learn more about Lena and MacMillian’s past.
The main thing I enjoyed about A World Apart was how the author mixed traditional detective work with a paranormal investigation. Lena and MacMillian had the same goal, but they approached it differently. Lena communicates with the spirits. MacMillian follows hunches and does traditional investigative work.
I’m looking forward to the next book in the series, where I hope some of the questions that weren’t answered in this book will be answered, such as why MacMillian hates Mark so much, why Lena’s family is so important to the paranormal community, and what the nature of Lena’s shadows is.
I recommend A World Apart to readers who like books with ghosts, witches, and necromancers mixed with private investigation and a little romance.
This book is for 18+ due to sexual content and violence.
4.5 stars
Review Courtesy of: Books That Hook
A World Apart was a really good read. I liked that the author kept the prologue short, then jumped right into the main character doing her medium thing. What I mean is that the reader doesn’t have to wait for her to learn how to do it. Lena’s already a skilled medium involved in a secret society. So, at least on her part, there isn’t the issue of skepticism or denial. Lena does have to deal with skepticism from other characters, but at least she’s confident in her abilities, which is a nice change from so many ‘fish out of water’ books I have read.
I did have a little trouble following in the chapters about MacMillian’s family because of the use of foreign terms, because I couldn’t remember what all the words meant. Once the story got to the point where MacMillian meets Lena and involves himself in finding Jimmy, I was moved along quickly and totally hooked. I thought the story flowed well. It was fast paced. At first I thought character development was being sacrificed to keep the action going, but later in the story I got to learn more about Lena and MacMillian’s past.
The main thing I enjoyed about A World Apart was how the author mixed traditional detective work with a paranormal investigation. Lena and MacMillian had the same goal, but they approached it differently. Lena communicates with the spirits. MacMillian follows hunches and does traditional investigative work.
I’m looking forward to the next book in the series, where I hope some of the questions that weren’t answered in this book will be answered, such as why MacMillian hates Mark so much, why Lena’s family is so important to the paranormal community, and what the nature of Lena’s shadows is.
I recommend A World Apart to readers who like books with ghosts, witches, and necromancers mixed with private investigation and a little romance.
This book is for 18+ due to sexual content and violence.
January 8, 2016
I was introduced to Laura at a facebook party. And it was there that I fell in love with her winning personality. And at that very facebook party, I won this very book. And when I did, I instantly ask her, can I please do an interview and review of her, and she said she would be honored. So here it is!
First, I want to say, I couldn’t put it down. But I have that problem with a lot of books, especially if they are well written, and something along a topic I like. And this was one of them. Paranormal romance, where the world can take you just about anywhere.
Lena Alan is a medium and Jesper Mac Millian is a private detective that Lena ends up dragging into her life where she can feel, see, and sense things from the other side.
Lena knows there is something about to be happening in San Francisco. And she knows she just can’t handle it alone. A recent case has led her to find a missing child named Jimmy, and what better way to find the missing, than with a P.I.
What you end up learning about Jesper is that he has lost his leg and his brother in his past. And the part I like best, though, is that Jes has no problem taking on ghosts. He accepts them with no problems, unlike the rest of the world. Jesper himself, is quite a unique person.
But the part of this story that really threw me, is the character Mark Durban. He seems to not want Mark and Lena to work together, and even Lena suspects something but can’t quite figure it out.
The book ends as a cliff hanger, but that is meant to lead you into the upcoming book.
If you have ever watched the TV Show “The Medium” starring “Patricia Arquette” who plays the starring role as Allison Dubois, you will end up recalling and even missing that show. I end up picturing Lena as Patricia and Jesper as “David Cubitt” who played the ever sexy Lee Scanlon.
I found this book very intriguing, and I enjoyed every little minute of it. It was more than the average paranormal romance, it is also a mystery thriller too. I give this book: “A World Apart (Shades Below #1)” to be a definite five star book. If you haven’t read it yet, it’s a book that will surely keep you on the edge of your seat wanting more!
First, I want to say, I couldn’t put it down. But I have that problem with a lot of books, especially if they are well written, and something along a topic I like. And this was one of them. Paranormal romance, where the world can take you just about anywhere.
Lena Alan is a medium and Jesper Mac Millian is a private detective that Lena ends up dragging into her life where she can feel, see, and sense things from the other side.
Lena knows there is something about to be happening in San Francisco. And she knows she just can’t handle it alone. A recent case has led her to find a missing child named Jimmy, and what better way to find the missing, than with a P.I.
What you end up learning about Jesper is that he has lost his leg and his brother in his past. And the part I like best, though, is that Jes has no problem taking on ghosts. He accepts them with no problems, unlike the rest of the world. Jesper himself, is quite a unique person.
But the part of this story that really threw me, is the character Mark Durban. He seems to not want Mark and Lena to work together, and even Lena suspects something but can’t quite figure it out.
The book ends as a cliff hanger, but that is meant to lead you into the upcoming book.
If you have ever watched the TV Show “The Medium” starring “Patricia Arquette” who plays the starring role as Allison Dubois, you will end up recalling and even missing that show. I end up picturing Lena as Patricia and Jesper as “David Cubitt” who played the ever sexy Lee Scanlon.
I found this book very intriguing, and I enjoyed every little minute of it. It was more than the average paranormal romance, it is also a mystery thriller too. I give this book: “A World Apart (Shades Below #1)” to be a definite five star book. If you haven’t read it yet, it’s a book that will surely keep you on the edge of your seat wanting more!
May 25, 2015
Well I wasn't sure what to expect from this one, but I loved it! The paranormal world of ghosts in a whole new light! A unique take on how spirits remain around us and what it could mean if you can see them. A lot of this book is based on getting MacMillian to learn and believe in the paranormal and the rest is getting Lena to save the day, as well as herself. Because spirits are needing help, but it could also harm a lot of live people in the process. :)
Lene is freaking hilarious! Her comments, out loud, about testosterone, and crazy snarky things she says made me absolutely love this book. She is this tiny little thing of a girl is a bad ass. She knows her way around the spirit world, and she also knows her way around the tea world as well. She's got a little magic up her sleeve and she's one of the coolest heroines I've ever read.
Jesper MacMillian is a gypsy, who is also a private investigator. He doesn't want his Romany King status, so he his trying to keep busy with his investigation business, which leads him to Lena. Who blows his ever loving mind. I LOVED IT. He was constantly surprised and then who have to rethink his whole thought process. And I also think he has a crush on Lena, but he's too prideful or stubborn or whatever to tell her. I seriously hope book two gives me something between them! And he's got his own trouble, with an accident, and a loss, so maybe that has a little to do with his holding back.
There's some great side characters. A priest, a knight, Lena's brother, the cop Durbin. I really enjoyed the plot. A little mystery, with some paranormal aspects. Some great run arounds and scary ghostly possessions. With a side of zombie! I can't wait for book two. The writing was great and this is a wonderful start to a new series! 5 Ghostly PAWS!!
Lene is freaking hilarious! Her comments, out loud, about testosterone, and crazy snarky things she says made me absolutely love this book. She is this tiny little thing of a girl is a bad ass. She knows her way around the spirit world, and she also knows her way around the tea world as well. She's got a little magic up her sleeve and she's one of the coolest heroines I've ever read.
Jesper MacMillian is a gypsy, who is also a private investigator. He doesn't want his Romany King status, so he his trying to keep busy with his investigation business, which leads him to Lena. Who blows his ever loving mind. I LOVED IT. He was constantly surprised and then who have to rethink his whole thought process. And I also think he has a crush on Lena, but he's too prideful or stubborn or whatever to tell her. I seriously hope book two gives me something between them! And he's got his own trouble, with an accident, and a loss, so maybe that has a little to do with his holding back.
There's some great side characters. A priest, a knight, Lena's brother, the cop Durbin. I really enjoyed the plot. A little mystery, with some paranormal aspects. Some great run arounds and scary ghostly possessions. With a side of zombie! I can't wait for book two. The writing was great and this is a wonderful start to a new series! 5 Ghostly PAWS!!
October 5, 2015
I LOVED this story. It had me in it's grasp from the first two chapters. I didn't even want to leave the house to run errands and hang out with my family. I was intensely engrossed. The writing and editing of the story are superb. Story telling bewitching. You will NOT want to put the book down and by the time you're done you'll be a believer.
Powonia "Lena" Alan is a medium. Life is pretty normal for her except the she talks to ghosts. She owns a tea shop, Cross Your Teas and has an apartment above the shop . One night Lena is visited by a spirit, only she knows this one personally. Jimmy is a handy man around her shop. Or was until he's mysteriously murdered.
Jesper MacMillian is a private investigator is who is hired by the Vaspurkans to find their son. They only have two leads for Jesper. His last known residence and Cross Your Teas. When Jesper arrives at the shop questioning if Lena knows the whereabouts of Jimmy, Lena responds that he's too late. This is the start of the most unlikely partnership to try and find out exactly how Jimmy died. Even though Lena might have to drug MacMillian just to get her point across. From this point on MacMillian's world/life/everything is never the same.
On their path to find how Jimmy died they meet some very interesting people. The more people they meet the more strings get weaved into delicate knots. The more things don't make sense and they have to bring in even more people. Some "mundane" and some with extensive paranormal experience. In the end everyone will understand that the world is not what it seems.
Powonia "Lena" Alan is a medium. Life is pretty normal for her except the she talks to ghosts. She owns a tea shop, Cross Your Teas and has an apartment above the shop . One night Lena is visited by a spirit, only she knows this one personally. Jimmy is a handy man around her shop. Or was until he's mysteriously murdered.
Jesper MacMillian is a private investigator is who is hired by the Vaspurkans to find their son. They only have two leads for Jesper. His last known residence and Cross Your Teas. When Jesper arrives at the shop questioning if Lena knows the whereabouts of Jimmy, Lena responds that he's too late. This is the start of the most unlikely partnership to try and find out exactly how Jimmy died. Even though Lena might have to drug MacMillian just to get her point across. From this point on MacMillian's world/life/everything is never the same.
On their path to find how Jimmy died they meet some very interesting people. The more people they meet the more strings get weaved into delicate knots. The more things don't make sense and they have to bring in even more people. Some "mundane" and some with extensive paranormal experience. In the end everyone will understand that the world is not what it seems.
March 3, 2022
A good book with solid characters and an intriguing paranormal mystery!
March 26, 2015
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was a breath of fresh air to read! I absolutely loved it!
We have everything we could want in a great story. Its not overwhelmed with romance.... but we have just enough! The characters are real and gritty.
Throw in the paranormal aspect with ghosts and BAM! It's fantastic!
I love that the world could be real the way that Olivia has created it.
Jess has a chip on his shoulder and when Lena comes into his life he sees what he has been missing. They work together to make this great team. I can't wait to read more!
Well written and executed I highly recommend this to adults who are into a story that will overwhelm you with awesomeness!
~Dowie
This was a breath of fresh air to read! I absolutely loved it!
We have everything we could want in a great story. Its not overwhelmed with romance.... but we have just enough! The characters are real and gritty.
Throw in the paranormal aspect with ghosts and BAM! It's fantastic!
I love that the world could be real the way that Olivia has created it.
Jess has a chip on his shoulder and when Lena comes into his life he sees what he has been missing. They work together to make this great team. I can't wait to read more!
Well written and executed I highly recommend this to adults who are into a story that will overwhelm you with awesomeness!
~Dowie
October 5, 2015
*** I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ***
4.5 stars. Well that was refreshing! If you're looking for a completely different paranormal book, then this is a must read! It was so much more than I expected. Vivid narration, complex characters, a solid storyline with a great plot that keeps you turning the pages. These are just a few things that make A World Apart a phenomenal read. Lena is a strong lead character. MacMillian is your atypical wounded "hero". Sparks fly, but they don't lead where I wanted them to. Yet. But with a cliffhanger ending, I know there's going to be so much more to the story that I'm dying to read. One of the best paranormal stories I've read in a long time! I emphatically recommend this!
4.5 stars. Well that was refreshing! If you're looking for a completely different paranormal book, then this is a must read! It was so much more than I expected. Vivid narration, complex characters, a solid storyline with a great plot that keeps you turning the pages. These are just a few things that make A World Apart a phenomenal read. Lena is a strong lead character. MacMillian is your atypical wounded "hero". Sparks fly, but they don't lead where I wanted them to. Yet. But with a cliffhanger ending, I know there's going to be so much more to the story that I'm dying to read. One of the best paranormal stories I've read in a long time! I emphatically recommend this!
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